She smiled serenely at the cameras, already hating the fact that she would no longer have a convenient partner to stand by her side during events like these. She was fine on her own, but it was nice to have companionship to combat anyone who wanted more than business from her, and to deal with the loneliness that haunted leadership.
Raj waved to a few familiar faces as she and Robert made their way up the stairs and waited for their cue to stand in front of the vinyl backdrop. They posed, smiled some more, and then Robert stepped away so that Raj could pose on her own.
Once inside, they followed the marked path to the Grand Promenade and entered under a canopy of pale pink and purple flowers dripping from the ceiling and the second-floor balcony. A twelve-piece jazz band stationed in the center of the portico made upbeat music that echoed through the space.
“I need a drink,” Robert said. He stepped away from Raj’s side. “What’s our table?”
“We’re at Kia’s table tonight. The one up front and center to the raised platform.”
“I’ll meet you there.” Without another word, he walked away.
“Ms. Hothi!” Raj turned to see who had called her name. A woman with flaming red hair and an iPad tucked against her hip grabbed Raj’s hand. Her enthusiastic shake felt like she was pumping water from a well on a dry day.
“Thank you so, so much for the incredible work you and RKH Collective have done for the Gen One Foundation. With the money your company helped us raise, we’ll be able to save so many women who have found themselves in this country without any support or job skills needed to take care of themselves and their families.”
“Thank you, sweetie, but I know what the foundation does. I’m on the board.”
The woman paused, as if she hadn’t been prepared for her speech to be interrupted. “Yes, of course. I’m Maggie, the head executive assistant at Gen One Foundation. You’d probably recognize me from the foundation quarterly calls. I came over because Kia would love to thank you before dinner. Do you have a moment?”
“Lead the way.”
Raj followed Maggie at a leisurely pace until she reached the high table in the corner of the portico. Kia sparkled in her black gown with white print and diamond clips in her braids. She held court with three men Raj had met previously: the CEO of a major bank, a chief diversity officer at a marketing agency, and a member of the UN.
“Ma’am,” Maggie said, cutting off the CEO midsentence. “As you requested, I’ve found Ms. Raj Hothi for you.”
Kia’s mouth pursed but she nodded at Maggie. “Thank you. Would you check to make sure all of our speakers are here? Text me if there is an issue.”
When the EA left, Raj crossed her arms and smiled at the other woman. “I admire the patience you have with your staff.”
Kia burst out laughing. “She doesn’t make the best first impression, but she’s the most competent assistant I’ve ever had. Gentlemen? It’s been a pleasure. Why don’t you go and enjoy yourselves? Have a drink. We appreciate your presence tonight and your interest in supporting Gen One.”
Raj said hello, presented her cheek for air-kisses, and waited until she was finally alone with Kia. She leaned down to embrace the woman.
“How long before we’re interrupted?”
“The longest I’ve gone tonight is five minutes,” Kia replied.
“Mmm-hmm, then you better tell me what’s on your mind.”
Kia’s smile slipped and her expression became wistful. “I wanted to tell you before I announced it tonight at the podium. I’m leaving the foundation.”
“Oh my god.” Raj was rarely surprised, but Kia had managed to catch her off guard. “Why would you leave? Gen One Foundation is your life. Is it the committee members again? ”
Kia shook her head. “The committee members are fine. I’ve only shared the news with my advisory group and they are doing everything they can to get me to stay.” She let out a deep breath. “Selassie has cancer.”
“Oh, Kia.”
She held her head high like the regal queen she was, but Raj could see tears shimmering in Kia’s eyes. “He’s going to be fine. The doctors caught it in time. He’s got a long road of treatments, though. He’s spent so much of his life supporting me. It’s time that I support him.”
“You two are lucky to have each other.” Raj tucked her clutch under her arm and held out her hands, palms up. Kia gripped them. Raj hoped that the older woman could borrow whatever strength Raj had left to spare.
“If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. Do you know who your replacement will be?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’d like for you to become chairwoman of the board and CEO of the Gen One Foundation.”
Raj had to work at controlling her surprise. That was the last thing that she’d expected Kia to say to her. “I’m . . . humbled that you would think of me.”
Kia rocked back with laughter. “No, you’re not. You’re shocked as hell, honey. But that’s okay. You have some time before I give my recommendation to the board. A month or two, tops.”
“Kia, I can’t run the foundation. Gen One is a full-time job. I have my own business.”
“This is what you’ve always wanted, Raj. How many times have we talked about your love for philanthropy? Between Gen One and your other charitable efforts with the New York City animal shelters, you should be leading your own foundation, and that’s what I’m offering you. You’re also young, resilient, and you don’t put up with the bullshit. Gen One will flourish under your leadership.”
“That’s a hard sell, Kia, but—”
“But nothing. The organization was started to help save lives. The job training workshops we do, the language classes, the networking seminars. You’ve experienced it in a very real way. This is your comfort zone and one of your passions. Your company isn’t your passion. All you have to do is accept the offer.”
RKH Collective may not have been her passion, but it was her greatest accomplishment. The idea of letting it go felt like a sharp dagger through her heart.
But Kia was right, too. Raj loved working with Gen One, just like she loved working with her animal shelter projects. They were two things she handled personally.
“I’ll . . . think about it,” she finally said.
“Good.” Kia squeezed her fingers one last time and stepped back. “I do have a word of warning and a word of advice for you if you’re going to take the position.”
“I’m listening.”
“I know that you and your husband are . . . discreet,” Kia began with a thin smile. “We have known each other for a long time, so I’m aware of how you live your life, and honestly, it’s your life to live. But there is a reason why you and Robert are so quiet about the way you conduct your marriage, isn’t there?”
Raj felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise when she realized where Kia was going with this conversation. “Coming from India, working in a male dominated field, I am forced to accept that we still live in a patriarchal society. I am judged for my actions because I’m a woman.”
“And a woman of color at that,” Kia said.