Beyond the Frame – Chapter 2

Eric Kabuto was at a disadvantage. He usually avoided sobbing women unless they were his mother or one of his four sisters. Experience had taught him that a woman’s tears were a powerful weapon, one he had no idea how to defend against.

Now there was a woman at his feet, face buried in her hands, letting out a sob so raw it tugged at a part of him he hadn’t known existed. He fought the urge to kneel and gather her into his arms.

She had run into him at full speed and fallen before he could catch her. She was short and curvy, with a long, lovely black weave. Her neat, classy clothes exuded refinement.

Eric crouched to place a tentative hand on her trembling shoulder. She didn’t strike him as someone prone to bursting into tears in public.

“Are you okay?” he asked gently. “Did you hurt anything?”

When she didn’t lift her head, his gaze drifted to her black stilettos. Maybe she’d twisted her ankle. Leaning in, he touched her right foot, sliding his hand over satin-smooth skin to check for injury. She smelled of fresh mint, sweet and elusive.

He frowned as every cell in his body lit up with attraction.

“I’m fine,” she said suddenly, drawing her leg from his touch. Her voice was soft, almost musical.

Eric rose and offered his hand, helping her by the elbow. She stood, wiped her eyes with her palms, and smoothed her red blazer. Finally, she lifted her head, and Eric inhaled sharply at the sight of her dark-brown gaze.

She had a smooth, round face, full lips, and clear eyes still wet from crying. After dabbing her cheeks, she dropped her gaze again.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “This was my fault. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“I’m not the one who fell,” Eric replied with a small smile. “Are you sure you’re okay? You took a hard fall.”

“I’m okay,” she repeated softly. “Excuse me.”

She turned and disappeared into the women’s bathroom without another word. He stood there, briefly confused by the urge to follow her. She didn’t look okay. Those eyes brimmed with sadness he couldn’t explain. Who was she?

“Eric.”

He turned to see his assistant, Linda, standing a few feet away.

“The meeting is about to start. Taylor is waiting for us,” she said.

Eric cast one last glance at the bathroom door, then pushed the crying woman from his mind and refocused on why he was here.

“What took you so long?” Linda asked as she seized his arm. “The hotel’s sales managers are about to arrive. Taylor and Beth are waiting.”

“I won’t cause a scene, Linda,” he said, freeing his arm. “I’m here for Taylor.”

“You sure?” Linda gave him a skeptical look. “These last few months have been rough. Watching you mope over Beth has been depressing.”

Eric winced at the reminder of what he had lost. The pain in his heart flared, and he shoved it down. He had promised himself he would move on. Beth was no longer his to want, and he cared too much for Taylor to ever come between them.

He had grown up with both Taylor and Beth in the semi-urban area of Waithaka. Together, they had run along dirt roads, flying kites, playing bano, making mud pies, three unruly kids forging a powerful bond through primary school, secondary school, and eventually college.

Eric didn’t know exactly when he started liking Beth more than a friend. One day, after finishing his first professional photography job, he went to share his excitement and his first paycheck with her. She was out behind her family’s house, stomping laundry in a green basin. She slipped when he called her name, and he caught her by the waist.

He could still recall her soft gasp, the way her fingers clutched his right arm as she glanced up at him. That moment burned itself into his mind. It became his personal circle of hell. He began noticing every small detail: the way her voice sounded, her laugh, how she tilted her head while listening.

Three months later, on the day he finally worked up the nerve to confess his feelings, Beth and Taylor told him they were dating.

Eric had smiled through his heartbreak, wishing them both well, and then spent the next three years taking photography assignments far from the city, doing his best to avoid their growing happiness.

But now Beth and Taylor were getting married, and Beth had begged him to be their wedding photographer.

They reached the conference room where Eric had left his camera gear before his detour in search of a restroom. Linda opened the door, and he followed her inside. Beth and Taylor were in deep conversation.

Beth’s face lit at the sight of him, and jealousy twisted in his gut.

“Eric,” she said, pushing her chair back to greet him.

She looked wonderful in a cream-colored tailored dress that hugged her slim figure, her brown skin glowing beneath the fluorescent lights. She enveloped him in a hug that smelled faintly of flowers.

“You look good,” Beth said. “Why didn’t you call us? What time did you get in last night?”

Eric patted her shoulder and stepped back.

“I’m sorry. It was past ten when I got to Nairobi. I figured you’d be asleep.”

“Since when has that ever stopped you?” Taylor teased. He came around the table to clasp Eric in a quick hug, then gripped his hand in a firm handshake. “Where were you this time?”

“Garissa,” Eric said, thinking of the assignment.

He had spent three days photographing a resort for its website, enjoying both the desert sun and the lush oasis the resort had created. That job came after a wedding shoot in Diani, a wildlife tour in the Mount Kenya region, and a fashion event. His photography kept him busy and away from Beth and Taylor.

“Are you two ready?” Eric asked, glancing between them. “The big day’s almost here.”

Taylor turned to Beth.

Eric watched Taylor slip his arm around Beth’s waist and tug her close. The gesture spoke of intimacy, a close connection he coveted. Moving away, he busied himself at the side table, picking up his camera bag.

“As ready as we’re going to be,” Beth answered as they returned to their seats around the long glass table.

Linda sat across from them. She opened her laptop and got busy working on Eric’s schedule and updating their studio website and social media accounts.

Eric was glad for her because she kept him organized. He carried his bag to the chair next to Linda, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the happy couple.

The conference room doors opened, and in walked a tall, smiling woman in a navy-blue long-sleeved dress.

“Morning, Grace,” Taylor greeted her as she shook his hand, then Beth’s. “I hope we’re not late for our meeting.”

“Not at all,” Grace said, glancing curiously at Eric and Linda. She smiled at them as she sat next to Beth.

“I wanted to apologize for our chef’s outburst yesterday before the meeting starts,” Grace said. “A few things went wrong.”

“Please, don’t apologize. It’s all right,” Beth said, placing a gentle hand on Grace’s arm. “We were all in the wrong. I’d like to talk to Chef Nick again. This time we’ll communicate better. My family was being unreasonable. It won’t happen again.”

Grace gave a relieved sigh.

“I’m so glad to hear you say that. I’ve arranged for another tasting tomorrow afternoon. Chef Nick will be happy to listen to your suggestions.”

“You said we’d meet your boss today?” Taylor asked. “We’ve only talked to her on the phone these past weeks. I’d like to clear everything today. We have four days left.”

“Yes,” Grace said, giving the door a frown. “She’ll be right in. Why don’t we get—?”

The door opened, and the woman who had bumped into Eric outside the restroom entered the room. Eric sat up, his gaze searching for the vulnerability he’d seen minutes ago. She looked composed, her red jacket neat, no trace of tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry for being late,” she said in a cordial tone.

She walked over to Taylor and Beth first.

“It’s good to meet you, Mr. Kamau and Ms. Kinuthia. I’m Victoria Waina, the Savon Hotel’s senior sales manager. It’s nice to finally meet you face-to-face.”

“I feel like I know you,” Beth said. “You’ve been such a big help.”

Victoria, Eric mused, smiling. Her name suited her, strong and vibrant.

Eric wondered what would make such a woman burst into tears.

“This is Eric Kabuto and his studio assistant, Linda. Eric is a longtime friend, and he’s agreed to take our wedding pictures,” Taylor said, interrupting his thoughts.

Victoria looked to him, and he watched, fascinated, as she recognized him. Her smile faltered slightly, but she didn’t cower. She walked around the table, shook Linda’s hand, then clasped Eric’s in a strong, steady handshake.

“Good to meet you, Mr. Kabuto,” Victoria said with a nod. She let go of his hand and moved away before he could answer.

“Why don’t we start our tour? I find it’s better to get a feel for the venue. Grace and her team have prepared everything,” Victoria said. “We’d love your input so we can adjust as we go.”

Eric took his camera with him. The Savon Hotel was filled with elegant décor, luxurious yet comfortable. He felt as though he was walking through an expensive, comfortable home as he directed his camera toward a pair of cream Victorian chairs set against the hallway wall outside the ballroom.

Victoria led the way into a large ballroom where the hotel staff would host the wedding reception. She and Grace walked around the room, talking about guest arrangements and décor.

Whenever Taylor or Beth made a suggestion, Victoria discreetly noted it on a small pad Eric hadn’t realized she was holding.

She was competent and photogenic.

He found himself directing his lens to her expressive face more than once. She was animated and engaging. Whenever Beth and Taylor disagreed on floral arrangements, guest tables, or cutlery, Victoria expertly helped them decide.

“Are you coming to the wedding?” Eric asked her when she finished going through the reception and after-party plans.

Victoria glanced at him in surprise.

“I, I’ll be—,” she broke off with a frown.

“You have to come,” Beth said, glancing at him with a guarded expression.

Eric watched Beth squeeze Victoria’s right hand.

“You have Grace to handle the details here,” Beth said. “You should come to the wedding. You’ve helped us so much.”

Grace nodded. “It will be fun, Vicky,” she said with an excited grin.

Victoria scowled at Eric. “I don’t have a dress.”

“Come on, please say yes. You can be my date,” Eric said with a grin. She would distract him from his gloom.

Linda pinched his arm, and he ignored her.

“He’ll keep you laughing,” Taylor said fondly.

Victoria gave him a skeptical glance; she was not happy with his suggestion.

Eric wondered if it had to do with why she’d been upset earlier.

Beth squeezed Victoria’s hand again.

“Don’t worry about a dress, you’ll get one,” Beth said. “And Eric might hide behind his camera, but he won’t let you get bored.”

Victoria smiled then, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“How can I refuse?” she said. “I’ll be there.”

“Great,” Eric said, pleased.

Victoria gave him a curious glance before directing the conversation back to the reception. By the time they finished, Eric had snapped a whole set of pictures of Victoria. He loved her face on camera.

“You’re grinning,” Linda said as he packed up his camera.

They had returned to the conference room while Victoria, Taylor, and Beth went to the billing office.

“I haven’t seen you like this in a while,” Linda said. “Is it the short, curvy lady?”

He made a face at her. “Does it have to be a woman?”

“It’s always a woman with you.” Linda picked up her laptop bag and dangled the car keys. We need to get going. You have a studio session with the musicians from Jiji Entertainment in an hour. It’ll take that long just to get to Hurlingham. We’re going to hit lunchtime traffic.”

Eric packed away his Nikon professional camera and carried the bag with care. They found Beth waiting for him in the lobby. Linda tactfully hurried away.

“Hey,” Beth said, her gaze searching his. “Are you coming to my house later? Mom wants to see you. She’s missed you.”

Eric dropped his gaze; he couldn’t look her in the eye without wanting to touch her cheek. Clearing his throat, he shook his head.

“My schedule’s pretty full today.”

“What about tomorrow?” Beth asked.

“I’ll have to check with Linda.”

“Is she your wife?” Beth asked, her voice tinged with irritation.

He looked up to find her studying him.

“She’s my assistant, Beth.”

“I barely see you now that you’re traveling the country. Do you know the last time we spent time together was at my parents’ thirtieth wedding anniversary two years ago?”

“I’m sorry. Life’s been pretty busy,” he said.

Her eyes narrowed, and he winced at the hurt he read in them. He wished this could be different. He wanted to rid his heart of the cumbersome feelings he still had for her.

She was marrying his best friend, for goodness’ sake.

“I’ll try to make it to your house tomorrow,” he said.

“Fine, don’t strain yourself,” she said coldly. “What happened to you, Eric? We all used to be so close. Now you feel like a stranger. Can’t we go back to when we were like siblings?”

“Beth,” he said, taking a step closer.

Eric raised his hand to touch her shoulder, only to stop when he saw Taylor approaching with Victoria.

“I’m sorry,” he said, stepping away.

“Did we take long?” Taylor asked as they reached them.

“No,” Beth said, giving Eric a hurt look before turning to Taylor. “Are you all done?”

“Yes.” Taylor slipped a hand around Beth’s waist. “We’re now in Victoria’s and Grace’s hands.”

Beth held out a hand to Grace, then to Victoria.

“You ladies are the best. I’m so glad you’re helping me. I feel relieved because all I have to worry about is the traditional customs in the morning and the church ceremony.”

“We’ll manage the reception and after-party,” Victoria assured her. “Relax and get ready for Saturday. If there are any dietary changes or needs, you or your wedding planner can call Grace or me. We’ll be glad to help.”

“I hope to see you at the church ceremony,” Beth said to Victoria.

Victoria nodded and thanked Beth for the invitation.

As Taylor and Beth left, Eric latched onto Victoria’s right arm.

“Promise you’ll come,” he said when she gave him an irritated glance.

“Mr. Kabuto—”

“Eric,” he corrected. “If you want me to leave, tell me you’ll come.”

“Why do you want me there?” she asked as Grace moved off to the concierge desk.

“Because,” he said with a grin. “I know your secret.”

“What secret?” she asked, her laugh fading as he leaned in to whisper.

“You’re sad,” he said softly. “I saw it in your eyes earlier, by the bathroom, tears clumping your eyelashes.”

She jerked away from him.

“That’s none of your business.”

“I know,” Eric replied, letting go of her arm. “Here’s the cure: a day with me taking pictures of a fabulous wedding. No strings, just a good time. You don’t have to do anything except find a nice red dress.”

She scoffed. “Mr. Kabuto—”

“Eric,” he corrected.

“I’ll wear whatever I want.”

“Does that mean you’re coming?” he asked, raising a brow.

Grace rejoined them.

“She’s coming,” Grace said. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“Thank you, Grace,” Eric said, winking. He started to leave but paused, smiling at Victoria.

“Find a red dress. Red will look great on you, Victoria.”

She scowled, and he chuckled. He left the Savon Hotel with a wide grin. Suddenly, he couldn’t wait for Saturday.

****

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