“What did he say?”
“He wants to get together for the holidays. I find that funny, because when we were together, I could not find him. Anyway, I ended the conversation quick and sweet. By the way, I have a new prospect having dinner with me tonight. Also, Toni and Melinda will be there too, so you all can have dinner together.”
“Cool,” Sasha said. “A little catch up on what’s going on with everybody. I will probably be eating at nine.”
“Is everything okay with you, Sasha?”
“I am okay,” Sasha replied. “I needed a break.
“We can all hang out until nine. By then, Sterling should arrive.”
Sasha asked, “As in sterling silver?”
Lola replied, “As in the best money can buy.”
“Interesting,” Sasha said, “See you in a few.”
Lola hung up the phone. That’s my girl, Lola thought. Sasha is one of my closest and dearest friends. This will be great, Lola thought. The “Feline Pack” will be together tonight. Melinda should arrive by seven and Toni is already there. It’s on. Lola finished changing her pocketbook. She then grabbed her coat and hat, and headed downstairs. She locked her doors. It was decided a long time ago that when everyone was out, one had to secure the home front as if going on a long vacation.
*****
Across town, Sterling was contemplating his attire as well. As the cab drove down 133rd Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, Lola could see the lights twinkling into the night. Earlier on, she had purchased two gold square planters, and filled them with red and green marbles. She then placed a white branch in each that stood six feet tall. She wrapped lights of different colors around its stem, and then added clear lights to every branch. On the door, she had two exquisite gold balls hanging on the inside, and at each window she had lights that looked like gold stars. She had also moved the ashtrays to opposite ends of the front door so that the patrons could continue to smoke and not mistake the planters for ashtrays. Sandy’s looked like an exquisite Christmas card for a Jazz/Supper Club.
As she and her mother exited the cab, Toni came out to assist her mom with one of the cakes, saying, “Your husband has been asking for you.”
Summer replied, “I am sure he has, let me get these cakes to him.” As they headed to the kitchen.
My girl, Toni, is looking absolutely hot in that red pants suit. With a white satin vest with red rhinestone buttons, she looks beautiful, Lola thought. She asked Toni as she headed back, “Did our guest arrive?”
She replied, “Yes, and that the group is having dinner with your uncle right now.”
“Cool,” she said, while handing her the tickets for the night and started heading to the office. Lola stopped to say hello to Mason who was head of security. “What’s happening, Mason? You look nice tonight,” she said.
“Thanks, Lola, you look rather hot yourself.”
“Thanks. How is the new baby?” Lola asked.
“He is great when he sleeps.” They both laughed as they headed toward the bar, and they saw Bella checking everything as she was counting her stock. “Good evening, Bella, how are you tonight?” Lola asked who she thought was the greatest bar mixer in the world.
“Fine, girl, you are wearing that gray,” she said.
“As if that cream suit with a side slit and black halter isn’t working?”
“Hey, anything to make the bars cash register ring.”
They started to laugh. Everyone knew that most clubs made their money at the bar. They had decided a while ago to forgo the average dress code. The bartenders and bar maids dressed to impress on most nights, depending on the theme season or occasion. Heading to the office, Lola saw Chris as he prepared the stage for the night’s performance. She waved as he nodded, listening to the sound checks. Chris was an expert at technical adjustments. The club patrons never had to worry about a good seat, because anywhere was perfect.
As she passed the stage, her uncle Russell called out her name. “Lola! Lola, come over here and meet our guests. They have heard so many nice things about you!” Now how would they know about me, she thought.
Her mind thought of Pebbles McKinney, the club promoter. Pebbles could not help herself, always getting top acts for the club, and even the not so big. If there was a talent that could hold her attention for two minutes, she would give them a shot.
As Lola got closer to Roy Ayers and the group, they stood. She graciously extended her hand and said, “You must do ‘You Send Me.’”
‘But of course,” Roy said, “and thank you for having us. It has been awhile since we have been back in Harlem.” He then introduced Lola to the group.
“I will be on point for ‘You Send Me.’ Your father is an excellent cook.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I will make sure that the dessert brings you to your knees for that song.” They all laughed as she and Lola slapped each other a high-five. She said, “You have a deal.”
Lola smiled at them and said, “I will check on you all a little later. Relax and take in Sandy’s guys.” Lola started walking back to her office when she heard Toni calling. “Lola you have a phone call.”
Lola asked, “High heels or sneakers?”
“Sneakers,” she said, “and they sound new. I say it must be Sterling.” Her eyebrows shot up.
Lola looked at her and said, “I suppose you will be right here when I hang up?”
“Right here,” she said as Lola took the phone from Bella.
“Hello, Lola speaking.”
“Good evening, Lola,” the voice echoed.
“Sterling, what a surprise. Are you calling to cancel? Or are you checking my credibility?”
“None of the above,” he said. “I am in a quandary on what one should wear to Sandy’s. Is it a jacket and tie? Or can I wear a turtleneck? You do understand my problem?”
“We are not a conservative or stiff establishment. We like our patrons to wear their party or relaxed dress clothes. I thought you had been here before?”
“It’s been a while. Besides, I had not met you and wish to be correct on all points.”
“Okay, I understand. Dress like you are going to a party to chill. Okay?” Lola said.
“I have one more question.”
“Yes?”
“What do you have on?” he asked.
“I have on a two-piece suit, and at nine you will see it. See you soon. Bye.”
Lola laughed as she handed the phone back to Bella. Two things crossed her mind: 1. Picture him wearing something inappropriate; and 2. Toni
