“Hey! What time are you picking me up?”
“I don’t think I’m going to have time for all of that. Plus, I have to be somewhere tonight after we leave…” My excuse was actually a legitimate reason; I did have plans for after Cobalt. But it was a convenient reason.
“What do you mean you don’t have time? And where do you have to be afterwards, baby? I was hoping we could have a nightcap at The London West Hollywood after.” Tara used her dearest tone that let me know she was in someone’s presence and didn’t want to let on to how upset she was that I wasn’t going along with her plans.
“I have a thing and have to be out at about midnight. Again, I’m going to have to meet you guys there,” I exhaled into the phone totally blowing her the fuck off. She paused for a minute and I cleared my throat letting her know that I had to go. She was powerless because she didn’t want to embarrass herself and had to let it ride.
I arrived at the club a little after 11PM. The place looked pretty busy, which was good. I most definitely wasn’t in managerial mode, but whether I like it or not I’m the boss so it’s difficult for me to relax. There would definitely be no relaxing with Tara’s ass around. As I walked in through the rear, I greeted everyone before retreating to put away my things and retrieve messages.
Bracing myself, I meandered back downstairs to greet my guests. Petey, Kid and their women had already arrived and I could tell Tara wasn’t happy by first glance. Ghetto ass Syn was snapping her fingers and bobbing her head to the music. She was just happy to be out among people with class. My boys were doing what they always do when they’re out with their women; they just scan the room. It has a lot to do with their nature. They’re always on guard for trouble. It didn’t matter that Cobalt didn’t attract their kind of trouble. If it were up to them, they wouldn’t choose a venue like this to socialize. Petey knew why they were invited and I’m sure he informed Kid.
“What up, Black People!” I chanted as I approached the table.
I gave Danielle’s fiancé, Steve, some dap, shook Danielle’s hand, gave Petey and Kid some love and said hello to their ladies. I sat down next to Tara and said hello. I know she’s much preferred a kiss but it wasn’t happening.
“So, I see congratulations are in order for you, Azmir! This place is jumping!” Danielle remarked.
“Yeah, this is one of the latest projects. I’m a little nervous although my people tell me it’s off and running way past the trial stage,” I responded over the music.
“Yes, I was just telling Tara the atmosphere is totally different from the club outside of Inglewood. Both are nice though. They’re both really live and energized but this one is trendier,” Steve offered.
“Well, this one was intended to appeal to a different demographic. It’s more commercial; you know, colorless and cultured. Depending on the success of Cobalt, we’re considering opening up one more on Sunset Blvd. I try to build establishments that appeal to the different facets of me…who I am,” I said.
“That’s interesting. What do you mean different facets?” Danielle inquired with furrowed eyebrows. She was a talkative one and was never short of an informative conversation.