Boom-boom-bap. And one-two-three. Dip - swing - jump. I sang in my head, trying to keep my counts. 1-2-3-4... “I can’t get enough of yooooooou!”
I ended, lying on my back with my legs behind me, nearly touching my head. I laid there panting hard, trying to come down from the salacious ride I’d just been on. I must have been down there too long because my male dancers, who were not involved at the end of the number, reappeared to help me up. With a wave, I gestured it wasn’t necessary, but that’s when my ears popped and I heard the explosive applauses from the audience. I stood to curtsy as I saw them standing in ovation. I was blown away, awakening second by second from my trance.
God, I love that man! Hopelessly. Completely. A surge of pain rocked my chest.
After our collective closing number that included all dancers, we all dashed off the stage, many of us in a rush to gather our things so that we could quickly greet our guests. Jimmie was standing in the wings, singing praises and clapping his hands like a proud papa…or mama. He stopped several of the dancers to give personal evaluations. I’d scrambled out of my costume and into my change of clothes, hoping not to be delayed. I told Chanell via text that I’d be right out after the last act.
I was able to deliver on my promise and located them with no problem at all, considering we’d just about had a full house. As I approached them, Chanell was chanting my name, “Rayna!…Rayna!…Rayna!” in a deep tenor note.
Kim was smiling from ear to ear, looking as if she was the beaming proud big sister. Kid didn’t notice me coming their way and was typing into his phone. Wop stood there looking out of his element, eyeing everyone that walked too close to him. And Petey was chatting on the phone. A small part of me wondered if it was Azmir on the other end of that call, but I stowed my curiosity, figuring if he isn’t here it didn’t matter anyway. Once I got to them, I distributed hugs and cheek kisses. The small crowd was full of compliments.
“Yo, Ray! Yo, I ain’t know you could move like that! You gotta teach your home girl some shit!” Chanell yelped in her usual enthusiasm. I smiled at her with modesty.
“Oh, please! Chanell, you’re the one who taught me how to Dougie,” I reminded her of her skills. She laughed bashfully, something I didn’t experience often at all from her.
Kid cut between Kim and Chanell with his arms stretched. “That was dope, Rayna. Y’all got some skills up in this bitch. I’m glad I came, yo…word up!” Kid smelled good and looked his usual urban self. He wore an oversized red leather jacket, baggie jeans, a graphic tee with red and black Timberland boots. His hair was neatly corn-rowed to the back, curling at the end of his neck. I couldn’t ignore his dime-sized diamond studs, the left one scrapped me during our rapid embrace. I was relieved to see Syn was pleasantly absent.
“I’m glad you came, too, Kid. I appreciate the support,” I returned. Kid barely looked me in the eye. I figured it was a sign of respect because of my relationship with Azmir, who was some sort of mentor to Kid.
Kim followed up with a hug and whispered in my ear so that no one could hear, “Girl, how much these classes cost? I need to bring my fat ass down here to help me get rid of this weight.”
“He’s very reasonable. To be honest, that’s one of the many reasons I started. Then I got hooked,” I admitted and we laughed.