The night of the ball had arrived. My mood was sluggish, but mother nature had nothing to do with it, she had retreated. I was really in need of Azmir's company. As soon as we get together he gets busy. My thoughts were grim and blue on the whole ride over there.
As I sulked inside Azmir's spacious and luxurious limo, I wondered why he had a limo and how often he used it. I was surprised when I walked out of the lobby and saw Ray waiting with the door opened. The lighting inside was mild and the music pouring from the speakers was soothing...smooth, like Mr. Jacobs himself. The XM radio panel caught my attention. The station streamed smooth R&B classics—the likes of Blackstreet, Silk, Guy, Jodeci and countless others. It smelled of new car and the ambiance was mellow and relaxing. So this is another one of your toys, huhn? I felt like a kept woman, like I had belonged to Azmir Jacobs.
I eventually allowed my mind to wander to thoughts of what if he were here? Would we make it to the ball? I think I could slay him right here in his ride. Hmmmmm...would he be too tall? Would he let me? Could I muster my inner-exhibitionism to do it?
We pulled up to the venue. I saw folks scurrying inside. I checked the time and discovered I was twenty minutes past the start of the event. Perfect. Let's get this stodgy experience over with. Ray opened my door and I gracefully glided out, being sure not to give him an indecent show.
“Okay, Ray, how does this work?”
With a strong chortle, reminding me of that of old Saint Nick's, he said, “Well, Ms. Brimm, here’s my number.” He handed me his business card. “Call or shoot me a text and I'll be here in less than five minutes. How long do you think you’ll be?”
I sighed, feeling annoyed at the night’s events, “Two hours, tops.”
“Why the long face on such a beautiful girl?” Ray’s compliments comforted like a dad’s to his baby girl. It was nice.
“I'm missing him badly, Ray. And he was supposed to be here with me to help circuit the mundane.” I felt a knot build in my throat. I didn't recognize the emotion. Am I about to cry?
“Young lady, I’m sure wherever Divine is, he’s making his way back home to you. I’ve never seen him so smitten.” He gave the belly shaking laugh again.
“That makes two of us, Ray,” I muttered sullenly while I walked toward the steps that led to the entrance of the building.
“See you soon.”
I gave myself a pep talk all the way to the ballroom where I saw stiffs loosened up on the dance floor. That was actually something I’d been looking forward to. My thoughts shifted to Michelle and how she would have had me bellowing in laughter at the sight of her uncle and his colleagues dropping it like it's hot on the dance floor.
I didn't know who I'd be seated next to or be forced to chat with. I had no desire to do the disingenuous banter about things that we could chat about during office hours thing. I had wished Sharon or the other girls from the practice were there to talk to, but they weren't invited. This was a fundraising event and they didn't fill the tax-bracket requirement. Heck—neither did I, but I was there to boast of our exemplary services and how they benefited poor children. Blah!
I was stopped by a couple of familiar faces before finding the bar. While waiting on my drink I took notice of the grand ballroom. It held culture and grace with its oval shaped ceilings in gold trimmings. The live band sealed the deal bringing you the 60s feel. The bartender handed me my drink and I immediately see Mr. Adams, one third of Smith, Katz & Adams Sports Medicine, waving his arm gesturing for me to come over to him. I took a sip of my martini and sauntered over to him near the dance floor. I hadn't worked much with Mr. Adams but what little interfacing we did he had always been pleasant, unlike his god-awful son.
“Rayna! You look quite elegant.” He smiled broadly. His wife stood beside him politely nodding in agreement.
“Mr. and Mrs. Adams, always a joy to see you two. I trust all is well.”
“They most certainly are. Our Lisa is expecting our first grandchild any day now.” Mr. Adams’ eyes danced with pride.