In Between Lies Read online

  Savannah picked out her jacket from the closet and put it on. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

  “So take that jacket off and work it! God gave it to you, now use it and make it work for you!” Jasmine sang. “Besides you need to relax and enjoy…maybe find a new man to scoop you away from old ghosts that you are still carrying around. You ain’t ever gonna get a man to look at you all covered up. Show some skin.” Jasmine snatched the jacket away. “Besides I heard that some high rollas will be there….you never know, you might meet one with class, style and sophistication.”

  “Im not man crazy like you,” Savannah laughed. “But just maybe you are right this time.” She tossed the jacket on the bed, thought better of it, and grabbed it up again before they both headed for the car.

  **************************************

  Warm air hit Kevin as he exited from the car and made his way to the Drake Hotel. Once he reached the top floor and nodded at security he entered The Blue Horizon. At the entrance he was stopped mid stride by three women.

  “Excuse me, can you tell me what the cover is, one asked. She was with two other women who were eying him up and down. “Don’t I know you from somewhere,” she asked blatantly securing her arm around his. The other two moved closer absorbed in the so far one sided conversation.

  “Isn’t your name Kevin Styles?” She squinted as if she were trying to concentrate and remember, then absorbing in his tall, muscular build and his broad shoulders that tapered to what she could tell was a washboard stomach. “You are the weatherman on channel 17 news right? …a local celebrity in the house tonight.” She smiled when she saw he was pleased that she recognized him off the top.

  “Hi ladies,” he spoke in a low voice. “Yes, that is me.” He moved in closer and whispered in her ear. “But don’t tell anybody,” he joked, placing one well manicured hand up to his mouth.

  She giggled well aware of what she took to be jealous stares coming from all directions… eyes were focused on her by most of the women surrounding her whether they were with a man or not. She tried to stay in close to make it appear that they were having an intimate conversation.

  “The cover is fifteen dollars and if I may, I’d be happy to give you three complementary passes for opening night.” He pulled out three passes from the inside of his black form fitting jacket. “Glad to see that someone around here watches the news,” he joked.

  “Anyway ladies, enjoy.” He lead them through the blue hallway and headed toward the coat check area, very much aware of the hard stares. There was no denying a spiked interest he provoked by the way the woman grabbed him. Purposely she squeezed his arm trying to gain his attention again.

  Slightly pulling him to the side, she said, “How are you going to play me like you don’t know me? It’s me Naomi.” She squeezed his arm gently but firmly to press her point.

  He focused on her face. Her short close cropped hair was done to perfection. Her make up flawless. Bothered the recognition of who she was just out of his grasp, he was interrupted by his partner, Luther, who was coming up the blue walkway with a wide semi disgusted grin on his face. The kind of grin one has right before going off and losing it.

  “There you are. Excuse me ladies,” he said as he shifted from foot to foot in aggravation. “Your mother is here, and wants a front table seat. I tried to sit her as close to the band as possible but she wasn’t trying to hear it. She is demanding to speak to you.”

  Kevin waved bye to the women and started to walk from their sight toward his mother.

  “Thank you for the passes.”

  “No problem, Naomi, enjoy your evening.” He released his arm from hers.

  Kevin walked away, leaving the trio while hanging their coats up. The sight of her made his senses cringe, but not being able to pinpoint why he felt that way was odd. Although she did have a familiar air about her that instantly gnawed at him, his attention was distracted just long enough to quickly dismiss her. Naomi watched him as he strode away and made a mental note to catch up with him before the night was over. Oblivious and not caring of the fact that he may be there with another woman, her sheer determination and the biting challenge was on.

  *********************************

  “Girl, this is nice. You should have told me that we were coming here,” Savannah smiled as they rode the elevator to the top floor of the Drake. “You know how much work we put into this? As a matter of fact, I saw the commercial that we wrote and produced earlier today.”

  Upon the opening of the elevator doors, they were met by security, who checked them. Jasmine presented them with the tickets and moved on through, passing the long line that still waited to enter the club.

  Essence of French Vanilla scented candles relaxed and consumed them, further invoking their senses with invitations of a more than sensual experience than they anticipated. Each table had ice trays that held smaller trays of fresh exotic fruits, furthering the allure of the club.

  “Let’s sit over there,” Savannah pointed to a table that sat between the bay window and the band as they warmed up. Chills tingled her spine as she glimpsed out over Lake Michigan. A quick beat of momentary silence swept through her as she soaked in the infamous skyline. Midnight blue in hue, the night lights beckoned her with hints of sprinkled magic. The ambiance coupled with the soft music that was being played by the jazz artists on stage, promised the incoming occupants to be both a mentally and physically enticing evening. Content and pleased that Jasmine drug her out of the house, she thanked her and waved for the waiter so they could order drinks.

  “I can most definitely can roll with this,” Jasmine whispered. As their drinks came, a couple and what appeared to be security interrupted them.

  “Excuse me ladies. Are you waiting on anyone else to join you here tonight?” he asked.

  Her speech in her throat, Savannah was not able to answer so Jasmine advised him that they weren’t.

  “Would you mind if they joined you then?” he inquired.

  “No problem,” Jasmine answered. “Don’t I know you?” she asked.

  Kevin smiled. “I don’t think so. Let me introduce myself to you and your friend.” He held out his hand and grasped Savannah’s as the couple pulled up their chairs to sit. “Kevin Styles, and it’s nice to meet you.” His breath teasingly brushed against her hand as he lightly kissed it, sending tingling shocks racing through her, threatening to consume her. Startled by her quick bodily response to his touch, Savannah hastily pulled her hand away and awkwardly announced her name.

  “Nice,” he smiled, instantly recognizing her from the park earlier in the week. Well Ms. Savannah, he thought, very nice. “And you are?” he asked Jasmine as she extended her hand expecting the same introduction as her friend. He reached across the table and firmly grasped her hand, squeezed and shook it, then let it go while still drinking in the sight of Savannah.

  Caught up in the instant charm that he threw at her, her insides twisted. She squirmed to comfort the gnawing sensation that pulled at her stomach. It had seemed like a million years since she had remotely felt instantly attracted to anyone…and the thought scared her. Letting go of Jasmine’s hand, Kevin offered to shower the table with drinks…on the house, of course.

  As he was leaving their view, Savannah felt her rushed blood slow to a calm pace.

  “What the hell was all that about?” Jasmine spit out, jealous that she hadn’t gotten the same attention as Savannah had. The couple that sat with them had already turned their chairs towards the jazz band that was currently playing a selection from the late Ramsey Lewis. Absorbed in the ambiance, they paid little attention to Jasmine’s random outburst.

  “Who is he?” Savannah asked.

  “I think I see him on TV all the time….isn’t he the weatherman on channel 17?” Jasmine continued before Savannah could answer, “Yeah, he is. I never forget a face and a body like that! Did you see how he was wearing that suit? Girl, I bet he got it goin on underneath all those clothes.”


  “Sex, sex, sex! Is that all you think about?” Savannah smiled, “Oh, I forgot who I was talking to…Ms. Drop-it-like-its hot.”

  “Quit hatin’. Cuz you could do the same cuz you choose to drop it like its not. You need to take some lessons and start dropping some nooky and some game too. You’d feel better, get out more and you’d be relaxed as hell all the time. You know I got a man for every occasion….”

  Savannah held up her hand, “Stop. I don’t want to hear any more.” The girl was so ghetto. At times, Savannah wished she could be as open and as blunt as Jasmine. Actually it was refreshing at times. At least her girl kept it real whether the truth was asked for or not. She could appreciate that much. Kevin did look good but she was not about to jump to him like she knew Jasmine would at a man she was interested in.

  As the drinks came, her thoughts of the weatherman wandered. I wonder what he has under that suit….it has been a while. Quit it! Girl don’t let Jasmine talk you into lusting after that man. The way he looks, he’s got to have a damn closet full of numbers or women for every day of the week. Forget about it!

  “You better jump on it before someone else does,” Jasmine whispered, as if she had read her mind. She crooked her head over as if pointing to the three women that sat directly across from them. All three were eyeing them, especially the one in the middle, as if Jasmine and Savannah had stolen something that rightfully belonged to them.

  225

  In Between Lies S. Hill

  Chapter 3

  Midnight Magic, a local band, that was just beginning to gain a reputation throughout Chicago and its surrounding area played for two straight hours. The sounds of clattering wine glasses, bottles and chattering voices intertwined with the music. All the while Luther, Giovanni and Kevin stood in the back office viewing the scene on one of the closed circuit televisions.

  Pleased with what he saw, Kevin said, “To success,” then opened a bottle of the house wine and they all three drank.

  “Look at that honey right there in the red leather top,” Gio said pointing to the table by the window. “Be right back.” Gio stood to leave the room.

  “Hey, be easy man,” Kevin murmured before he disappeared through the doorway, all the while wanting to follow. Her girl looks good too, he thought.

  Gio left the room and within a few seconds he showed up on the television and next to Jasmine.

  The entranced crowd clapped as they finished the first half of the session while Savannah stared out over Lake Michigan, a million miles away and oblivious to the fact that Jasmine had excused herself from the table to order another drink with Gio.

  “Breathtaking isn’t it?” Kevin quietly moved up on her and was referring to the skyline she was entranced in. After about a half hour of watching her sit at the table, he’d come to the conclusion that she was there with her girlfriend. No man was attached. However, he had seen a few approach her with no success, as she’d graciously sent them away. Secretly happy that she had done so, small pangs of self -doubt and insecurity crept up his being, causing him to calculate and plan his advances towards her.

  Startled by his immediate presence, she quickly gathered her thoughts. He stood by her side, tall and striking in his appearance. Before she could answer, he offered himself a seat and pulled it up beside her. Absorbing his deep woodsy, spicy scent, she felt her throat muscles contract. Damn he smells as good as he looks! “Yes it is beautiful,” she finally answered. “Kevin, right?”

  He nodded.

  “Do you work here? Are you security or something?” Making idle conversation was not her strong point, but if it kept this man at her side, she’d take a crash course any day.

  “Something like that….I am a partner, so part of the club is mine.”

  “Really? A multi-tasker, huh? Got your hands in a little bit of everything.”

  “So is it safe to say that you watch me on 17 every night.” Curling his mouth in a half smile, he moved closer. His teeth and smile were perfect. His hands exuded strength and were well manicured and maintained.

  “Ah, no. I don’t watch you every night, but I have seen you.” Okay, you are fine and you know it, so why should I give in and tell you that I watch you every night or at all. Already trippin’. Jasmine’s mouth intercepted her thoughts.

  “Hey you two. I want you to meet Giovanni Turner.” she pointed to Gio who winked at both Savannah and Kevin.

  “Hey, what’s up witcha?”

  They seem like two of a kind…wonder how long that will last? Savannah thought. “Hello Giovanni, nice to meet you.”

  “Gio. Just call me Gio.” He waved his hand in the air. He turned to Jasmine, “Uh, did you drive or did she?”

  “She drove.”

  “So this means you can hang out with me after we close?” he questioned.

  Jasmine batted her eyes and clasped his elbow. “Sounds good to me.” They both turned and left, leaving Savannah and Kevin at the table.

  Midnight Magic resumed playing for the second set while Kevin and Savannah exchanged numbers, deciding that they would meet again within the next week. Another two hours passed and the last call for alcohol had been announced a half an hour earlier.

  “Well it was very nice talking with you, Savannah. You have an interesting outlook on a lot of things….good conversation. And I hope you will use that number very soon.” Taking her hand in his, he lightly caressed it with his thumb and finally landed a couple of feathery kisses on it. The darkened blue lit room intensified his features as he engaged himself in her essence. Her stomach flipped and shook with excitement. “As a matter of fact, I’d like to see you to your car since your friend will be leaving with Gio…is that okay?” He stood.

  “Sure, I’ll be at the coat check.”

  “Good. Give me a about fifteen minutes and I’ll be there.” Excusing himself from her table, Kevin headed back to the surveillance room to where Luther, who was still watching and drinking sat. “I am going to walk a friend to her car and I’ll be right back.”

  “Take your time, man. I’m not going anywhere for a while.” Luther answered and resumed to gulp down another shot of vodka.

  “Be easy with that, okay.”

  ********************************

  Still exhausted from the previous night at The Blue Horizon, Savannah flipped over in her bed and slammed the alarm clock off. Even though it was her daily routine to run everyday, she opted to skip this one. The early morning sun shone through her hand crafted horizontal blinds, promising yet another unusually nice but late Indian summer day. She reached over to close them and in the process knocked her clock to the floor. Her tongue still thick from the numerous drinks she had the night before, screamed for a glass of ice cold water. Her head throbbed with each movement, as if the very sound of pins dropping to her carpeted floor could magnify and echo in her ears. Thoughts of Kevin passed through her mind. She’d never even seen him the whole time they worked on the commercial for the club. It was Luther that handled everything. No mention of his name anywhere. Well, he did say a partner. Could have been lying though, she thought.

  Tremors waved through her as she remembered his handsome face, strong hands and sexy bald head. She was never one for bald men, but this one was different. He oozed sex appeal. The kind that was really undefinable, untouchable, but defiantly there. He was smooth and had, without a doubt, made a good impression on her. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word…as far as she could remember. After scooting out of bed her thoughts continued and one point of last nights conversation replayed over and over in her head….

  “Where is your woman? She’s got to be around here somewhere.” Savannah looked around as if she knew who she was. She tried to call his bluff to his earlier comment about being single.

  “Don’t have one right now…” He had many…but he told her the truth. He was not committed to any of them. “I have friends but that is all they are,” he continued. They both were sitting in his car. The sunroof was open and
invited the full moon in. Shadows of light danced across his face exposing his strong jaw-line as he clenched his teeth as if in deep thought.

  With the alcohol fully embracing her, she found heart enough to ask questions she otherwise would not have asked had she been sober. Jasmine crept in the back of her mind as well, giving her more courage to drop her guard and open up a bit. “C’mon…a man as fine as you has to have someone somewhere…even if she is in the shadows. You got it going on and single?! I don’t believe you…and do your “friends” know they are just friends?” Her voice slurred. She rubbed her eyes.

  “Nope, but thanks for the compliment.” He looked at her. She was beautiful. Her soft features glistened in the shadowed moonlight as he drove her to her car. “And yes, they know they are just friends.”

  At three o’clock in the morning, Michigan Avenue was still bustling with energy, which made Kevin pay a bit more attention to the road than to her. “Where did you say you parked?”

  Savannah raised her head and pointed in two different directions. “Hold on,” she said. “I am not sure…slow down so I can see.”

  “Looks like you had too much to drink. Why not let me take you home.”

  “I am not drunk. A bit buzzed, but not drunk. I can make it home on my own.” She sat upright in the seat and pointed to her car as they slowly passed it on the street. A bright orange piece of paper flapped in the air as she grabbed it from the windshield. “Shit, I don’t believe it. I got a ticket? I thought I could park here.” Plopping down in her car, she rolled the window down to thank him. Inhaling a deep breath of fresh cold air, she tried to steady her swimming head. She placed the key in the ignition and started the car.

  “Thank you Kevin. It’s been real nice. I will give you a call later.” She blew a kiss to him in the air, waved then rolled her window up.

  He was not on hundred percent sure that she could make it home on her own, so he followed closely behind her. After all The Blue Horizon was his club and he felt a responsibility to get her home. He also felt more than that, but now was not the appropriate time…not yet…..