“Alex? Alex, did you hear me?” Tiffany cooed, her fingers toying with the lapel of his sandstone sport coat.
Alex’s eyes were riveted across the room. “Every word,” he absently replied.
“I want to give him this gift before I start mingling around,” Topaz was telling Casey as she scanned the crowd for Goldie Sims. Her stare located Alex Rice instead.
He stood close to the bar not far from the entrance. Topaz smiled, but couldn’t resist a glance toward the women snuggled so close to his side.
“Paz!”
The bellow shook Topaz from her spell. She headed down the stairs with Casey close behind.
Goldie Sims was highly gregarious and lovable. The fact that he was only twenty-nine years of age had not stopped his closest friends from labeling him with the name Grampa. He set everyone at ease the moment they met him.
“Come on, gimme a hug, girl!” Goldie ordered as he extended his arms toward Topaz. She happily obliged and they stood in the embrace for several moments.
“Gramp, you remember Casey, right?” Topaz asked when Goldie finally saw fit to release her.
“’Sup, man?” Goldie greeted with an extended hand.
“All right,” Casey replied, enclosing Goldie’s hand in both of his.
“Can I have my present now?” Goldie asked, his dark eyes slyly appraising Topaz.
“I got it right here,” she sang, holding up the festive-looking gift bag.
Goldie took the bag. “I’m sure it’s cool,” he said and set the package on the table behind them, “but I’d prefer a chance to dance with you.”
Topaz laughed. “Goldie ...” she sighed, fixing Casey with a smile as she was whisked away.
Casey took the opportunity to speak with several acquaintances he recognized in the crowd. His mingling led him to the bar, where he decided to indulge in a drink from the impressive stock of beverages. While waiting for the bartender to return with his scotch and water, Casey noticed a familiar face a few spaces down the counter. He experienced a moment of hesitation, then decided to approach the stern-looking gentleman.
“Excuse me?” Casey called, watching the man turn. “Alex Rice? I—I’m Casey Williams,” he announced, extending his hand. “Your newest employee at the Queen City Happening,” he quickly added.
Alex’s stony expression softened a bit as he accepted Casey’s handshake. “What’s goin’ on, man? It’s good to have you on board.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“But never call me that.”
Casey froze, but soon relaxed when Alex grinned. “I’ll remember that.”
Alex took another swallow of his whiskey. “How long you known Goldie?” he asked.
“Thanks,” Casey said to the bartender as he accepted the drink. “I only know Goldie in passing. My friend Topaz invited me. I live across the street from her.”
“Hmph, figures,” Alex muttered, a tiny smile tugging at his mouth. “So when’s your first day at the paper?” he asked instead, launching a brief conversation with Casey regarding the job.
The music filling the dim, casually chic club had taken on a slower tempo. Those occupying the dance floor had the chance to catch their breath by taking advantage of the affecting ballads.
“I didn’t know you knew the owner of the Queen City Happening,” Topaz said.
“Who? Lex?” Goldie responded, as they swayed to a Keith Sweat classic.
Topaz’s amber eyes were focused across the room. “Mmm-hmm ...” she confirmed.
“Known Lex since the paper ran that story on the Gems,” Goldie explained, referring to the jazz band he managed.
“He’s got a good paper on his hands. Did he start it on his own or with help from his wife, friends ... ?” she probed, hoping Goldie wouldn’t realize how deeply interested she was.
“Wife!” he blurted, laughter just below the surface of the word. “Uh-uh. Neva’!” he declared. “That brotha is definitely single, much to the dislike of at least twenty women I know.”
“So he’s a playa?”
“Big time.”
Topaz rested her chin on Goldie’s shoulder, her lips curving into a pout. The vintage slow jam faded into another and the lights grew dimmer.
“What kind of party you tryin’ to throw, Goldie?” Topaz teased, moving back to fix her friend with a playfully accusing stare.
Goldie was undaunted, his chubby face alive with mischief. “The success of any party depends on how relaxed the ladies are. I plan on leaving after my presents are open, and I don’t plan on leaving alone.”
Topaz threw back her head and laughed. She sobered when she heard Goldie speaking to someone behind her.
“No problem, man,” he called before kissing Topaz’s cheek and leaving her alone on the floor.
