Free New Title 1 by Allen Takerra Page B

into the car, sliding in behind her. After a few more moments of silence, Julez grabbed two glasses from the waiting bucket and poured them each a glass of Rose’ champagne. He raised his glass slightly for a toast and Jordin followed suit.
     
    ‘ Let’s make it a good night,” he told her and Jordin nodded. And as they sipped and shared a smile, Jordin had a feeling that it would be.
     
     
     
    “ Mr. Payne, I had no idea that your wife was so funny,” an elder white man, who was a client of Julez’s exclaimed, as Julez made his way back to the circle from a prior conversation.
     
    “ Actually my wife is home sick. This is a friend of ours, Jordin Spears. She’s a writer by the way.” Julez shot Jordin a wink and she shook her head slightly embarrassed.
     
    “ Well if she’s not your wife, I just may be obligated to marry her myself. Beauty, brains, and humor…wait, you don’t see my wife around do you?” The old white man looked around pretending to be scared. Jordin giggled and Julez chuckled, both enjoying the antics.
     
    So far the evening had been playing along well. When they had arrived, they were escorted to the ballroom where hors d’oeurvres were being served with champagne and everyone enjoyed light conversation. Now they were in a banquet section waiting for the dinner portion to begin.
     
    “ Come on, let’s go have a seat.” Julez placed his hand lightly on the small of Jordin’s back and guided her to one of the round tables in the front. As they sat, he noticed that she hadn’t stopped smiling and he thought of Noelle telling him to make sure that she enjoyed herself.
     
    “ You having a good time?”
     
    “ I am,” she agreed. “I had no idea that a job that sounded so boring could have people so interesting surrounding it.”
     
    Julez raised his eyebrows at her wit.
     
    “ You calling my job boring?” He asked, feigning to be offended. In all actuality, compared to his prior lifestyle, Julez enjoyed the conformity of what he did now.

 
    “ Yeah,” she admitted. “But I’m also calling you interesting.” She smiled and he laughed, and just then Kira made her way to their table.
     
    “ Well, hey now. No fair, there’s no fun permitted at these social events. I may have to ask you two to leave.” She looked pretty in a red Cavalli dress, but Jordin still stole the show. Kira’s boyfriend looked strange, odd, and uncomfortable, and his face was frowned up. “And who might this be?” Kira asked to Julez, helping herself to a seat and taking in the stunning competition. Julez slowed his laugh to respond.
     
    “ Oh this is Jordin… a friend of ours.” Julez felt the need to keep saying a friend of ours , not wanting anyone to think he was pulling no slick shit on his wife at a public event. Kira recognized the name.
     
    “ Jordin…yes, I’ve heard much about you… and your cooking.” Everyone shared a laugh. “I’m Kira.”
     
    Jordin smiled blandly and shook the girl’s waiting hand, although she wanted to not like the girl from the moment she learned her name. She knew that Noelle didn’t like her.
     
    “ Nice to meet you,” Jordin replied generically. Before Kira could initiate anymore conversation, a young waiter walked up.
     
    “ Good evening everyone. I just wanted to go over the menu with you. This evening for an appetizer we will be having stuffed mushrooms, calamari, and a lobster and artichoke dip, followed by a main course of pecan crusted salmon, filet mignon, and a Maine lobster tail with wild rice and asparagus. Last, for dessert, there will be a vanilla truffle cake and chocolate mousse. Will this all suit you just fine?”
     
    “ Bring it all out,” Julez boasted with a grin and Jordin shook her head in protest.
     
    “ Now you know I’m gonna be busting out of this dress if I eat all of that,” she warned.
     
    “ And Mr. Rafetty might like that shit,” Julez teased, speaking of the older white man. They both shared a