Free The Night Before Thirty by Tajuana Butler Page A

exhilarating. Once in the midst of the action, she was pleasantly surprised that it was just the change of scenery that she and William needed. There were lots of new buildings, condos, hotels, and restaurants, all nestled in the midst of clean streets and plush green landscaping, only blocks away from scenic views of boats and floating yachts.
    The new nightclub was located on Fourth Street, in the heart of downtown. They ate dinner at a quaint little restaurant on the water-front, and afterward, instead of driving their rental to the club, William motioned for a bike-pulled rickshaw. He and Alecia piled in the buggy.
    “Fourth Street and D, near Horton Plaza. I'll tell you when to stop,” William said to the driver, who began to pedal down the street. Although he didn't seem strong enough to handle the weight of the two of them, he moved them along at a steady pace. The breeze circulated around them and they sat close, holding hands, taking in the naturally beautiful sights and sounds of the city.
    “Some of the men here will have their wives with them. And some of them know …” He paused. He struggled saying her name. “Phyllis. There might be a few awkward moments.”
    “What do you mean?” Alecia demanded.
    “Well, there might be moments when … well, you know what I'm saying.”
    “No, I don't, William.”
    “I'm not going to completely ignore you, Alecia. I'm just saying that I might not be able to hold your hand as much as I normally do.”
    “I understand.” Alecia felt numb. What could she say? Nothing. She knew her place in their relationship. This, however, would be the first time she would have it shoved in her face.
    The two sat in silence the rest of the way. Alecia combated her hurt by focusing on her surroundings. Around her the streets were filled with laid-back patrons walking in and out of restaurants and shops. Althoughthe downtown was heavily populated, a feeling of relaxation was in the air.
    William seemed a bit uneasy.
    “I could catch a cab back,” she offered dryly.
    “What are you talking about? Sweetheart, I want you with me. Just scratch what I said from the record, and let's have a good time.”
    Alecia frowned and pouted, attempting to garner sympathy from him. Anytime she could make William feel guilty, she milked it dry.
    “Please, don't be upset, Jewel,” he said, putting his arm around her and kissing her on the cheek. “Don't you worry about anything. You are my princess and I don't care who knows.”
    Alecia smiled widely.
I am Alecia Jewel Parker, and men love me. All men love me. And you, William, are no exception,
she thought.
    Their driver stopped in front of the club, as directed by William. He hopped off the bike, took Alecia's hand, and gently escorted her out. Then he helped William, who paid him. William then put his hand at the small of Alecia's back and they walked toward the club. He gave their names to the guy at the door, and the two walked right in.
    Inside, there was an open, airy feel. The walls were high and the color scheme typical of a nightclub. It was bright, inviting, exciting. The music was upbeat hip-hop, the clientele a mixture of ethnicities and sexual preferences. It was the kind of spot that Alecia thrived in, felt most comfort being in, because of the common link among the majority of the partygoers: most were packing money or power, and she was always up for meeting more people with dinero. It affirmed to her that she was in the right place at the right time. That all was well with her life.
    William grabbed her hand. It wasn't as natural as usual, but deliberate. “The VIP room is in the back—let's go.” Alecia followed. When they got to the velvet rope, the owner, John, was talking to another guy in front of the entrance.
    “William!” he said cheerfully when he spotted them walking up. “I'd like you to meet my good friend Al.”
    William bear-hugged John and shook Al's hand. “Al, Will is my over-priced attorney. Al is a major