Love Has No Time or Place with Lola and Friends. VL Walters
Russell called out her name. “Lola! Lola, come over here and meet our guests. They have heard so many nice things about you!” Now how would they know about me, she thought.
Her mind thought of Pebbles McKinney, the club promoter. Pebbles could not help herself, always getting top acts for the club, and even the not so big. If there was a talent that could hold her attention for two minutes, she would give them a shot.
As Lola got closer to Roy Ayers and the group, they stood. She graciously extended her hand and said, “You must do ‘You Send Me.’”
‘But of course,” Roy said, “and thank you for having us. It has been awhile since we have been back in Harlem.” He then introduced Lola to the group.
“I will be on point for ‘You Send Me.’ Your father is an excellent cook.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I will make sure that the dessert brings you to your knees for that song.” They all laughed as she and Lola slapped each other a high-five. She said, “You have a deal.”
Lola smiled at them and said, “I will check on you all a little later. Relax and take in Sandy’s guys.” Lola started walking back to her office when she heard Toni calling. “Lola you have a phone call.”
Lola asked, “High heels or sneakers?”
“Sneakers,” she said, “and they sound new. I say it must be Sterling.” Her eyebrows shot up.
Lola looked at her and said, “I suppose you will be right here when I hang up?”
“Right here,” she said as Lola took the phone from Bella.
“Hello, Lola speaking.”
“Good evening, Lola,” the voice echoed.
“Sterling, what a surprise. Are you calling to cancel? Or are you checking my credibility?”
“None of the above,” he said. “I am in a quandary on what one should wear to Sandy’s. Is it a jacket and tie? Or can I wear a turtleneck? You do understand my problem?”
“We are not a conservative or stiff establishment. We like our patrons to wear their party or relaxed dress clothes. I thought you had been here before?”
“It’s been a while. Besides, I had not met you and wish to be correct on all points.”
“Okay, I understand. Dress like you are going to a party to chill. Okay?” Lola said.
“I have one more question.”
“Yes?”
“What do you have on?” he asked.
“I have on a two-piece suit, and at nine you will see it. See you soon. Bye.”
Lola laughed as she handed the phone back to Bella. Two things crossed her mind: 1. Picture him wearing something inappropriate; and 2. Toni was dying to hear all about him right now.
“Earth to Lola,” Toni said, disturbing the reverie.
“I told you I had met someone today when we spoke, and at nine tonight, all of your questions will be answered. And maybe, knowing you, a few may be raised.” Her eyebrows went up immediately.
“May I ask his name?”
“His name is Sterling Dane Stanton.”
“Well, excuse me,” Toni said. “Does he”
Lola raised her hand and said he looks like the sound of his name, and then she smiled at Toni. She thought, Oh, my, yes, he does as she walked away. Finally making it to her office, Lola hung her coat and checked her appearance. it was now 6:30 p.m. At seven o’clock, the doors would open. The crowd had been forming since 6:45 p.m.; the headcount had been fifty. The tickets would determine how many were here for the show or for dinner. If they chose both, they could save fifty dollars.
Chris had weaved his special magic. The stage setting looked awesome. I hope Roy and his crew enjoy it and jam their hearts out, Lola thought. The door opened, and in walked Melinda Jade Barnes. She looked tanned and sexy.
Lola said, “Hey, girl, welcome back to the ice age.”
“I hope I do not catch a cold,” she said. “So who is he? Toni could not wait to tell me.”
Lola laughed out loud, and said, “You will see for yourself at nine. You look wonderful, was it a profitable business trip?”
“It was,” she replied. “I found a wonderful location in San Francisco. I am still thinking about it. I want to stay close to you guys.”
“Oh please,” Lola said, “we can fly back and forth any time we want to. Besides, in the spring, you will be checking the east coast.”
Melinda smiled and said, “I am glad that you feel that way, because I need you three to come and look at the property. My realtor has a two-week hold on the place, and since today is the first, and the fifteenth is the cutoff, we will have to be there on the twelfth and make it a weekend thing. So we can shop, go to the beach, and then to the clubs.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Lola said. “I know Toni and I have been looking for a quick getaway. Have to check with Sasha, though, I think her finals will be over by then.”
“Why not ask her tonight? She will be here.”
“Before I forget, you look absolutely breath taking in that turquoise leather halter dress. Those cream boots are slamming as are those matching earrings, and that butterfly tattoo looks alive. You go, Pocahontas, you look wonderful,” Lola interjected. Melinda looked exceptional that night at five-foot-seven, with her long brown tresses in a single braid. Her look would make any man want to pow pow her. Her slanted eyes were done in a soft black Kohl pencil and that gave the look of the orient to mind.
“Why, thank you, sis, you know how we roll. By the way, Lola, where did you get that suit? It is the bomb!”
“This little number came from Macy’s.”
“Well, all I have to say is whoever he is, Lord have mercy on his soul. What time is dinner? And will we be eating together? Or will we have the pleasure to casually observe the two of you?”
“You mean you three will have the pleasure of eye-stalking me.” They laughed.
“By the way, Melinda, do you feel like being a hostess tonight in the supper club?”
“Try stopping me with Roy Ayers in the house!”
The telephone rang, and it was Mason saying it was seven o’clock.
“Are we set?” Lola asked.
“We are,” he said.
“Okay, then, let them in.”
“By the way, Sasha is headed your way.”
“Cool,” Lola replied. Sasha came through the door wearing a Sable coat, looking like a fox.
“It is cold out there tonight!” she said. “I am putting my coat in here tonight. I will need a place to retreat to every now and then. Lola, is the computer up?” she asked.
“Yes, but you can log in under my name tonight.” Most nights, when a thought came to mind, she would send an e-mail to herself.
“Melinda, you look great,” Sasha said as she gave her a hug. “Okay, at nine we meet the man.”
“That is correct,” Lola agreed.
“Sasha will you be able to go to San Francisco on the twelfth for a weekend?” Melinda asked. “I have some property I would like to get your opinion on.”
“It sounds feasible,” Sasha said.
“Okay, I know Toni will go, so it is a done deal. I will look into the reservations and plane fares. Sasha, would you mind helping Melinda in the supper club tonight?” Lola asked.
“Not