“Oh, I love this.” She turned around and kissed his lips. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome… where your people at?”
Bria walked over to the counter and released her hair from the ponytail holder.
“I didn’t invite them.”
“Why not?”
“Because it wasn’t necessary. Besides, they’ve seen me perform countless times. They don't need to come to everyone.”She turned to him. “I might invite them to Swan Lake though if I get the part.”
Lo propped himself against the wall. “Why wouldn’t you get the part?”
“Because it’s this bratty-ass white lady named Katie who thinks she’s entitled to every solo part. Oh, and this industry is extremely racist so even though I know I have the skill, I don't always assume that I will get a part. They don't want Black women as the face of ballet.”
Lo had no idea that Bria had to go up against racial prejudices in her field. He shouldn’t have been surprised though. Hatred for Black people usually showed up in most areas of life.
“But you showing up really made my night. Thank you.” She smiled.
He kicked off the wall and wrapped his arms around her. “Stop thanking me. I’ll be at every show from now on.”
“You promise?”
“Yeah. You feel like having some fun with me?”
She gave him a side eye. “What kind of fun?”
“My kind… I feel like… role-playing.”
Her brows rumpled. “Role-playing? Really?”
“Yeah, you down?”
She nodded right away. “I am.”
“A’ight, I know you gotta get yourself together so go home and get dressed. After that, I’ll send you an address. Is that cool?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll see you later.”
Hours later…
When Bria was at this peak with Lo, she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. He enlivened her when his mind was balanced. There was such a thrill when it came to being on his arm. Despite Lo being troubled, he was also exhilarating. He took her on rides that would linger in her memory for years to come.
Walking into TheWhat’s Your Fantasy Lounge, she stopped and looked around. The strong scent of the cigar drifted in the atmosphere while soft jazz music played in the distance. Not seeing Lo, she sauntered to the bar and took a seat. He’d given her specific instructions tonight. On this night, they weren’t Bria and Lo. They were strangers who met at a bar. Bria had never done any role-playing and if she did it was when she performed. This was new territory. Not being able to figure Lo out was a gift and a curse because he kept her on her toes no matter what.
“What can I get for you, pretty lady?” the bartender asked.
“Uh…” she stalled, licking her lips. “I’ll take a sidecar.”
Bria needed something strong to aid in her inhibitions.
“Alright, I’ll get that for you.”
He walked away and Bria turned around, checking out the people who were there. Swiveling in her chair, she noticed Lo in the back conversing with another woman.
What the hell?
