"Not the dance routine, but not knowing if it was Surreal or the real deal.A screwup or misstep might mean your career, you know?Some of the celebrities are real bitches."She looks at me, wanting me to agree, but the confused frown on my face makes her laugh."No.You obviously don't know."
"I'm confused.What am I missing here?"
"When there is a 'Surreal' performance," she does quotes with her fingers, "no one knows if the dancer is Surreal or JLo, or Brittany, or Beyoncé."
"Oh!She's an impersonator!"I laugh.
"Yes."She joins me."You didn't know that?"
"No.I missed that key fact."
"She's an excellent investment if that is what you want to know."
A new player sits down, and our conversation ends for several games, then I ask her."So, do you miss dancing?"
"Not really."The other player stands."I enjoy dealing, and the tips can be just as good."She smiles at him.He smiles back and slides her a chip.She thanks him, and he leaves.She deals another game to me.
"What can you tell me about Seary?"I ask for a hit by touching my cards.
She smirks as she flips one up for me."She's our headliner."
I smirk back and cover my cards."Did you dance with her too?"
"Yes.I did, and she's the real reason you're asking these questions."
I laugh."Busted.Tell me about her."Leaning forward, I rest my forearms on the table and study her."Is she any good?"
She laughs."She's our headliner.Of course, she is good."She takes two cards and loses.
When she pushes my winnings to me, I ask."Can you talk about her?"
"Yes.I can talk all day about her."
"So talk."I tip her two chips, then push four more at her.She eyes them, and I lay my hand down on top of them, covering them."Tell me everything you know about Seary."
She laughs out loud."She's great!The best dancer I've ever had the pleasure of sharing the stage with."
"What makes her so special?"
"Special?She's not just special.She's unforgettable."I laugh at that over-the-top analysis, and she says."I'm serious.She is more than a natural talent.She's a phenom."I smirk, and she gets defensive."I'm telling you straight up.Her dance interpretation is so unique!"She looks away, remembering."It's really amazing the way she lets go, getting into the music and the moment.There is no counting, no thinking, just pure art."She looks back."Seary is one of those dancers that comes along once in a lifetime."She looks back at me."You'll get to see her tonight.She's scheduled to dance."
I nod."I'm looking forward to it.Anything else you want to add?"I look down at the chips under my hand.
She grins really big."Yeah.She's a real sweetheart too.The kind of girl that other girls love."Her fingers touch her ear, and she looks down at the table, then smiles a bright smile."Your party has arrived and is waiting for you with Beverly."
"Excellent."I push the chips to her and stand."Thanks for the intel."
"No problem.Stop back by on your way out later."
"If you're still here, I will."I wink at her.
"I want to hear you say.'Rebecca.You were right.Seary is unforgettable.'"
I chuckle and give her a doubtful smile."It takes a lot to impress me."Then I turn and walk away to find out for myself if Seary really is unforgettable.
7
Walking up to the entrance of the Gentleman's Club in Been Jammin', I see Bianca and Kip with their arms around each other.They make a striking pair.He is all of 6'5" and 280 pounds of pumped-up mass, and she is all of 5'8" and 180 pounds of tough stuff.She likes to refer to herself as fluffy, but there isn't anything fluffy about her.She is tattooed, with half a mohawk and piercings that shout alternative lifestyle, 'Don't fuck with me, or I'll fuck you up.'Since I hired her to manage my rental properties, uncollected rents and turnovers have dropped significantly.When she sees me, she squeals and runs to me.I brace myself for impact, and she jumps into my arms, giving me a big crushing hug and saying in her sweet, high-pitched voice."You handsome Motherfucker!I've missed you!"I look over her head at Kip, and he's smiling from ear to ear.I ask her as she drops off, and I spank her rear."Sup, Tough Stuff?"
