by La Jill Hunt
Toby fought the urge to ask who it was and what he wanted, although he was curious as hell. From the tone of her voice, he could tell it was a male. She used the throaty laugh that she would use when she was flirting. Probably nobody. Somebody about work, he told himself.
After a few moments, she emerged, looking perfect. “See, I told you I was almost ready.”
Toby playfully looked at his watch and replied, “Yeah, but you’re late and we missed our reservations. We may as well stay here and order pizza.”
“Like hell. You’d better stop playing and come on,” she said. She grabbed her purse and they were about to leave when the phone rang again.
“Don’t answer it. Come on, Ron. We gotta go,” he warned.
She checked the caller ID. “It’s Ma.”
Toby knew this was a call Roni was going to take. Ms. Ernestine could talk a hole in anyone’s head and there was no doubt this was gonna take a while. He plopped down on the edge of the sofa. “Shit.”
“What’s your problem, Toby? It’ll only be a minute. Don’t get an attitude.” She put the phone to her ear and began chatting. “Hey, Ma, what’s up? For real? That’s great. Well look, Toby and I are walking out the door. No, he got the night off and we’re going to Jasper’s. I don’t know. Let me ask him. Toby, would you mind if Ma joined us?”
Toby looked at Roni without saying a word.
“Tell you what, Ma. How about I take you to Jasper’s this weekend, just the two of us? I’ll call you later. Love you too. Bye.” She tossed the cordless phone on the sofa. “Happy? Now let’s go, DJ Grumpy!”
Toby sat and stared at her for a few moments then stood. “You better watch it, girl. You never know when a DJ might change your life.”
Jasper’s was a premier supper club in the city. It was owned by JJ Sims, Terrell and Toby’s uncle. Working there had been the first job that each of the boys had. Both started as busboys, then served as waiters at the restaurant. Toby had even tried his hand at bartending. They got their love of the nightlife from Uncle Jay. Jasper’s was home. It was the perfect spot for Toby’s plan.
“You’re late,” Uncle Jay said when they arrived. He greeted Toby and Roni with a hug.
“Hey, Uncle Jay. Take that up with Ms. Black here. I told her be ready by six thirty.”
“I was ready, Uncle Jay. Don’t listen to him. Besides, you think I haven’t learned by now that Toby lies about what time I should be ready? It’s ten after seven. I bet our reservations aren’t until seven thirty.”
“Uh, seven fifteen.” The handsome older gentlemen looked at the hostess’ book and corrected her.
“And since when do Toby and I need a reservation?” She tapped him on the shoulder.
“You must not’ve heard that Thursdays are our busiest night now. We got a new group called Liquid and they pack the place every week.”
“I doubt if we need a reservation, though. I know if my mother doesn’t need a reservation, then we don’t.” Roni winked.
Toby looked at his uncle, who was now insisting that they be seated. “What is she talking about, Uncle Jay?”
“Nothing, nothing. Come on. I got the best table waiting for you down front.” He grabbed two menus and led them to the tables near the front of the stage.
Toby knew they made a stunning couple. As they walked, he placed his hand on the small of Roni’s back. He saw people staring at them and he enjoyed the feel of being one of the beautiful people. The waiter had already been advised to take special care of them. They ordered drinks and Toby looked around nervously. The band hadn’t started playing yet; a deejay in the corner was playing old school slow jams.
“What’s wrong?” Roni frowned.
“Nothing. I’m just checking the place out. So, what’s up with your mom and Uncle Jay?”
“I don’t know. Every time I talk to Mom, she’s always talking about eating here and what a good time she and JJ had. How long has he been single?”
“A little while. His wife died about five years ago.” Toby sighed.
“She was so nice and man, the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. She looked like an angel.”
“I thought I was the most beautiful woman you had ever seen. Or was that a lie?” Roni teased. “What happened?”
“She was killed by a drunk driver,” Toby said sadly. “Jasper’s was closed a long time after that. I was surprised he opened it back up, really. That’s when I started deejaying at the club because Jasper’s closed. I used to think I would own the place before she passed away. I was on a roll, too. Had worked my way from busboy to manager.”
“That still may happen. You never know.”
“Nah, Uncle Jay’s having too much fun running the place right now, and I got my DJ Terror thing going on.”
“That’s right, you the man. I forgot.” She noticed Toby checking his watch. “Why do you keep checking the time?”
“I thought the band was supposed to start their set at seven thirty and they haven’t.”
The waiter brought their drinks and appetizers and they talked until their food arrived. Soon, Uncle Jay came to the stage and introduced Liquid. The band consisted of a small brass quartet, a bass player, a drummer, and a talented guy who sang lead and played the keyboard. The evening was beginning to get even better as they enjoyed some of the best music they had heard in a while.
Toby loved being with Roni. She made him laugh and stimulated that part of his brain he had to utilize in order to participate in intelligent conversations. She was the best thing that had happened to him.
The band announced that they would be taking a break as the waiter cleared their dessert plates from the table. The curtains closed around the semi-circular stage and the deejay began playing again.
“They were off the chain,” Roni commented as she applauded.
“I told you I heard they were good. I’ma go backstage and holler at Uncle Jay. I think I saw him go back there,” he told her as he stood up.
“Go ahead. I need to use the restroom myself.”
Toby’s heart began racing as she reached for his hand. Her going to the restroom was not in his plans. If she went through the lobby, everything would be ruined. He tried to think quick. “You may want to wait until after the band begins; looks like every woman in here has made a beeline for the bathroom. You know you don’t do lines.”
Roni nodded as she took her seat. “You’re right. I’ll wait.”
“Be right back,” he said with relief. He kissed her on the cheek and hurried toward the back of the stage. Terry was waiting when he got there.
“Everybody here?” he asked his brother, who was looking dapper as ever in a two-piece black linen outfit.
“As far as I know. I came through the back door, though. I saw Tia, Yvonne, and Theo in the parking lot.”
“What about Kayla and Geno?”
“I didn’t see ’em. I saw a black Maxima, though, but I didn’t look at the tag. That may’ve been her car.”
“What time did you tell her to be here?”
“Everyone knew it was going down at eight thirty. Don’t worry; she’s here. You ready?”
“Yeah, let’s just hurry and get it over wit’ before I shit on myself.”
“I know the cool, calm, collected DJ Terror ain’t nervous. Come on, man. You love this girl. She already knows you’re gonna marry her. You already told her.”
“That’s right. Calm your scared ass down and go propose.” A deep voice came from behind the two men, causing them to turn around.
“Jermaine! Man, you made it!” Toby ran and hugged him.
“I had to see if you really gonna go do it.” The tall, athletic man gripped Toby’s hand and smiled. “What’s up, Terry? How you been?”
“I’ve been a’ight, Jermaine,” Terry said. “You all moved in?” He was pleased to see his brother’s best friend, who was relocating to the area. It would give him someone new to hang out with now that Toby was about to be tied down. Jermaine had
always been a suave brother who attracted women like honey to flies. Funny thing was, although they were all dark brothers, growing up, they always teased Jermaine about being blue-black. Toby was the cute, athletic one; Terry was the chubby, smart one; and Jermaine was the quiet, dark one. Needless to say, Toby was always first choice, Jermaine got the second cuts, and Terry got the leftovers. Sometimes, that was a good thing because they seemed to be the most flavorful.
“Well, both my best men are here, so let’s go do this!” Toby put his arm around both men and they set off to take their places.
The second time Uncle Jay took the stage to introduce Liquid, Jasper’s was standing room only. Toby took several deep breaths and said a small prayer for courage and strength to do what he was about to do. He could see Roni looking around for him as the curtain opened. The audience got quiet as the lights dimmed. Toby began playing the piano softly as he spoke into the microphone.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Jasper’s. We certainly hope you’re enjoying your evening so far. My name is Tobias Sims, and tonight I will be accompanied by Liquid, along with the help of a few other special people. I have a very special dedication for a very special woman in my life.”
“Go on, boy!” someone screamed from the audience.
Toby looked down at Roni, who was sitting with her mouth hanging open. He had never told her he could play the piano or sing, so he knew this was a total shock to her. He licked his lips and winked at her then began to sing the first lines of “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge. He saw the tears forming in her eyes and almost didn’t make it to the chorus. He was glad to hear Jermaine’s and Terry’s voices combining with his. The remaining band members soon joined them. Terry stood up from the piano and jumped from the stage, landing in front of their table.
Females began screaming throughout the place as he got down on one knee and took Roni’s hand into his. When he reached into his pocket and pulled out the black velvet box and opened it to reveal the three-carat platinum engagement ring, someone yelled, “He got a ring, too!”
“Roni, I love you with all my heart and soul. You are my soul mate, and I want to spend eternity with you. I thank God continually for putting you in my life. I am begging you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”
Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he touched her face, which was drenched with tears as well.
“You go boy!” a male called out.
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” She was finally able to answer between heaves. She pulled him to her and they embraced. The restaurant erupted with applause and Toby pulled her up as the house lights came on. He turned her so she could see all of her friends, as well as her mother, standing around them, crying and clapping. The band began playing “Spend My Life with You” and Uncle Jay ordered a round of champagne for everyone.
“Oh, baby,” Ms. Ernestine gushed, wiping her eyes. “I’m so happy for you.”
Kayla, Tia, and Yvonne raced to Roni’s side, pushing Toby out of the way. He spotted Geno, Jermaine, and Terry at the bar and went over to join them. People came over to congratulate him and wish him luck, and it pleased him that everything worked out exactly as planned.
“That was tight, player!” Terry handed him a drink.
“Tight ain’t the word. You know how many numbers I got when I made it offstage? You get much props for this one, T. Next time you wanna propose, I’m definitely down for it.” Jermaine smiled. “Know what I mean, Terry?”
“There won’t be a next time. And Terry, you better shut up. You need to hurry up and do the same thing so your life can be drama-free like mine.”
They were interrupted by the sound of a woman on stage. “Ahem. Good evening. I’d like to send this one out to the happy couple. Congratulations.”
She began singing a version of “Inseparable” that would have made Natalie Cole shut up. No one moved as she belted out the powerful notes. They didn’t know what was more stunning; her amazing voice or her striking looks. She wasn’t very tall, about five-foot-three, but it was enough to carry her curvaceous figure. She sported a sleeveless black top that criss-crossed at her ample cleavage. Her shapely legs extended from her short black skirt, and she wore black strappy heels on her small feet. Her amber skin was flawless, and the wavy texture of her long hair made it apparent that she was of mixed race. She swayed to the music as she sang, and she touched the microphone so seductively that the men were mesmerized as the notes escaped her full, pouty lips. By the time the song ended, everyone was once again on their feet, applauding.
“Bro, looks to me like your drama is just beginning,” Terry said, leaning on the bar.
“No doubt about that,” Jermaine said as he watched someone help the gorgeous woman from the stage. “That’s a definite.”
42
“Roni should definitely get that girl to sing at the wedding,” Nicole said as she walked up to Terrell and put her arms around him. “Hey, baby. You made it. How long you been here?”
“Long enough to see my baby daddy sing. That was awesome. Toby, that was the best proposal I have ever seen in my life.”
“Thanks, Nicole. You know I tried to come up with something to impress Veronica Black.”
“Well, I think you impressed everyone here. Between your proposal and that girl singing, you all are making Jasper’s the spot to be tonight.”
“Jasper’s is the spot to be any night,” Uncle Jay said, joining them. “Toby, that was wonderful.”
“Uncle Jay,” Toby hugged his uncle, “I appreciate you helping me set this up.”
“Tobias, I am so proud of you,” his uncle told him. “You Sims boys are something else, I tell you.”
“That they are.”
Everyone turned to see Darla standing before them. Terrell and Toby looked at each other, neither one saying a word. She walked past them then turned and gave Terrell an evil look, adding, “I’m sure you’ll make a great husband and father, too, Toby.”
“Uh, thanks, uh. . . Darla,” Toby stuttered. She turned and walked away, relieving the stressed men. Toby rolled his eyes at his brother, who just shrugged and shook his head.
“And that was so nice of Isis to come and sing, too. When did she get to town?” Jermaine picked up the conversation where it left off.
“You know her? She was awesome. Isis, that’s the perfect name for her,” Nicole said.
“Yeah, she’s an old friend.” Jermaine smiled.
Toby didn’t find anything funny about the situation. A million questions filled his mind as his eyes scanned the crowded club.
“You looking for me?”
“You know I was. I need my fiancée by my side at all times,” he answered Roni and kissed her. “You happy?”
“Um, let me think.” She pretended to be deep in thought, then she looked deep into his eyes and told him, “I am beyond happy. I was happy from the day we met at your house last Fourth of July. Tonight, I think I’m more like ecstatic. I love you.”
“I love you too, Toby,” Ms. Ernestine interrupted. “You like the way I called as y’all were walking out the door? I added that for dramatic element.”
“Gee, thanks, Ms. Ernestine. I appreciate your help in adding to my nervousness,” he replied to his future mother-in-law.
“You were nervous, baby?” Roni tilted her head as she smiled at him. “I couldn’t tell.”
“That’s ’cause I’m cool like that.”
Surrounded by his family and friends, Toby tried to laugh and enjoy himself, suppressing the urge to walk around the club and find the cause of his distraction. After a while, Jermaine came over and whispered, “She’s gone, man. She sang and she’s out.”
That being said, Toby reached in his pocket, passed his keys to his best friend, and told him, “Crash at my crib. I won’t be using it tonight.”
“Cool.”
Kayla gave him the signal and he announced, “Well, I just want to thank all of you for making tonight a success. Roni and I love and appreciate
you. And on that note, we are outta here.”
He grabbed Roni’s hand and led her through the crowd, followed by their small entourage. She squealed when they walked outside and saw the black limousine waiting for them. Everyone clapped and waved good-bye as the driver opened the door for them.
“Congratulations, DJ T,” the driver said as Toby gave him a pound with his fist.
“Thanks, man.” Toby laughed.
Roni took in the opulence of the leather interior, smiling as she sat back in the soft seats. “Toby, now you know you didn’t have to do this,” she said as he took his place beside her and pulled her close.
“This is nothing,” he said and reached behind the seat, pulling out a long box and placing it on her lap. She opened it and smiled at the dozen long-stemmed white roses inside.
“Thank you,” she said, kissing him full on the mouth. She loved the way he would caress her tongue with his, gently sucking it. Toby always felt that you could tell a lot from the way a woman kissed. He believed that if she had skills in kissing, she usually had skills in other sensual areas, too. And Roni definitely had skills.
He stroked her neck as she helped him out of his jacket and leaned back onto the seat. He cupped her full, double-D breasts in his hands and heard her moan as his fingers brushed across her nipples. Then, out of nowhere, music started playing. Her eyes flicked open.
“It’s just the radio.” Toby smiled and began sucking on her neck. Roni ran her hands across his smooth, bald head, savoring the moment. “You like that?” Toby asked.
“Mm-hmm,” Roni managed to murmur. He loved making her sound like that.
Her hands found their way under his shirt and she let her fingers play with his nipples. He groaned as she licked along his earlobe. Just as things were getting to the point that he knew she could take no more, the car came to a stop and they heard the front door open.
“I think we’ve arrived at our destination,” Toby whispered.
“And where is that?” she asked, readjusting her dress as she looked out the window.