by Kylie Walker
A honk of a loud horn snapped her out of her thoughts. Looking over at the SUV she could see Thomas getting out the vehicle. He grabbed her around the waist, lifted her up and whirled her around before putting her back down. Grinning from ear to ear he said, “So how was your flight?”
“Exhausting,” she smiled, grateful he was finally there.
“I would have been here sooner but I got stuck in traffic. Let me grab your bags,” he said with a sympathizing look. Thomas grabbed Angela’s bags and sat them in the back of his SUV. Angela had packed up most of her clothes and a few personal mementos. She knew that she would have to fly back to Miami once her house sold and would take care of the rest of her stuff when the time came.
One step at a time.
They drove out of the pick-up area of the airport and headed towards Thomas’s loft. It was about a half an hour drive. Angela met Thomas in her first year of University and he had become very close to Angela and Blake. All three instantly became the best of friends. Inseparable.
Looking over at Thomas, she thought about all the flights he had taken to be with them almost every second weekend. The late night talks and sob fests kept her sane and he cooked her food and made sure she ate it, which kept her healthy. When Blake got so sick that even helping him with his medications was unbearable at times, he did that too. After Blake was gone and Angela knew she had to get out of Miami, she listed their house and Thomas set her up with a new job in LA. She couldn’t have wished for a better friend. Thomas was the total package.
“I have a surprise waiting for you at the loft,” his green eyes beamed at her.
“Thomas, you have already done so much for me.” Angela said, turning to look at her friend. He really had done, too much.
“It nothing big Ang, you’ll see.” He chuckled.
They finally arrived at his loft in Downtown L.A. Angela accepted Thomas’s offer of moving in with him until she became familiar with the city and found herself an apartment.
She found Los Angeles to be similar and yet different than Miami, especially the heat; the packed cars, long stretch limos and yellow taxis that congested the streets. The noise from the people and small outside cafes were loud and annoying. Looking around Angela knew that it would definitely take her time to adjust to this new life which was well out of her comfort zone.
Following Thomas into the building, they were greeted by the doorman who looked like he was in his late 60’s.
“Glen, this is Angela Black, my new roommate.” Thomas gestured.
Tipping his hat towards her he said, “It’s very nice to meet you Ms. Black.”
“Thank you very much.” Angela smiled.
They rode the elevator to the 12th floor finally arriving at Thomas’s loft. Opening the door, Thomas motioned his arm for Angela to enter.
Walking down the entry hall, she laid her bag down. She turned right entering the space and was in awe. It was beautiful and larger than she had expected.
“OMG, you’re here!” she heard a female’s voice coming from behind her. Turning around she saw her long-time girlfriend Joanne Livingston. She hadn’t seen her since she and Blake’s wedding.
“My God, I’m so happy you’re here,” Jo said, wrapping her arms around Angela. “I’ve missed you so much.” She beamed.
“Joanne.” Angela said hugging her back just as hard. “I had no idea you would be here. When did you get back?”
“Two months ago. It’s been insane or I would of went to Miami and driven you here myself.” She giggled. “How was your flight?”
“Long and exhausting, even though it was only four hours.” She smiled.
“Ok, enough of the sisterly love. Let me show you around while Jo makes us a much needed drink.” Thomas grabbed Angela and winked at Joanne.
As Angela walked through the large living room she took in the high ceilings. They had to be at least ten feet high. There were large pane windows overlooking the city and to the left was another hallway that led to three bedrooms and a bathroom. It was modern in style and you could see it was a bachelor pad without a woman’s touch. Mostly dark greys, stainless steel and black throughout the loft.
It was beautiful and nothing she would have expected Thomas to be living in. Her bedroom was overly large with a queen size bed and a walk in closet. She walked over to the window which had a view of Grant Avenue. It was perfect and all she would need until she found something for herself. Thomas laid her bags on her bed. “What do you think?” He asked.
“I can’t thank you enough Thomas. I’ll never be able to repay you for your generosity. You have been such a good friend.” She said wrapping her arms around his neck giving him a hug.
Thomas gave her a quick hug back and put his hands on her waist pushing her away slightly. “Hey, you’re welcome. That’s what friends are for Angela. Everything is going to be ok. Things will get better. I promise.” He gave her a light kiss on her forehead. “Now let’s go and have a drink.” He winked.
After she had taken in every square inch of the loft, they sat on the large black leather sectional that faced the living room window. Angela and Joanne drank their cosmos while Thomas drank his beer. Joanne always had made killer cosmos. She first introduced the drink to Angela when they met in their second year of University. Joanne had always been a great friend but they lost touch after Angela’s wedding. Joanne had graduated from nursing school and then took a job out of the country for a few years.
“It is so good to see you Ang. Thomas has kept me up to speed with everything that has happened. Just know that I am so sorry about Blake and that I would have been there for the funeral if I could have been.” She gave Angela a weak smile.
“It’s been a rough year, but I am working through it and hopefully this change will be for the better.” Angela’s smile matched Joanne’s.
She was excited to be in Los Angeles, to start her new life but she was also nervous and overwhelmed with her emotions over leaving her home in Miami… Leaving Blake.
“It’s really good to see you too Jo.” Angela took a sip of her drink. Joanne jumped up off the sectional and walked over to the window. “Well, Thomas told me you have two weeks before you start your new job. That will give us enough time to break you in and make you a true California girl!” Jo laughed walking back over to the sectional.
“Oh yeah, so many clubs to bring you to,” Thomas laughed.
“I hope you still know how to dance,” Jo stated.
“Jesus, you two, I’m 24 not 64.” Angela laughed out loud.
They spent the rest of the evening catching up, all three of them just relaxing like old friends back in school, sipping their drinks, laughing and not bringing up Miami. For now that was in the past and would stay there until Angela got a grip on this new chapter of her life.
Chapter 2
The following week flew by. Thomas had helped Angela settle in and had taken her to some of the cafes and restaurants that he normally went to. Joanne took her shopping for some new work clothes and they had done a little sight-seeing. It was nice to have some quiet time by herself during the day while Thomas was at work. He was the editing director at Lyons Advertising Agency where he landed her a new job. It was one of the top Agency’s in Los Angeles with clients such as Revlon, Fendi, and other well- known brands.
Angela was nervous about tonight. Joanne was taking her out to some nightclub that was having a private party and she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Are you almost ready?” Joanne yelled from the kitchen.
“Um...Almost,” Angela yelled from her room.
Joanne walked down the hallway to Angela’s bedroom and leaned up against the door frame. “You look smokin’ hot girl.” She squealed.
“Thanks.” She said looking down at herself with an uneasy look. “Do you think it’s too much? I haven’t gone to a club in over a year.”
Jo grabbed her shoulders and spun her around inspecting her outfit. She was wearing a perfectly fit white dres
s that was low cut around the top with shoulder straps. It hugged her tiny waist and flared a little above the knee. “Absolutely not, you look gorgeous.” Joanne smiled.
She really did look stunning. Angela had long black hair that fell over her shoulders with long wavy curls that gave her volume. The dress complimented her tiny twenty-five inch waist and her cleavage was showing just enough in a sexy, but not cheap sort of way.
“My God, Jo,” Angela looked down at herself. “I feel like a piece of meat in this. I don’t want to give off the wrong impression.” She said, looking nervously at her friend.
“Oh come on Angela, seriously. You’re in California for God’s sake.” She put her hand on Angela’s shoulder. “You look crazy sexy, but very lady like. Wait until you see some of the skanks in that club tonight.” Joanne winked, “You’ll feel like a saint!”
Laughing, Angela shot her a look and then fingered her long black locks one more time in the mirror of the armoire that stood in the corner of her bedroom.
Walking out to the kitchen, Angela looked at Joanne. “I need something strong. Let’s have a shooter.”
“Comin’ up chick,” Jo shot back grabbing a bottle of fireball from the cupboard. She poured two shots and passed one to Angela. They shot them back and Angela almost gagged. “Another one,” she said, covering her mouth and shaking her head. Jo just laughed and poured a second. Just as they shot the second one back Thomas walked in.
“Hey Thomas, want one?” Joanne held up the bottle of fireball.
“Uh, no I’m good.” He chuckled shifting his gaze to Angela. “Wow Angela. You look...friggin’ hot!”
“Thanks Thomas.” She looked flushed in the face, not from the compliment but from the two shots she had just downed.
“So where are you ladies off too looking like a pair of sexy vixens?” He asked as he walked over to the fridge to grab a beer.
“The Mayan, have you been there? Joanne asked.
“No, I’ve heard of the place,” he said, taking a swig of his beer.
“My girlfriend is having a private event there tonight featuring one of her new race car drivers. They’re putting on this big show featuring him and the new car.”
“Sounds like fun.” He said, his eyes scanning Angela again.
“What are your plans tonight?” Angela asked looking at Thomas.
“It’s poker night with the guys. We normally do this every second Thursday night. Depending on how fast we get cleaned out then we’ll hit the club for a bit.” He took a swig of his beer. “Well, don’t get in too much trouble. I have to take a shower.” He laughed walking down the hall with his beer.
Joanne downed one more shot and then squinted. “Fuck, I love that shit!” Letting out a laugh she said, “You ready? Let’s get this party started.” She grabbed Angela by the arm and they walked out the door.
They hailed a taxi and jumped in. Looking at the driver Joanne said, “We’re heading to The Mayan on 1038 S Hill St. Do you know the place?” The driver nodded in acknowledgement.
Joanne turned to Angela. “Wait until you see this place. It’s amazing.” She beamed. “My girlfriend Ana is the owner of this race car company. I forgot the name, but they rented out one level of the club just to feature their new driver and his car. It’s going to be blast.”
“Sounds like it,” Angela said.
“Yes, it will be. Lots of hot guys and some cool rides!” She squealed.
“Jo, I’m not going there to fish. I am going there to have a good time remember?” She looked at her friend with an annoyed look. “Don’t even think about trying to hook me up. I may be small but I will kick your ass girlfriend.” Angela laughed and gave her a soft jab in the ribs.
“It’s gonna happen sooner than later Angela. Just go with it.”
“Not tonight it’s not.” She said matter a fact looking out the window.
The cab pulled up to the club and Joanne paid the driver. The club was lit with brilliant lights that you could not miss. They both examined the lineup of people which seemed to continue over a few blocks.
“How the hell are we supposed to get into this place?” Angela looked at Joanne and gestured to the huge crowd.
“We’re covered.” She flashed a smile holding up two tickets that had, VIP - Victory Lap, written on them.
“Sweet,” Angela smiled feeling excited for the first time in a long time.
Joanne passed the tickets to the bouncer that was in charge of the line-up. He took the tickets and unlocked the chain so they could pass through to the entrance. “Your party is on the third level.” The bouncer said.
“Thank you.” They both yelled back as they walked in the club. It was outrageously enormous. Angela had been to some pretty cool bars back in Miami, but this one took the cake. Jo told her earlier that it was around thirty-thousand square feet with three levels and had four floors each with their own theme. When she looked around she could see the massive dance floor in the middle with bars in each corner. The D.J. booth was half a level above the dance floor with three D.J.’s rocking out the tunes. There were video systems with moveable screens everywhere and led lights dancing throughout the entire room.
“What do you think?” Jo tried to yell over the music.
“It’s amazing.” Angela smiled.
“Well this is the main floor; our party is on the third level. Follow me.” Jo grabbed her arm as they hit the stairwell.
They made their way up through piles of people going in both directions, up and down. Entering the third level, they were greeted by another bouncer at the entrance. The music was blasting The Weeknd’s song, “Can’t Feel My Face” and there had to have been well over 500 people just on that level alone. Another D.J. booth sat perched up on a higher level in the corner overlooking the dance floor that was already full of party goers.
As they made their way to the large circular bar Angela noticed a large group of people in a more private lighted area of the club. She took another glance noticing the race car on show slowly turning on a lifted circular stage.
“Jo... JOANNE!” Joanne turned around when she heard her name. “Ana. Hey girl. Thanks so much for the invite. This is amazing!” Joanne gave her friend a hug.
“Ana, this is my girlfriend Angela. She just moved here from Miami.” Joanne said motioning her hand towards Angela.
“Hey, nice to meet you, any friend of Jo’s is a friend of mine.” Ana gave her a smile.
Angela couldn’t help but stare at Ana. She was beautiful. Her long light brown hair fell over her shoulders, but it was her piercing sky blue eyes and dark eyelashes that were so captivating.
“Thank you, Ana. This place is really amazing,” Angela said looking around the club.
“It’s a big night tonight. The main attraction is our new driver and his car.” Looking towards Joanne she said, “I probably won’t be around much, you know, work.” Ana shot her a smile.
“Russell,” Ana yelled at the bartender. “These two ladies are on the house tonight. Take care of them.” She winked.
“No problem Ana,” the bartender said.
“Well it was great meeting you Angela. Joanne, let’s try and get together soon.” She gave Joanne a kiss on the cheek and walked into the crowd.
“She’s beautiful Jo.” Angela said watching her in the crowd.
“Yeah, she is a vixen, but also a very smart business women. She runs her company with her older brother.” Jo said.
“What would you ladies like to drink?” The bartender asked.
“We’ll take two cosmos and two shots of fireball please.” Joanne turned around and moved her hips to the song.
“You’re going to kill me,” Angela laughed, swaying to the tune.
They shot back their fireball and headed for the dance floor. It was wall to wall people dancing to the club music. There seemed to be no room for any more but somehow when Angela and Joanne hit it, the space magically appeared. They danced together, all grins, just happy. Angela felt free and
more alive than she had since Blake got sick. She felt the part of herself that was really her come out to play. She let herself feel the vibes of the music and her body followed. Angela had grown used to her quiet life and forgotten how much she loved these fun times with her friends. As they danced, they got bumped and grinded by other men and women on the floor. At one point two men tried to move in on both of them but they just slowly danced in the other direction leaving the men looking like they were dancing with each other awkwardly.
They danced until they were exhausted, and then had a few more shots and ordered another drink. They walked over to the semi-private area to check out the race car on display. It was gorgeous. It was perched on a little stage that was slowly turning so you could inspect all angles. To Angela it looked like a Mustang, although she wasn’t a car person and knew nothing about them.
“Nice looking Gen - 6.” The man’s voice came from beside her. Angela’s gaze slid up to the tall stranger that was standing beside her.
“Excuse me?” She said.
“The car, it’s called a Gen – 6,” he said smiling.
Angela took a breath as she looked at the gorgeous man that towered over her, waiting for a response. She found herself tongue tied as she stared into his intense grey blue eyes and his short well-kept brown hair. His features were almost chiseled to perfection and his smile was nothing short of pure sexiness.
As her eyes fell on his chest she noticed his white dress shirt button under his black suit jacket was undone. Angela couldn’t help but stare and notice that his chest was definitely sculpted to perfection with a little bit of a tattoo showing on his top left collar bone slightly trailing up his neck. He was certainly not hard to look at.
“Ummm…” She tried to look for the words but nothing would come out. Trying to seem as though she wasn’t flustered she tried again. “Yes the car is beautiful.” She looked away and felt her face flush.