Second Time Around

by Darrin Lowery

  She didn’t tell me all that, Darren thought.

  “I snatched her off stage and called her all types of hoes and shit. Then security tried to get at me and we all got into this huge brawl. I even tried to hit her.”

  “Gucci, you didn’t.”

  “Nah, but I wanted to. I wanted to kill her ass that night, but my boys stopped me.”

  “You wanted to kill her because you had feelings for her?”

  “Because I loved her. I really loved her. Because she danced, I couldn’t bring myself to get over it, or to continue dating her. I wanted her to give that life up, but when I was on top, I treated her like a piece of ass and—”

  “And what?”

  “And now, since she’s gone, I miss her. Stripper or not, she was a good woman. She had my back, ya know?”

  “Okay. I feel you.”

  “She was also incredible in bed.”

  “Hmn. Okay.” Darren tried to maintain his composure.

  “Anyway, niggas is telling me she ain’t at the club no more. One of the guys in the shop says that he’s seen her recently downtown at a City College. He said she was looking good. Not just good, but better than she has ever looked. He said she looked like she was getting herself together. He also said that she looked—”

  “She looked, what? Finish your sentence.”

  “He said she looked happy.”

  “And that’s a bad thing?”

  “Nah, but it’s eating away at me. If she’s happy, it should be because of me, not some other cat, ya know?”

  “Hey You” by Floetry was blaring over the speakers. The more they sang, the sadder Gucci seemed to become.

  “D, you ever fuck up with a woman only to realize that she might have been the one?”

  Silence fell between the two men.

  “Yeah, I have.”

  “So what did you do?”

  “I’m trying to get her back now.”

  “So that’s what I should do?”

  “If that’s what your heart is telling you. Then go after her.”

  Darren couldn’t believe he was saying these things. But he knew how he still felt about Korie. Gucci should pursue Karen if he thought she was the one for him. So should any man if his heart told him to. The thing was, Darren was feeling Karen. He was really feeling her and if Korie wouldn’t let him back in, chances were he could see himself being with Karen. It was wrong, because he and Gucci were cool, but he figured Gucci messed up. He had his chance. Just then, Darren thought to himself that might be what Korie was thinking: That he messed up and he had his chance. Fuck that. I have to get her back, he thought.

  He decided that this would be the last time he got his hair cut at the shop. Darren reached into his wallet to give Gucci money for the cut, but he declined.

  “No charge, D. Thanks for listening, man. If you see her, will you tell her I need to holler at her?”

  “I’ll tell her, Gucci.”

  “Thanks.”

  Darren felt like shit. He left the shop and headed back home. He carefully laid out his clothes for Saturday. Friday night Karen came over to spend the night. Darren felt guilty as he made love to Karen that night. The guilt didn’t start, however, until after his orgasm.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  The next day, Darren and Karen were dressed to the nines. Darren was dressed sharply in a black Sean John Tuxedo with matching alligator shoes. Karen wore a black formal goddess-style dress by Badgley Mischka. It had half-length sleeves and was draped and split at the top. It had a deep V-neck, an empire waist, and it was floor-length. It was 100 percent silk and it draped across her body beautifully. She accented the dress with half-karat diamond earrings and a pair of black Manolo Blahniks that could only be seen if she were to dance or take longer strides as she walked.

  All week she practiced moving in the heels and dress. Darren purchased both on his AMEX card. This was Karen’s first pair of Manolos, so she practiced to make sure she didn’t damage them or break the heel. As a dancer, she was already pretty adept at moving in heels, but because she never had a pair of the expensive shoes before, she practiced moving in them to make sure that they would last.

  They arrived to the event in Darren’s car. As they pulled up to the museum, lights flashed as they both exited the car. All types of media were there covering the event.

  Darren walked around the car, took Karen’s arm and they smiled as they walked the red carpet to the event. Both were nervous. Darren acted as if he were used to coming to events like this all the time. The truth was, this was his first. He brought plenty of business cards and prepared himself for what could be the greatest marketing night of his career.

  They walked up the stairs of the museum where they were greeted by security. Darren gave his name and the couple was allowed entry. They walked into the museum where the vast foyer had been converted into a ballroom dance floor, with tables that surrounded the stage. Each table had a number, and each table had someone of importance in each seat. Tickets to the event were 3,000 dollars each. It was money that went to charity, but money Darren would not have spent normally. To be invited by Vaughn meant that Vaughn paid for his attendance.

  This is it! Darren thought. He was here with Chicago’s elite, the super-wealthy. There were politicians here, pro-athletic coaches, pro athletes, CEOs, and a host of women whom were obviously “special guests” of these powerful men. It was like the VIP section of a club, only everyone here was a VIP.

  The 3,000-dollar price tag was a way of weaning out common folk. Darren didn’t mind. He was ready to no longer be among common folk. He was ready to take his career to the next level. He felt if he took his career there, if he stepped up his game just a bit more, there was no way that Korie would say no to him again.

  Even now he thought of her. Karen was looking stunning in her own right. She was easily one of the most beautiful women present. She was simply rough around the edges, a woman with her own swagger who Darren had come to love. Still, all he could think about was how bad Gucci wanted her back and how bad he wanted Korie.

  The couple sat down at their assigned table, table number twelve. It was right across from the stage and directly in front. The card at the table said Mr. Darren Howard and guest. Across from them was a card that said Mr. DeVaughn Harris and guest. Only Vaughn hadn’t made it yet. Darren and Karen looked around the room at the vast decorations, the many people who were there, and the amazing table setting in front of them. The music was blaring overhead: “Find Your Way Back In My Life” by Kem. It was a smooth song that played while the museum workers sat people at their respective tables.

  Already there was some drama going on as various women seemed incensed at the presence of others. Undoubtedly, some of the women were mistresses of the men who were present; mistresses who were told to lay low and enjoy the event; mistresses who were disobedient and did not do as they were told. They didn’t lay low, however, and many of them dressed in a manner where they could not help being noticed.

  It was easy to see who belonged and didn’t belong with regard to proximity of seating and assignment of seating. Many of the mistresses and escorts who were not with a man at a table were seated in tables at the back of the room.

  Most tables, beginning with the ones on the front row, had the wealthiest people seated in the front, and toward the back were the less affluent people. Mistresses, escorts, hookers, and the like were seated in the back, not directly in anyone’s line of sight. This too was done by design, because some women wore common retail-store dresses to a 3000-dollar event. It was clear by their attire that they didn’t belong, but it was also clear by the show of security at the front that they were invited by someone.

  The event was just ready to begin when Darren received a tap on his shoulder and a familiar voice spoke.

  “Hey man, good to see you. Glad you made it!”

  Vaughn was all smiles. Darren stood up to give him a handshake. Vaughn was sporting a tuxedo by Brioni. Brioni was the sam
e designer that did the tuxedos for men who played James Bond on the big screen. Vaughn’s tuxedo was black and tailored to him perfectly.

  “DeVaughn Harris, I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Karen.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Vaughn smiled “My, you have a lovely smile.”

  “Thank you.” Karen began to blush.

  “Darren, I have someone I would like you to meet as well. This is my girlfriend, Korie.”

  “Wh—what?”

  Darren had a hard time composing himself. His heart skipped a beat.

  Korie had a hard time keeping her composure as well.

  He was light-headed. His breath had literally been taken away.

  This couldn’t be the woman who Vaughn had been talking about in therapy. This couldn’t be the woman who I convinced Vaughn to doggedly pursue. This couldn’t be the woman who Vaughn was so madly in love with. Not this woman, any woman but this woman. Are you fucking kidding me?

  These were Darren’s thoughts as his chest burned with jealousy and betrayal.

  “It’s—it’s nice to meet you.”

  He shook her hand. His handshake was firm. He gripped Korie’s hand almost as if to send her a message.

  “It’s—nice to meet you too.”

  Korie was just as confused and taken by surprise as Darren was.

  “She’s beautiful,” Darren said to Vaughn.

  “Thank you,” Vaughn said, smiling.

  The women introduced themselves to each other.

  “Hello, I’m Karen.”

  “I’m Korie.”

  Vaughn turned to Korie and spoke.

  “I wasn’t going to say anything, but Darren is my counselor; my therapist. I used to have a problem with people knowing that I’ve seen a counselor, but I imagine if anyone should know it’s you, and I’m not ashamed to have someone to talk to when the stress of work gets to me.”

  “No dear, you shouldn’t. You have more stress than the average man.” Korie looked at Darren as she spoke. “You’re busier than the average man, and even busier than those men who aren’t so average.” She stroked Vaughn’s arm as she said so and gave Darren a curious but casual glance.

  Ouch, Darren thought.

  “Everyone needs someone to talk to from time to time,” Darren said.

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Vaughn replied. “Shall we be seated?”

  The table was round; Korie and Vaughn sat with their backs to the stage, but directly across from Darren and Karen. Darren tried to make eye contact with Korie, but she wouldn’t make eye contact back. Instead, she spoke to Karen and others at the table.

  “So, Karen, what do you do for a living?”

  “I’m a student at Harold Washington College and I now work at a coffee shop.”

  Darren was almost ashamed of his date, almost. She was a grown woman attending City College who now worked at a coffee shop. And here she was among the city’s elite. Darren would have been ashamed of Karen had it not been for how far she’d come. A few months ago her reply would have been, I dance at a strip club out on Route 57.

  “So, Korie, what do you do?” Karen asked.

  “I’m an interior designer. I design houses and sets for music videos.”

  “Wow!” Karen replied.

  Wow, indeed. I’ve been trying for years to get her to follow her dreams, Darren thought.

  “Hmm, that sounds like interesting work. How did you break into that business?” Darren asked. He was anxious to hear her reply.

  “Well, I had a pretty bad breakup. No offense, honey,” she said to Vaughn.

  “None taken. That’s the past, sweetheart, and I’m only concerned about our future.”

  Vaughn smiled and caressed Korie’s hand. That caress, that simple gesture, had Darren burning on the inside.

  Korie continued her story.

  “Anyway, I was dating this guy. I thought we were in love and all he ever seemed to think about was work. So, anyway, all he ever wanted to do was make money and all I ever wanted in the world, at that time in my life, was him. We argued about how busy he was, and how little time he invested in our relationship. Well, one day I came home and he was gone. He left a note and a check for the rent, but he left me. He didn’t even have the courage to face me and tell me he was leaving.”

  “Coward,” Karen said.

  Darren had a sip of water. He was pissed; more than that, he was enraged. Korie went on with her story.

  “So a few months later, I was laid off. I was heartbroken and all alone. I decided that I was going to work for myself. I decided to invest in myself and I’ve had a love for interior design and sewing, so I decided to pursue my dreams. Once I decided to invest in myself I never looked back.”

  “That’s amazing,” Karen said. “What a jerk, your ex. At least he left you a check. A lot of other men would have just left.”

  “Yes. At least he left you a check. Sounds like he wasn’t that bad of a man” Darren said, “Vaughn, what do you think?”

  “I think leaving a check was a noble gesture. By the same token, I can’t see why any man would leave a woman like this.”

  Vaughn took Korie’s hand again. Again he caressed it. He held it like a man in love. She reciprocated. Then they kissed. Darren thought he was going to lose his mind. On the inside he was dying a slow death. On the inside, he was heartbroken.

  Dinner was served, then dessert. Afterward, there was a series of speeches, a series of requests for additional donations, and a short film on helping the homeless. From there people were given a chance to mix and mingle.

  “You should walk with me and meet a few people,” Vaughn said to Darren.

  “You’re right. I should. Let’s go. Ladies, please excuse us.”

  Karen and Korie got to know one another. While they did, Darren tried to get himself together.

  Darren and Vaughn walked around the ballroom. Darren saw many of his clients at the event who introduced him to more potential clients. Darren smiled and laughed with various people and acted as if Korie was not on his mind.

  She was.

  He passed out at least one hundred business cards and when he felt as if he had had his fill, he stopped marketing himself. He continued to walk around with Vaughn, who introduced him to CEOs of huge corporations—corporations Vaughn planned to take over. The two men worked the room in dynamic fashion. When they both were done, they returned to the business of entertaining their ladies. On their way back to the table, Vaughn spoke.

  “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

  “Yes, she is. So, that’s the woman that you’re catching all the hell over?”

  “That’s her. I’m a lucky man. Like you said, how do I know that she isn’t meant for me?”

  Because she’s meant for me, Darren thought.

  “Yes. Well, you’re a lucky man. We only get a few chances at love,” Darren said, trying to remain objective.

  “And I have you to thank for that,” Vaughn said.

  “Me?”

  “Yes. I was going to break things off with her. I was even tempted to go back to seeing escorts, and you convinced me to give love a chance. I want to thank you for that.”

  Great, Darren thought.

  The two men shook hands. They returned to their dates. Slow music began to play. Darren took Karen’s hand, and Vaughn took Korie’s hand. The couples headed to the dance floor and began to dance. Darren held Karen tight. Korie held Vaughn tight.

  Darren thought of Korie.

  Korie thought of Darren.

  They both smiled. They both put up a good act as if the other was not on their mind.

  But they both knew.

  Korie looked up from Vaughn’s shoulder and her eyes finally met with Darren’s.

  His eyes said he was hurting.

  Her eyes said that she was sorry for hurting him.

  They might not have still been in love, but they knew this chapter hadn’t ended yet. There was more to their story.

  The
y both struggled to get through the end of the night.

  The music switched from slow to fast and the second that the fast music came on, the mistresses, escorts, and groupies took the floor. Women dropped it like it was hot. They danced erotically. The women danced with each other, gyrated their bodies, and did their best to entice the most powerful men in the city. This did not go over well with the wives.

  Not to be outdone, Karen took off her expensive heels and went to the dance floor. The crass side, it seemed, could no longer be subdued. Karen saw the various women dancing as a challenge, an opportunity. She too went out and danced among the women. She too let her hair down and worked her magic on the floor. Men were mesmerized by her.

  Darren was embarrassed. You can take the girl out of the hood, but it seems you can’t take the hood out of the girl.

  “I apologize,” Darren said to Vaughn. Vaughn laughed.

  “That’s okay. I understand. You better get her, though. Men here will be offering her thousands of dollars to leave you.”

  Darren laughed. “I guess you’re right.”

  The second he was able to make eye contact with her, Karen stopped. Like a scolded child, she gathered herself together and headed back to his side. He smiled at her for appearance’s sake. He leaned in to speak to her as he took her hand.

  “What the fuck was that?” Darren whispered.

  “I was just dancing. The other ladies were doing it.”

  “The other ladies didn’t come here with anyone. Those are the mistresses and groupies.”

  “Oh.”

  “If you want to dance like that then wait until we get back to my place.”

  “You want your own private show?”

  “I do,” Darren said, smiling.

  Darren had to admit that he liked the way that Karen danced. He loved the way that she moved. This event, however, was not the right place for that. They shared a laugh or two before going back to their table.

  “Wow. That was quite a display,” Korie said, referencing Karen’s dancing but looking at Darren the whole time.

  “I’m going to go get a drink. Do you want anything?” Darren asked Karen while returning Korie’s stare.