Sometimes She Gets Lucky
By La Toya Hankins
Published by JMS Books LLC
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Copyright 2019 La Toya Hankins
ISBN 9781634869676
Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Published in the United States of America.
* * * *
Sometimes She Gets Lucky
By La Toya Hankins
Few things in life irked Nona Essex’s soul more than people who didn’t know how to shut up and have a good time. That truth pulsated in her brain as she sat in a plum and platinum decorated ballroom serenaded by electronic swing music. Less than an hour earlier, she witnessed the joyous nuptials of one of her favorite sorority sisters. The twilight beach ceremony under a clear September sky left her wanting to hug and kiss everyone who crossed her path. It was only a short drive from the beach to a reception in downtown Wilmington filled with those drunk on love and a variety of liquid pleasure.
Nona couldn’t help but smile at the two hostesses who seemed swarmed by everyone seeking direction on their table assignment. Usually, Nona’s soul recoiled at scenes of disorganization, but tonight, she had been in such a good mood. The wedding had been beautiful with the wind dancing with Dinah’s veil and her husband struggling to remain stoic as the emotion of committing himself appeared to wreck havoic with his feelings.
Straights can be so cute when they are in love.
She recognized some familiar faces in the crowd as she waited for her turn. It seemed a bevy of people already had availed themselves of cocktail hour selections, but Nona decided to wait until she knew where she would be seated before she decided to partake.
“Nona Essex,” she said, giving her name to the woman at the table.
With a quick glance at the list, the woman handed her a table assignment card and pointed her in the direction of the ballroom.
Nona glanced quickly at the card before putting it in her purse. She tended to not be superstitious, but she was seated at table nine. The number had always brought her good luck. Her name meant nine, inspiried by her being born on the ninth day of the year. Her first apartment after college was on Ninth Street, and her current phone number started and ended with the number.
She had no trouble finding the table, and after speaking to the lone couple at the table and placing her shawl on her seat, she approached the bar to get a cocktail. When she returned, the table appeared to have filled up, so she settled in to enjoy the rest of her evening. Around her, the room seemed to hum with celebration. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. That is, everyone at her assigned table.
“The wedding was beautiful but way too long. And why did Dinah have so many bridesmaids?” a woman reeking of overpriced perfume grumbled.
“Exactly, and did you see that wedding dress? That girl knew she has too much up top for a strapless dress. The whole look was just tacky,” a woman with a grey pageboy haircut remarked. She reminded Nona of her least favorite elementary school teacher.
“And did you see those programs? My grandchild could have done a better job,” a third woman, wearing a pair of cat-eyed glasses Nona assumed had been part of her daily routine before man walked on the moon, commented. “I would never assume anything about anyone’s finances, but if they had money enough to rent this place for their reception, they could have put more money toward the wedding.”
“Exactly, I’m guessing the reason the reason the ceremony took place outdoors was all the money went to this place.” The first woman hmphed. “They know how cold fall nights can get, but they had to do it on the beach. I guess the church she grew up in wasn’t good enough. In my day, you got married in a church, had the reception in the fellowship hall, and were done with it.”
Nona swallowed her irritation along with a swig of the signature wedding cocktail. She didn’t drive two and a half hours from Durham to hear a trio of malcontents malign a wonderful ceremony. Her purpose was to have a good time and try to find comfort in the fact someone had found a perfect match since that achievement seemed to have missed her.
Nona and her partner split a little over six months ago. The break-up wasn’t contentious. Nona actually played a big part in her ex securing the job that required her to move to Houston. Still, Nona thought she was the one. The emotional wounds of the break-up were close to healing, still she questioned during the drive if she was ready to be in the midst of all the love and happiness. It definitely didn’t help she was a party of one seated among a trio of discontented busy-bodies and their silent spouses. There were two other people at the table, one of which drew Nona’s attention when she began to speak.
“I think the bride and groom looked great and the ceremony a perfect testimony of their love and appreciation of the family and friends that support them,” a dapper-dressed woman seated directly across from Nona said. Her voice reminded Nona of honey. Its sweet unhurried appeal soothed some of the irritation building up inside her chest. Nona assessed the penny-colored woman with the small diamond nose piercing. Confidence radiated from her frame in a way Nona found more intoxicating than the alcoholic concoction sitting in front of her.
“I remember Baldwin telling me about Dinah when she started working at the hospital. I don’t know what impressed him more, the fact she spoke Portuguese or that she attended college on a bowling scholarship.”
Nona’s stomach shimmied when she saw the woman smile. A slight gap-toothy grin had always been her kryptonite.
“I can honestly say the happiest I have ever seen him was when he talked about spending his life with the new Mrs. Chamberlin. I wish them both all the happiness their hearts can hold. I’m sure we all wish them well. I mean, who can be mad at a wedding?” The woman directed her gaze toward the trio who seemed dumbstruck someone dared to have something good to say. Even the men Nona assumed to be their spouses seemed to enjoy the women’s complaining ceasing.
Nona rubbed her lips together to avoid her tablemates seeing how much she enjoyed their discomfort. This reception is definitely starting to get better.
“So you are a friend of the groom? Well, he looked very handsome,” the woman with the perfume problem replied. Waiters delivering the first course interrupted whatever insincere statement the woman planned next.
“Baldwin and I have been friends for over twenty-five years,” the woman continued. “We played the trumpet in the high school marching band. I have to say he was much better than I was. We kept in touch after graduation and would get together if we happened to be home at the same time. Dinah and he stayed with me last year in Asheville when they attended a conference at Mission Hospital. The two seemed so
in love, I was not surprised at all when I received the invitation to the wedding. This is actually my first time on this side of the state. I have never been a big beach person, but I have to say, having their ceremony where they shared their first kiss was a stroke of genius. And to think it was all Baldwin’s idea. It’s always the ones you never suspect that turn out to be the most romantic. Don’t you agree, ladies?”
Nona chuckled softly as Pageboy and Cat-eye glasses looked at their respective spouses. Flickers of memories softened their features as they seemed to recall happier times. Even the perfume bather seemed to glance at her plus one with affection.
The woman noticed the impact of her words and winked at Nona. A tingle traveled throughout her limbs in response. Nona speared a cucumber from her salad and assessed the mood shifter in front of her. Based on her appearance, Nona calculated the woman had to be in her late thirties, maybe early forties. She tried not to stare at the woman’s enticing mouth, but it had been a while since a woman piqued her curiosity. It wasn’t just her words that captivated Nona. The ballroom light complemented her silver-streaked low fade haircut. Her smooth skin reminded Nona of the benefits of plenty of water, good genes, and quality moisturizers. Shoulders appropriate for resting your head on when sitting side by side watching TV stood out in an ash-colored blazer and boysenberry shirt. Nona took a sip of her water to clear her mind. She didn’t even know the woman’s name, and she was already imagining a scenario of domestic bliss.
“Since it seems we are going to be together for a least a few hours, maybe we should introduce ourselves,” the woman with eyeglasses said in a tone far removed from the piss and vinegar she used before. “I’m Thelma Richards, and this is my husband, the Reverend G. Shelby Richards. He was Dinah’s pastor when she was little until we were reassigned to a church in Lincoln County.”
“I’m Vaughn, like Sarah Vaughn. My mother adored her music and convinced my father it would be a good name for a girl,” the object of Nona’s fascination said. “I admit it did cause some confusion when I was little, but I have grown to like it as well as the woman’s music.”
“So what is your favorite song?” Nona asked. She was a fan of female vocalists whose vocal pipes rather than a stable of producers earned them distinction. Her mother introduced her to Billie Holiday in high school, and her appreciation grew from there.
Vaughn leaned slightly back in her chair before responding. “It’s hard to narrow it down to one. She had such a range that I could listen to her all day. Don’t get me wrong, I like a lot of music even though the music the DJ was playing when we arrived was a little different. But it’s just something about jazz music that always puts me in a better frame of mind.”
Nona confessed she was a fan as well, which earned a smile from Vaughn that caused her to catch her breath. It was a look of approval and appraisal that warmed her in places best not discussed in mixed company. Nona introduced herself and provided her connection to the wedding party. By this time, the main course arrived. In between bites, Nona found herself looking at Vaughn. And perhaps, it was Nona’s imagination, but it seemed Vaughn was looking her way as well. Even though Nona had no way of being sure Vaughn loved ladies, she guessed based on her appearance the object of her attraction identified as a masculine of center lesbian. The fact she was at the reception solo and seemed less than interested in Baldwin’s fraternity brother seated to her left further shored up her hunch about which way Vaughn leaned. Nona complemented herself on wearing her favorite cobalt dress. It complimented her warm topaz skin tone and showcased the part of her anatomy her girlfriends always praised. Her clavicle had been described as having the ability to drive a person to distraction, so, of course, she lived in bateau and deep V-necks.
Vaughn’s presence seemed to restore her lightness about the reception. It was something about her energy that enticed and intrigued her. Nona always had a weakness for a woman who knew how to work masculine attire without losing their feminine essence.
“So, Nona, Dinah and you are sorority sisters?” Vaughn blessed her mouth with a piece of chicken. “I considered becoming a member of an organization when I attended Bennett College, but I was so busy with my studies and work, I didn’t have a chance.”
“Yep, Dinah and I are Zetas. Don’t feel bad about not going through a process during undergrad. I didn’t become a member until I was in graduate school.” Nona leaned forward and relished in Vaughn’s eyes, appreciating the view. “I think it’s neat you went to Bennett. I visited the campus before deciding to go to Fayetteville State.”
“Three generations of my family were Bennett Belles, so I felt like I didn’t have a choice in the matter.” Nona found herself swooning at Vaughn’s sly grin. “I always knew I wanted to go to an all-woman college, so it worked out well. I have to say, it was the best four years of my life and really inspired me to go to law school. It’s just something about being around all that female energy that forces you to always bring your A-game. Women can be the best support system for each other when we don’t have to compete to earn a man’s attention. Nothing against the men around this table, but it is just something about women that makes you want to be better. I’m glad Baldwin found someone to help him realize that I celebrate all the folks at this table who have a similar experience. Should we all be so lucky to flourish through the love of a good woman.”
“I totally agree.” Nona lifted her water glass in salute. She detected her table mates looking slightly confused, but she knew she and Vaughn were on the same page. All the anxious energy Nona felt about attending the reception where she felt she would be the only lady lover dissipated. She marveled at the luck of having such a good-looking, well-spoken, hopefully, single woman at her table.
I really have to thank Dinah for seating us at the same table.
Dinner dishes were soon cleared, and the dance floor soon became the center of attention. Nona and Vaughn joined in on some of the line dancing and danced around during the up-tempo sounds that didn’t really require a partner to enjoy. During their shared time on the floor, Nona noticed how Vaughn moved her frame that seemed to show the results of activities beyond just filing briefs. She appreciated Vaughn had some inches on her. At five-foot-seven in her stocking feet, Nona had little use for women unable to look into her eye or at least reach her breastbone.
Nona realized the light sheen of her forehead sparked by backing that thing up and shaking what her mother gave her would soon turn into full-fledged sweating if she continued so, she decided to sit down. Vaughn, sensing her plans to leave the floor, leaned in and asked if she would like to go sit in the lobby outside the reception ballroom and talk.
“So you are a college professor of chemistry. I would have never guessed,” Vaughn said, smiling in approval.
“Yep, I did ten years working for a company in RTP, but when they downsized my department, I realized I would need to find something else to do. I had taught some classes at NC Central off and on, so I asked the dean if I could come on full-time. I know some people questioning the sanity of walking away from a close to six-figure salary working in a corporate lab to become a university professor. I did receive job offers from other companies, but I realized it shouldn’t be all about the money. It should be serving as an example for those students to see a woman excelling in science.
“If students are anything like I was during my freshman year, you certainly earn your keep,” Vaughn said, stretching out her legs. Nona appreciated the strong thighs underneath the dove grey pants. “Science was never my strong subject, so the fact you are teaching organic chemistry blows my mind. Maybe if I had an instructor as charming as you, I may have had better grades.”
“Didn’t you say you graduated with honors? I think you did all right.” Nona smiled. “Don’t get me wrong, I loved working in the lab and knowing I was contributing in so many ways to improve life. But I realized in order to really make a difference, it’s best to go to the source and that is with our students.”
&n
bsp; “Damn, I love a woman with a good head on her shoulders.” Vaughn tilted her head and looked at Nona.
Warmth crept across her cheeks. It had been so long since someone looked at her like that. She thanked Vaughn for the compliment, and the two sat silent for a moment.
Vaughn took a breath, and Nona involuntarily leaned forward.
“You know, I have to say one of the best parts of this experience has been meeting you. You’re not planning to drive back tonight, are you?”
Nona checked her watch to discover it was about nine minutes until midnight, way past her usual bedtime. She looked around and realized they had been so engrossed in the conversation, they were among the few remaining attendees.
“No, my cousin lives in town, and I am spending the night with her. I will probably hang out here tomorrow and head back tomorrow night. How about you?” Nona asked.
“One of my co-workers has a condo he is letting me use. I’m flying out Monday. I figured I would do some light sight-seeing tomorrow. Right now, I’m hoping to find a good all-night diner. I think I danced off that chicken cordon bleu and mashed sweet potatoes from dinner.”
Nona hesitated. Should she go with her instinct and invite Vaughn to her cousin’s, or would that seem too forward? Her cousin was working the night shift, so it would be just the two of them. She trusted her gut. Vaughn didn’t pose a threat, but on the other hand, she didn’t want to be seen misreading the situation.
Only one way to find out if my instincts are right.
“Listen, my cousin lives about twenty minutes from here. If you are fine with coming over, I will be glad to fix a good late-night snack for us to enjoy. The late-night dining scene here is a little shaky. You have your twenty-four-hour waffle and pancake places, but if you come over, you won’t have worry about standing in line to get a seat or dealing with some sketchy characters.”
“You seem to know a lot about the late-night dining scene in Wilmington for someone who lives in the Triangle.” Vaughn gave Nona a quizzical look.
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