Malik flinched. “It was nothing. We’re best friends, frats. Brothers always take care of family.”
“Well, I want you to know that I appreciate it, and I’m sure Margo felt secure, knowing there was someone around she could trust.”
“No problem, man.”
“It’s going to take some time before Margo and I become romantic.”
“What do you mean?”
“Frat, she seemed happy to have me home, but also somewhat distant. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it’s as if she has something on her mind. She turned away from me in bed.”
“I’m sorry, Jefferson. It’s not necessary to share the intimate part of your life, if you don’t want to.”
Jefferson wrapped Malik’s fingers with the back of his hand. “You’re like a brother to me, and I feel I can share anything with you. I’ll need you to get through this.”
“I’m here for you, but maybe you need to talk with Margo about how you’re feeling. She’s the one who needs to know.”
“Has she been seeing anyone?” Jefferson asked.
Malik’s eyes widened. “Frat, what would make you ask that question? A few Sundays ago in church, she talked about your possible release. She seemed happy.”
“Just a feeling, Malik. Just a feeling.”
“You may be reading Margo all wrong. Give her some time. I’m sure that, with you now at home, some of the memories of the trial and even your affair with Linda may have come rushing back. She’ll be fine. Excuse me a minute; I’m going to the men’s room.”
Malik found the men’s room and fell against the wall. He walked from one end to the other, peeping to see if anyone else was in there. When Malik realized he was alone, he raised his hands in the air and let out a mini scream to release the pent-up anxiety. All of Jefferson’s questions about a new person in his life were getting next to him. Sleep had eluded him, and it had been a while since he had had a decent meal. Malik resisted the urge to admit to him that there was someone else in his life.
Jefferson’s sudden confession about his and Margo’s sexual relationship made Malik wonder. Malik knew in his heart that Margo felt something for him. It was the way she looked at him when they had been together. They had a carefree friendship before…before the day Ivy called and spoke to Margo. Yes, that was it-the day that Ivy called. But what did Jefferson’s confession mean? He had to find out. Malik hit the stall with his fist. He was in love with Margo…smitten, for lack of a better word. There was no way he could turn down the heat in his heart or slow the palpitations that were coming a mile a minute. He had to do something about it, even if it meant being guilty of the same crime Jefferson had committed. Malik shook his head. Somehow, adultery wasn’t so dirty when it concerned him.
21
Angelica’s day was looking up. In less than twenty-four hours, she had lost a job and then become gainfully employed. There was not much difference between the two, but one appealed to her more than the other and she was no longer at the mercy of Donna Barnes Reardon; she didn’t care if she was Hamilton’s cousin.
Arriving at Ari’s, she used the key he had given her to let herself into the house. It was peaceful here. For the first time, Angelica took a real look around the place. It was warm and homey-had the touch of a woman from long ago. Everything was simple but tasteful. A large crucifix with the figure of Jesus affixed to it hung in one corner of the living room.
Time was ticking. Straight to the shower was where Angelica went. The water rolled over her body-the pulsating water made her come alive, causing her to rehearse the performance she was going to give tonight’s patrons. Angelica swung her head to the left, then to the right, twisting her neck as she did. She swiveled her hips from side to side and lifted her arms in the air. It was so natural, as if she had been doing this all her life.
Angelica quickly toweled her body off and looked for something to wear. She hadn’t emptied her suitcase, and hopefully she would find something she didn’t have to iron. Since there was no clock in the room, Angelica picked up her cell phone to check the time. “A call from Ari.” Angelica was too hyped to call him right now. It was now four o’clock, and in two and a half hours she would be performing live on stage again.
Rummaging through her suitcase, Angelica found a nice jean outfit, complete with rhinestones that ran up the sides of her pant legs and studded the pockets of her jacket. She looked at herself in the mirror and decided to let her hair flow freely. Angelica released the ponytail from its band, and her reddish-black mane fell to her shoulders. A few curls would give pizzazz to her limp hair.
The taxi ride to Club Platinum was uneventful. Angelica wanted to call Ari and share the details about her new job. She felt comfortable talking to him because he did not judge. It was at that moment that Angelica remembered Ari was acting a little strange earlier in the day. She would make it her business to talk with him before he left for work in the morning.
Confidence made Angelica walk into the club as if she was the star of the joint. Angelica was met by Gerald Lloyd, who introduced her to Desiree. Desiree was the head stripper, the one who made the schedules and passed out the costumes the dancers wore. It was not hard to sense that Desiree was not feeling her by the scowl on her face and the way she handed Angelica the piece of costume she was to wear. Angelica took the outfit and proceeded to a work station that was pointed out to her. Once there, she ignored the haughty stares the other ladies gave her.
Dressed in a revealing, gold-sequined bikini top and thong, Angelica waited her turn. It was a revolving door as dancer after dancer went on and returned after her twenty-minute set. After an hour and a half, her name was called.
“Angel,” Desiree said with a frown in her voice. “You’re on.”
Angelica walked proudly with a little sway in her hips. The small chatter that could be heard in the room ceased, and Angelica poured it on. Now on stage, the music began to play for her. Angelica nearly skipped to the pole and caressed it like it was her forever lover. Then she heard the announcer.
“Give it up for Angel!”
She heard clapping and, for the first time, Angelica looked at the crowd. The place was filled. Men in business suits, men in casual wear, and men who looked as if they didn’t have a nickel in their pockets were there.
Angelica danced her heart out, occasionally jumping on the pole, wrapping her legs around it, and twisting her upper torso until the audience roared. She slid from the pole and performed some Tina Turner moves. When the men covered the edge of the stage with their dollar bills hanging from their hands, Angelica moved toward them. She let them place the money in her G-string first, and the rest was either placed in her hand or in the cup of her bikini top. It was intoxicating, and Angelica continued to deliver as she heard screams for an encore. When she ended her set, whistles and loud clapping met her ears.
“Angel, come back Angel,” someone screamed.
“We want Angel,” another screamed.
“Angel, please dance for me. I love you.”
Angelica was exuberant as she returned to the dressing room. All eyes were on her.
“So, where you from, Angel?” asked a tall, dark girl with distaste in her voice. She could not have been more than nineteen years old, and came to stand in front of Angelica.
Angelica looked at her as if to say,
The other women moved closer. “It don’t look like I’m talking to no one else in the room,” the girl said, pointing her finger in Angelica’s face.
Angelica gathered her money together and looked at the young girl who dared to get in her face. “It’s not important, uh, uh…”
“Kiki.”
“Kiki, it’s not important who I am or where I come from, and I don’t owe you an explanation. But I’m going to satisfy your curiosity.” Angelica waved her finger in Kiki’s face. “I’m another person trying to earn a paycheck. I
