“Just give me a time to call you. How about ten? You think you’ll be home?”
“I have no idea. It’s Friday night. I’m out to have a good time. I can’t tell you when I’ll be home.”
“You hangin’ in the streets all night?”
“Excuse me?”
“Girl. I’m messin’ with you,” Kolby laughed. “I don’t want to call at an indecent time. How about you call me when you get home?”
“We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“Sweetie, you’re the one who told me to call you on Friday and that’s what I did. I need to make sure you get home safely.
I want to listen to your beautiful voice before I go to bed tonight.”
Impatience began to mount in Savvy’s chest. “Kolby, thank you for your concern. I do well about seeing myself home since I’ve been doing it for a long time. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
The door at the entrance swung open and she spotted Olivia rushing in from outside with a scarf tied around her hair. She covered the mouthpiece of the phone and yelled, “Olivia. I’m here.” Savvy waved her hand in the air to get her attention. She spoke into the phone. “I need to go now. One of my friends has arrived.”
Kolby hesitated in speaking. “Alright. I guess you need to go be with your friends. I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye.” The call ended.
Excitement radiated from Olivia’s face when she spotted Savvy. The room became her runway even with the simple act of removing her coat. New confidence showed in the way she maneuvered her tall frame through the crowd like a model.
Savvy noticed a few guys turning to check her friend out in the royal blue, fitted, knee-length dress, which accentuated her mahogany-colored skin. Men’s lingering eyes indicated their interest in her plunging neckline. She passed their table as if they didn’t exist.
“Hey Savvy. It’s a good thing you got here early. This place will be packed before we know it.” The two engaged in a brief hug before settling into their seats.”
“Okay. Remove the scarf. Show me this new hairstyle you’ve been talking about. I’m sure the pictures you sent this week don’t do it justice.”
“Alright. Here we go.” Olivia slid the scarf from her head and revealed her hair.
“Oh my gosh. Olivia, you look amazing. I love your haircut. Sexy.” Savvy clapped her hands. “Turn your head to the side. I want to check out the back.”
Olivia rubbed her hand on the nape of her neck and turned to the side. “I’m glad you like it. You know I’ve been talking about getting it cut to start my new life with a different look. I finally got the nerve to have it done. I love the way it turned out.”
“Obviously, those guys at the table near the entrance like it too. They about broke their necks trying to get a good look at you.”
“Girl. I ain’t thinkin’ about men. I have enough problems without dealing with another knucklehead.”
“By the way, thank you for agreeing to double date. We may hit the jackpot tonight. You know you need to get back into the dating scene.”
“Who? Me? Puh-leaze.” Olivia waggled her finger at Savvy and rolled her eyes. “I know you’re not suggesting I start dating while I’m still a married woman, are you?”
“No, I’m not. You’ve already filed for divorce and waiting for it to be final. It won’t hurt for you to meet new people. I’m serious, Olivia. It’s time to move on. Get a man lined up for when everything is over.”
“Hold your thought. I think I see our girl.” Olivia ignored Savvy’s statement. She waved her hand and called out toward a woman making her way around to each table to greet guests. “Zoriyah. Come here when you get a chance.”
Zoriyah’s dazzling smile filled her face upon seeing Olivia and Savvy. She excused herself from the people she chatted with and trotted in high heels to their table.
“Hey, FAMUly. My girls. How are y’all doin’? It’s about time y’all showed your faces.” Zoriyah wore a flowing, multicolored floral dress. Her golden sisterlocks were wrapped into a French-roll bun. She had the appearance and glow of an African queen.
Olivia and Savvy stood and embraced Zoriyah with squeals of delight from reuniting.
“It’s been a minute since we’ve been in here,” Olivia said.
“We need to do better. You have quite a crowd tonight,” Savvy chimed in.
“Business has been booming for the last couple of months. We changed chefs and added a few international wines to our list. In an instant, we had an increase in the number of people visiting,” Zoriyah beamed.
“What a blessing. By the way, where’s your hubby?” Olivia asked.
“He’s helping at the bar. Amir is keeping an eye on the new bartender we hired. Can’t have him pouring too much wine,” Zoriyah laughed.
“Except for in our glasses,” Savvy exclaimed.
“Of course. What are you ladies having tonight?” Zoriyah asked.
Olivia perused the wine menu. “I see you added a Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc to the list. Savvy, are you good with this one?”
“Sounds good to me,” Savvy agreed.
“Great choice and it’s on the house. My treat to celebrate seeing you ladies again,” Zoriyah said.
“You do not need to give us anything for free. This is your place of business,” Savvy started.
“Uh-uh. Not up for discussion. You know how we do. ‘Nuff said. Sit back, relax, and enjoy,” Zoriyah insisted.
“Yes, ma’am. We’ll obey and follow your instructions,” Olivia responded.
“By the way. I’m curious. I think the guys we’re meeting entered the building. Do you know those gentlemen at the bar talking to Amir?” Savvy inquired and pointed her thumb toward the guys with discretion.
Zoriyah followed her gaze. “Oh yeah. Pharrell and Durbin are regulars in here. They’re nice and both are single. Pharrell is retired from the military. Durbin owns a camera security business. He installed our system here.”
“Not to mention, they're both cute. I set us up on a dating website for double dates. They look even better than their profile
