Page 36 of Taming a Menace
“Y’all look good as hell,” Patrice complimented as we got closer to her.
“You’re one to talk. Look at you. I love that skirt,” Isis said, referring to the pleated mini skirt our friend wore.
“Thank you. I decided to show some leg tonight. I get tired of wearing pants all the darn time,” Patrice noted.
Both she and my sister were teachers at the local tech school. My sister had been a nursing instructor for a little over five years, and she loved it. Patrice taught something with computers. I was never quite sure on the details, but I loved hanging out with her. She was fun. She and Isis were good at pulling me out of my shell.
It didn’t take long for us to clear security and get inside. The music was loud but not so bad that my head was ringing. I didn’t know the song that was playing which didn’t come as a surprise. As we walked deeper into the club, I scanned the room for somewhere to sit. The heels I’d chosen to wear were comfortable, but comfy shoes didn’t mean I wanted to stand up all night.
“I see a table over there,” I said, pointing to a section of empty tables.
“I didn’t come here to sit down all night, Iyla,” Isis fussed.
“We won’t. I just want to have somewhere to rest when I do need to sit.”
“Baby, rest is the furthest thing from my mind. I want one of these young boys in here to follow me to a hotel and let me show them the real definition of a cougar,” Patrice informed us.
“Girl, please. One of these young ass dudes will have you signing over your check to them,” Isis teased.
“I’m telling you,” I said, joining in on the laughter. “Don’t call me for a ride when you don’t know where he is in your car.”
“Whatever. Y’all are just some haters. I’m trying to get my groove back.”
“Baby, when did you lose it?” I asked her.
“Never and I don’t ever plan to.” Patrice sassed.
“Let’s get something to drink,” Isis suggested.
“I told you I’m not drinking anything else tonight,” I mentioned.
“And I told you that I’m not trying to hear that. I’m driving, and you’re going to have a good time tonight. Let’s get these margaritas flowing.”
“Ice, do not forget you’re the designated driver,” I warned.
“I haven’t forgotten. I’ve been hydrating all day, and I only had two shots back at your place. I’m still good for at least one more drink, maybe two.”
“Don’t make me have to take the wheel,” I threatened.
“Baby, Jesus has the wheel. You just make sure you’re keeping your eyes peeled for a man to keep you entertained for the night.”
We headed over to the bar and stood aside while we waited to place our orders. As we stood there, the song changed to something I actually knew. Determined to at least attempt to have a good time, I gyrated my hips and moved to the music.
“Yes, honey. This is my song,” Patrice said, joining me as I vibed to the beat.
“How may I help you beautiful ladies?” the bartender asked, drying her hands on a towel.
“Give us three strawberry margaritas,” my sister ordered for us.
“Coming right up,” she said.
I continued to dance next to Patrice as we watched the girl make our drinks. I had to admit that I was already feeling better about coming out. Isis passed the first drink to Patrice, then picked up the second one and turned to me.
“Dang, lil mama, I was just about to ask if I could buy you a drink,” a man said, grabbing my hand before I could reach for my margarita.
“No, thank you,” I said, gently pulling my hand away as I turned to dismiss him.
He wasn’t hard on the eyes, but I wasn’t here for that. I just wanted to have a good time with my girls.
