The Night Before Thirty

by Tajuana Butler

  “Nah, girl. No celebrities, just us getting our relaxation on,” Louisa said.

  “I didn't think so, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask,” Lashawnda replied.

  Still on a high, the women continued to rush to be dressed on time. Then they gathered the things they wanted to take with them for the day.

  “I'm so glad we took showers before we turned in, because we really would be late,” Elise said.

  “Yep, and we need to get a move on it, ladies. We only have five minutes,” Jessica announced. She was standing by the door looking at her watch.

  Downstairs Stan was waiting for them in front of the car. He grinned and opened the door of the limo for them.“Happy birthday, ladies,” he said.

  “Thanks, Stan,” they replied in unison, cheering.

  Inside the limo, he opened the window behind him.“We've got a forty-five minute ride to the Fort Lauderdale port, so sit back and relax. If you don't mind, I'd like to play something special for you to help you start your special day.”

  “Sure,” Louisa said.

  Stan adjusted his system then pulled out onto the street.

  Out of the speakers came “My Girl” by the Temptations.

  “Aahhh,” everybody gushed.

  “Oh, I love that song. My daddy used to sing that to me all the time when I was a little girl,” Catara said.

  “That's sweet. You are lucky. I bet that was nice,” Alecia said wistfully.“My dad wasn't around.”

  “Thank you, Alecia. It was nice.” Catara smiled. It was good to see a human side of Alecia.

  They got to the chorus and everyone sang in unison, “I guess you say what can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl, talking 'bout my girl. My girl.”

  They giggled and sang along to old-school songs that Stan had prepared for them, including Lionel Richie's “Three Times a Lady,” the Isley Brothers' “Who's That Lady?” and the Commodores' “Brick House.” By the time they got to the dock, they were pumped up and ready to begin their day at sea.

  UPON BOARDING THE ship, the ladies were greeted by the ship's photographer, who urged them to get together so he could snap first a group photo and then individuals of them. Inside, they took a seat in the waiting area while Louisa and Jessica took care of getting them registered. There were all kinds boarding the ship—couples, groups, large families, and people of all nationalities.

  “Where are the black people?” Tanya asked.

  “There are black people boarding,” Elise said.

  “I know that, but when I thought about this cruise I imagined that everyone on board would be black.”

  “I think I did too,” Lashawnda agreed.

  “You're thinking about a theme cruise like what Tom Joyner has, where they sell the cruise to all of their listeners, most of whom are African American. No, this is your typical run-of-the-mill everyday cruise, a melting pot of people,” Alecia commented.

  “This is a small ship. I cruised with my family to Nassau, Bahamas, and that ship was a colossal version of this one,” Catara said.

  “They make them larger than this?” Lashawnda asked.

  “Much larger.”

  “You learn something new every day,” Lashawnda replied.

  Once they were all checked in, they went upstairs for breakfast. Prepared for the passengers was a lavish buffet meal; the ladies joined the line and filled their plates, then found a table.

  “I can't wait to get to that deck and fall asleep,” Alecia said.

  “Me, too. Then I'm gonna spend the rest of the time at the casino at the blackjack table,” Tanya said.

  “You ladies are party poopers. I'm going swimming and then I'm going to catch a show. Who's interested?” Elise asked.

  “I am,” Jessica said.

  “I'm gambling until lunch,” Lashawnda said.

  “I'm there,” Catara replied.

  “I'm with Alecia—I think I'm hitting the deck,” Louisa said.

  After breakfast, the ladies split up. Alecia and Louisa rested by the pool, while Elise and Jessica swam. Tanya, Lashawnda, and Catara hit the casino. Eventually, everyone ended up in the casino, where Lashawnda was killing everyone at poker. She was on a roll, and the ladies were cheering her on.

  “I feel lucky,” Lashawnda said, throwing down a few chips onto the table.“Give me two more cards.”

  The dealer gave her two. Then the other players folded.

  Lashawnda laid her cards down on the table. She had a full house. The ladies went wild.

  “How did you get so good?” Elise asked her.

  “My old boyfriend, the one who used to beat me for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, was a cardsharp. I guess I did get something out of that shitty relationship,” she said, then picked up her cards.

  Once they'd had enough, they walked to the deck, where the limbo contest had begun. The ladies joined in, dancing underneath the limbo stick, but none of them made it to the final round. They sat around and watched the others while they cooled out and listened to the mellow island music playing on the deck.

  Afterward, they walked over to the dining area to find that their lunch was another buffet spread. They filled themselves with seafood, pasta, fresh fruit, and numerous other items.

  “The food here is unreal,” Catara said.“I had just started a new diet. Now I'm going to have to start over when I get home.”

  “I'm tired of hearing you talk about your weight. You can diet if you want to, but don't let mainstream society make you think you should lose weight,” Tanya said.“Plus, you should capitalize on your weight and create a line of pajamas and lingerie for full-figured women. You have the talent. Girl, use your body to make that money!”

  Catara looked at Tanya in amazement. She never would have imagined that going on this trip would help her see her weight as an asset, and not a liability. She smiled because Tanya had a good point, and she took her words to heart.“You're joking, but I might have to consider your plan.”

  “No. I'm serious. Go for it, girl. Make all the skinny women jealous. Because I know after I have this baby, I'm probably gonna spread, just like my momma, and I'm gonna be one of your main customers.” They laughed. After the reaction from the women the night before when they saw her pajamas, and now Tanya's comments, Catara was seriously contemplating putting out her own line of pajamas.

  They spent the rest of the cruise relaxing on one of the decks until they docked in the Grand Bahamas. Once at Freeport, they had to show their legal documentation in order to enter the island. Once they got through customs, they were greeted by numerous cabdrivers vying for their business. They chose a driver who had a van. The unsuspecting women piled in, and before long were whisked away at high speeds down a long street going toward Port Lucaya.

  The ladies opted to spend the first part of their time on the island shopping at the Port Lucaya Marketplace, located on the waterfront. They browsed in and out of shops, purchasing souvenirs and gifts for their friends and family. Elise was torn about what to get Allen.

  “Girl, give him you wrapped in a bow,” Tanya joked.

  “Yeah, right,” Elise replied.

  “Well, give him a T-shirt. You can't go wrong with a T-shirt,” Catara suggested.

  “Yeah, but Elise really wants to let Allen know that she's feeling him. She has to make a definite statement with her gift,” Louisa said.

  The girls came to a menswear shop.

  “I've got it,” Alecia squeeled.“Get a pair of silk boxers for him.”

  “Sexy, sexy,” Lashawnda said.

  “A hint of sex, but it doesn't scream it. Silk is a nice fabric, so he'll know she wasn't being cheap. Plus, all men need underwear, so it's something he can use.”

  “It sounds good to me,” Elise said.

  The women crowded around the boxers and looked through them, debating until they agreed on a pair for Allen.

  Then they went to the Perfume Factory, a replica of an 18th-century Bahamian mansion. There they learned how perfume
was made—they even had the opportunity to mix and name their own brand.

  “I'm going to name mine Jewel,” Alecia said.“I always wanted a perfume that no one else would be able to duplicate.”

  “You've got that,” Louisa said, taking a whiff of Alecia's creation. “And nobody's gonna want to copy that, because it doesn't smell too good. You might want to keep working on it.”

  Alecia sniffed it again, and frowned.“You might be right.”

  Back on the cruise ship, the women enjoyed a seven-course dinner in the Grand Bahamas Grill Restaurant, feasting on lamb chops, lobster tail, New York strip steak, and fresh fish. After the main course, the staff members walked out with a huge seven-layer cake filled with candles and sang “Happy Birthday.”

  “Make a wish, ladies,” Jessica insisted.

  They closed their eyes, made their individual wishes, and on the count of three blew out the candles. Their waiter cut the cake and served them.

  “I am stuffed,” Elise said, “But this cake is too good.”

  “It's your birthday, girl. Go for it!” Tanya, who was on her second piece of cake, encouraged her.

  They continued the evening gambling until they either lost all that they could or won just enough to stop. Eventually, they gathered on the deck and reflected on their day while watching the moon reflect off the ocean waves while listening to soothing Caribbean music.

  “Please tell Melvin Green that I will always remember my weekend,” Lashawnda said.“It has been more than I could have imagined.”

  “It's been great for me too. I'll never forget it. It's been special, you know?” Catara said.

  “Yeah it has been. It's filled me up,” Alecia said.“I knew I needed a boost, and this has definitely been it.”

  Louisa looked at Alecia and smiled.“I'm glad you came,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, me too,” Alecia replied.

  Lashawnda began singing the Stevie Wonder song that Jessica played for them that morning: “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you …” Everybody joined in with the final “Happy birthday!”

  LISE STEPPED ONTO the moving sidewalk leading down the long walkway of the Hartsfield airport, heading toward baggage claim. She stood to the side and allowed those moving faster than her to get by. It was a busy Sunday at the airport, and she felt good about being a part of the hustle and bustle of the day. Smiling all the while, she recapped the time she'd spent in Miami and the Bahamas, thinking of the meaningful friendships she'd developed and of the wonderful gifts she'd brought back with her. Especially the one she'd gotten for Allen. She'd packed everything else, but Allen's gift was right there in the bag dangling from her hand.

  There was no nervousness, no jittery feelings of doubt. Elise knew she couldn't remain silent any longer, could no longer wait for him to make the first move. On her plane trip home, she'd decided that she was going to borrow from Lashawnda's boldness and Alecia's way with men and lure Allen, hook, line, and sinker. When she had called that morning, he told her he'd be in the waiting area looking for her, and she intended to give him something to look at. Elise's hair wasn't flying away as usual; it was neat and softly styled. Her makeup was just right— not too much, but just enough to bring out her eyes and accentuate her lips. She knew she looked classy, dressed in one of the new outfits she'd gotten at the Bal Harbour Shops. When Allen got a look at her, he would have to know that she was something special and worth going after. If that didn't work, she would just be honest and let him know how she felt.

  Just as he promised, Allen was where he said he would be. Blending in with a group of people waiting for their loved ones, Allen grinned from ear to ear when he saw her approaching.

  “You made it back!” he said, and held out his arms to hug her.

  Elise fell into his embrace. She didn't want to let go so soon, but he pulled back almost before the hug had begun.

  “How was your flight?” he asked, and put his hand out to motion for Elise to head down to baggage claim.

  Elise was annoyed. He barely seemed to pay her any attention. There were no comments about her appearance, no indication that he even noticed her hair. Nothing.

  “Nice. Relaxing,” she replied. Then she stopped walking.“Before we go down. I want to give you a gift.” She knew the gift would do the trick.

  “Oh, okay,” he said shyly.“You didn't have to.”

  “I know, but I said I would, and I wanted to.”

  The two moved over to a corner, out of the way of the traffic, and Elise handed Allen the bag. He began to open in, but Elise stopped him.

  “Before you open the gift. I want to say something.”

  “Okay,” he said.

  “Listen, I could have brought you back a T-shirt or a coffee mug, or some other kind of souvenir, but I wanted to give you something that really showed you my gratitude for all the work that you've done for Gotta Flip and for winning the trip for me. Allen, we've grown to become good friends over the last few months, and since I've opened the gym it seems that we've grown even closer, so I hope that this gift isn't too forward, but I also hope that it will help to bring about a …” She stumbled for words, but couldn't find them.“Oh. You'll see what I mean.”

  Allen looked confused. He held on to the bag but was unsure if it was okay to go into it or not.

  “Oh, you can open it now,” she said, and smiled.

  He put his hand inside the bag.

  “Wait.”

  He stopped.

  “I never asked you if you had a girlfriend.”

  “What does that have to do with anything?” he asked.

  She took the bag from him.“Do you have a girlfriend?” she asked.

  He laughed.“You are acting strange. Did that tropical sun affect your brain waves?” he joked.

  “No,” she replied in a serious tone.“Are you avoiding the question?”

  “No I'm not, and no, I don't have a girlfriend,” he replied.

  She let out a gust of air. This was going to be tougher than she thought.

  “So, do I get my gift or what?” he asked, making it clear that the grin on his face wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

  You can do this, Elise said to herself.

  She handed the bag back to him.

  “Can I open it now?” he asked teasingly.

  “You can open it,” she replied. What seemed to be a good idea initially didn't seem so good anymore.

  Allen pulled out the silk boxers with a note attached to them. He blushed and then looked at the note, which read: I'm looking forward to seeing you in these one day!

  Allen tilted his head and made a face, staring at the boxers.

  Elise wanted to hide. She had been too forward with her gift. She knew she was too forward, but she didn't back down. She stood firm and waited for him to respond.

  “These are nice,” Allen said, and smiled.“I'm just surprised you would give me a gift like this.”

  “I'm sure,” Elise replied.

  “So where's your luggage? Didn't you carry it on going to Miami?” he asked.

  Elise was crushed. He didn't respond in any way she'd hoped he would, but she wasn't going to embarrass herself further by saying anything else. Maybe she'd misread his signals—maybe he only wanted to remain friends.

  “I had to get another bag because I have so much stuff, so I just checked everything.”

  “Well, I think we should get down to baggage claim and pick up your bags before someone takes them,” he said calmly.

  “Okay,” she replied and turned away from him, walking ahead of him toward the escalator. By the time they got to baggage claim, Elise's luggage was coming around the carousel. She pointed out her bags, and Allen retrieved them.

  “You ready to go?” he said nonchalantly.

  “Sure,” Elise replied.

  Allen led the way as they walked toward the door.

  “So, that's all you're going to say?” she managed.

  “About what?” he asked after turning t
o face her.

  “Allen. I got you a pair of silk boxers as a gift, and you're acting all casual.”

  He stood there, staring deeply into her eyes.

  “I gave you those boxers, Allen, because I wanted you to know that I like you. And it's more than a friendship thing, I—”

  Before she could complete her sentence Allen dropped her luggage, grabbed her in his arms, and proceeded to kiss her with all the passion he'd had for her since they first met, the passion he'd held back because he wasn't sure if she felt the same.

  Overwhelmed, Elise didn't know what hit her at first, but once she realized that she was being kissed by the man she wanted to be her own, she threw her arms around him and returned his level of passion. The two were all over each other and so caught up in their emotional display that they forgot that anyone was around them until an old lady walked by and said, “Get a room, you two. There are children around, for Christ's sake!”

  They stopped long enough to shrug her off and went back to kissing. Then Allen broke off and said, “I've wanted to do that for so long.”

  “Me too,” she replied.

  “I was a little embarrassed earlier—flattered and thrilled, but I didn't know what to say when I saw that you'd gotten me boxers.”

  “Well, you got around to speaking with that kiss. That was nice. I'd like to try that again real soon,” she said.

  They snickered like schoolkids.

  “You ready to go back to your place?” he asked.

  They both took a deep breath.

  “Yes,” Elise replied.“I'm ready.”

  Allen kissed her one last time then picked up her luggage. He looked at her, “By the way. You are beautiful, and not only because you have your hair all done up today. I think you're gorgeous even when your hair is pulled back and you're walking around in your warm-ups. You're beautiful because you are a special woman, and I admire you. I care about you.”

  “I feel the same way,” Elise replied.

  The couple walked out of the airport, laughing and joking and sharing with the destination of togetherness in mind.

  ANYA NUDGED THE door closed with her hip and dropped her bags. She looked around at her place. A streetlight was shining through the window, glaring off a picture of her and Chris displayed on the entertainment system. She walked over to the picture and stared at the two of them posing for professional shots that she'd had to beg him to participate in. After they'd gotten the pictures back, he'd told her he was glad that she went through the trouble of convincing him because the pictures were “dope” and he couldn't wait to give one to his mother.