“It is, isn't it,” Catara replied.
When the two hung up the phone Catara lay back on her bed with a broad smile on her face. She thought her previous interview had been the chance of a lifetime, but this one beat them all. Once she got her interview date, she was going to mark off that date from her calendar to make sure there would be no customers to prevent her from getting there on time.
The phone rang and interrupted her bliss.
She put it up to her ear.
“Hello,” she answered.
“May I speak to Catara?” the male voice said.
“This is Catara. With whom am I speaking?” she said attempting to pep up her voice.
“This is Marcus Radford. I met you a few days ago on a flight going to Miami. Remember, you gave up your seat to me so that I could sit in the aisle.”
“Of course I remember you,” Catara said. She sat up.
“So how was your trip?” he asked.
“It was great. Thanks for asking. And you were traveling on business, right?”
“Yes I was. It was a productive weekend, but I did get down to South Beach one night. I had a good time.”
“That's nice to hear. Marcus, could you hold on for just a second?” Catara asked. She put the phone to the side of her and stood up off the bed and covered her mouth, which was wide open, while jumping up and down beside the bed. She took a deep breath and picked the phone back up.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Everything is fine,” she replied calmly.
“So, Catara. The reason that I'm calling you is that I have tickets to see The Producers on Broadway. I hear the wardrobe is phenomenal. They actually won a Tony Award for costume design, and I figured that you, of all people, would appreciate going.”
“Thank you, Marcus. That is really nice of you,” she replied. She knew he was a good guy from their lengthy discussion during their flight together, but she never would have taken him to be the type who would call her up just to give her tickets to a show because he thought she would enjoy checking out the costuming.
“And I was thinking that maybe we could grab a bite to eat afterward and continue the engaging conversation we began on the plane.”
“So are you asking me out on a date?” Catara asked.
He chuckled.“Well, I guess I am. Are you saying yes?”
“I guess I am,” she replied.
They laughed.
“The tickets are for this Saturday night. I hope that date works for you.”
“Saturday works well,” she said.
“Great,” he said and sighed.“It's been a while since I've gotten the nerve up to do something like this, so I'm glad you said yes. Well, Catara, you have a good evening and I do look forward to seeing you Saturday,” he said, sounding rushed.
“Wait a minute. I want to share my news with you, if you don't mind,” she said.
Catara told him about her interview and the possibility of other things. They continued talking that evening for an hour or so.
Catara hung up the phone feeling elated. She knew that every day wasn't going to be as sweet as the one she was having, but she embraced the good feeling of possibility, of what was yet to come.
HEN THE RED light flashed on, Melvin Green began speaking.“This is Melvin Green and the Morning Show Crew. I hope you enjoyed that list of songs we just played for you. I'm sure that last one, by Mary J. Blige, will help you get your day going. My girl, Louisa Montero, has something that she'd like to say to the ladies that she spent her birthday weekend with. Now, I heard that you took over Miami and caused so much chaos in the Grand Bahamas that they kicked you ladies off the island.”
“And you know we turned it out, but in a good way! They're begging us to come back! This is Louisa Montero, and I just wanted to shout out to my sisters in spirit: Alecia, Catara, Elise, Lashawnda, and Tanya. Ladies, I don't know if the timing will ever be right for us to do it again, but let me tell you now, our Night Before Thirty birthday vacation was a moment in time I'll never forget. Each of you is special in your own unique way, and I wish each and every one of you a life filled with love and happiness as you embark on life beyond thirty. God bless each of you, and just know that there's a piece of all of you in my heart.”
Melvin cut in, “Ah, ain't that so sweet. I think I'm gonna cry. I think I'm gonna have a birthday celebration of my own and call it the Night Before … Let's not go there with my age. Anyway, I bet you ladies had a good time. And on behalf of Melvin Green and the Morning Show Crew, I'd like to play a song for you birthday girls. But I'm gonna also dedicate it to every lady out there who is about to turn thirty, who is thirty, or who has long since passed thirty—that's you, Mom. This song is for you.”
Melvin sat back and grinned as “Isn't She Lovely?” by Stevie Wonder played.
Isn't she lovely? Isn't she wonderful!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are so many people who touch my life and help to make it possible for me to continue to write and promote my works. I will never be able to thank everybody, but would like to mention a few:
To my heavenly Father, God, who continues to protect, guide, and stretch me. Sometimes I lose track of what's truly important. I'm thankful that he has provided me with family and friends who have ways of keeping me grounded.
To my daddy, Raymond, thank you for being my role model and a constant reminder that good men still walk this earth. To my mother, Linda, I cherish your meaningful and loving advice. To my big sister, Kim, you never cease to amaze me. I remain inspired by your courage and your will. To my little sister, Tracy, you are so wise and considerate of others. Thanks for always reminding me to be thoughtful. And to my favorite niece, Jalyn, you are such a beautiful young flower. It fills my heart with joy just watching you blossom.
To my family: the Butlers, the Macks, Caren Handley, Keisha Kirkland, Athena Y. Reese, Artis “Coolio” Ivey, Phnesheia Works, Lorenzo A. Works, Ellis Schaffer, Byron Hueston, Courtney “Corey” Gunn, Lanetia Butler, Regina Weston, Joe Wilson, Edwardo Jackson, Crystal Jackson, Elisa Freeman-Carr, Angela Stephens, Monique Johnson, Ronda Cosby, Stacy Cohen, Melvin E. Banks, Jr., and my “peeps” in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. I am grateful for your friendship and support.
To Melody Guy, my editor, I value your direction, foresight, and patience. To Beth Pearson, Jynne Martin, and the rest of the Random House staff, thanks for putting such care into completing and promoting my novels. To Sarah Lazin and Paula Balzer, my agents, thanks for your commitment and efforts in guiding my career as a writer. To Sadeqa Johnson, I appreciate the experience and positive attitude you've brought to help organize and build my speaking career.
Also to RM Johnson, John Dunson, Tiffany V. Bradshaw, Vaughn Perry, Gary Hardwick, Pastor Kevin W. Cosby, Dana Pump, Larry B. Scott, Eric Garrett, Barry Tilford, Chris Whitney, Carlos and Stacey Wilson, Rodney Carson, Mitch Drone, Corey Wadlington, Roger Holloway, Cordele Rolle, Chris Taylor, Jihad Shaheed, Keith Adams, Thomas J. Flowers, Kalmin Fullard, and Dr. Mario E. Paz.
To the wonderful booksellers: Emma Rogers, Adline Clark, Jackie Williams-Folks, Malik, Esowon Books, Maleta McPherson, Felecia A. Wintons, Jackie Perkins, James Muhammad, Rasheed Ali, Jerry Thompson, Nkenge Abi, Donna Stokes-Lucas, Sonia Williams-Babers, Mututa, Vera Warren-Williams, Jennifer Turner, Jim Rogers, Michele Lewis, Brother Simba, and Robin Green-Cary. What would we do without you?
Also, L. Peggy Hicks, Miss Lina Catalano, Diedra Michele, Jolan Solis, Marjorie Pennell, Vivica A. Fox, Tina Andrews, Stanley Bennett Clay, William Cole, Dewayne Dancer, Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez and Kit, Sylvia Simone, Devetta J McIntyre, Jetie B. Wilds, Jr., Twanda Black, Albert Butler, Cliff and Janine, Rufus Beal, KJ in the Midday, LaRita Shelby, Richard Davis, Chastity Godfrey, and Collette Ramsey.
And finally, to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., 100 Black Men of America, and the c
ountless colleges and universities that have shown their support.
THE NIGHT BEFORE THIRTY
A Reader's Guide
TAJUANA “TJ” BUTLER
READING GROUP QUESTIONS AND TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
The following Reading Group Guide was created to enhance your group's discussion of The Night Before Thirty by Tajuana “TJ” Butler, a story about five women who are about to turn thirty and whose lives are about to change when a radio contest brings them all together.
1. Catara remembers a time in her past when she felt beautiful and self-confident. What happened? She claims her weight is at fault. Is she using it as an excuse?
2. Although winning the contest allows Catara, Lashawnda, Tanya, Alecia, and Elise to escape for a weekend, each woman spends a lot of time thinking about her own past and future during the trip. Why is this? What is it about the weekend getaway that sparks this kind of thinking? What perspective do the women gain about their lives?
3. Louisa asks each of the women to pick a question and share something about her own life to help everyone to get to know one another. Do their stories do more than this? What does each of the women learn from the other? About themselves?
4. Cicely helped turn Lashawnda's life around by giving her the education and ambition she might never have developed on her own. Did Cicely use her? Is Lashawnda really confused about her sexuality?
5. Nearly all the women approach their thirtieth birthday feeling as if they are missing something. What do each of the women want? What is it about turning thirty that makes people reevaluate their lives?
6. Although Alecia seems to have it all, does she? What is she looking for in her men? What does her relationship with her younger sister reveal about her?
7. One of the themes of The Night Before Thirty is finding the strength to believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. What do the women realize about themselves during the cruise? How do you think their lives will change?
8. Of all the women, Elise is the one who seems to have it all together. She doesn't allow her disappointment with her athletic career to drive her away from gymnastics or into the arms of a married man. Where do her strength and leadership come from? Why does she have such a hard time telling Allen how she really feels about him?
9. Tanya repeatedly involves herself with the wrong kind of man. Why? What effect did her experience with Steve have on her choices later on? Can her relationship with Chris succeed? Why does she want to move so badly?
10. What are some of the reasons Louisa chose each of the winners? How are the women alike? How are they different?
An excerpt from
Tajuana “TJ” Butler's new novel,
Thirty-eight-year-old Lanita Lightfoot
is finally graduating from college. But first,
Lanita's husband treats her to a day of beauty
at an upscale black salon in Los Angeles, during
which she shares her story with the salon staff
and fellow patrons—a story of struggle,
sacrifice, and fortunate turns of luck.
And what a story it is….
As Lanita approached the salon, she could barely contain her excitement. It had been a long time since she'd had the extra time or money to even get her hair done, let alone indulge in the pampering she was about to enjoy, but her husband had insisted she spare no expense during her visit. Today was their special day. Today they would celebrate what had taken years of struggle and sacrifice to complete—their college education.
As Lanita reached for the salon door, she looked down and noticed four quarters scattered on the sidewalk. Smiling, she bent down to pick them up. Another small gift to remind me of who I am and what I've accomplished, she thought. She tossed the quarters from one hand to the other and then placed them in her pants pocket before opening the door.
Already feeling more relaxed, Lanita approached the receptionist, a pretty young woman with immaculately groomed hair and a cheerful, welcoming smile.“Hi, my name is Lanita, and I'm scheduled to see a stylist, nail tech, and facialist. I'm not sure in which order,” she said with a small laugh, “but I know I'm supposed to begin at ten. I'm a few minutes early, but I believe it's better to be a few minutes early than a few minutes late, if you know what I mean.”
“Sure,” said the receptionist.“Have a seat over there. Someone will be with you shortly—but are you okay?”
“I'm fine,” Lanita said. She touched a hand to her hair.“Why do you ask?”
“I saw you bending down outside. It looked like you'd lost something.”
“Oh, that,” Lanita said with another laugh.“Thanks for asking, but I haven't lost anything in some time. I was actually reaping my blessing, that's all.” Smiling warmly at the receptionist, Lanita glanced around, noting the tasteful, expensive decor.“Wow, this is really a nice salon. It reminds me of the ones on those reality shows where they take people to get makeovers. This setting really makes a person feel like she's privileged to be here.”
It was the receptionist's turn to laugh.“Well, we are one of the top salons in Los Angeles, the crème de la crème. Our clients include a number of celebrities and their families. I think you'll find our staff is top-notch.” The young woman winked at Lanita, giving her a knowing smile.
“Well, it's been a while since I've been pampered—in fact almost twelve years—but believe you me, there was a time when I would go to places like this weekly.” Lanita sat down, easing herself into her chair and unconsciously assuming the air of someone accustomed to the luxurious setting. A heavy sigh followed, and before she knew it, she had fallen into deep thought. As excited as she was about what the day would bring, she couldn't help but remember the events that had led her there. She shook her head, choosing to distract herself by enjoying her surroundings and focusing on the present. After all, that was what today was all about—the present and the future.“So what's your name?” Lanita asked the receptionist.
“I'm Natasha,” she responded.“By the way, would you like something to drink?”
“Sure. What are my choices?”
“There's bottled water, sparkling or flat, red and white wine, or orange juice.”
After a moment of thought, Lanita said, “I'll take the sparkling water. I'm graduating from USC today, and I don't want to begin celebrating too early, if you know what I mean.” Lanita snapped her fingers, all but dancing in her chair.
“Congratulations!” Natasha said.“Are you sure you don't want a glass of wine? You should start the day off with a bang.”
Lanita instantly felt somber.“To be honest with you, I never touch the stuff—alcohol, I mean. Not after what it did to my mother and me.”
Natasha looked down at her phone, seeming unsure of how to respond. Then she said, “I'll get that water for you.”
Across the room from Lanita was a large chrome-trimmed mirror. After Natasha left the room, Lanita got up and slowly walked over to it. Gazing at her reflection, she saw an aging woman wearing red Capri pants, a yellow T-shirt, and a silver chain with a silver-dollar pendant. Frowning at what she saw, she ran her fingers through her hair.“Girlfriend,” she said, “you're in a bad need of a relaxer, and when was the last time your thirty-eight-year-old self had that dead skin removed from your face?”
She grabbed the pendant and kissed it. Then she placed it so that it lay just so against her chest.“Flat as pancakes,” she said of her breasts. Sliding her hands over her body, admiring her trim figure that otherwise had curves in all the right places, she smiled. She then turned her back to the mirror, looked over her shoulder, and placed her hands on her hips, shaking her derriere in the mirror. She might be close to forty, but her backside still looked just fine.
Just then Natasha came back in the room, carrying a glass of water. She cleared her throat unobtrusively and Lanita abruptly stopped dancing. She was caught. She managed a nervous giggle, saying, “You'll have to excuse me. I'm usually more dignified, but I …”
&n
bsp; Natasha laughed.“No need to apologize. Sometimes you just have to celebrate in your own way.” She handed Lanita the water.
“I'm so embarrassed,” Lanita said, feeling the flush in her cheeks.
“Don't worry,” Natasha said, squeezing Lanita's shoulder. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper and said, “I won't tell anyone.”
“Thank you,” Lanita said, her cheeks still hot with embarrassment. She took the glass from Natasha and again turned to view herself in the mirror.“For the past few years, I've been doing my own hair. I use my husband's clippers to keep the ends trimmed. I'm not good at all, but I've gotten better.” She smoothed her hand over her short-cropped hair.“Recently I've been going for the Halle Berry look, but I've had so much going on these past few weeks, with finals and all, that I'm definitely missing the mark by a long shot.”
Still staring into the mirror, this time Lanita noted the effects of years of living.“Time waits for no one,” she said under her breath before looking at Natasha.“I hope the stylist here will hook me up. You know, make me feel beautiful again.”
“We have exceptional hairstylists, the best in town. I'm sure they'll do a good job of reminding you just how beautiful you are.”
“I sure hope so, because my husband is a good man and he's spending a lot of money on me today, money we really don't have to blow.” Lanita turned to look at Natasha.“Don't get me wrong,” she continued.“We pay our bills. We've just been putting a lot back saving for another house.” She took a sip of water.“He doesn't have much, but he treats me like I'm a princess. When I was a little girl, I used to dream of one day marrying a prince. Let me tell you, the man I married is as chivalrous as any of those men in the royal families over there in Europe— maybe even more so. He's handsome, considerate, loving, and dashing. You know what I mean?”
Natasha rolled her eyes.“I wish I did. They don't make many men like that anymore, especially not in Los Angeles.”
The Night Before Thirty Page 23
