Chapter Fifteen
Noah had postponed the Christmas opening of the club until New Year’s so that it wouldn’t overshadow her excitement. It was just one more thing to love about him.
“Girl, I can’t say ‘I told you so’ enough times,” Cara said as they shopped for their New Year’s outfits. “Damn, who buys a woman a whole darn theater?” She laughed, but with amazement.
“I know. I’m on cloud nine. Things are finally coming together. I feel good inside and out every day. That man brings me joy, Cara. You know what I mean?”
Traci was so happy she felt as if most days she was floating on air. While Noah was busy putting the final touches on the club and working on publicity, she was finally writing, really writing. The play had finally come to life for her because she’d discovered what it was missing—heart.
“So what are your plans for the theater?” Cara picked up a black dress and held it in front of her.
“I’ll be finished writing and revising by the end of January. Then I want to start with table reads. I’m going to use students from the college first and then put out a casting call. I’ve also been thinking that on the theater downtime, I could teach classes there for the community and open it up for use by other local playwrights. In between writing and revising the play, I’ve been working on my game plan. Watching Noah in action as he’s built his business, and now expanding for the club, has been the kind of lesson that you can’t get in a classroom. And he’s all for it. He offers suggestions, but never tries to impose his ideas. “
“Traci, I love it! It’s what you’ve always wanted.”
Traci grinned. “Yes, it is,” she said softly. “Now help me find something to wear.”
* * *
Noah and Anthony had left to go to Philly early in the day to prepare and make any last-minute adjustments before they opened for dinner at seven. Anthony was supplying the music and had arranged for the cooks and bartenders. Working with Noah on his project was priming him for expansion as well.
Traci drove in with Cara and Phillip. When they arrived at six-thirty, there was already a line outside waiting to get in.
“Wow, if this is a reservation-only event, imagine the kind of crowd the club will get when it’s open to the public,” Phillip commented.
Noah had advised Traci to come to the side entrance when they arrived to bypass the line. The trio walked around to the side of the building and down three steps. Phillip knocked. Moments later the door was opened by a young man dressed in black shirt and slacks.
“Ms. Long?” He looked from Cara to Traci.
“That’s me,” Traci piped up.
“Right this way.” He stepped aside to let them in. “Mr. Jefferson has a booth reserved for you in the lounge area and your dinner table is ready when you are.”
They stepped inside and the electricity in the air was palpable. As early as the evening was, everything glittered, from the guests, who had stepped out in style, to the décor.
“Is Mr. Jefferson available?” Traci asked as they were being escorted to the lounge on the second floor.
“I’ll let him know that you’re here.”
“Thank you.”
They got settled and were immediately served with a bottle of champagne.
“Wow. I’m impressed,” Cara said.
“That’s how he does things,” Traci said, “in a big way and with style,” she added with a note of pride.
“Listen to you,” Cara teased, and nudged her friend.
Traci grinned. “Yes, who would have thought it?”
“Hey, baby!” Noah came up behind her and kissed her behind her ear. She turned and grinned up at him and took his hand, which he’d placed on her bare shoulder. “Welcome, welcome,” he greeted the trio. “For you guys everything is on the house, so no worries. Okay?”
“Noah, everything is amazing,” Cara said. “Congratulations.”
“You have a real winner here,” Phillip added.
“Thank you. I’d love to stay and hang out, but duty calls. Anything you need, just ask.” He leaned down and kissed Traci again. “You look incredible,” he whispered. “See you later.”
In no time the tables were filled, drinks flowed, food was served, and the band was pumping. The singer Dawne was the main act for the night and the crowd was in musical love with her. Opening night was an absolute success. And as the clock drew closer to midnight, the excitement rippled throughout the three levels.
At one minute to midnight Noah finally appeared and swept Traci away from her friends. The countdown began. Noah and Traci stood in the middle of the dance floor, with controlled chaos swirling around them.
Traci was giggling like a schoolgirl. “I’m so proud of you!” she shouted.
He held her hands against his chest. “I wanted to do this at Christmas,” he said into her ear. “But I wanted this gift of love to have its own moment.”
“Do what? What gift?”
“This.” Out of his tuxedo jacket pocket he took a ring that rivaled all of the glitter of the night.
Traci stopped breathing.
10, 9 . . .
“I love you, woman, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much. We can do amazing things together. I believe that. Me and you.”
8, 7 . . .
His gaze roamed over her face. Tears of pure joy sprang in her eyes. She knew that this time would be different, because Noah was different and finally so was she. He’d opened her world and healed her heart and soul.
5, 4, 3 . . .
“Me and you,” she whispered. “Yes, yes.”
2, 1 . . .
“Happy New Year!”
Noah slid the diamond onto her finger, and as they always did, they sealed their deal. And it sounded as if everyone was celebrating their joy.