Chapter 15
For the next five glorious days, Alex and Carol were together as much as possible; he even moved over to her place. During the day Carol met with the community center director, continuing to help flesh out activities that could benefit the entire city, not just the surrounding neighborhoods. Her idea for a weekly talent show was a hit, along with a bingo night for seniors and organized sports teams. The director’s satisfaction had been underscored when she asked if Carol would be interested in coming on full time. Carol had responded by agreeing to think about it. She felt such a position would allow her to employ all of her very best skills and give back to these aspiring neighborhoods in the process. She’d had some of the best years of her life traveling with superstar Gabriella as her personal assistant, but these few months she’d worked on rehabbing houses and developing the community center had given her a personal satisfaction that she hadn’t felt before.
For Alex, the daytime hours couldn’t pass soon enough. This was the most downtime he’d had in the past three or four years; sitting around didn’t jive with his personality at all. Grant had weights, so after running a mile or two in the mornings, he’d added thirty minutes of upper strength training to his repertoire. Aside from a couple phone calls from the detective, searching for additional information regarding the club shooting, the incident that had happened on Christmas Eve was becoming a mere memory. His brother’s contact had not been able to gather any information regarding what Neil had told him about retribution; no leak within the department that would indicate that Alex’s cover had been blown. He’d talked to Marlon, who’d confirmed that a ten-show tour was scheduled for March with two weeks in Japan. One side of Alex couldn’t wait to get back on the road. The other side tried to think of how his life would be without Carol in it. It was the craziest thing, but he was having a hard time imagining it.
In the evenings, it was all about enjoying each other. Tonight they were headed to the V Nightclub at the MGM Grand Detroit. The January weather was crisp, but the lovebirds were prepared. Alex wore black jeans, his bomber-style black leather jacket and a black and white twill sweater, a Christmas gift from Carol. She was looking fit and funky in red leather pants, a white silk shirt, Gucci red and black python booties, and a black faux mink short jacket. Carol was driving. Both were in a good mood. But it was Alex’s first time in a club atmosphere since “the incident” and Carol was worried.
They dropped their car off with the hotel’s valet. “Are you ready for this?” she asked as Alex reached for her hand and they entered the lobby.
“Ready to get my groove on? Absolutely, woman. I’ll dance you into the ground.”
She gave him a side-eye. “You know what I mean.”
He shrugged. “In March, I head out on a tour with the Prez. So I guess it’s about time that I get back into the mix. I can’t have any fear or trepidation and still be at the top of my game.”
Carol nodded. She was very well aware of what Alex did for a living, but somehow she’d never focused on how truly dangerous his job could be. A bit naïve, considering what had happened with the fanatic who’d attacked Gabriella last year. Knowing Gab had given her so much: a wonderful friendship, comfortable bank account, and now, indirectly, a good man. There was one thing that had been bugging her, though; something she remembered from a past conversation. They’d talked about what happened. But the deeper her feelings ran for the man beside her, the more she realized she needed to be assured that Alex didn’t still harbor an attraction for her best friend, or anyone else.
But not now! Tonight was all about hanging out and having fun. Alex was leaving tomorrow, so all Carol wanted to do was enjoy being in the company of such a good man.
They reached the club. The dance floor was packed and the music was pounding. The DJ was known for putting together stellar mixes that could keep you dancing through many songs. After paying the doorman a tip to get them a good table, Alex led Carol through the throng to the equally crowded bar. They ordered drinks and then turned to watch the revelers, kicking it up on a Friday night.
“How do you like it?” Carol wasn’t much into clubs but knew that Alex liked the party life.
“It’s all right.”
Carol’s face showed her surprise. “Really? Just all right? I thought you’d love this atmosphere.”
“I don’t mean to sound condescending, but I’ve grown accustomed to a more exclusive type of setting. You know how it is rolling with the stars.”
Carol nodded. Indeed, she did know. After returning to Detroit, she’d been surprised at the initial discomfort felt in living an ordinary life. Never one to be caught up in the materialistic trappings of success, she’d nonetheless grown used to being pampered, to having every convenience at her fingertips, and to experiencing the best that life had to offer. She’d become accustomed without even knowing it, a fact that hit her the first time she’d gone to a store in the hood with her good friend, Brandi. The lack of cleanliness, smell of questionably safe meat, and paltry-looking vegetables was a real wakeup call to just how blessed she’d been. Living where she now resided was further proof. It was why she was so determined that the community center succeed. She wanted those less fortunate to have the chance to experience a sliver of the quality of life that for years had been her ordinary life.
“Carol!”
“Oh, sorry, Alex. What did you say?”
“I said our table is ready. Come on.”
They reached a table for two located in a prime spot not far from the dance floor. As Alex had requested, it was also positioned in such a way for him to see the entrance from where he sat.
“What was on your mind just now?” he asked, once they were seated. “You were a million miles away.”
“I was thinking about life, and what you said about being accustomed to the good life. I’m happy where I’m at now, but I’m also very cognizant of the charmed life I’ve lived.” She looked beyond Alex into yesteryear. “Things could have turned out much differently.”
He leaned forward, speaking so that she’d hear despite the loud music. “Later, you’ll have to tell me what that statement means. But for now, it’s time to shake that sexy behind.”
They hit the floor and worked up a sweat. One hour became two and still they enjoyed a good time. Around midnight, however, there was a shift in the atmosphere. Carol noticed it at once.
“What is it?” she asked without turning around, when Alex stopped talking mid-sentence.
“Don’t look now, but it’s time to go.”
“Is it him?” Just last night and for her own safety, Alex had told her the name of the man who shot him. Though she didn’t know him, she’d been nervous ever since.
“No, but it looks like trouble nonetheless.” Alex pulled out several bills to cover the cost of their drinks. “I’m hungry anyway. Let’s go get something to eat.”
A short time later they were seated in the backroom of Wolfgang Puck Steak, also located at the MGM Grand. They were promptly given menus and had their drink orders taken.
Carol placed hers to the side, unopened. “Did you recognize them?”
Alex knew she was talking about the group of four men who’d caused Alex to lose the mood for dancing.
“No, but I think one of them looked familiar. I think he was at the club that night.” He picked up the menu, a sign that he didn’t want to continue this line of conversation.
“Do you think he recognized you?” Carol pointedly ignored his cue. “I mean, they were staring at us rather intently as we left.”
“If you’d taken a look in the mirror you’d know that it wasn’t me they were looking at.”
“Nice try to change the subject, Alex. But seriously, I’m concerned about you and what all of this could mean to your safety.”
“I’ve warned you about making those kinds of statements. A brother like me might get the feeling that you really care about him.”
“A brother would be right in feeling that,” she replied, finally picking up her menu. “I don’t want anything bad going down, anything negative happening to you. Especially not in my own hometown.”
Shortly afterward their conversation drifted to what they’d order—salad and steak for both, with a huge baker for Alex and rice pilaf for Carol—before other topics mutually enjoyed such as music, sports, and travel. With each passing moment, Carol was more and more aware of how much she’d miss Alex’s company. On the other hand, a little loneliness was a small price to pay if leaving Detroit and all that had happened here would keep him safe.