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I bust open the other one, and she shows me how to eat the remaining items on the platter the correct way. She did say that with the catfish, a fork was recommended but not required. So, I tried it both ways. We finish eating after about an hour, and she even picks up the check. Well, we argue at first, and I decide it isn’t worth the fight and give in to her. We choose to leave the car parked where it was since free space is usually limited, and we walk the six blocks over to the Bounce House.
You can hear the music outside as you approach the venue. It’s small, hardly recognizable to the blind eye. There’s a large man in a yellow shirt outside the door when we arrive.
“Name?” his deep voice booms.
“Kara Brown, and this is my date, Brent Phillips.”
He scans the guest sheet then moves the velvet rope, allowing us to go in. Once inside, the vibe becomes electric. People are dancing to the loud music with the thumping bass and fast lyrics. The girls are scantily clad or wearing dresses similar to Kara’s. Clingy and showing off fabulous figures. One thing’s for sure, New Orleans has the most beautiful women this Kansas boy has ever seen.
“Isn’t this great?” she asks.
“Yeah. This is nothing like I imagined.”
“I know. It’s not swanky.” She laughs as another song begins. “This is my shit, let’s go.”
She drags me out on the floor and begins to dance. This song has everyone grooving, except me. She moves her hips in a fast rhythm, matching the tune of the beat, and grinds on me while doing it. I just stand there, not knowing what to do. She turns back to face me and sees I’m just moving side to side. Placing her hands on my hips, she guides them into a circle. I’m as stiff as a Ken doll, and it doesn’t help that I look like one at this moment.
“Here, spread your legs,” she says.
I follow her instruction, and she wraps one leg over mine and circulates.
“Now, follow me. Just move your hips.”
I do, and even with my offbeat ass, I manage to get it right. She smiles, turning around, continuing the motions of her hips. I grip her waist and follow her gyration, soon getting the hang of this one simple motion. Thankfully, the music changes, but this song is similar to what I hear playing on the streets of the Quarter when I’m down there for lunch. The sounds of a brass band along with drums makes everyone dance. Some people have fancy foot moves, others just sway in rhythm, waving scarves, which is easy for me.
I step away from the crowd, watching Kara and her sister enjoy themselves. I order three drinks form the bar and take two of them back to the ladies on the floor, keeping one for myself.
“Thank you, baaby,” Kara says, giving me a kiss.
“Yes, thank you. I needed a drink. I’ve been out here since I got here,” Tiana adds.
We laugh and dance for a while. Both ladies try to teach me some dance moves so I don’t look out of place. Even with the lessons, we still have fun. The slow songs they play, I can handle. It’s when the music speeds back up I have trouble. They become winded and tired, so we go grab a table away from the dance area and talk.
“Are you having fun, ladies?” a tall man asks, approaching Kara and her sister.
I recognize him from the news program—this is one of the birthday boys.
“Hey, Shane,” Kara says, giving him a hug. Tiana follows her lead. “This is my friend, Brent Phillips, architect. Brent, this is Dr. Shane Pennington, surgeon.”
“Pleasure to meet you, and happy birthday,” I greet, extending my hand for a shake.
“Oh, wow. Thank you. The pleasure’s all mine. Your company is building that new nightclub, right?”
“Yes. Yes, we are.”
“That’s amazing. I need to talk to you about hosting a fundraiser there soon. Could you get me a sit-down with the owner?”
“Um, we’re here to celebrate your birthday, Shane. Don’t look for favors tonight,” Kara says.
I don’t mind helping him with his cause. I take a business card from my wallet and hand it to him. “Call my assistant, Darlene, Monday morning, and give her your information. I will make sure it gets to Hernandez.”
“Aw, man, thanks. Good looking out. Do you mind if I take Kara to the dance floor?”
“I’m afraid I have to draw the line there. This beauty is all mine tonight, and I don’t want to let her out of my sight.” I pull her tight to me, effectively removing her from the dating market.
“All right, man. I understand. I wouldn’t let her out of my sight either. It was great seeing you two. I’ll tell Stu to stop by and speak.”
“Oh, don’t bother. I think I’m ready to go home. Tell Stuart I will catch him some other time,” Kara informs the host.
Tiana shakes her head and waves bye as we leave, going back to the room.
