“You’re right. There were bars on the main and upper decks.”
“How was the food?”
“It was spectacular. The prawns were huge and the deviled eggs topped with caviar were to die for.”
“Shit!” Nydia said in English. “It sounds like you were hanging out with the hoity-toity.”
Jasmine smiled. “As they would say in the South, they were definitely highfalutin’. The men all wore tuxedos and the women, gowns that did not come off a rack. They wore enough jewelry to light up Times Square in a blackout.”
“What did you wear?”
“A red lace dress with a black obi sash.”
“Nice,” Nydia drawled. “What about music?”
“They had a live band and a deejay. What would really have made it better is if they’d had a Latin band.” One time she’d accompanied Nydia to an event with a Latin band and she found herself on the dance floor for every number.
“I hear you,mija.There’s nothing better than a live Latin band. Now, I want to hear all about your Daddy.”
Jasmine filled the grinder with coffee beans. “What do you want to know about him?”
“Did you all kick it?”
She halted filling the coffee machine with water. “If you’re asking if we slept together, then the answer is yes.”
“Olé! How was he, Jazz?”
“If I had to grade him as a lover then I give him an A.”
“I told you he was going to rock your world.”
“Yes, you did.”
“Are you going to see him again?”
“Yes. Remember we’re going to New Orleans in two weeks.” Jasmine wasn’t ready to tell her friend that she’d promised to decorate Cameron’s new home.
“Speaking of New Orleans, I just printed out my tickets. I’m really looking forward to seeing Tonya and Hannah again.”
Jasmine pressed the button for the brewing cycle. “So am I. I’m curious to see what they’ve done with the house. The last time I spoke to Hannah she told me the permits to install the elevator were approved, so she’s projecting opening in the fall.”
“Word,mija. A lot of things have changed in one year, Jazz. You have a new man, Tonya’s marrying her man, and Hannah is married to the love of her life.”
“I don’t have a new man. Cameron and I are friends.”
“Yeah right. Friends with benefits. By the way. How old is Cameron?” Nydia asked.
“Forty-eight.”
A low whistle came through the speaker. “Daddy looks good for his age. He must really take care of himself.”
“It’s apparent he does,” Jasmine said in agreement. Cameron revealed that he regularly worked out and swam laps in his building’s health club. “Do you have an outfit for Tonya’s wedding?” she asked the accountant, directing the focus of the conversation away from her.
“Not yet. I was planning to go shopping next week. Maybe I can take advantage of the Memorial Day sales. Do you want to come with me?”
“I’ll let you know after I get in touch with my cousin. I’d expected her to call me before now to let me know if she’s coming down from Buffalo so we can hang out together.”
“Isn’t she a lawyer?”
