“That would be great,” Honoree said but then remembered. “My roommate—I mean my sewing partner, she came with me. I wouldn’t want us to impose.”
“No problem. Y’all are both welcome.”
A giggly feeling flashed through Honoree. “Thank you. Thank you, ma’am. I mean, Lil.”
Lil laughed a rich, spicy laugh, like someone who ate filet mignon every meal. “Then come with me. Let’s see who showed up for my shindig.”
CHAPTER 28
HONOREE
“Look who’s here!” Lil squeezed Honoree’s elbow as they entered the dining room. “I can’t believe my eyes. Alberta Hunter! I thought she was in Harlem.” Lil touched Honoree’s shoulder. “Got some gossiping to do with that girl. You go on now. Enjoy yourself. I’ll catch up with you in a few.”
Abandoned. Just like that, and Honoree was on her own. Not even Bessie had stayed where she was supposed to.
Not usually shy about mingling, Honoree had learned her version of etiquette on the other side of town. The people at Lil’s party were the entertainment industry’s New Negroes. Musicians, actors, actresses, and blues singers who demanded fair wages, regular hours, and days off. They also cursed less and were better looking than the hard-drinking, hard-living people who patronized or worked at Miss Hattie’s.
Feeling more than mildly out of place, Honoree crept into a corner near the buffet to watch Lil and learn before she embarrassed herself.
Lil was a fireball. Elegant and confident, she commanded whatever type of attention she desired. People listened to her when she told them nothing at all.
When Honoree met people, she swung her hips and bounced her bubs to hold their attention. But Lil and her gal friends, well, they were appreciated for what was on their minds, not the snugness of their shifts.
“Honoree, where have you been?” Lil called, waving from across the room. “Come on over here. I want you to meet some people.”
She wandered over slowly, but Lil didn’t seem to notice her awkwardness and introduced her with flair to Alberta, Fats, and someone named Earl.
Honoree smiled and nodded and hoped she didn’t look foolish. Then a tall man with a striking way about him joined the group, and everyone’s faces lit up, including Lil’s.
“Oscar, I’m so pleased you were able to come tonight.” Lil kissed him on one cheek and then on the other, gushing over him like he was a prize bull. “I’m so happy you made it.”
“I told you I’d be here.” He planted his lips on Lil’s hand. “Is this the girl I wanted to meet?”
Smiling, Lil tilted her head at Honoree. “Yes, sir. That’s the one.”
Oscar sized her up with glowing eyes. “She’s such a pretty child.”
Lil made a sweeping gesture with her hand. “May I introduce Honoree Dalcour, and this is Oscar Micheaux, writer, director, producer, filmmaker.” Then she giggled next to Honoree’s ear. “And he’s been dying to meet you.”
Both Lil and Micheaux laughed, holding their bellies, sharing a friendly joke.
Honoree smoothed her skirt over her hips. “Hello, Mr. Micheaux.”
A jovial man with kind eyes, he bowed, a Rudolph Valentino kind of bow. “You are lovely.” He extended his hand.
Honoree reached out to shake his hand, but he surprised her and kissed her knuckles.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,” Honoree said, hiding her astonishment with a grin.
“She does have a look.” Oscar still held her hand. “You are a lovely dancer, too.”
“That she is,” added Lil.
“You’re too kind. And thank you for the compliment, Mr. Micheaux.”
“It’s Oscar, sugar.”
“Oscar.” His flattery had tongue-tied her, but ambition was always top of mind. “I would love to be in a motion picture.”
