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  “Sorry,” Jackie muttered.

  “She’s right, Jackie. Shame,” Lanessa said with crooked grin.

  “Me? You…” Jackie’s scowled at her.

  “Shush,” Lanessa cut her off smoothly. “Let Yasmin catch her breath for a few moments. Then we’ll get the scoop.”

  “Y’all need to think about something other than work, that’s your problem.” Yasmin sat back and folded her arms. “And I’ve got the answer.”

  “No blind dates. Forget it,” Lanessa spoke up first.

  “Hey, I’m willing to at least listen. I’ve had two dates in the last six months.” Jackie gave a shiver. “If you can call those nightmares dates.”

  “Didn’t we decide not to do the desperate divorcees thang?”Lanessa looked at them both.

  ”You ladies must have men on the brain, because I wasn’t talking dates,” Yasmin said.

  “What then?” Lanessa still wore a wary expression. “And don’t leave out any important details this time.”

  “Yeah, like that trip down False River on a party barge.” Jackie squinted at her.

  “Lord, will I ever hear the end of that?”Yasmin waved her manicured fingers in the air. “Those guys were perfectly decent.”

  “And it’s weird having your ex-husband set us up with dates, don’t ya think?”Lanessa shook her head.

  “Ed didn’t set us up, Nessa. And—oh let’s not go into that again.” Yasmin brushed back her hair. “This is strictly us women.”

  “Hey, I didn’t rule out all men,” Jackie protested.

  “Shush and let her finish,” Lanessa said.

  “I’ve got a long weekend starting Thursday. The boys are with Ed’s parents on the farm in Mississippi,” Yasmin said.

  “Don’t you just love grandparents? Daren will be in Wakefield with Hilton’s folks for the weekend.” Jackie smiled.

  “So we’re free. There’s a West African dance performance at the Saenger this weekend. I can get us tickets.” Yasmin looked smug. “I’ve got connections.”

  ”Hold on, I didn’t say I’m free.” Lanessa shook her head. “I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire.”

  “Work again. Don’t be hardheaded. Pay attention, we’re taking time off.” Yasmin poked her arm with a finger.

  “Ouch! Those tiger claws hurt,” Lanessa said with a frown at the long red acrylic nails. “And I’m in the middle of two major projects.”

  “I’ll bet you’re ahead of schedule. Not only that, your new assistant is sharp.” Yasmin fixed her with a hard stare. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

  “That’s beside the point.” Lanessa was irritated that her friend was on target. Besides, Yasmin had sent Robyn to her. “I’ve got meetings with potential clients.”

  “On the weekend?” Yasmin asked.

  “Well of course not.”

  Jackie took a sip from her iced tea. “I’m in. The last thing I need is another weekend of watching the shopping channel.”

  When Lanessa still hesitated, Yasmin shrugged. “Fine. Jackie, it’s you and me. We’ll drive down Friday afternoon, have dinner and stay at the Le Meridian in a suite I’ll reserve.”

  ”Yeah, Saturday wandering around the riverfront and the French Quarter. Let’s have lunch at Copeland’s.” Jackie’s face lit up.

  “Maybe even stay over Saturday and have dinner at Commander’s Palace.” Yasmin cast a sideways glance at Lanessa.

  Jackie nodded with vigor. “Ooo, I like, I like!”She looked at Lanessa. “I’ll have a stuffed shrimp for you, babe.”

  Lanessa grimaced. They both knew how much she loved shopping and dining out in New Orleans. “No fair. I won’t be able to concentrate worth a darn. I’ll be thinking about my two so-called best friends living it up without me.”

  “Then you might as well come with us.” Yasmin leaned toward her.

  “Yeah, Nessa.” Jackie shook her arm. “Come on. One weekend won’t kill your schedule.”

  “Fine.” Lanessa held up a palm to cut off their yelps of rejoicing. “But we come back Saturday.”

  This was greeted with fervent protests from both women. For the rest of the lunch, they made their plans. Yasmin would pick them up in her Mercedes. They discussed what to wear and if they would call any friends while in New Orleans. Lanessa swung between changing her mind and being excited. Yasmin and Jackie kept up a steady stream of assurances that she’d made the right choice. She went back to the office feeling refreshed by the caring and wacky company of her pals.

  Robyn greeted her news with a wide smile. “Good for you, Ms. —I mean, Lanessa. And don’t worry. I’ll have everything organized so you can pick right up Monday.”

  “We’ve got to get through the next few days first.” Lanessa frowned at the thought of three new major assignments. “I was going to use the weekend to get started.”

  “No problem. Just tell me the file names and I’ll work from the notes on your lap top.” Robyn handed her a set of neatly labeled folders. “You’ll have a list of possible sources to start checking.”

  “You’re wonderful. Now back to Mr. Blanchard.”

  Lanessa had to admit that she looked forward to the weekend. She thought of the wonderful old theater. Without warning a memory rushed back. The sound of a deep laugh and a handsome face the color of dark brown sugar made her feel flushed with heat. Alex had loved live performances. Lanessa shook her head to clear away more images that threatened to appear. After so much time, he still came back to her. Yet she was sure he did not think of her. Small wonder considering the things she’d put him through. Will you forget it? Don’t let Mother plant those ideas in your head. Lanessa knew that road was a dead end.

  “Work, family and good friends. I should count my blessings,” she said in a low, firm voice.

  “Pardon?”Robyn glanced at her.

  “Nothing. Let’s go over the Federal Register again.” Lanessa directed all her attention to rules on wetland protection to blot out more memories.

  ***

  The rhythmic beat of drums was like a giant pulse. Women with skin the color of ebony, copper and mink swayed. Their bodies were wrapped in earth colored fabrics. Some wore beautiful head wraps. The sinuous movements seemed to hold the audience in a trance for forty-five minutes. At the last dramatic roll, the line of magnificent, statuesque performers froze in a variety of poses. Wild applause broke out as the curtain floated down. Soon all but a few in the sellout crowd were moving toward the lobby for intermission. Lanessa was entranced with the whole experience. Despite her grumblings about work during the ride down, she was happy she’d come. Under Yasmin’s bold guidance they were soon near the wet bar. She managed to charm three men into letting her order first. Their dates stood against the ornate walls a few feet away glaring.

  ”Uh, let’s not start something up in here, girlfriend,” Lanessa mumbled to Yasmin. She eyed the annoyed women.

  Yasmin waved a hand without even looking at them. “Don’t look at them and they’ll go away.”

  Jackie laughed and shook her head. “Wow, those dancers are something else.”

  She accepted a glass of pink lemonade and Lanessa had Sprite. Both were in wineglasses. Yasmin smiled her thanks to one of the handsome men when he handed her a glass of diet Pepsi.

  “What did I say? Didn’t I tell you they’d take your breath away?”Yasmin looped arms with Jackie and Lanessa.

  “Girl, I’d be a groupie for those fine brothers any day. I mean that!” Jackie fanned herself. “Lord have mercy.”

  “I’m talking about the majesty of a dance tradition that goes back centuries,” Yasmin said. She took a dainty sip of the cola.

  “Uh-huh,” Jackie said.

  “They’re telling stories that our ancestors listened to and told after coming to this country in chains.” Yasmin led them to spot away from the bar and those pressing forward for refreshments.

  ”How anyone could call our cousins uncivilized is beyond me,” Lanessa said.

  “Simple, chauvinistic stu
pidity,” Yasmin said with her usual bluntness.

  “I’d love to visit Africa one day.” Lanessa nodded. “In fact we should definitely make plans to go on a tour.”

  “I’m there if we can find the fine brother that played the chief’s son,” Jackie said with a leer.

  “I’m going to pour these ice cubes down your blouse to cool you off.” Yasmin frowned in disapproval. “Must you make this superb cultural event into a peep show?”

  “Pu-leeze, I saw you gawking at those manly brown frames.” Jackie’s dark eyebrows went up. “When that man with the lion costume leaped on stage, you squeaked.”

  “Because I was startled.” Yasmin avoided her gaze. She dabbed at her neck with a paper napkin.

  “Yeah right.” Jackie laughed.

  “Yasmin, she’s got you.” Lanessa joined in the laughter. “I thought you were going to climb up there, baby.”

  After a few seconds, Yasmin giggled wickedly. “The man’s thighs are so…” She let out a low purr from the back of her throat.

  Yasmin and Jackie joined in a spirited discussion about the assets of the male dancers. Lanessa let her attention wander. She scanned the well-dressed crowd enjoying herself. Souvenir items of the performance were being sold at a stand in another corner of the lobby.

  “I’ve got to have this soundtrack,” Lanessa said.

  Jackie and Yasmin nodded without missing a beat in their conversation. Lanessa moved through the throng intent on her goal. She was determined not to let the compact discs sell out or miss one minute of the performance. The stack of recordings was steadily disappearing.

  “Pardon me.”

  Lanessa pushed by a group of chattering matrons blocking her path. They looked a bit miffed at her but she kept going. Her effort was rewarded when she arrived at the counter. There were only three people ahead of her. She was glad to see there was another box of compact discs being opened. One woman wavered over which African print scarf would suit her. Lanessa looked over to see Jackie waving to her. She nodded to indicate she would soon join them. Just as she was about turn away, the broad shoulders of a man caused a catch in her throat. Could she be mistaken? Of course not. She’d recognize him anywhere, even with his back to her and at the other end of a wide room. Alexander James St. Romaine stood out in any crowd. Alex was intent on something the woman beside him was saying. She was petite with shoulder length dark hair. Her black dress was a classic, simply cut with cap sleeves. When they walked toward the auditorium to return to their seats, Alex smiled down at the woman. His strong profile confirmed what she already knew. It seemed their seats were to the left and below the middle section where Lanessa sat. Lanessa’s heart thumped causing her to let out a small cry. The way he’d looked at the woman was like an arrow in her chest.

  “Ma’am, what can I get for you?”The cashier raised his voice.” Ma’am?”

  A tall man to her right smiled.” Hard to choose. I’m having the same problem.”

  Lanessa could only nod. She swallowed hard and forced her gaze away from the handsome couple. “I’ll—I’ll take a compact disc. Make it three. And give me one of those head wraps.”

  She worked hard to slow her pulse. I knew this was a mistake. I never should have come. Lanessa paid for her purchases. For the rest of the evening she tried to blot out the familiar stunning smile. A smile that was for another woman now.

  ***

  “Aren’t you glad I talked you into coming? And you were going to work late again.” Karin tightened her hold on his arm.

  “You were right,” Alex admitted easily.” I would have kicked myself for days if I’d missed it.”

  “I know African dance and music are two of your passions.”

  “Every movement is like… magic.” Alex said.” I’d seen them on television but nothing equals a live performance.”

  “How true. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” Karin smiled up at him.

  “Definitely. Too bad they haven’t been to Baton Rouge.” Alex took one last sip of California Sauvignon. He placed both their glasses on the empty tray a passing waiter held out to them.

  “Oh, what a wonderful idea,” Karin said with animation.

  “What idea?”Alex handed her a fresh napkin.

  “Thank you. Your idea about bringing them to Baton Rouge,” Karin said.” My chapter could get a grant from the Arts Council.”

  “My idea?”

  “We could sponsor groups of inner city children.” Her eyes sparkled at the prospect.” They would love it.”

  “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the rivalry, would it?”

  There were two chapters of the venerable Delta Sigma Theta sorority in Baton Rouge. They competed to put on the premier social and cultural event of each season.

  “Certainly not.” There was no real denial in Karin’s voice. Her eyes held a glint of mischief.” But a performance this magnificent would leave their art show and sale in the dust.”

  Alex chuckled.” Not that you’d rub their noses in it.”

  “Well, I can’t promise.” Karin laughed.” Oh, don’t forget you wanted to buy a CD.”

  “I almost forgot.” Alex looked across the lobby.” They might be out of them by now…” His voice trailed off. He blinked hard.

  “Better hurry. The intermission will be over in about one minute.”

  It was her. Lanessa. Her hair was pulled up in a swirl. His favorite style. In a flash he remembered the feel of it, like soft dark fleece. How many times had he taken out a decorative comb and pulled his fingers through it? She’d tilt her head back to let him kiss her throat. Such a vivid image after all this time. A tall man stood near her. Alex turned his back to them.

  “I’ll wait until later,” he said.

  ”They’re sure to sell out by then. Come on, the line is short.” Karin started off but stopped when he did not move.” Alex?”

  “They’re about to start. Let’s go in.” He guided a confused Karin toward the open door.

  “All right. If you’re sure.” Karin looked at him with concern.” What’s the matter?”

  Alex pulled his lips back in what he hoped was a smile.” Nothing. I just don’t want to risk missing a second of those fabulous moves. I’m sure they’ve got plenty of CDs since it was a sellout performance.”

  “Good point. I can’t wait to see how it ends.”

  Alex nodded and tried to answer in all the right places as Karin talked on. Another part of his attention was on erasing the lovely face from his mind’s eye. He’d heard she had her own business, that she was doing much better. What was in the glass she carried? Who was that man standing close to her? Probably another wealthy idiot buying her whatever she wanted. Alex felt hostility toward the nameless, faceless man. I must be out of my mind! Forget it. Be glad she’s somebody else’s headache now. It appeared Lanessa was had not changed at all. Karin’s voice broke through his thoughts. Sensible, stable Karin Roan. She deserved all his attention. Karin would never take him on a wild emotional roller coaster ride.

  “I’m sorry what did you say?”

  “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?” Karin stared at him with a slight frown.

  “Positive,” Alex said in a firm voice.” I’m Looking forward to dinner at our favorite place.” He worked to banish sensuous memories of a troubled woman for the rest of the evening.

  Chapter 2

  Alex walked around in a circle on the basketball court. Sweat dripped down his face. His best friend, Evan Jones, took a deep drink of bottled water. Alex, Evan and a group of guys they’d known since college played on the YMCA court every week. The others sat around talking about business and more sports while they cooled off. After a few seconds, one by one they trailed off to the showers.

  “Man, your game is off tonight. Or maybe I’m just so damn good.” Evan nodded to himself.” Yeah, I like that better,” he said with a cocky grin.

  “You wish.” Alex wiped his face with a towel.

  “I know the signs.” Eva
n plopped down on the wooden bleachers.

  “Really?”

  ”You got woman trouble written all over you, brother.” Evan lifted both hands out.” You’ve been testy since I picked you up. And you were out with Karin last night. I rest my case.”

  “You make a lousy lawyer. Which isn’t surprising since you’re an electrician.” Alex sat a few feet from him.

  “See? Testy as a Rottweiler.”

  “There is nothing going on between Karin and me, all right?”Alex leaned back to put both elbows on the seat behind him.” She’s a sweet lady. No mood swings, no guessing what’s wrong or nasty surprises.”

  “So you keep telling me.” Evan stood up and did cool down stretching exercises

  “No mind bending highs and lows. No wanting to dash off on some crazy trip at the last minute.” Alex rolled his shoulders.” I’ve got no complaints.”

  Evan stopped to stare at him.” Oh.”

  “Yeah.” Alex sat on the floor, spread his legs and grabbed his ankles.” So you’re wrong, it’s not Karin.”

  “I was wrong. It’s not Karin.” Evan nodded.

  “Correct.”

  “It’s Lanessa.” Evan pointed a finger at him before going back to his exercises.

  Alex sucked in air.” How did you?” He stopped short with a look of chagrin.

  ”You and Shauntelle are good pals despite a divorce.” Evan scratched his head.” And by the way, you guys are strange. My ex-wife regularly threatens to put a stake through my heart.”

  “Try not telling the world she’s a devil worshipper,” Alex said.

  “Hey, the woman tried to strip me of everything I’ve worked for.” Evan spoke with heat.

  “You tried to hide assets, man. Women can scent money during a divorce.” Alex chuckled.

  “I’ve got my girls to think of.” Evan frowned.

  Alex wore a look of sympathy for him. Evan had lost his first wife to breast cancer when she was only thirty-two. Now he was raising a ten year old and a twelve year old alone. His second marriage had been a disaster.

  “You’ll be okay,” Alex said.

  “Yeah, at least the girls seemed to be taking it well.” Evan was a doting father.