The cost of vengeance - [19]

I turned around to see who it was. “Well, hello, Congressman Canfield.”

“How have you been, my dear?” the congressman asked.

I looped my arm in his. “I have been just fine. Wondering why it has been so long since we last spoke,” I said as he escorted me to the bar.

“I’ve been in Washington, my dear; doing the country’s business. And unfortunately, your, shall we say influence, doesn’t extend that far.”

“My dear, congressman, I believe that is why they made airplanes.”

Congressman Canfield smiled. “I believe you’re right.”

“Are you going to be in town for a while?”

“A day or two maybe,” Congressman Canfield said.

“Perhaps we could get together for lunch; in our usual spot, of course. And we can discus some type of exclusive arrangement. I’m sure that I can handle all of your needs,” I suggested.

“Perhaps we could do just that,” Congressman Canfield said, and then he was approached by another man.

“Geoffrey,” the man said.

“Ms. West, this is Congressman Terrence Redding.”

I accepted the congressman’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He bowed slightly and kissed my hand. “Believe me, Ms. West, the pleasure is all mine. But you must excuse me, I need to steal Geoffrey away from you for a minute,” Congressman Redding said.

“That’s quite all right.” I turned to Geoffrey. “I hope to speak with you soon, congressman.”

“I am sure that you will, Ms. West. Please, excuse me,” he said and walked off with Congressman Redding. I’d heard a few things about Redding and I intended to make it my business to get back to him and make him a client before I left.

I looked at the door and saw the ladies coming toward me. Tangela was wearing a Carmen Marc Valvo halter crepe gown, crafted with delicate sequins, a pleated neckline and an open back. Diane was wearing an Armani Collezioni blue stretch silk gown with ruched bodice, and softly draped front and spaghetti straps. I looked at my watch as they got closer to me. Diane cut her eyes at Tangela. “Sorry we’re so late,” Tangela said.

“You’re here now and that’s what’s important. Go ahead and mingle,” I said and both ladies started to walk off. “Diane, may I speak with you for a minute?” I waited until Tangela was far enough away. “Okay, Diane, what’s the problem here? You are never late.”

“I know, Jada, and I’m so sorry. But I had to wait on Tangela to get ready.”

“What took her so long, Diane? Because her hair was done earlier today and it doesn’t take that long to put on a dress?”

“Tangela has a problem,” Diane said reluctantly.

“What kind of problem,” I pressed. “What is really going on?”

“She has a drug problem and it’s getting worse.”

“I thought as much,” I said and shook my head.

“I’m sorry, Jada. It’s my fault.”

“No, Diane, it’s mine. I should have known that if she was a friend of Creme’s, she had the same issues that Creme did. Go on and mingle,” I said and Diane disappeared into the crowd. I was so disgusted with myself for not seeing that coming. I should have known better. I went straight to the bar and ordered a drink.

I stood there for a while sipping my drink and thinking about Creme, and I wanted to kick myself.

The bartender brought me another drink and I looked around the bar. My eyes focused on Tangela standing there talking to Congressman Cantifield and Congressman Redding. I watched as she gently touched Cantifield’s face and looped her arm in his, just the way I taught her. But instead of being happy about how she was working him, all I could think about was her drug problem and how I hoped she wouldn’t ruin my relationship with Congressman Cantifield, or the one I planned to forge with Congressman Redding.

I finished my drink and was just about to order another when I heard, “Hello, Ms. West.”

That voice seemed to reverberate throughout my entire body. Suddenly all thought of Tangela, her drug issues, and business, escaped me. I smiled and turned around. “Good evening, Mr. Black.” He was wearing a tuxedo and he was wearing it well.

“You look extraordinary this evening,” Mr. Black said.

I gently touched his face and looped my arm in his. “Why, thank you, Mr. Black. You look very handsome in a tuxedo.” And I want to rip it off you, I thought, but didn’t say.

“I was just about to get a drink. Can I get something for you?”

“I’ll have whatever you’re drinking.”

He signaled for a bartender. “Remy Martin, VSOP, and one for the lady.”

“I think you better make mine on the rocks,” I said and thought back to the days when I used to drink Hennessy straight from the bottle.

“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Black.”

He leaned close to me and I wanted to kiss him. “Believe me, Ms. West, it is my pleasure to see you. Did I mention how nice you look in that dress?” he asked as the bartender returned with our drinks. He handed one to me.

“Yes, I believe you did, but don’t let that stop you,” I said and laughed a little. “You can never tell a lady that she looks nice too many times.”

“Well you look beautiful, Ms. West.”

“I’m actually quite surprised to see you here. I know that you mentioned that you knew Martin Marshall.” I looked around the room. “This just doesn’t seem like your type of affair.”