Checkmate

32

   Le Crepuscule occupied two floors, the bottom was a regular nightclub with a bar and a dance floor that was packed when we stepped inside. The line went on for miles, eager patrons all waiting their turn to enjoy a night of partying, regrets, and mistakes. We were ushered away from the crowd and led up a large spiral staircase. In contrast to the darkness and fluorescent lighting of the club, the lights in the hall were dimmed, and their orange hue reflected on the wood tile floor.

The second part of the club was a jazz lounge. Pushing past two swinging doors, I held my breath as I took in this new addition.

   The bright red curtains on the well-lit stage added a dash of color to the otherwise dim room. Tables were arranged, filling the space between the stage and the bar. Bottles of liquor adorned the shelves and glasses hung upside down behind the baristas, one of which was a young man, mixing a drink for a patron. I gazed up at the ceiling, noticing the crystal chandeliers, turned off for the occasion. At the far end of the room, a projector cast its light on the stage, putting on dismay the black grand piano, and the other instruments being arranged on the podium.

"Kimberly, our table is over there," Patricia said, tugging me out of my daze toward one of the tables in the center of the room.

"Darryl does not fool around at all. Look at this place!" Sephora gestured around the room.

"It's amazing," I replied, nodding along, gazing around when my eyes landed on Alek walking our way.

   Alek was introduced to us by Darryl. These two were as thick as thieves, the cutest bromance anyone could ask for. Standing at around six feet, Alek strode across the room with determined steps, his gaze fixed on a clueless Sephora. His biceps flexed against the fabric of his burgundy jacket as he ran a hand over his nicely cut hair. It was like his signature move, running his hands over the 360 waves of black, shortly cropped hair that now finally connected to his beard.

As if I was blind, Patricia nudged me as Alek got closer, her anticipation as clear as Sephora's confusion.

"What type of weird shit are y'all on now?" she whined, looking between us.

Our barely contained grins only grew wider when Alek crept up behind her and buried his head in the crook of her neck.

Sephora squealed loudly before her laugh exploded around the room. She recognized his head instantly and swatted him on the shoulder for nearly giving her a heart attack.

"No worries beautiful, I know other ways to make you reach heaven," he whispered not so subtly.

If Sephora could blush, she'd put a tomato to shame right now.

Offering her the bouquet, I only now noticed the box in his hand.

Without a word, thankful glances were exchanged as Sephora tore off the silver wrapping paper.

Upon opening it, she gasped and then squealed before standing up and throwing her arms around his neck.

Alek chuckled and let out a muffled, "Happy birthday, princess."

She pulled away from him and their lips came together in a loving kiss.

   Patricia and I were swatting each other like two schoolgirls unable to contain our excitement. It was no secret that Alek and Sephora had been sleeping together. For one reason or another, Alek reciprocated her feelings but never seemed to want more. Being the very private man that he was, this display of affection was something we never saw even in a more intimate setting.