Between the Dollar and the Truth

Chapter 9

Thumping beats of music could be heard outside of the walls of

the club, while waiting to step into the party. Sleek, high-end

cars lined the street, adding a touch of glamor to the busy scene.

Neon lights illuminated the entrance, casting a vibrant glow over

the club's name, "Down Beat." A bold banner adorned the wall

proudly announcing the evening's event: "Talent Show Tonight."

Crowds of excited folks lined up outside the building, ready for a

night filled with the city's finest performances. Two nicely dressed

women entered the doors unescorted, drawing the attention from

most of the men in their path. Eyes followed Genesis, mesmerized

by her curves hugged tight by her crimson dress. They wanted what

they saw. They lay their best lines before her, but she only smiled

and gracefully walked, in front of Rhonda who followed behind with

honey blonde hair rising boldly from her head. Her dress strained

against the folds in her figure that had emerged from years of standing

and eating behind the heads of gossips that came weekly for a cut, a dye

or a curl. Rhonda pressed through the crowd putting a swing to her hips

that made those standing too close lose their balance. They gave her

looks as they regained their footing. Looks that she imagined too be from

lust and desire. She has never been the center of attention when she and

Genesis were together but she had learned to adjust. She swung her

full-figured portions through the crowd and nodded at select gents in

passing. "Here we go again. Every time we go out men pant after you

like dogs after a fresh fried chicken bone." Genesis turned her head

with a smile. "No, I think it's you girl and your special perfume that's

drawing all these flies." Rhonda looked at her friend and smiled and

turned her head slightly upward. "You think so, cause' this Donna Karen

can do some damage up in here!" They looked at each other for a moment

and burst into laughter, forgetting the earlier problems of the day.

They picked a seat in the far back corner of the crowed club; just

close enough to get a full view of the dance floor. Genesis felt

someone's eyes on her but decided not to turn and see, preferring

to keep her attention on her own thoughts. At the bar, two men

chatted, one of them caught a glimpse of Genesis as he laughed

with his friends. His name was Will. The other man was Bo Jenkins.

First let me tell you about these two male friends. Bo Jenkins, a jovial