Midnight

28. 13.7 Billion Years Ago

Yazid and I pulled up to a large iron gate and we drove up to the most magnificent house I've ever seen. Translucent glass and concrete oceanfront estate that set high on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean. It was as much a work of art or sculpture as it was a home. I awed and sat up in my seat at the sight of it along the cotton candy skies. Clean lines and simple volumetric proportions underscore the brief created effortless flow between interior and exterior. I was floored. The feelings of a child in the backseat approaching an amusement park resembled how I felt.

"You like it?" Yazid asked lowering his head to view the extravagant mansion for himself.

"This is gorgeous! I couldn't imagine living in such an artwork! Does Wells live here?" my eyes still gawking at the sight ahead.

"Not at all. This is just where the party is at."

"I didn't know he was such an extravagant man, someone must have paid a fortune to lease this place for a party."

"It was my understanding that it's a colleague's house." He parked in the driveway along several other cars. I spotted Lorissa's Rover and no Lamborghinis. Thank God. Yazid stepped to my door to help me out of the car. He absolutely loved my dress. He would tug at his bow tie every time he caught a glimpse of my split. "You know Cala, I hope one day I can make you happy with a home like this of our own." I could feel him looking at me for a moment. I kept my eyes forward. Shit! Lorissa was right. I'm not having any moments today. I smiled when I looked to him.

"That's sweet." I hoped I didn't sound as uncomfortable as I felt. After we shared our awkward moment, he led me inside. A banner hung at the entry read:

HAPPY RETIREMENT DR. ALL IS WELLS!!

Helium filled black and gold balloons stacked the ceiling. The staff was prestige in all black walking around with champagne and horderves for the guest. The psychedelic soulful sounds of Earth Wind and Fire- September had people dancing and dipping all over the place. I was relieved to find this wasn't going to be a bore-stand-around-colleagues party. It was upbeat and fun. As soon as my jacket was taken my hips were rocking. I grabbed Yazid's hand so that he would dance with me. He stood there like a brick wall.

"Dance with me!" I pulled playfully at his arms while I continued to lower into a slow sensual drop.

"No, Thank you, Cala. I'm going to speak to Wells and get us some drinks."

"Alright. I guess I'll find some friends." my tone edging at pissed. What a square. It didn't take long for me to spot Randy. Well, for him to spot me. I heard him singing along to Love's Holiday and turned to him singing to me.

"Would you mind.... If I look in your eyes until I'm hypnotized and I lose my mind..."

"Get it boy!" I cheered my friend on and threw my hands up to him. He took hold of my hips and we swung like it was 1977. Both of us singing our hearts out loudly, definitely drawing all attention with our synchronized snake. "Ba ba baa ba ba baabababababaaa baba baaa.....Love have found its way in my heart tonight." Randy swung my arm out and pull me back in. We were grownups tonight. This was my type of music. "Who is the Dj!? They're doing it right!"

"Yes, girl!" Randy looked to my dress with bright eyes. "I'm jealous... you look fabulous! Stunning! Yasss!" He gave me the brightest full on smile. He was quite dapper himself in his black sequin tux.

"Hey, you look even better! What is this? manly with a hint of gay?"

"You know that's exactly what I wanted it to say... you get me, Cala! Only you babe!" he fanned my hand. Yazid returned to my side with drinks.