”Don’t cry baby.”

”We don’t have to go.”

”Yes we do besides you probably already told her we would come, ”Tasha shook her head yes on Alice’s shoulder, ”I’m sorry.”

”Why don’t we get on the motorcycle and go and let Chris and Dee take the car.” Tasha looked up and smiled a small smile at Alice. Alice wiped her tears and kissed her.

”You better be lucky I love you, “she joked.

”Everyday, ”Tasha said seriously.

”Let’s get ready and she better not even think about getting a birthday dance.”

Chris and Dee, Al and Tash get to the club at about 10:30. Simone was watching the door and when they walked in she rushed over but not like she was so happy to see them (Tasha), which she was, but with that cool athletic stride that she had, that was so attractive.

”Hey,” Simone looks and smiles she hugs Chris first.

”You remember Dee, “Simone smiles at Dee and says, ”Yeah” and grabs Dee’s outstretch hand but pulls her in for a hug.

“Girl any friend of Chris is a friend of mine too,” she says as she pulls back. Dee’s grinning, looking at Simone and says, ”Thanks.” Simone then turns her attention to Alice.

“Hello Alice,” she says, putting her hand out to shake Alice’s. When Alice goes to shake it Simone pulls Alice to her and gives her a slight hug but a hug never the less. Alice is a little taken aback but smiles, ”Hey Simone,” as she pulls away. Next Simone turns to Tasha. Tasha has been looking on, slightly amused more than anything and thinking to herself, ”Damn that Simone always working the room.” Simone looks at Tasha and says, ”Hi.” They look at each other for a moment and then they hug. Simone holds Tasha a little tighter than the others. Tasha breaks the clinch and says, ”Good to see you.” The club is filling up and the music playing when they came in was Euro techno dance/house music. Simone likes that vibe from clubbing in Europe when she plays basketball.

“Well, you ladies get you something to drink and make yourself at home I’ve rented this place out for most of the night and if you want a song played just go to my girl DJ Spinna and she’ll play it she’s got a lot of stuff.” Suddenly the mood shifts and Taylor Daynes I’ll Always Love You comes on. Simone looks at Tasha and smiles. Tasha looks at Simone then at Alice who is imagining where this is going. Alice begins, saying it loud enough for Tasha to hear.