Avenging Alex by Lewis Ericson Page A

that she would be taking her break.
    â€œOh, Adriane, before you go, I almost forgot to ask. What are you doing tonight?”
    â€œNo big plans,” Alex responded. “Why?”
    â€œThere’s this new club that just opened in North Hollywood that I’ve been dying to go to. Are you interested in coming with?”
    â€œNo. I’m not really the club type.”
    Margot cocked her head coyly. “Seriously, because you seem like a lot of fun.”
    â€œWell, I’m not ready for a retirement home or anything, but I do have other responsibilities.”
    â€œYou mean your kid?”
    â€œYeah,” Alex responded. “I like spending time with . . . my kid.”
    â€œAw, c’mon. It’s Thursday and you’re off tomorrow. When’s the last time you let your hair down and let yourself go?”
    â€œI don’t know, Margot. I don’t really feel like letting myself go.”
    â€œOh, I get it. There’s a guy, right?”
    â€œNo, there’s no guy.”
    â€œThen c’mon, it’ll be fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet a guy. Hell, maybe you’ll meet more than one.”
    Alex thought about what her mother said, and everything she’d been feeling for John, and coming face to face with Lorraine Chase, and decided to take the woman up on her offer. “Okay . . . fine. I’ll go.”
    â€œGreat. I promise you’ll have a good time.”
    â€œBut, I’m driving my own car. That way I can leave when I want to.”
    â€œAbsolutely. I don’t have a problem meeting you there.”
    â€œWhat’s the name of this place anyway?”
    â€œIt’s called Bricks.”
    â€œIt’s not a gay bar is it?”
    â€œNo. Of course not.” Margot flicked her French-tipped nails through the spiky fringe of her coif. “Oh, wait . . . do you think I’m a lesbian?”
    â€œNo, Margot, I don’t think you’re a lesbian.”
    â€œGood. Because I can promise you that nothing makes me happier than a good stiff cock . . . tail.” She laughed. “I just thought you might want to hang out, that’s all.”
    Alex smiled. “I haven’t had a good stiff one in a long time. Sounds like just what I need.”
    Â 
    Â 
    Alex swept her hair into an up-do, allowing a few loose tendrils to cascade down the side of her face and neck. For the first time in a long time she felt a little lighthearted as she found a revealing strapless black and silver micro mini designer original hanging in the back of her closet that she’d all but forgotten she had from her former life. The last time she’d worn it was for a party she planned for a hip-hop mogul back in Atlanta. Fortunately, she hadn’t held on to any baby weight, so she was able to shimmy seamlessly into it and back into the remnants of the old Alex again: vivacious, sexy, and desirable. She rechecked her makeup and spritzed on Desire before sliding into a pair of stilettos that accentuated her legs to complete the look.
    â€œWell, now, Cerena will you get a look at your mother.” Jamilah beamed as she entered Alex’s room. “You look amazing, daughter.”
    Alex smiled as she checked herself out in the mirror. “I feel amazing, Mama. I remember this woman.”
    â€œAs do I.”
    â€œAre you sure you don’t mind taking care of Cerena tonight?”
    â€œNot at all. I’m going over to Ernie Mae’s with the rest of the girls to play cards. This little one will more than likely be out like a light by seven or so.”
    â€œWell, if anything happens you call me and I’ll come right back.”
    â€œNothing is going to happen. We’ll be fine. You just go on and have a good time.”
    Alex grabbed her clutch and wrap and kissed her mother’s cheek and then kissed Cerena. “Thanks, Mama. I won’t be out that late.”
    â€œDon’t worry about anything here.