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Chapter Twelve
Aria
“Harlem?” I exclaimed as we stood in line to wait to get into what was apparently one of the hottest dance clubs in New York City.
“Yes, Harlem. Why, what’s wrong with Harlem?” Zoey asked.
I glanced around surreptitiously. “Isn’t it one of the worst areas in the whole city?” I hissed.
“That’s a myth. It’s actually one of the hippest areas of the city. So much modern music was born here, like swing, hip hop, some jazz styles, as well. I mean, sure, the place has its problems, but what part of New York doesn’t?”
“Wow, I never knew that,” I answered with wide eyes.
Zoe slung her arm around me. “That’s why you’ve got me, and you’re welcome.”
We eventually made it to the front of the line and the giant bouncer looked down his nose at us. I fought the urge to shrink in upon myself. The guy looked like he could break us all into pieces and not break a sweat.
After a few tense moments, the black man’s dark brown eyes fell on Zoey and he actually cracked a smile. “Hey, Zoey, is that you?”
“Hey, Joe. How you doing? You got a new gig, huh?”
“Yeah, for now. Just while I wait to get into the Navy.”
“The Navy, huh? That’s cool.”
“Yeah. Hopefully, I can move to San Diego or Virginia Beach. Somewhere out of the city would be good, anyhow.” Joe glanced at Lily and me. “These two with you?”
Zoey glanced at us. “Yeah. These are my friends, Lily and Aria. Aria is Australian, and she’s never been to Harlem before.”
Joe smiled at me. “Hey, nice to meet you.”
“Hey,” I responded, shyly returning his smile.
“It’s also my twenty-fifth birthday!” Lily waved her hand in the air.
“Happy birthday,” Joe said.
“So, are you going to let us in or what?” Lily asked.
Joe looked us up and down again. “You three ladies are looking mighty fine tonight.” He paused again, purposefully keeping us in suspense. At long last, he opened the rope and held his hand towards the entrance. “Go ahead. Have a good time.”
“Thank you,” we chorused.
Zoey grasped Lily and my hands tight and led us into the club. It was a typical dance club with dimmed lighting, strobe and coloured lights flashing, a DJ playing weird dance music, and people gyrating against one another. Lily and Zoey followed suit, but my anxiety was already threatening to be a problem.
Zoey noticed me freezing up and pushed me to dance with them. “Remember, you’re safe with us.”
Trusting my friend, I closed my eyes and danced to the beat. Letting go of all my cares and frightened thoughts worked wonders on me and my anxiety dissipated. I was feeling beautiful, and I was loving being with my friends.
Zoey disappeared for a few minutes to buy us all drinks. Lily kept a hold of me so I wouldn’t freak out. The New York native soon returned with three vodka and orange drinks. “Enjoy,” Zoey said.
“Happy birthday!” I shouted at Lily.
Lily whooped.
We all drank up.
“Zoey! Zoey, there you are.” Joe pushed his way through the crowd to us.
