Beyond the Velvet Rope (3 page)

Elliot inclined his head to his general manager. “Markie, your thoughts?”

Markie’s ears perked up. “I know we’ve all been busy trying to make sure we had all the supplies needed to open our doors on the scheduled date, but now that day is passed. We should focus on how we’re going to keep the club full. As it stands, we’re hitting good numbers because people are curious about the remodel. But that won’t last long.”

Eddie Bloom, the efficiency expert, spoke up. “Elliot, you bankrolled a lot of money into renovating the club. If you plan to recoup your funds, we need to do some serious marketing. Otherwise, the investment goes unnoticed.”

Elliot nodded. “Our campaign needs help.” He turned to look down at the crowd again. A lovely blonde woman hovered near the bar. She’d come with a date. A boyfriend? A husband, perhaps? It didn’t matter. Neither would be much of an obstacle. “We need to hire a PR firm,” Elliot mused aloud. “A well-known professional.”

Rex clapped his hands together. “Good idea. Perhaps someone who has connections up north? This would be the perfect opportunity to expand Babylon’s reach beyond SoBe.”

Elliot turned to address his team. “Is everyone in agreement?”

They all nodded.

“So, it’s settled,” Elliot said with finality. “Rex, call Warren and tell him I’m leaving the promoter assignment up to him. That way, if the investors aren’t happy with the results, they can point the finger at each other.” The men laughed collectively.

Elliot pulled himself upright, smoothing his palm over his suit lapel as he did so. “Gentlemen, if that’s all, please excuse me. I have something to attend to.”

He waited until the last man filed out of his office before descending the staircase which led to the arena floor. It was time to make his rounds.

Chapter Three

Staten Island, New York

T
handie carefully placed the bouquet of flowers on the counter and waited for someone to acknowledge her. As usual, she felt nervous. These visits were always filled with mixed emotions. She looked forward to them with the same intensity that she dreaded them.

As if alerted to her growing sense of unease, a nurse materialized from a corridor. She was a heavy woman with wide hips, rosy cheeks and smooth pale skin. Her name was Nurse Joanne.

As soon as she saw Thandie, her face split into a brilliant smile. “Ah, Thandie! I’m so glad you came. She’ll be so excited to see you.”

Thandie’s face lit up with elation. “Has she been asking for me?”

Nurse Joanne paused and then made a slight shake of her head. “No, dear, but I know deep down she’ll be thrilled you’re here.”

Thandie’s initial joy vanished, quickly replaced with embarrassment. She felt foolish for having asked. It was silly to think her presence would be desired, least of all remembered. It had been this way for years. It was silly to expect anything anymore.

“There there,” Nurse Joanne chided. “There’s no need in upsetting yourself. You’ll ruin your visit before it even begins.”

Thandie gave a half-hearted smile.

“That’s a good girl,” Nurse Joanne said reassuringly. “Now let’s get you upstairs. Did you sign in yet?”

Thandie pulled the visitor log book in front of her and began filling in her information. Next to the date, she wrote the patient’s name: Josephine Shaw.

After waving to the nurse, she made her way to the elevators, where she rode the lift to the second floor. The corridors on the upper level were abuzz with whispered conversations and occasional laughter. The environment was warm and inviting. This reassured Thandie she’d made the right decision years ago.

Following the hall, Thandie arrived at room 216. The door was open, and inside the sunlit room sat a lone figure. Turning at the sound of someone entering the room, the woman lifted her head and gazed at Thandie.

The sight of her face made Thandie catch her breath. Not yet fifty-five, Josephine could easily be mistaken for someone ten years younger. She was a small African American woman, with a heart shaped face and slender nose. Her dark hair was swept into an elegant bun at the nap of her neck and her soft brown eyes were bright with curiosity. Her lip quivered slightly when she smiled, making her smile all the more endearing. She was beautiful. Thandie had always believed she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

Thandie approached her slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements. She placed the flowers on a table and knelt before the woman. Taking her hand in her own, she kissed it before pressing it against her cheek. “Hello,” she cooed softly. “How do you feel today?”

Josephine Shaw’s smile faltered just a little, but she managed to keep the grin in place. “I feel well,” she said pleasantly. “Thank you for asking.”

Thandie could tell by the tone in her voice she was confused. “Do you know who I am?”

Josephine peered at her closely. “You’re very pretty,” she whispered. Her eyes slid to the side, as if she were sifting through a multitude of emotions and memories. “What...what is your name?”

It was a blow Thandie should be familiar with, but it hurt just as much now as it had the first time. Thandie blinked back tears and said evenly, “My name is Thandie Shaw. I’m your daughter. Do you remember me?”

Her mother looked uncomfortable, and gripped her hand tightly. “I’m sorry,” she said with a helpless shake of her head. “I don’t remember your face.” She fidgeted, seeming to become agitated.

Thandie patted her knee reassuringly. “Perhaps next time you’ll remember,” she promised. These were empty words, but they always seemed to have a calming affect on both of them.

Every once in a while, her mother had a moment of clarity. She never remembered everything, but she remembered enough to know Thandie was her daughter. During those rare occasions, she stroked Thandie’s face and wept openly, apologizing for leaving her at such a young age. Thandie clung to those memories. They always ended with heartbreak, but for those brief moments, she had her mother back. However, they always ended too quickly, and she was left anxiously awaiting the next time her mother would return to her. But it had been over a year now, and she was beginning to lose hope.

Thandie marveled at how much she favored her mother. They had the same shade of pale brown skin and long ink-black hair. Like her mother, her facial features were small and delicate, making her look younger than her twenty-eight years.

But there where distinct differences. Chiefly amongst them was Thandie’s height. Measuring just a few inches shy of six feet, she was taller than most women. In contrast to her mother’s petite stature, Thandie had a long lean figure, with subtle curves.

Abruptly, Josephine broke off mid-sentence and said, “When will Cam come to visit me?”

Thandie lurched at the words and stared at her mother. The mention of Cam had always been a strange happening. He’d accompanied Thandie on these visits only a handful of times, but her mother had always remembered him. Even at her most cloudy moments, she would ask about Cam out of the blue. But this time there was a lift in her mother’s voice that startled her. She searched her mother’s face. There was a faint glimmer in her eyes. A glimmer of recollection?

“Mom,” she said, suddenly desperate. “Cam won’t be visiting you anymore. We broke up. Do you recall me telling you that a few months ago?” She leaned forward, watching her mother’s every move.

As if not hearing a word, Josephine gave a gentle laugh. “He’s such a dear. He brought me this shawl last week. Isn’t it lovely?”

Thandie looked down at the worn piece of fabric wrapped around her mother’s shoulders. It was gray, made of soft cashmere. It was indeed a gift from Cam. A Christmas gift to be exact. He’d given it her two years earlier.

Thandie began to deflate. Disorientation of time was another symptom of dementia. Thandie knew at that moment her mother had yet again retreated. She’d lost her. Like so many times before, Josephine Shaw had slipped away from her daughter when she needed her most.

“Yes, Mom,” Thandie agreed. “It’s very lovely.”

* * *

Hours later, Thandie was back in her apartment. The visit with her mother had taken a lot out of her. Before leaving, she’d kissed her mother on the cheek and promised to return in the next few days. It was a pledge she always made, and always kept.

There was a lot to be done, following last night’s event at Phenomenon. After taking a calming bath, Thandie set to work calling her contacts at local newspapers to find out how much coverage the party secured. Within half an hour, Thandie’s three assistants arrived: Amanda, Raja and Len. Without preamble, they quickly went about sending emails and making calls.

Shortly after noon, the office phone rang and Amanda scooped it up. “Shaw Public Relations,” she said cheerily. “This is Amanda speaking.”

“Thandie, please.”

“Who’s calling?”

“Tell her it’s Warren Radcliffe.”

A moment later, Thandie was on the line. “Hello, stranger. I haven’t heard from you since you moved. Where are you?”

“Miami,” he said, with a smile in his voice.

“Miami? Why on earth would you ever leave New York?”

“I ask myself that question every day.” He laughed. “But I have family down here. I moved to be closer to them in my old age.”

“I don’t think you’ll ever be considered old, Warren. But Miami over NYC—it doesn’t sound logical.”

“If you could see the sights I see every day, you would think differently.”

She smiled. “That means there are a lot of half-naked women running around. Careful, Warren, you’ll have a heart attack.”

Thandie had known the retired corporate CEO for years. They had met on the club scene. She met a lot of interesting people in her line of business, and Warren was by far one of the more memorable characters she’s ever come across. In his late sixties, the man had a weakness for the nightlife and young women. It was a flaw that had caused him to endure four divorces over the span of seven years. Shaky matrimonies never seemed to bother Warren. They only gave him a reason to party hardier, which eventually led to him marrying another young trophy wife.

“How are you, Warren?”

“I’m wonderful. I finally put my money where my heart lies.”

She laughed. Where Warren was concerned, there was no telling what that statement meant. “I’m listening.”

“I’m an investor in a club down here.”

“Where, exactly?”

“South Beach, of course. It’s awesome, Thandie.”

“I can hear the excitement in your voice. What’s the name of the club?”

“Club Babylon.”

This got her attention. “I’m familiar. Word has it that place is a growing hot spot on the strip.”

“Yeah, business has been really good.”

“Sounds as though you’ve got your hands full, but I hope you’re calling me because you’re visiting Manhattan soon.”

“Actually, I was calling to see if you would consider coming to South Beach. I think I might have a business proposition for you.”

“Me in Miami? You’ve got to be kidding.”

“On the contrary, I’m very serious. Moving down here was a major change for me. I was used to the hustle of the City, but it’s a complete different world down here. There are beautiful people everywhere, white sandy beaches and crystal-blue water. It’s unbelievable.”

“Sounds like paradise.”

“It is. I spent the first months just soaking up the place. Of course, you learn about the movers and shakers very quickly. But there is one in particular I would like you to meet.”

“Who is that?”

“His name is Elliot Richards.”

“I think I’ve heard of him.”

“He’s a young guy. Probably a year older than yourself, I’d guess. He’s a serious tycoon down here, a real sharp thinker. He owns several local health gyms, smoothie shops, nightclubs, and a restaurant. And get this—he personally manages them all at the same time.”

“Impressive,” she said, mildly intrigued.

“Everything he touches turns into gold,” Warren went on. “So when I heard he was opening his newest club, Babylon, I jumped at the chance. Two other guys invested with me. None of us had ever invested in a nightclub, so there was a lot we had to learn. There were a few nervous moments, but Elliot talked us through it like a pro. In the end, Club Babylon was a success. The revenue that place brings in one night is unbelievable.”

“Sounds too good to be true.”

“That’s what I thought. We all make a healthy cut, so you can image how shocked I was when Elliot proposed to shut down the club five months to renovate the building.”

“Five months? That’s a death sentence.”

“That’s exactly what I said, but somehow Elliot talked us into it. Looking back on it, he didn’t have to because he owns seventy percent of the shares. We invested two-point-eight million into the renovation. We just reopened a few weeks ago. So far, everyone loves the changes, especially the VIP lounges. The turnout has been decent, but we know we can do better, much better. So that leads me to why I’m calling you.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’d like you to come down and promote the club. Of course, Elliot would have to give the green light, but I’m sure after he talks to you, he’ll be sold on the idea.”

“I can’t move to Miami, Warren.”

“It would only be temporary.”

She flinched at the word. “How temporary?”

“Three months.”

“Three months? That’s an eternity.”

“It could be done in two months if you really work hard. If you think you can recoup our venture in less time, go for it.”

“Warren, I’d love to help you, but I haven’t been able to survive outside New York for longer than a week. Besides,” she hesitated, “I have responsibilities here. I can’t leave town for that long a time.”

“Then visit the City on the weekends. This isn’t a regular nine-to-five job, kiddo. If you have to fly back to take care of a few things then do it.”

“I can’t.”

“Thandie, I need you. Babylon will reach its mark eventually, but you could give us the boost that gets us over the top. I’ve seen you work, Thandie. You’re the best.”

“You have the wrong person. I barely know Miami. I wouldn’t even know where to stay.”

“You’ll stay with me. I have a house near the beach. You’d love it.”

“Warren, this is a huge undertaking. I would have to bring my staff.”

“That’s fine. There’s plenty of room at my place. I’ll even offer you my home office. It’ll be perfect for you. My home is your home. You should know that.”

“Warren, I can’t put you out like that. Aren’t you married again?”

“Separated. Wife Number Five and I have been split up for months. In all honesty, I see her credit card bills more than I see her. Anyway, it’s a big house—plenty of room. You’ll have all the privacy you need. No one will bother you. So stop stalling. Accept my offer.”

She laughed. He was making it sound too easy. “There are plenty of firms who could do just as good a job.”

“But I want you. The pay is top-notch. Thandie, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us. What are you holding on to in New York?”

Immediately an image of her mother popped into her head. She did not like the idea of putting distance between them. What if there was an emergency and they needed her to come to the care center? Or worse, what if her mother remembered something and Thandie wasn’t there to share it with her? She wasn’t willing to risk that possibility, small as it might be.

However, hadn’t Warren mentioned she could return to the City when she needed to? Would she be able to somehow cover the costs of her travel expenses? If so, Warren had asked a good question. What was holding her back? The answer certainly wasn’t Cam anymore. Lately, it only reminded her of her failed relationship. Why shouldn’t she get away for a bit? It would only be for a few months. What would it hurt? She could hand her big assignments over to Amanda. Of her three assistants, Amanda was the most reliable and showed the most promise. Besides, the assignment would give Len and Raja great work experience.