Sex and Lies. Donna Hill

this jewel during the first year of their marriage when they were still exploring each other and the city that they loved. The Cabaret became “their place” and they celebrated every event worth celebrating there.

      The food was exquisite, though pricey, but it was the atmosphere that drew them back time and again. It had just the right amount of dim lighting with mirrors in strategic places, candle votives on the intimate tables tucked throughout the space. And every night there was a great jazz performance.

      “So how’s married life, my man?” Mac asked as he swallowed what remained of his vodka on the rocks.

      Blake grinned. “Couldn’t be better. I love it.”

      “Get out. You, Mr. Permanent Bachelor.” Mac chuckled.

      Blake lowered his head, his grin broadening. “Yeah, I didn’t figure marriage was for me, but when I met Savannah…” He shook his head in wonder. “All the others paled in comparison to her.”

      “I can’t believe it. I have women still asking me about ‘your friend, um, Blake,’” he said in a really bad falsetto.

      They laughed at Mac’s bad imitation of a female voice.

      “I’m off the market, man.” Blake took a swig of his drink. “What about you, ever going to settle down?”

      “Why?” He signaled the waiter for another drink. “I firmly believe that men were not created to be with one woman. Why do you think they outnumber us?”

      Blake cut his eyes in Mac’s direction and snorted a laugh. “Maybe because we drop dead sooner from trying to keep up with so many women.”

      “But what a way to go!”

      They clinked glasses.

      “Other than women how’re things going on The Street?”

      Mac, whose real name was Fred McDonald, worked on Wall Street. They were both Moorehouse grads, but Blake had gone on to study architecture at MIT. After graduation, Mac went to work buying and selling.

      “Crazy man. The work is grueling but the rewards are worth it. Just bought my second house out in Montclair, New Jersey.”

      “Congratulations! But what are you going to do with two homes?”

      “The brownstone in Harlem is strictly an investment property. The one in Jersey is where I’ll live.”

      “You plan to commute into New York every day? The traffic is horrific.”

      “Naw, I have enough stress to deal with at work. I’ll be using mass transit.”

      Blake nodded. “Good move.”

      “What’s going on with you?”

      “Just landed a major development deal.”

      “Yeah, which one?” He angled his body on the stool toward Blake.

      “Can’t really talk about it right now. The ink is still drying. But I will say that it will put me on the map for good.”

      Mac slapped him on the back. “I always knew you would hit the big-time.”

      “That’s what Savannah and I are celebrating tonight.” He brought his glass to his mouth and took a slow swallow.

      “It’ll be good to see Savannah again. We all have to get together sometime. You and Savannah and me and whomever I’m so inclined to be with at the moment.” He chuckled.

      Blake shook his head. “One of these days the right woman is gonna come along and you will be toast.”

      “Like you were toast…” Savannah whispered in Blake’s ear. She pecked him on the cheek. “Sorry I’m late.”

      Blake swiveled around on the stool and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Hey, baby.” His gaze danced over her face still amazed that this woman was all his. He tenderly kissed her mouth.

      “Hey, get a room,” Mac jokingly cut in.

      “Don’t hate,” Savannah teased, stepping out of her husband’s arms. She came around her husband and hugged Mac. “Good to see you.” She patted his arm. “Still on the prowl?” she asked, referring to his notorious womanizing.

      “Like the old saying goes, can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

      Blake slid off the stool and turned to Mac. “Let’s get together soon. It’s been a long time.”

      Mac stuck out his hand which Blake shook. “Definitely. Give me a call anytime. All of my numbers are the same.”

      “I will,” Blake said.

      “Good seeing you, Savannah,” Mac said.

      “You, too,” Savannah replied.

      Blake slid his arm around her waist. “Our table is waiting. Let me tell the hostess you’re here.”

      They walked to the front of the restaurant. The hostess approached.

      “My party has arrived,” Blake said.

      “Great. Right this way.” She took two menus from the holder and led them to their table. “Your server will be with you shortly. Can I get you something to drink in the meantime?”

      Blake held up his glass. “I’m good.” He turned to Savannah.

      “Hmm, I’ll have a diet cola with a twist of lemon.”

      “Your server will be right here with your drink and to take your orders. Have a good evening.”

      Blake turned his full attention to his wife. “You have that gleam in your eyes. Something exciting happen at work or at your meeting?”

      Savannah inwardly flinched. “Nothing out of the ordinary. I’m buzzed about you!” She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “Tell me everything—or at least as much as you can,” she said.

      “Well, all systems are go on the development. The entire project has been kept under wraps for months, as you know. There’s been so much speculation about who was going to get the contract, if all the money would come through in time and if the City Council would approve it.” He blew out a breath. “It’s been an uphill battle the entire time. The surrounding community has been against it from the beginning.” The light in his eyes slowly dimmed. He looked at his wife. “Some folks are going to lose their homes.”

      Savannah heard the sadness in his voice. “But when the project is done, it will be better than before,” she said, hoping to lift some of the weight off his shoulders. “And this project is going to provide jobs for thousands, especially minorities.”

      The corner of his lush mouth curved up in a grin. “You sound like the Mayor’s press secretary.”

      She waved off his comment with a light chuckle. “I don’t mean to sound like the poster child for redevelopment, but it will ultimately improve the area, bring in jobs and housing. Isn’t the city planning to provide relocation support to anyone who becomes displaced?”

      “That’s what we’ve been told.”

      “Then stop worrying. Enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame and put up the best damned development that this town has seen in decades.”

      “That’s why I love you.”

      She lowered her lids and looked at him coyly. “And why is that?”

      “’Cause you always know how to make me feel good in and out of bed,” he said.

      Her voice dropped to a husky whisper. “We all have our skills.” She puckered her lips and blew him a kiss.

      “Are you ready to order?”

      Two pairs of eyes rose to meet those of the waitress.

      “We’re not hungry,” they said in unison.

      Blake