Lilah's List (15 page)

“W
hat do you want for your birthday, Lilah?” Tyler asked as the two of them lay in bed that night.

“I don't know,” Lilah said, propping herself up on one arm. “I honestly can't think of anything that I need.”

“Birthday presents aren't about what you need. They're about what you want. Isn't there anything you want?”

Lilah thought about that for a few minutes. “Actually, Angie is throwing me a ‘wild' party on Saturday. I think I'd like to have a special evening with just the two of us before then.”

Tyler smiled. “I can do that. We'll do whatever you want. Do you have a restaurant you've been wanting to try?”

“I'm a huge fan of the Food Network show Iron Chef America, and I'd love to eat at Morimoto.”

“Done. Anything else you'd like to do for your birthday?”

A wicked smiled came to her lips. “We can definitely revisit item number 38. But, before that, I'd love to go dancing. As much as we've been out on the town, there hasn't been any dancing.”

“What kind of dancing do you mean? Ballroom or booty-shaking.”

“Definitely booty-shaking. I'd like to learn ballroom dance, but I'll save that for the next list.”

“Then it's a date. Since Reggie's still hung up on working with Jermaine Dupri in Atlanta, I'm trying to hook him up with a big-name producer locally. I've got a meeting with Pernell Weathers Friday evening, so can we do your birthday dinner tomorrow night?”

“That works for me. I can't wait.”

“Are you sure you don't want to save this makeover for Saturday?” Angie asked Lilah while they sat side by side getting pedicures.

“No, I want to look great for Tyler tonight. I'm going to be leaving town on Sunday, and I want to make sure I leave an impression on him. We haven't talked about the future, but I want him thinking of me when I'm gone.”

“With or without the makeover, I think he's pretty serious about you. Why don't you just tell him how you feel?”

“I'm not sure how I feel.”

Angie snorted. “We didn't just meet yesterday. I know you. You're completely gaga over this guy. Why won't you just admit it?”

“Because I thought I was completely gaga over Chuck once, and we both know how that turned out.”

“Nonsense. Tyler couldn't be more different from Chuck. Chuck sucked the life out of you. It's about time you were with a man who wasn't threatened by a confident woman.”

Lilah sighed heavily. “I just can't think too far into the future. I'm just trying to concentrate on right now. And tonight I want Tyler to see the very best in me in every way. Did you finish the dress?”

“Of course. When we're done here, I'll go back to my apartment and get it while you check out of your hotel.”

Angie had convinced Lilah to spend her birthday weekend in the penthouse suite at the Grande hotel, where her party would take place. While Lilah had been reluctant at first, she was now very excited about it.

These were the last days of her twenties. Why not live it up?

After the manicure, pedicure, massage and body polish, Lilah was getting her hair styled. She was apprehensive when Monroe, the stylist, suggested she try red highlights and a layered cut, but she decided to cross her fingers and go for it.

The result was better than she could have imagined. Monroe had added some warm red tones to her honey-colored hair, then had cut in some deep layers. When she shook her head, her curls bounced and swirled like the women in shampoo commercials.

Monroe whistled at her as he removed the drape. “Now, girl, that is a real New York hairstyle. You are ready to work it. I hope you have a banging outfit to wear to really set it off.”

“I sure do. That's my designer over there,” she said, pointing to Angie who was waiting in the lounge. “She made a fantastic dress just for me. Angela Snow. Watch out for her. She's going to be the next big name in fashion. You just wait.”

“Well okay, girl. You go get 'em.”

“I can't believe you're leaving us like this,” Maureen wailed as Lilah stood before her with her luggage at her feet.

“I'm sorry. Believe me, I had a wonderful stay here at the Casablanca. I'll definitely come back.”

“At least I'll see you at your birthday party Saturday night. I told my boyfriend and he can't believe we're going to be in the penthouse of the Grande hotel.”

“I'm just glad you're going to be there. To be honest with you, I'm not even sure who, if anyone, is going to show up.”

Maureen looked sly. “Oh, I think there will be a lot more than you think.”

Lilah leaned forward to study the other woman. “Why? What do you know?”

She closed her lips and shook her head, as if to say she'd never tell. “You look fantastic, by the way. Didn't I tell you Monroe is a genius?”

“You've never steered me wrong, Maureen. I can't imagine what I would have done without you.”

Maureen came around the desk to hug her goodbye, the bellman carried her bags out to the car where Sanjay was waiting.

Lilah didn't know why, but she felt like she was about to embark on yet another adventure within her adventure.

Standing in front of the mirror in her luxury suite, Lilah felt like a princess.

With all the beauty preparations she'd made today, she felt like she was getting ready for an important occasion. In her mind, she knew it was one.

Lilah didn't want to go back to D.C. without telling Tyler that she loved him. If she'd learned anything during this time in New York, it was that life was meant to be lived, not watched.

She wanted to create a romantic memory of the first time she said the words out loud to him. And she hoped her feelings would be returned.

Everything was working out perfectly so far.

She'd worried whether her new hairstyle would maintain its salon sheen into the evening, and it was still hanging in radiant waves to her shoulders.

“I knew it,” Angie said, entering the room. “The dress is perfect on you.”

“I know you're not going to believe me, but this dress is way better than the designer dress we bought. I love it so much, I may never take it off.”

Angie had constructed a perfect optical illusion. The lilac fabric appeared to be transparent, but when Lilah moved it shimmered and sparkled in the light with tiny beads. The delicate beaded straps fastened behind her neck, narrowing into a sparkling broach, like a built-in necklace. The bodice branched into endless layers of diaphanous fabric.

It was elegant and feminine, like Lilah, with hints of Angie's edgy over-the-top flair. Lilah had picked up a matching clutch in the hotel gift shop that afternoon, and had carried it to the register without a glance at the price tag. Another list item complete.

“I'm ignoring the blasphemy that just came out of your mouth, because I'm too busy admiring my own genius.”

“I'm paying for this. And I won't take no for an answer.”

Before Angie could rehash their argument, Lilah's cell phone started ringing.

“Hello?”

There was a pause on the line, leading Lilah to think she might have a prank caller.

“Hello?”

“Lilah, I have bad news,” Tyler said.

Her heart immediately leaped into her throat. “What is it?”

“Pernell Weathers is getting on a plane for the West Coast tomorrow. I can't talk to him unless I catch up with him tonight.”

Her heart sank and she immediately felt the sting of tears in her eyes. “It's okay. I understand.”

“I'm so sorry, Lilah. Normally, I'd blow it off, but Reggie's still upset with me, and you still need to meet with him, so…”

“You don't have to explain. I really do understand.” She'd been looking forward to this evening more than her actual birthday, but she didn't want Tyler to feel worse. His voice was already heavy with remorse.

“No, seriously, I feel terrible. I'll call you as soon as I get out of this meeting. Unfortunately, I don't know how long it will take.”

“Stop worrying. It's fine. It's not as if you're missing my real birthday. As long as you're there on Saturday, that's all that matters.”

“I'll make this up to you. I promise.”

“I'll hold you to that.”

Angie stood with her hands on her hips. “What happened?”

Lilah tucked her phone into her purse. “Do you want to have dinner at Morimoto with me tonight?”

“Just as soon as I can change.”

Angie, not to be outdone by Lilah's blinging attire, returned from her apartment wearing a crimson catsuit with a plunging neckline and flared pant legs.

When the two women headed down to the lobby for their night out, Lilah was shocked to discover that Sanjay had arrived in a black stretch limousine.

“Ladies,” he said, holding the door open for them.

Angie slid right in, but Lilah stopped and grabbed Sanjay's shoulder. “You've upgraded your ride. How did this happen?”

Sanjay dropped his professional facade and swung Lilah into a big hug. “This is all thanks to you, Lilah. Several customers read about me in your blog and have been asking my brother about my services. He was so impressed, he's agreed to let me drive his limousines on a trial basis.”

Lilah gave him a high five. “Congratulations, Sanjay. I knew you could do it. But I don't understand how my blog could have helped you. There couldn't be enough people—”

“Didn't you see it?”

“Didn't we see what?” Angie asked.

“The Manhattan Underground.”
Sanjay dug under his front seat then passed a copy to them through the glass partition.

And there it was, a small blurb on the lower left corner of the page, touting Lilah's List as a quirky new must-read blog.

“I can't believe this. Is this a joke?”

Angie shook her head. “I think one of Tyler's friends from the karaoke bar mentioned
The Manhattan Underground
. She must have been the one to write you up. This calls for a toast,” Angie said, reaching for the flutes in the minibar.

Angie and Lilah had a terrific time riding in the back of the limousine, blasting hip-hop music and drinking champagne. The only thing missing was Tyler. She couldn't wait to tell him all about it later that night.

After a spectacular dinner, Sanjay drove them to Monarch. The trendy new nightclub that Tyler had promised to take her to.

Lilah spotted the line winding around the block, and grabbed Angie's hand. “Uh, oh, déjà vu. Are we going to be able to get into this place without Tyler?”

“Girl, you've got to have confidence. We can do this,” she said, pushing Lilah toward the door as Sanjay opened it for them.

Lilah stepped onto the pavement right in front of the velvet rope. Two hulking guys were working the door, and there were two lines. One was clearly for the regular folks because it was long and wound around the corner. The other seemed to be for VIPs, but even they were being kept waiting.

Lilah paused, rolling her eyes. “This is ridiculous.”

Nevertheless, she took a deep breath and marched over to the two doormen standing between the two lines. The first guy, a tall gorgeous blond with a clipboard, barely glanced up.

“Is your name on the list?”

Lilah felt certain that it wasn't. Still she said, “Absolutely, Lilah Banks.”

The guy started searching his list, but she saw the other doorman beside him looking her up and down. “Lilah Banks. Are you Remy's friend?”

Hope leaped in her heart. “Yes!”

The blonde's head popped up from his clipboard. “Lilah of Lilah's List? I've been reading your blog.”

“You have?” Lilah asked incredulously.

He was already opening the rope for her. “Come right in.” As he ushered them through the ropes, she heard him speak into his walkie-talkie, “We have filet mignon coming through.”

From his spot at the back of the VIP line, Reggie Martin stared in surprise. “Who was that?”

He'd been told no one but no one got into Monarch without waiting in line, celebrities and average Joes alike. But, suddenly, after a few words with the bouncers, this woman was being let through only seconds after stepping out of her limo.

Reggie shook his head. Either he was an even bigger loser than he'd thought, or that woman was someone very special.

T
he two women entered the club and a hostess met them in the hallway to take their coats. Angie grabbed her arm and whispered in her ear, “Did you hear that? They called us filet mignon. I told you it was real.”

“I'm going to have to thank Remy for putting in a good word for us.”

“Good word, nothing. Didn't you hear him? He was reading your blog.”

Lilah shook her head, still unable to comprehend the fact that word of her blog had spread so quickly. Her blog wasn't anything special. In fact, it was one of millions on the Internet.

With their coats checked in the front, Lilah and Angie followed the woman into the swanky nightclub. Lilah didn't want to look like a kid at an amusement park, but since visiting New York, she still hadn't adjusted to the amazing interior designs her eyes had been feasting on.

The room that spread out before them was made for elegant lounging. Plush chaises, plump, red, lip-shaped sofas, cubes and egglike capsules were arranged in clusters for perching and people-watching. Each cluster featured a brightly colored shaggy rug.

A ring of neon-lit steps led to the round sunken dance floor area. The wall behind the DJ booth was a running waterfall, lit with bright lights that faded from deep pink, blue and green.

But Angie and Lilah were led past all of this to a staircase beside the bar. At the top of the stairs, the woman introduced them to the two bouncers guarding the glass doors of the VIP lounge.

Once inside, Lilah discovered a room decked out for an emperor, with its own bar, dance floor and DJ. Around the dance floor were gilt lounge chairs and ornately carved love seats. They were led past a Grecian-style fountain with nymphs pouring water from their marble pots.

The woman they had been following led them to their area and took their drink orders. Exchanging looks, Lilah arranged herself on the recliner and Angie took the love seat. Seconds later, a bare-chested man wearing a toga and sandals, brought them a bowl of fresh fruit and goblets of water along with their drinks from the bar. It would have been perfect if Tyler had been there.

Once they were alone, Angie picked up her cosmopolitan and took a sip. “Now this is the lifestyle to which I intend to become accustomed.”

Lilah sat forward, too anxious to eat or drink anything. “I don't know who they think we are, but I hope they don't figure out that we're frauds.”

Angie shook her head. “Stop that. It's not your connection to Remy, and it's not a mistake. It's you and your blog.”

Lilah shook her head in disbelief, hearing the pulsing beat of music for the first time. Even though she'd planned to share this experience with Tyler, there was no reason not to have fun. “Come on, let's dance.”

After ten minutes of waiting out in the cold, Reggie and his friends were finally let into Monarch. As he and his crew were led to the VIP lounge, he couldn't help stewing over the fact that his clout still wasn't what he wanted it to be.

There she is!

Reggie's eyes immediately went to the middle of the dance floor where the woman he'd seen earlier and her friend were dancing.

She moved like she owned the world, taking center stage while everyone else seemed to revolve around her.

Who was she?

He turned to his friend. “Jay, do you know who that girl is?”

His friend squinted at the dance floor. “Who?”

“That girl in the purple. She looks familiar, but I can't place her.”

Jay shrugged. “I don't know her. She's hot, though. Want me to bring her over?”

Reggie shook his head. “Not yet.”

She didn't look like the groupie type who would jump at the chance to meet him. Shoot, the way his luck was going, she probably didn't even know who he was.

Angie leaned down to speak into Lilah's ear. “Don't look now, but I think Reggie Martin just came in.”

Lilah froze. “Where?”

“Hey, I said don't look. He's to your left. Looks like his table is directly opposite ours across the dance floor.”

Lilah tried to sneak a peek, while she pretended to keep dancing. “What should I do?”

“Isn't it obvious? Go over to him.”

Lilah's heart was pounding in her chest. He was here. The man she'd been working overtime to get to since she'd arrived in New York City.

But for some reason, Lilah couldn't get her feet to move. Lately she'd gotten it into her head that Tyler would be there when she and Reggie saw each other again. Without him around, it seemed really strange to approach his brother. He might get the wrong idea.

Then she'd have to explain that she'd been seeing Tyler and—

Lilah shook her head and walked off the dance floor. It was too confusing. She needed to talk to Tyler right away.

Lilah walked over to her sitting area and picked up her cell phone, but she didn't have enough signal. She'd have to try again from a better location.

Angie sat next to her. “What's going on?”

“I was trying to call Tyler, but I don't have any signal.”

Her friend shrugged. “Okay, so you'll catch him up later. Bear in mind that you're about to miss a rare opportunity. Your birthday is in two days. You need to get this over with. Just go over there and offer to buy him a drink. Trust me. He'll go for it.”

“No. I don't have to.”

“What? Why not?”

“Because he's already headed this way.”

The more Reggie looked over at the mystery woman, the more he was certain he knew her from somewhere. Was it another event or party? He wasn't sure, but it was driving him crazy.

Finally he decided the only way to put himself out of his misery was to just go over and speak with her. He didn't know why he felt strangely nervous. He could just feel that she was someone important.

It had nothing to do with the way she'd just strolled in here as though she owned the place. It was the way she moved, the way she wore that dress like it was made for her, the way she commanded the space around her.

As he reached them, both women stood. “Hi, I'm Reggie Martin. I saw the two of you sitting over here alone, and I wanted to introduce myself. Women as lovely as you should never be left alone.”

“Isn't he a charmer,” the tall one said, with a hint of sarcasm.

But his mystery lady gave him a wide warm smile as she extended her hand. “Oh, we know who you are. No introduction necessary.”

He shook her hand with both of his. “Since you know who I am, can I assume you're a fan?”

“Absolutely.” She looked him in the eye, searching for something. “This is my best friend, Angie Snow, and I guess you don't recognize me. I'm Lilah. Lilah Banks?”

Reggie swallowed hard. He had met her before, and she expected him to know who she was. He had to play along until he figured it out. “Of course. You look gorgeous tonight.”

Lilah smiled up at him. “This is so crazy. We've been trying to catch up for over a week, and then we just happen to run into each other here.”

Now Reggie was beginning to sweat because he didn't have any idea what she was talking about. Maybe she had the wrong guy.

He put his hand on her shoulder and leaned down to her ear. “I'm sorry, I have to confess. I don't know what you're talking about. When were we supposed to meet?”

Lilah's brow furrowed in confusion. “Several different times over the last week. Didn't Tyler tell you about me? I was your tutor in high school math, remember? Lilah Banks.”

Reggie drew in his breath in shock. The image of a quiet studious girl flashed in his mind. “Oh my God, Lilah!”

“Yes,” she laughed. “You remember me now?”

“Of course. I'm sorry about earlier. I meet so many people, and I didn't want to hurt your feelings. But, in my defense, you've really grown up. You look fantastic.”

“Thank you.” A charming blush tinged her cheeks. “But seriously, hasn't Tyler mentioned me? The List?”

Reggie shook his head absently, still focused on the fact that this woman standing before him was the same mousy young girl who'd tutored him. “List?”

By the look on her face, Reggie began to realize this was more than just a misunderstanding.

“Why don't you refresh my memory?”

“Saturday is my thirtieth birthday. I came to New York to complete a list of fifty things I wanted to do before I turned thirty. I started it in high school.” She blushed profusely before she continued. “The first item on The List was ‘Date Reggie Martin.'”

Reggie couldn't help grinning. “That can certainly be arranged.”

Lilah shook her head. “I thought that it was. Tyler said that he told you all about me, and that he would arrange a meeting with you. You don't know anything about this?”

Reggie snapped his finger. “Oh yeah, there was something about a dinner Saturday before last. An old friend. That was you? Yeah, Tyler was pissed that I missed that. If I'd realized, believe me, I would have been there.” He turned on his most charming smile, expecting her to be placated.

Instead she seemed more upset. “Is that it? Just Saturday before last? What about last week?”

Reggie shrugged. “I was around last week.”

Lilah was clearly angry at this point, and Reggie knew that he'd made a mistake. He just wasn't sure what it was. “Are you all right?”

“Sure. I'm fine.” She shook her head, muttering, “When am I going to learn,” under her breath.

Something had gone terribly wrong. There was more to this situation than he was seeing. Then the pieces began to come together. Last week, his brother didn't ask him to meet an old friend. He'd asked him to meet his new girlfriend.

Lilah.

His brother had finally wanted something bad enough not to share. He obviously hadn't wanted Reggie as competition.

But it was too late now. Lilah was angry with Tyler and Reggie was in the perfect position to use that to his advantage.

In the taxicab ride back to Reggie's apartment, Lilah couldn't stop fuming. All this time she'd thought Tyler was helping her, he'd really been lying to her.

What had he been thinking? That she'd be flattered when she found out? It wasn't flattering that he hadn't trusted her enough to know the difference between a high school crush and a shot at true love.

Love.

Ha. What did she know about it anyway? Lilah had thought she'd been in love with Chuck and look how that had turned out. Now once again she'd fallen for someone who didn't think she could function on her own.

Lord save her from manipulative men. She was giving up. No more men. Not for a very long time.

“Are you okay? You look tense,” Reggie said.

“I'm fine. I think I might be getting a headache.” What was she doing heading to the apartment of another man? She was taking care of her list, she told herself. This would qualify as a date, and it would probably also make Tyler very angry, she thought smugly.

She wouldn't have to tell him that nothing happened. She could let him draw his own conclusions when he found out that she and Reggie had finally gotten together.

Reggie paid the taxi driver and guided her into his apartment building. They were quiet as they rode the elevator up to his place.

Lilah's palms began to get clammy as he worked the lock. She shouldn't be here. What if Reggie didn't understand that she had no intentions of sleeping with him.

She'd made a mistake, she thought in a panic.

Just as Lilah was about to ask him to call her a cab home, he nudged her into the room and ducked out, closing the door behind him.

“What the—” She stared at the closed door in shock.

Lilah felt strange—like she was in a horror movie, and she'd just been locked in a room with a ferocious beast.

“Lilah.”

Her head snapped around to see Tyler waiting for her.