Page 146 - The Jazzsipper Novel

145

THE JAZZ SIPPER

see some family. Bet, Vance said and it’s on me I will square up with you
when you get back to the ATL.

They dapped each other and Raheem took off heading to the city. The city
where he would say he was ‘all you can be,’ As Raheem disappeared with the
rental car; Vance smiled and walked into Dee Dee’s house. He scolded
Regina and Dee Dee for taking a chance like that and putting themselves in
danger and into harm’s way. Afterwards, they sat around laughing at the
insanity of Regina and Dee Dee plan. Vance contacted the maid at the motel,
she said that the room stunk and the man left in a hurry. Also, that Vance
owed her more money because she got stuck having to clean up the stinking
room. She had to throw away the soiled linen and the stinking man’s
underwear. Vance smiled at how fast the lady was talking and what she
probably said when she went into the room. Okay Vance said cutting her off,
what time do you get off? In a few hours, she answered. Alright, on my way
to the airport I will stop by and give you some more money. All of sudden the
lady’s English came perfectly clear, thank you sir. Vance thought the lady
sounded like she was smiling. Regina convinced Dee Dee to fly out and join
Ted on the road for the remaining games he had left on the west coast. She
and Vance began their trip back to the ATL. But, before going to the airport
Vance had the taxi driver stop by the motel and he gave Antonia, the maid
$500.00 more and a hug. Then Vance said, thank you Miss. Invaluable, they
laughed and Vance was back in the taxi headed to LaGuardia airport.

Once the flight took off Regina asked Vance if he liked the jazz cut by Louis
Armstrong, entitled ‘What a Wonderful World.’ Vance smiled and he said that
he use to play the song daily aboard the ship when he was in the Navy. At