Page 150 - The Jazzsipper Novel

149

THE JAZZ SIPPER

Vance, said Regina. Your friend and her husband are on BET. Vance
asked, what friend? I think it is Francesca. Vance knowing this could turn
into a situation said, oh yeah! Umm, I‘m listening to my music right now.
Regina gave Vance that look and smile which meant you had better not
wanted to see her. Vance was happy that Francesca was doing well for
herself and apparently had gotten into a good relationship. Regina had
some recent news herself about an old friend. She had heard that Levi
had met his match and injured his hands trying to protect himself from
some young nurse who did not like being two timed. Now he is teaching
medicine instead of practicing it.

Finally, Vance thought, the wedding day. It was Saturday, September
24, 1988. The day before his 27th birthday; he was a little hung over from
his bachelor party that Raheem put together for him. Vance really could
not remember hardly anything that happened. When he saw Uncle Frank,
he asked what happen last night, Vance you passed out? Vance hunched
his shoulders, so you really don’t remember anything Uncle Frank said
smiling. No, Vance said. Good son, now your Aunt Jessie cannot pull
anything out of you. Just then Aunt Jessie walked up looking like a WWll
Nazi Germany Interrogator; Uncle Frank smiled and patted Vance on his
back and said congratulations.

Larry from the Band came to play for the wedding and was talking with
Dee Dee. They looked like they were in a deep conversation. Larry was
using the stage name Larry Norvellie. Ever since Larry’s name had
become synonymous with Jazz, woman began taking a whole lot of
interest in him. Larry filled Vance in on the rest of the band; they all
seemed to be doing well for themselves. Larry and Vance began joking
about Vance seeing an old friend from Europe. Vance reminded Larry