4. The Queen’s Court

Chapter 4

The Queen’s Court

“ D id you bring any Drink Me Juice ?” Hugo asked as he exited the black SUV.

“What’s Drink Me Juice ?” Alice asked as she exited the passenger side.

“You know, the blue liquid that sobers you up. You wrote Drink Me on it the night I passed out. I thought that’s what it was called?”

“Oh, that,” Alice said. “I never really gave it a name.”

“Sounds like it has a name now.”

“There’s a box for Ez in the back. One should be in there. Why?”

“Well, it’ll determine how much I drink tonight,” Hugo replied as he opened the back gate. He rummaged through a box. “Yep. There’s one here. Sounds like tonight is going to be fun.”

The SUV beeped as he shut the gate and locked the doors. Alice held out her hand, and Hugo took it.

Alice smiled as they turned the corner. They parked on a side street away from the main traffic of High Street, which was hopping on a Saturday night. Cars drove up and down the street. People stumbled from bar to bar. College students reveled in the school’s latest football victory. Some reveled too much as their friends helped them back home.

“So, tell me. How many times were you stumbling down this street heading back to the dorms?” Alice asked.

“You know what they say about us finance guys,” he replied.

“Let me guess . . . Numbers by day. Party at night?”

“Something like that,” Hugo replied.

Alice chuckled. “I never took you for a party animal.”

“I was a much different man in college,” Hugo said. “I can tell you were too.”

“Oh, yeah? What can you tell about me?”

“I bet you were all kinds of trouble. Fun trouble,” Hugo said with a sly smile.

“I resent that,” Alice said as she lightly smacked him across the chest. “Even if it is true.”

Hugo rubbed his black shirt where she struck him. “Two party animals, back on the town. Reliving their glory days.”

“You might be, but this was a typical Saturday night for me,” Alice said. “My friends and I would always go out for a night of dancing on the weekends.”

Alice hadn’t been out dancing since before her move to Newbury Grove. Not because she couldn’t convince Hugo to go dancing, but there weren’t the type of nightclubs she frequently visited. One catered more toward her aesthetic.

They approached The Heart and Rose in an older, rectangular building set on a street corner independent from other buildings. Two-story tall windows filled one side of the building overlooking the side street. A small, over capacity parking lot was on the other side.

The building appeared to cry black tears as a layer of dirt and grime dripped down the stone and brick facade. A black awning spanned the front of the building. A pole held the white, rectangular marquee high above the street, emblazoned with the same logo as Sebastian’s forearm tattoo .

An electric mixture of music filled the street as the pounding beats seeped through the walls and doors. People were entering and leaving. All dressed in black.

Alice couldn’t wait. She opened the door, instead of waiting for Hugo’s chivalrous gesture.

The nightclub was a mixture of darkness and laser lights transitioning through an array of colors. The walls, flooring, and ceiling were painted black. Crimson red curtains covered the windows. A DJ booth stood in the corner to her left as she entered, and a dance stage was in the corner to her right. The bar lined the left wall with a storage room off to the side. A black and white checkerboard tiled dance floor dominated the center. A balcony overlooked the entire establishment, emitting a gentle glow from within its depths.

Alice could hardly contain her glee. She danced with the music in the entryway. Her low-cut, thick-soled shoes tapped the floor. Her hips swayed to the beats of the music, and her shoulders tried to keep up.

“Five-dollar entry fee,” the doorman yelled over the sounds. He was dressed head to toe in black clothing, blending into the darkness. He was only highlighted by the soft glow of a lamp on top of a makeshift desk strewn with a money box, a hand stamp, a metal detector wand, and promotional ads for upcoming events.

Hugo took out his wallet and handed the doorman ten dollars.

He placed the money in the box and stamped their hands before waving the wand over them. “Enjoy.”

They made their way into the crowd. Hugo strolled, while Alice bounced with the beats. An eclectic mix filled the dance floor. Some wore very revealing mesh and fishnet stockings. Others in leather and vinyl. Some, like Hugo, dressed in pants and long-sleeve shirts. Almost all dressed in all black. They blended seamlessly with the shadows, gracefully dancing in the darkness, their forms illuminated only by the vibrant lights swirling around the club.

Alice wore a mixture of everything. A black top with mesh sleeves with cut-outs for her thumbs. Fishnet stockings under a black leather skirt. Thick soled, low-cut shoes for dancing. She had left her hat and tailcoat at home as she planned to dance the night away unencumbered, letting her inhibitions run wild.

“Join me on the stage,” Alice pleaded. “Please.”

“That’s your thing. I’ll stand by the bar and watch.”

“I thought party animal Hugo was coming out to play tonight.” Alice made a pouty face.

He bowed his head to hide his smile. “Get enough drinks in me, and I’ll consider it.”

“Deal.”

“Speaking of which, the usual?”

“Yep, but first, I dance.” She was spellbound by the mixture of synthwave, industrial, and electronic beats enticing her as she danced her way to the stage.

Alice sprinted up the stage steps to join the other revelers. Her body exuded confidence and grace as she gyrated to the pulsating, electronic beats. A pinkish, red glow bathed her every move. Her presence and aura captivated the onlookers as they mimicked her movements.

She lost herself in the music, channeling her energy into a dazzling display of fluid movement. Her arms snaked and glided through the air like she was using unseen patterns to conjure forth a spell. A spell which enthralled anyone who beheld her movements. Each gesture more dynamic and daring than the last. Her body was an instrument for her soul to express pure joy.

Alice swayed her hips to the sensual beats. Each step purposeful, repositioning herself for the next improvised dance move. Her feet glided across the stage as she twisted, swirled, and stomped. Elegant and impeccable with every step. Her vibrant purple hair wildly swayed as it struggled to keep up with her movements.

She danced with a few people before breaking back out on her own. Song after song played. Her mind, body, and soul fused to become one. Time lost all meaning. There was only the moment. Everyone was connected by the universal language of music and dance.

Alice lost track of how long she’d been on the stage. She searched for Hugo in the crowd. Her mind raced with thoughts of enticing him to join her on the stage. Alice’s eyes adjusted to the darkness against the bright lights of the stage. Even in the darkness, she could find him. He was standing at the corner of the bar talking to a man. She could only make out his outline, but she recognized him from dinner earlier. Sebastian. Alice stopped dancing and strutted off the stage to meet them.

“I’m so glad you could make it,” Sebastian said. “I see you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Very much so, thank you,” Alice replied.

Hugo took a sip from his old fashioned as he handed Alice her vodka cranberry. “I was telling Sebastian I used to pass by this place when I was in college. I remember when it was a pool hall.”

“I’d love for you to meet my wife, Sylvia. She’s standing at the balcony railing right now,” Sebastian said, pointing up and waving.

The silhouette of a woman against the backlight stood at the railing. One hand on the railing, another holding what appeared to be a wine goblet.

“She likes to hold court up there with the VIPs, but I think I can get you an audience with her highness.” He chuckled.

Hugo and Alice waved up. The woman retreated from the railing.

“That’d be great,” Alice said as she took a sip. “I’d love to meet her.”

“Come along,” Sebastian said as he led them toward a set of stairs.

Alice followed, but Hugo tapped her arm to stop her.

“Look.” Hugo pointed to the bar and raised an eyebrow at Alice.

Bottles of Red-Hearted Queen stood amongst the other bottles of alcohol behind the bar.

“Don’t see too many wines at a bar.”

“Well, besides mine,” Alice said .

“I guess if you’re selling alcohol, you might as well sell yours too,” Hugo said as they caught up to Sebastian.

He led them to a set of U-shaped stairs. A massive man blocked the stairs from unwelcome visitors.

“Evening, Mr. Savino.” The man stepped aside.

“Good evening. They’re with me,” Sebastian said.

“Yes, sir.”

Alice and Hugo followed Sebastian up the stairs.

The balcony was well decorated. Two crimson, high-back chairs were surrounded by couches and other assortments of furniture. The soft glow of lamps in the corners provided light in the otherwise dark space. An oversized fireplace dominated the middle of the back wall. A player piano was set against the wall. Sebastian moved around the high-back chairs.

“My love, our special guests are here,” Sebastian said to the woman on the other side.

She set a wineglass on a table next to her. The dark, reddish liquid sloshed back and forth as she set it down. She stood and emerged from around the chair to greet them, staring Alice directly in the eyes.

Alice gasped, shocked at her exquisite beauty and enchanted by her presence. She was tall and slender like a fashion model. Strawberry blonde hair parted to her left and cascaded down below her shoulder in luscious waves. Her intense blue eyes were like sparkling sapphires enhanced by a touch of black mascara. Her face was sculpted to perfection with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline. Her pouty lips accentuated her natural beauty with a sense of strength and determination.

“Welcome to The Heart and Rose. I’m Sylvia Savino,” she said, slightly bowing. “Please. Come sit.” She motioned for them to sit on an adjoining couch.

Alice couldn’t take her eyes off Sylvia, enthralled by her remarkable fashion sense. Her leather jacket fit snugly against her curvy frame—white with a red stripe across the shoulders, a modern take on an '80s design. The large lapels and a smooth texture accentuated her feminine magnetism. She wore a simple black top beneath her jacket that didn’t distract Alice’s eyes from her natural beauty. The black leather pants complementing her look hugged the curves of her hips and left nothing to the imagination.

Alice’s heart fluttered as she was hypnotized and captivated by her beauty.

“It’s not polite to stare,” Hugo whispered to Alice.

Hugo’s words broke her trance. Alice blushed and followed him to the couches. Sebastian sat next to Sylvia in the other high-back chair.

Sylvia picked up her wineglass and took a drink. “Sebastian told me we’re neighbors,” Sylvia said over the pulsating beats below.

“We live in the purple house. You can’t miss it.” Hugo chuckled.

“I love what you did with the house,” Sylvia said. “It’s so unique and . . . interesting.”

“I can’t take credit for it. She painted it before I moved in.” Hugo motioned to Alice with his head.

Alice sat frozen, only to take the occasional sip from her vodka cranberry, unable to pull her eyes off Sylvia.

Hugo continued, “Your house actually used to be mine.”

“How interesting,” Sylvia said. “It’s a quaint little house. You took care of it well.”

Hugo glanced to his empty ring finger. “Thank you. It was a great home, but I have a better one now.” He placed his hand on Alice’s leg.

Hugo’s touch broke Alice’s gaze from Sylvia. The room swirled as she became lightheaded. Her heart raced.

Hugo leaned in and whispered, “Everything okay?”

Alice brought her drink up to shield her mouth from the Savinos’ view. “I’m fine. Just got lightheaded for a moment. Drinking and dancing.” She took a sip.

“Ah,” Hugo replied.

“Are you enjoying yourselves?” Sylvia asked .

“It’s been great,” Alice replied. “I could see myself here every Saturday night.”

“Well, I hope so,” Sylvia replied. “I was watching you. You’re a great dancer.”

“Thank you,” Alice said.

“So, what brought you to Newbury Grove?” Hugo asked.

Sylvia took a drink and set it down. “We wanted a quieter life. A smaller place to unwind. We run a small restaurant and nightclub empire. A few establishments in a few cities. Nothing much. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. We wanted some place quiet and disconnected from everything else. Where we could relax and be ourselves.”

“Well, Ravenhill Drive is just that—quiet,” Hugo said.

The pulsating beats echoed off the walls.

“It’s fairly loud in here and not exactly the best place to introduce ourselves,” Sylvia said. The oppressive sounds grew louder and louder. “We would love to get together and get to know each other in a more intimate setting.”

“Yeah, that would be great,” Alice said.

“Perfect. We tend to work late, and we’re not exactly morning people. How about tomorrow night?” Sylvia asked. “We’d love to have you over for dinner.”

Hugo and Alice nodded at each other.

“That’d be wonderful,” Alice replied.

“Prefect. Let’s say . . . seven tomorrow. I look forward to our conversations,” Sylvia said with a smile. “Now, go enjoy yourselves. Tell the bartender Sylvia said your tab was covered.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Alice protested.

“Please. Consider it us being neighborly,” Sebastian replied.

“Thank you,” Hugo said. “We look forward to tomorrow.”

“As do we,” Sylvia said with a smile.

Alice stood up and took Hugo’s hand. “Come on. You owe me that dance.”