Even though she was dressed casually, Katherine Buckley looked visibly uncomfortable as she approached ClubAfrique from the beach.
"Private party tonight," the doorman said as she walked up.
"I, uh, should be on the invite list," Katherine replied in a midwestern accent, a trace of self-doubt in her voice. "Katie Buckley? I'm here to meet with Mister... uh... Boss..."
The doormen shook their head slightly, but waved her through. "Of all the names to forget!" one exclaimed to the other as she went in.
Katherine made her way into the lounge area and looked around. It was mostly black faces, but she was relieved to see a few white women in the crowd, too. With the assistance of a waiter, she managed to find the table of Morris Bossongo, though she was a little confused to see another white girl already present.
"Ah, Miss Buckley!" Morris said, "Let us get you a chair. Please join us!" Katherine smiled politely, glancing at the other woman. Was she merely a date, or some unexpected competition? One of the staff placed a chair on the other side of Morris, and she took a seat. "I'm Katie," she called across the table.
"Amber, nice to meet..." the other woman managed to reply before Morris shushed her.
"Please, the show is about to begin! No more talking!"
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