Hanging Out At The Den Part 2

Let's check in on the happenings at The Den.  When we were last here, Kara was doing a tribute to Phyliss Hyman.  Since that time, she and Chris have finished their first set, and have moved on to the second set after a 15 minute break.  In their second set she did a tribute to Anita Baker.  The words of this song are perfect for the occasion.  

Anita Baker - You Bring Me Joy

Kara has made her way off the stage and has gotten closer to the audience as she is singing.

Darius and Nikki have made their way to the floor.  David and Leslie danced most of the first set and have continued dancing in the second set. 

"So how long do you want to stay?"  (Bruce)

"At least until the second set is over."  (Shantavia)

Bruce is anxious to be alone with Shantavia.

"Isn't that your friend, Halle?"  (Terrance)

"It certainly is.  I should go say hi, but they are looking awfully cozy.  I'll wait a little bit."  (Racquel)

Halle and Diego are cozy as they are enjoying Kara's singing.

"When I lose my way, your love comes shining on me...."  (Kara, singing the lyrics to the song)

Harrison has been busy making sure everything at the club is running smoothly.  He finally returns to Tina.

"Come with me."  (Harrison)

"Where are we going?" (Tina)

"To my office.  I have something for you."  (Harrison)

"So what about Disney World?"  (Danielle)

"That's not quite what I had in mind for our honeymoon."  (Rod)

"I know, but think about it.  We could take the kids and spend a couple of days with them at the park, and then they could spend the rest of the time at my mom's house."  (Danielle)

"Why am I not surprised that you have incorporated the kids into our honeymoon plans?"  (Rod)

"I know you wanted it to be just the two of us, but will you at least think about it?"  (Danielle)

"You know I love you, right?"  (Darius)

"Yes, I know, but it's nice to hear it."  (Nikki)

Off in the distance, Halle catches a glimpse of them dancing together.  She had noticed them earlier sitting in VIP, when she saw her friend, Racquel.

Diego can sense that she is a little preoccupied.

"Honey, is everything okay?"  (Diego)

Looking at Diego and hearing the concern in his voice, her heart skips a beat.  For the first time she realizes somewhere along the way, she has fallen in love with him.  Yes, she still feels something when she looks at Darius.  She just knows that it is not love.  

"It's more than okay."  (Halle)

Kara has finished the second set.

"I want to thank you all for coming out tonight.  We hope you will come see us again.  We are here every third Friday of the month.  But the night is not over.  Please stay and enjoy the smooth tunes from DJ Rohan.  Goodnight."  (Kara)

"Why didn't you lovebirds make it out to the dance floor?"  (Leslie)

"Well, I see you two still know how to light up the dance floor." (Terrance)

'

"Great job, honey."  (Chris)

"Thanks. Right back at you.  I'm going to go to the bathroom.  Check to see what your sisters are doing.  It would be nice to have a drink with them before we leave."  (Kara)

"I just love hearing them perform together.  I hope I can get them to play at my wedding."  (Payton)

"What wedding?  I didn't know you were engaged."  (Marisa)

"Oh, I'm not, but I would like to think one day I will get married."  (Payton)

"Does that mean you are finally seeing someone?"  (Marisa)

"Not exactly.  But you know me, it doesn't take long for me to find someone."  (Payton)

"And even less time for you to lose him."  (Marisa)

"Haha.  I've changed since you last saw me."  (Payton)

Racquel decides to go say hi to Halle before she and Terrance call it a night.

"Ahem."  (Racquel)

"Racquel!  Hey girl."  (Halle)

"Hello you two."  (Racquel)

Halle stands and gives her friend a big hug.  With their busy schedules, it's been awhile since they have seen each other.

"And how are you Diego?"  (Racquel)

"I'm doing great.  Nice to see you again."  (Diego)

"Halle, we really have to get together soon.  It's been way too long."  (Racquel)

"I agree.  I'll call you tomorrow.  Tell Terrance I said hello and he could have walked over to say hi."  (Halle)

"Him and Darius have started talking business, which was the perfect time for me to leave.  Why don't you two come over and sit with us." (Racquel)

"No thank you.  We are getting ready to head out."  (Halle)

They hug once more to say goodbye.  Racquel heads back to her seat.  Halle and Diego kanoodle a little more before heading out.

Epilogue 

Well, well, well.  I guess Halle has moved on.  Thank goodness!  Oh, she told me to tell you, that she is human and may be tempted occasionally by a handsome man, but she is committed to Diego.

Nikki Spends Her Saturday Relaxing (Photostory)

It's Saturday late morning, and Nikki has decided to relax today.  She's usually out and about running errands and tying loose ends, but not today.

She has decided to watch TV most of the day.  She is starting with a little HGTV.   She'll probably spend a little time on the Food Network, and then catching up on some of her drama shows.

Darius is at the gym, but due back any moment. 

"Hey hon, you're back.  How was your workout?"  (Nikki)

"It was okay.  The gym was way too crowded today.  I may have to switch my days around."  (Darius)

"Well, take a load off and come sit with me."  (Nikki)

 

"What are you watching?"  (Darius)

"This new show on home renovation."  (Nikki)

"Are you hungry?  Want me to fix you some lunch?"  (Nikki)

"No.  I had a big protein shake after my workout.  I won't be ready for lunch for a couple more hours.  But I think I will get some orange juice.  Want some?"  (Darius)

"No.  I'm good."  (Nikki)

"Your aunt called to remind us about the luncheon tomorrow for Kendra."  (Nikki)

"Oh shoot.  Good thing she called.  I was hoping to get some golfing in tomorrow."  (Darius)

"That's okay.  I'll just have to reschedule.  It will be nice to get together with the family."  (Darius)

"I know.  It's been awhile since we've spent any time with them."  (Nikki)

"Everyone has just been so busy."  (Darius)

"I forgot to ask your aunt if she wanted us to bring anything."  (Nikki)

"I wouldn't worry about that.  My aunt is the consummate entertainer.  She is not going to want any help."  (Darius) 

"Okay.  So about tonight, do you want to do anything special?"  (Nikki)

"No.  I have a ton of paperwork I have to get to and since I won't have time to work on it tomorrow, I better knock it out tonight.  You okay with that?"  (Darius)

"Perfectly fine.  I will just continue vegetating right here on this sofa."  (Nikki)

The renovation show has gone off and now there is a real estate show airing.

"Honey have you ever considered doing your own real estate show? "  (Nikki)

"No, not really.  I don't think I want to venture into that hornet's nest.  I would rather do what I do and leave the acting to others."  (Darius)

"I think you would be good at it.  You have so much knowledge you could share with others."  (Nikki)

"Thanks for your vote of confidence, but I'm going to pass on that one."  (Darius)

Well, I guess the Langfords are throwing some type of celebration for Kendra and her husband and the new baby.  I guess I need to go check things out over there to see what she has planned.  Hope to see you there.

Even Darius Was Relaxing at the Pool

Prelude:  After all the Danielle and Melanie drama, I needed a relaxing story.  So I went back to the pool.  This dio was still up because I knew I wanted to do one more story before dismantling it.  At the time I shot the pictures, the sun was perfect.  I had a good ol' time.  After finishing the pictures, I went ahead and dismantled the dio.  Then I went to the computer to edit and post.  DRAMA ensued when I realized all that time I didn't have the camera card in the camera, so I had NOTHING!  So much for a relaxing story.  My old camera would never let me shoot without a camera card.  This new camera just lets you go on your merry way, just shooting up a storm.  My first, second and third thoughts were, "I'm not doing it over".  But Darius was in swim trunks.  They really should see that.  So I redid the dio and shot pictures, again.   The sun was no longer perfect.

 My son, Tyler and his friend Dillon, are playing ball in the pool.  

China and her daughter, Taylor are there just enjoying the water.

Of course my daughter, Alicia, is harassing her brother every chance she gets.

Darius has a couple of days off, so he and Nikki came with Kendra to the pool.  She really wanted to get out of the house.

China's sister, Sylvia and her baby, Sophie are hanging out, too.

 

Jason and Lynn have just arrived with baby Layla.

"So how's the water?"  (Sylvia)

"Cold, but it feels good."  (China)

"Mommy, I'm thirsty."  (Taylor)

"Hand me the water, and I will give you some."  (China)

"Did you forget the juice?" (Taylor)

There is whining in the background.  Baby Sophie is looking for some attention.

"Honey, her swim lessons start in two months.  I was thinking we should bring her to the pool at least once a week to get her used to the water."  (Lynn) 

"What's wrong little mama?  You should be sleep by now.  Is it too hot?  Come on."  (Sylvia)

"MOM WATCH THIS."  (Tyler)

"Stop yelling.  I'm watching."  (me - Vanessa)

Alicia is quickly making her way to the ladder.  I jump into action to catch up with her.

"And where are you going, missy?"  (me-Vanessa)

"Are you sure you are ready for all that baby and toddler action, sis?"  (Darius)

"I am more than ready."  (Kendra)

 

"And when are you going to be ready?"  (Darius)

"Ready for what?!" Nikki

"Babies and toddlers."  (Darius)

"We already agreed that kids would not fit into our lifestyle." (Nikki)

"Well a guy can change his mind, can't he?"  (Darius)

"No.  A woman can change her mind, but a man does not have that right."  (Nikki)

The boys are taking a break from the pool.

"Mom, can Dillon and I play Xbox when we get home."  (Tyler)

"Dillon's mom made it perfectly clear that he is to come straight home after swimming."  (me-Vanessa)

"Can't you call her?"  (Tyler)

"DARIUS!"  (Nikki)

"Well, I'm waiting for an answer."  (Darius)

"These shoes cost $300 and they are not waterproof."  (Nikki)

"Wrong answer."  (Darius)

"Okay, okay.  I will reconsider our agreement.  Now put me down."  (Nikki)

"Do you really want me to put you down?"  (Darius)

"Yes, because I don't trust you around that water."  (Nikki)

"You can be so silly sometimes."  (Nikki)

"I just know how to negotiate and get what I want."  (Darius)

"Darling, that was not negotiating, that was blackmail."  (Nikki)

"It's the same difference.  We are just using different terms."  (Darius)

Jason and Layla are getting acclimated to the water.

"Honey, is it cold?"  (Lynn)

"Come in with us, and see."  (Jason)

"No, I can't get my hair wet.  I won't have time to do it before work tomorrow."  (Lynn)

"Your hair keeps you from doing so many fun things."  (Jason)

"I don't expect you to understand."  (Lynn)