It was a rare sweltering night, one where your clothes stuck to your body like a second skin in October. Tara applied the final touches to her makeup. Stacy sat on the bed, vibrating with energy. She has to be battery-powered; she never gets tired. Tara mused as she looked at her best friend in the mirror. “I can’t believe it’s October already, Tara. What’s next? We wake up tomorrow in 1987?” And next week 1988. Please. T...

1986 Los Angeles Club Nightwear took Los Angeles by storm. On the weekends, it was nearly impossible to get in unless you knew somebody. Though thematically distinct, it was often compared to New York’s famed Studio 54. Sylvie was not one of ‘the people’ who could get in on the weekends, but she was there during the week. Tuesday was Black Night. Only black underwear or lingerie was allowed. Sylvie handed her coat to the...

July 11, 1986 Maggie parked in her usual spot at club nightwear. She was wearing her outfit under a raincoat. As she approached the door, Marcus spotted her. “Mags! How are you, chère?” Maggie held up a large bag. “Rice, red beans and rice, collards, and shrimp etouffee.” “No!” Marcus took the bag, set it on a stool, and picked Maggie up in a bear hug. “Chère, you spoil Marcus.” “Not just you, Cajun. There is plenty for y...