Page 27 of Drop Three

You’d think the goal of this hotel’s management is for you to leave as soon as possible, not book another night’s stay.

Truthfully, I wouldn’t even call this dump a hotel. It’s more like a motel from down under.

I don’t know what I expected from only paying fifty dollars a week, but a little pride in their business wouldn’t hurt.

Unfortunately, I can’t afford to pay any more than that. I mean, I can, but it would surely bankrupt me in no time. I’m capable of suffering through the temporary. I know people who have adapted in worse, my brother, for example, so I consider myself fortunate to have a place to rest my head at night.

Once I’ve made my face presentable, I lather some styling cream into my naturally bouncy red curls, letting their wildness become my entire personality, and head to the closet for an outfit.

I’m meeting Tenley for dinner tonight at a new restaurant in town; it’s been forever since we’ve had a chance to catch up. I’ll head to the restaurant right after work, wishing the hours to pass until I see her pretty face.

When considering my options, I need to look professional but casual enough for dinner and drinks—something that can transition from modest and professional to sexy and chic in seconds.

My outfit choices are limited since most of my clothes are in storage. After searching and finding nothing that screams at me, I settle on some basics and attempt to find a way to elevate them.

Despite being an avid shopper, life blessed me with some challenges. One of them is entirely out of my control. I’m tall as shit, something that has never bothered me but makes shopping difficult. I have to ask the salespeople if they carry extra-long lengths, and they dare to look at me like I’m crazy.

I’m not; I’m thorough and know my size.

Have you seen the length of my legs? Do you carry giraffe sizing? I will need to see that line, please and thank you.

I count my blessings because I was smart enough to pack all my high-waisted trousers. The color choices are endless, and I land on navy blue.

I pair them with a lime green, pink, and white patterned silk tank top that can be tucked in. My matching navy blazer and white pointed-toe heels complete the look perfectly. I’ll have to layer myself in a thick coat to brave the cold, but I plan to remove the blazer for dinner to give myself more of the casual vibe I strive for when I’m not working.

I take one last look in the mirror and evaluate myself.

It could be better—it could also be worse.

Well, this is as good as it’s going to get.

I snatch my keys off the counter, fling my oversized handbag over my shoulder, and confirm the bright pink of my lip color is vibrant enough.

Color confirmed. I’m looking flirty and thriving.

Today is going to be a great day. I can feel it in the air.

I feel like my best self, and nothing could happen today to change that.

10

NAVY

Kodi:Hey bitch. How’d your interview with Jack go?

Navy:Eh, it went fine. He wasn’t really in it, you know? I’m not sure what’s up with Tay, but it doesn’t look good.

Kodi:I hate that for them. Did he seem okay after the loss before the World Series playoffs? I didn’t get to talk to him after that game.

Navy:He seemed fine to me. Prob has other things on his mind.

Navy:Also, you suck for not making dinner. I miss you, Kodi.

Kodi:Ugh I’m sorry! I wish I could be there. Your stupidly hot brother planned a date night in, so I really can’t complain.

Navy:Sounds like something old married people do for fun.

Kodi:We are married…remember…you were there…haha

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