Page 21 of Winning Match
Blue sky, bright sun, and vibrant flowers. Colorful buildings and delicate architecture. Proud palm trees and zipping motorbikes. A fountain with a pool of sparkling water.
“Wow,” I murmur, pressing my fingertips to my lips.
Still grinning, I turn to take in the hotel suite. It’s luxurious, decorated in creams and beiges. A high ceiling, motif of Spanish tiles cutting through the center of the walls, and high, arched windows, letting in loads of natural sunlight. It’s stunning—and mine for two more nights.
I find my purse on a small settee and dig into it to retrieve my phone. Whoa, it’s already two thirty p.m. I’ve slept the entire day away!
I guess that’s what happens when you come home with the sunrise. But, also, jet lag. That must be part of it, right?
There’s less than ten percent battery but enough juice to scan the text messages that appear on the screen.
Oh my, the Sewing Circle has a lot to say.
Judith
Did you arrive safely?
Dorothy
I’m tracking your flight. You should be there! How is it?
Gladys
Was he surprised? Did he propose?
Judith
Still waiting…
Gladys
Updates! We need them, Marlowe.
Some photos would be nice too.
I spoke to your grandpa—he hasn’t heard from you either.
I snort out a laugh. My Sewing Circle—Judith, Dorothy, and Gladys—were my grandmother Beth’s best friends. She passed when Mom was pregnant with me and since Mom’s parents both passed before she married, Mom didn’t have any female wisdom to rely on. The Sewing Circle stepped in, serving as honorary grandmothers from my very first breath.
When Mom passed twelve years ago, they became my only female role models, a foil to Grandpa and Dad.
Dorothy
It’s not nice to make the old people wait, you know?
Judith
Yeah! We could pass at any second.
I roll my eyes. Judith’s flair for dramatics is unrivaled.
Gladys
You’re worse than my grandson, Marlowe. And that’s saying something.
Dorothy
My daughter just called me! She said you’re trending on social media! Trending. Or viral? You’re something, Marlowe. Call us!!
