Page 4 of Low love Low fidelity

Tossing the decorative pillows onto the mildly stained sofa, I turned back to the queen-sized bed. Then I pulled the comforter and sheets down on the side closest to the window. The first thing I searched for were bedbugs. Waiting, I brushed my eyes all over the all-white, open beddings. I was sure to push the remaining pillows apart, still observing closely.

Standing back, I pulled my phone from the desk to check the time. Learning I hadn’t missed any calls or texts relieved me. That’s when I remembered to send one myself.

Me: Hey Scott! Landed and arrived safely at my hotel.

My dutiful attention returned to the bed. No black dots or movements.

Okay…

I punched the pillows, comforter, and mattress. Moving down the bed, I did the same until the bed was no longer “perfectly made,” but ruffled and used apparently. Then I went to the large, opened suitcase and pulled out the pajamas I woke up in this morning, tossing them aimlessly onto the bed. Next, I retrieved my toiletry bag from the suitcase and carried it into the bathroom. I unpacked the essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap I sat inside of the sink under running water, deodorant, mouthwash, lotion, and basic makeup.

I shut off the faucet, placed theGrayson’s Skincaresoap inside the shower, then ran the water. Next was placing the floor towel in front of the tub. The second I turned off the water, I caught the chirping of my phone, out near the television. Giving the bathroom a last inspection, I ambled back out into the room.

Scott:Glad ur safe Hve fun

A smile opened on the inside and outside of me. I was grateful for his concern, and hoped he’d have a wonderful rest of the week, into the weekend. Changing a thirteen-year-old’s schedule on a Wednesday to the point of him being away from his home could be a challenge, especially after the past few days we’d had.

I spent the next few minutes unpacking my things, setting my old shoes in a corner near the dorm room-sized fridge, strewing random shirts and pants over the sofa and office chair. The goal was to create a realistic, pell-mell appearance.Why? This isn’t necessary. Yet and still, I worked my planned agenda. The moment I felt satisfied, I exhaled, stomach turning over again. TheMauvefrom the Raleigh-Durham airport was long gone from my brain at this point. Now, unmedicated, my nerves ran wild.

I almost leaped in place when a rap at my door sounded.

With shaky hands, I pulled the door open. “Hey girl!”

“Lennox!” she playfully shouted. I backed away to allow Lisa inside, hugging her as she passed by me. “This place ain’t as bad as I thought.”

“You think I’d stay at a rinky-dink hole in the wall?” I followed behind her to quickly grab my things.

“Nuh—yeah.” Lisa laughed at herself. “That’s why I was tripping when you saidRed Carpetin Newark. I didn’t think this place fit your style.”

I snickered. “It’s convenient…close to the airport. Besides, I only plan to sleep here this week, into the weekend. I have so many people to see and hug. You’re the first.” I grabbed my coat. “Let’s go. It’s still early. Let me treat you to happy hour.Checkerboardis open. We can chat there then head over to the pub.”

“That club Ragee, the singer, owns?”

I nodded, noticing my friend hadn’t lost the weight put on by her last child, who was almost three-years-old. “Yeah. It’s really nice. Decent food and excellent drinks.” I winked.

“You’ve been there before?”

“Yea—oh!” I suddenly recalled. “You came late last homecoming. I forgot. Yeah. I got us a booth there. It was really nice. How lucky were we that Ragee just so happened to be there that night!”

“Oh! I remember.” Lisa grabbed her forehead, keys in her hand. “He didn’t perform.”

“Right.”

“But he had dinner at a table not too far from y’all.”

I nodded, remembering the night with fondness.

“Okay, girl! I’ll be courted any day. It ain’t like Aaron’s on his job in that department no more.” She rolled her eyes.

Laughing at her joke, I observed out loud, “You look good, Lisa. You really do.”

Her hands automatically went to her hair. “Me? Really?” Eyes wild and uncertain. “I don’t know anymore. With this baby fat and the bags under my eyes. My knees cracking like a granny. Gurrrrl!” She rolled her eyes as I laughed.

“Join the club. When they told us beauty is fleeting, so run alongside it like a damn shadow for as long as you can…” We snickered. “Girl, we should’ve listened.”

“You know!” She lifted a hand for a hi-five. “But you look amazing as always. I see you with that tiny waist. And those natural curls and blonde streaks still popping!” Her torso swayed side-to-side rhythmically.

Subconsciously, my hand went to finger my curls. “I was considering cutting it all off. Sculpting into my Halle Berry.”

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