“Oh. Sure. Turn left here.” I point at a county road that we nearly missed. “This will lead to Interstate 80.” I pause. “Eventually.”
“Why in the hell did we go this way?”
“No reason.” I fiddle with the bottom of my skirt. A skirt I’ve only worn once. To a funeral. The top is old, but I felt like Bella would approve of this ensemble. I even tried to flat iron my hair again. It looks okay. I look fine. Better than usual, at least.
It takes us almost forty-five minutes to get to Excelsior thanks to our little detour on county roads. Once we’re in town, it’s another fifteen to find the hotel. He’s right. It is a nice one. The nicest hotel I’ve ever seen, let alone stayed in. Motels are more my speed.
“May I see your ID?” The clerk is looking at me.
“Me?”
He nods and smiles. “Yes. We need the ID of any adult occupants.”
Reaching into my purse, I pull out my wallet. Handing him my driver’s license, I wait.
“Velma Lou Hamlin,” the clerk says, absently.
“Velma?” Chase’s mouth is open and round.
“Yeah?” My voice is strong. Defiant. “What’s it to ya?”
“Like the cartoon?”
“No. Like my great-grandmother.” Geesh.
“Ah.” Chase nods as the clerk hands me back my license.
“I’m Lou. That’s what my friends call me.”
I stand to his left as he finishes checking in.
After he signs the electronic pad, he’s handed a key card. Turning, Chase raises his hand in the direction of the elevator. “Would you like to get a drink at the bar first?”
I suppose that’s a good idea. A little liquid courage would be helpful. “Sure.”
Walking ahead of him, slightly, I feel his palm touch my lower back. He whispers into my ear, “You look lovely tonight, Lou.”
“This old thing?” I tug on the blouse and giggle. When I glance at him, he’s frowning. “Sorry. Nerves.”
He suddenly stops moving and takes hold of my hand. “Lou. You’ve done this before, right?”
“Been to a bar?” I snort. “Uh, yeah.”
“No.” He smiles a little. “I mean….”
“Sex? Oh, heavens yes. I’ve had loads of sex. Lots and lots. Sooo much sex.” But it’s been a while.
“Loads and loads?”
“Okay. Not loads. I had a fiancé once a long time ago. We did it. Sure. We did it.” Oh, God. Is it hot in here? I feel like there’s sweat starting to form at my hairline, and any second, it’s going to start rolling down my face, ruining the makeup I tried hard to apply.
“You were engaged?”
We’re finally in the bar. I make my way to a small booth in the corner. Away from people. I slide in on one side expecting him to sit across from me, but he doesn’t. He moves in on the same side as me until we’re sitting hip to hip. Funny. Whenever I see couples sit like this, I always make a little fun of them in my head. One funny thought was that they were always together even at their job at the Velcro factory. But now, I believe I should rethink my feelings on the matter, because having his leg right up against mine and now his hand on my thigh. Well, it’s nice.Verynice.
“Welcome,” an extremely attractive woman says, standing next to our table. “What can I get you this evening?”
I’m about to order white wine but Chase beats me to the punch. “We’ll both have a draft beer.”
