I didn’t expect him to reply any time soon, so I locked the phone and slid it back into my pocket. Then I cleaned up the water droplets that had scattered on the counter from me washing my glass. I folded the towel and set it on the countertop before leaving the kitchen for my room. If I were going out to a club, I would need to find something to wear. I didn’t have thetime to go out and find something new. I had to find something within the confines of my closet.
I stepped into the walk-in closet and passed the rack that held all my daily things. I moved to the side that held the stuff I just wanted out of the way. I had several summer dresses that were cute, but not really fitting for the club scene. I had a formal dress that I wore when I was in a family member’s wedding last spring and a simple black dress that I hadn’t had the chance to wear yet. I wasn’t much of a dress girl, but there were times in life when you needed a dress, and that was why I bought the black dress. I knew I’d need something eventually, and I figured the black dress would work for a wide variety of events: date night, club night, and last-minute funeral. Black could fit in anywhere.
I took it off the hanger and slung it over my shoulder as I continued to look through my closet. I took down a cropped denim jacket to throw over the sleeveless dress, then dug out a pair of heels. I laid everything out on the bed before going into the attached bathroom to get ready.
Usually, I wasn’t the type of girl who would make a fuss about going out, but I figured, why not? It was my night off, so I may as well make a night of it. I took my time in the shower, washing my hair and body, and shaving until every inch below my eyebrows was soft and smooth.
When I climbed out, I dried off and applied lotion, then moved right into my get-ready routine: drying and curling my hair in soft beach waves and putting on more makeup than I ever wore.
I had just finished getting dressed when I thought to recheck my phone. I expected Roman to text me back, but I still hadn’t received anything. I knew that Saturday was my day off, and that was why Sophia was already with Monica, but I still wanted a definitive answer. I would’ve hated to leave just for Sophia tobe brought home. When I had everything ready to go and still hadn’t heard back from Roman, I headed toward the door. I stopped in the living room to pull my jacket on, and that’s when the front door opened.
“Sasha!” Sophia yelled as she came running toward me. She wrapped her arms around my legs in a big hug.
“Oh, hi,” I said, patting her back, my eyes moving toward Monica as she walked into the room. “Hey.”
“Well, you look nice,” Monica said, pulling Sophia away from my legs and dropping to one knee to help her off with her coat. “Were you going out?”
“Yeah, some friends invited me out, but I don’t have to go. I can stay,” I offered.
“What? No! Go,” she insisted.
“What about?” I motioned toward Sophia.
She rolled her eyes and stood with Sophia’s jacket. Sophia rushed off. “I can stay with her while I get a hold of Roman.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, feeling uneasy about it. I didn’t want Roman to use it as an excuse to think I didn’t take my job seriously.
“Seriously, Sasha, go. It’s your day off. You need a life outside of this house. Trust me.”
I bite my lower lip. “I don’t know… I’m just worried that Roman?—”
“Don’t worry about him. I’ll handle him. Go.”
“But—”
“Nope,” she said, shaking her head. “Go.”
I rolled my eyes and smiled. “You’re sure?”
She just cocked her head to the side and looked at me with lifted brows.
“Thanks. You’re the best.” I pushed forward, heading for the door. “Tell Sophia goodnight for me.” I pulled the door open and stepped out.
In a way, I felt like a teenage kid getting permission to go out with friends. But on the other hand, I also felt like a tired mom who hired a babysitter for the evening. Neither of which I was. It was the first time I thought I might start going out more. Maybe my friends were right.
I metup with my friend group outside of the club, and they all welcomed me with excitement and warm hugs.
“Sash, this is Gavin, the guy I’ve been telling you about,” Parker said, pulling a guy to her side.
I looked up at him and offered a smile.
“Nice to meet you,” I said, taking in his football jersey. Of course, Parker was dating a football player.
He returned the smile and nodded. “You too. Park’s told me a lot about you.”
My smile turned into a grin. “Has she? How long have you two been seeing one another?”
“Oh no. We’re not going to start the interview already. Let’s go. Ask questions with a drink in your hand.” She turned toward the door and pulled her linebacker with her.
