“Right? Anyway, what was it you called for?”
Right, my date. “So, I, uh, am supposed to have a date tonight… a virtual date.”
“A virtual date?” It takes a moment for realization to hit her. “Did you sign up for that app?”
“Yeah, I did, but here’s the thing, I don’t know where to go for the date. I can’t go back to the apartment I’m staying at because the photographer doing the articles on the team is there, and I don’t want her to know this date isn’t in-person. I thought about a bar and even my car, but I don’t really like either of those options. Do you have any suggestions?”
Instead of going straight for my question, Lauren circles back to Rylee. “Why don’t you want this photographer to know yourdate is virtual? And why is she staying in the apartment with you?”
“It’s complicated,” I hedge, my tone taking on an impatient twinge. “She’s Grace’s friend and Grace said she could stay there, and Carson didn’t know when he said I could stay there. And I just don’t want her to use my dating life for article fodder, okay?”
Enough of the truth to hopefully get Lauren off my back.
There’s a pause before she murmurs, “I don’t think a girl’s ever gotten under your skin before, Zan.”
“She’s not under my skin! She’s just… annoying.”
“Uh, huh.” She doesn’t sound convinced, but she thankfully lets the issue drop. “Okay, so you need a place to have your date. Lemme think… ” She falls silent for a few seconds as she thinks. “Why don’t you just get a hotel room for the night?”
My shoulders sag in disappointment. “All the local ones are booked up. That’s why I’m still staying in Carson’s apartment.” And why I’m still forced to put up with Rylee.
“I’m going to look anyway,” she says, putting me on speaker. “There are always last minute cancellations, and you can usually get a decent discount for those.” I can hear her tapping away on her phone’s screen. Less than a minute later, she exclaims, “Found one!”
“What? You did?” I’m stunned, but not really surprised. Lauren kind of has a weird superpower for this kind of thing.
“Yep. It’s about twenty minutes from your location, and it’s a Hilton so it’ll be nice. I’ll book the room and text you the details, okay?”
“You don’t have to do that, Lauren,” I quickly reply. “I can pay for it myself… ”
“It’s fine. We’re part of the Hilton Honors program and I’ve got points saved up. The room is gonna be free.”
“Uhhh… ” I’m a little baffled at her skills and resourcefulness. “Okay then. That sounds great. Thanks, Lauren.”
“You’re welcome. Now, go and have some fun. Buh bye!”
“Bye.” I hang up the phone, stunned silent for several moments before I find my wits again and start the car.
Once my phone dings with a text from Lauren with the hotel information, I pull out into the street and head that way.
Oh, crap… should I stop back at the apartment and get some clothes?
What if Rylee’s there?
Wait! I still have some stuff in my trunk from my apartment. Okay, cool! I don’t have to go back and potentially run into her.
Should I let her know I’ll be gone all night though? What’s the etiquette for forced roommates who hate each other?
Shaking my head, I push the thought away. I don’t have her number, and anyway, what’s it matter? Why should I let her know anything?
It’s not like we’re even friends.
For some reason, I feel a stab of irritation and clench my teeth. Whatever… I just need to forget about Rylee for the night. I have an awesome girl waiting for me.
A girl the total opposite of pain-in-the-ass Rylee Benson.
I reach the hotel and get checked in, then quickly make my way up to my room. Flopping onto the bed right away, I sigh in relief, thankful I won’t have to spend tonight on the couch in the apartment. I also won’t have Gizmo bugging me… though, if I’m honest, I’ve grown rather fond of the furball and might actually miss him. A little.
Getting back up, I unpack my laptop, then prop myself up against the headboard as I turn my device on and get connected to the internet.
