Discovering Truths by B. Benfield (chrysanthemum read aloud .TXT) 📕

“I’ve actually made a couple friends, and one lives here, so she’s going to take us out tomorrow and explore. We’re meeting for dinner tonight to finalize our plan.”

I wasn’t going to share the fact that one of the friends was a male. She’d take it wrong, and that was something else I didn’t want to get into with her.

“You’ve made friends? Are you replacing me?”

“Not hardly.”

“Well, have fun. Take pictures. Text me and keep me updated. I want to make sure you’re alive.”

“At least someone cares. Marcus hasn’t even bothered to call. He’s texted every now and then, but not enough to count for anything.”

“I hate him. And I love you.

“Love you too.”

I laid back on the pillow and closed my eyes, hoping for relaxation to take over. My phone dinging forced my eyes to open.

Gage: When are you going to be home?

Me: Not coming home. You said you were busy. He’s out of town. Didn’t see the point in rushing home for nothing and then having to come back.

Gage: I might have been able to work something out.

Me: UGH. WTF? You made it sound like seeing each other was impossible.

Gage: Oh well. Maybe next time.

What a jerk! Why was he acting like this? I didn’t respond. I wasn’t sure that I could say anything and actually be nice about it, so I turned off my phone, put my earbuds in, and laid back again, trying to calm myself. Soon, the music took me to another world and I drifted to sleep.

A few hours later, my eyes opened and I noticed it was five o’ clock. The nap was soothing and much needed, and I had plenty of time to get ready for dinner.

Once I finished my routine, I dressed in a pair of dark skinny jeans and a light pink top. My dark hair was hanging down in long curls and I slipped on a pair of black flats. At six thirty on the dot, there was a knock on my door. I grabbed my purse and the hotel room key, and headed for the door. I opened it, stepped out, and shut it right behind me, turning the handle once to make sure it was locked.

Damien’s scent grabbed my attention immediately. I knew we were only friends, but wow, he looked and smelled good. Like me, he wore dark jeans with a red button-up shirt. His hair was gelled to the side and his cologne was simple, clean and fresh.

“You clean up nice.” I said.

“As do you,” he said, holding out his arm. “Shall we?”

I hooked my arm in with his and we walked downtown. To someone on the outside, this probably looked like a date, but I knew he was simply being a gentleman.

Taylor had texted saying she was already at a table waiting for us. Once we arrived, we scanned the room and finally found her at a high-top table in the middle of the large dining area. Damien helped me into the tall chair and climbed in beside me.

“I’ve got everything planned already.” Taylor said.

“Look at you, Miss Proactive,” I said. The waitress came to take our drink orders, and seeing that Taylor had an adult beverage, I figured one couldn’t hurt after the week I had. I ordered the same red drink she was sipping on and Damien settled on a beer.

“So, first thing tomorrow we’re going to go on the Trolley tour. It’s a 90-minute trolley ride and it takes you all around Atlanta. The tour guides are great, so it will be fun. I’ve already ordered our tickets.”

“What? Taylor! No! How much were they?” I said.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s on me.”

“Absolutely not!”

“You can pay for something else. How about that?”

“Deal.”

The waitress brought our drinks and we placed our orders, then Taylor continued.

“So, after the ride we can stop by some of the shops downtown and get lunch at one of the restaurants.”

“That sounds good.” I said. “Damien? Thoughts?”

“I’m down for whatever. I’m stuck with two women…do I really have a choice?” he smiled.

Returning the smile, I playfully rolled my eyes. “Good point.” I turned back to Taylor. “What’s on the agenda after lunch?”

“Okay, this may be too childish, so let me know if it’s a no, but Atlanta has a really awesome zoo. My family loves it. What do you think?”

“I’m totally down for the zoo!” I said.

Damien took a long sip from his beer. “Let’s do it.”

“It’s pretty big, so that will take up the rest of the day. Then I figured we can hit one of the bars downtown for dinner and drinks. Thoughts?”

“Sounds good to me. I’m pumped!” I said.

“I may regret all of this, but I’m ready.” Damien smirked.

I playfully slapped him in the arm. “You’re going to have a blast and you know it.”

“And hello, you’re going to have two good looking women by your side, what could be so bad about that?” Taylor joked. I felt my cheeks heat immediately, afraid of his response to her comment. Luckily, no awkwardness followed.

“Fair enough. You have a point,” he said, emptying his beer bottle.

Our dinner came and we sat talking, drinking, and laughing for three hours. A yawn escaped me and I knew I had once again overdone it on the alcohol.

“Okay, it’s time for bed.”  I said.

Damien helped me out of the tall chair, gently placing his hands around my waist to steady me. “You good?”

“I think so.” I said, slinging my purse over my shoulder.

We walked outside and although slightly muggy, the fresh air felt amazing against my skin.

“My ride’s here,” Taylor said. “I’ll meet you guys at the hotel at ten in the morning.”

We hugged, said our goodbyes, and headed back