I could only imagine what I looked like. I had no idea how to attempt a walk of shame. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and saw that I had a few notifications. Some were just random things like social media, emails, and app reminders. I took notice of the texts and calls from Mel as I entered the elevator.
She called me twice and texted me a few more times than that.
She assured me that she made it to shelter fine. She told me that she and Chris went to his place and drank even more. There were some illegible texts that I could not translate proving just how drunk she got and then there was the one text I was looking for.
"The view was nice. I just wish there were more skyline, though." That was sent to me at ten thirty-seven this morning.
I released a sigh of relief and fell against the wall of the elevator.
Melissa and I had a code that we stuck to. It was made so that we could tell each other if we were safe or needed help. It was so that if a guy picks us up, we will not get a random "I'm okay" text that was not from us. We could use it through a call or text.
We would always remind each other to "enjoy the view" before leaving or when one calls the other to say they were going out. "The view was nice. I just wish there were more skyline" meant that she was unharmed at home. "The stars are so nice tonight" meant we were still out and having an enjoyable time, alive. "The view is okay. How is yours" means that we are uncomfortable and need an out. That is when we would make up some weird story so that the other can bail. The final one, "The view is amazing! You should see it" means, emergency, send help ASAP. We would share our location or if we are unable to, we have Life360 where we can track each other's location. It will tell us exactly where we are, how long it will take to get there, provide directions and everything. It even keeps track on if our phone is running low on battery so we can remind each other to charge our phones.
The elevator reaches the lobby, and the doors open. I rushed out and went straight for the front entrance. The door attendant opened the door for me and asked if I needed my car to be pulled around.
"Oh no, I didn't drive."
"We have cabs on hand for those who need a ride. Would you like one, ma'am?"
I turned back to the lobby, hoping to not see D. Seeing as he did not wake up and follow me down, I nodded to the door attendant eagerly.
"Yes, I would love that, thank you so very much."
"Ma'am are you okay," he questioned as he waved over a cab driver. "You aren't in any danger, are you?"
"Oh no! I am just avoiding someone. I would just like to leave before he realizes I am gone because if I do not, I will have to face an embarrassing situation."
He frowned and looked at me up and down. His brows shot up, notifying me that he caught on. His mouth formed and "O" and he nodded in understanding.
"No need to explain ma'am." He opened the door to the cab and smiled at me. "You be careful, now. And get some coffee in you."
"Thank you so much. That is number one on my list after getting home."
I gave the driver my address and he set off. I turned back to look at the hotel. I continued to watch until it was out of view. He did not come out of the building. I sat back and relaxed against the seat, anxiety now at bay. My phone rang in my pocket, and I pulled it out. It was Mel calling me for the third time this morning.
"So... how's the view," she said in her casual voice.
"The stars were so nice, last night. I am in a cab heading home."
She sighed out, casual voice now gone. "Oh, thank God! When you did not text me last night or answer any of my calls, I got worried. Then your phone's battery started getting low which is weird for you because you do not like it getting below fifty percent."
"Truth be told, I never expected to have to use the code. We generated it for you to keep me informed, not the other way around."
"Exactly the reason I was so worried." She sighed out and I could hear her decompress over the phone. "Now that we are on the same page, tell me. How did last night really go? All I can remember was that he was tall, hot, and covered in ink."
"Well..." I began, rubbing my head. I still had my headache but there was no stopping, Mel. "Let's just say it was very eventful."
She squealed through the receiver, and I grimaced and pulled the phone far away from my face. The cab driver looked at me through the rearview mirror and smiled. I smiled back and turned the volume down on my phone.
"Oh, my shit, tell me everything!"
"I'd love to, but I have a major migraine and I'd rather you not scream at me."
"Oh, I am sorry. I forgot that this was your first hangover. Oh, Lia, I am so proud of you! How about I come over with breakfast and coffee – all on me – and we celebrate the loss of your virginity and talk about it."
"What, I wasn't a virgin!"
The cab driver coughed out and I groaned. I said that way too loud.
"That may be true, but no one would have known based on how you carry yourself. I love you, Lia, but you are a prude."
"Yeah whatever," I mumbled as I adjusted myself on the cab's seat. "Just wait until you come over and I tell you about what I remember. You will not be saying that for much longer."
"Are you serious?"
"Very," I confirmed. "Even though I want to die of embarrassment, I am sure you will get a kick out of it."
"I cannot wait! I will see you as soon as I get the food. You want your usual?"
"Of course."
"Say less, precious! Toddles!"