It’s a nice, warm day. The sun beams on my face as I step outside of the English building, and make my way toward my car. Dread coils in my gut. I don’t know why I’m being so weird about having to ride with her.

I’ve been in such an off mood for the last few days, and I can’t seem to kick it.

As I approach my car, Stella comes into view. “Hey, Stella. Sorry you had to wait on me.”

“Oh, it’s no worries!” She’s wearing a yellow sundress that comes to right below her knees, with black strappy sandals, and her hair is loosely braided, coming over her right shoulder. She’s way more dressed up than she normally is in the classroom. Who dresses up for a road trip?

I unlock the car, opening the back driver’s side door to put my briefcase, then climb into the front seat. When she slides in, a whiff of her feminine perfume reaches my nose. I set my Spotify on the playlist, before backing out of my spot and heading on my way.

It takes us about four and a half hours to get there. Stella got hungry, and then we had to stop for bathroom breaks along the way. We’re both staying at the Hampton Inn—the university is footing the bill. I’m happy to find that when we check in, we’re on different floors. I’ve about had enough of her chipper self today.

We get into the elevators, and she turns to me. “Want to grab dinner in a little bit?”

“Ah, I’m actually pretty wiped. I’ll probably just order room service and call it a night. I’ll see you in the morning, though?”

Her face falls slightly, and if I wasn’t so exhausted, I would probably feel bad. I wasn’t lying… I will probably just order room service. We reach the fifth floor, which is hers.

“Okay, sure,” she replies with a smile. “Have a great night, Cash.”

“Night!”

When the doors close, and I’m left alone, I let out a deep breath. The elevator takes me three more floors, up to the eighth floor, and I get off, heading to my left. Once I’m in my room, I strip down to my boxers and plop on the bed. I spend the rest of the night watching expensive movies, while eating overpriced room service, before passing out before nine.

It’s early as fuck when my alarm goes off the next morning. The convention starts at eight… whoever decided on that time should be fucking fired. I take a quick shower, getting dressed, before heading downstairs to meet Stella. The convention center is a few blocks away, but we’re catching an Uber.

“G’morning, Cash. How was your night?”

“Oh, not bad. Movies and room service. Can’t complain. What about you?”