𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 | 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐘𝐀𝐙.

2.

The soft light of the late morning filtered through the curtains, gently pulling me from the embrace of sleep. I blinked against the light, glancing at the clock on my nightstand. It read 10AM, a time I was gradually getting use to as part of my new routine. It was Saturday, a perfect day to take things slow and enjoy my new life in Atlanta. I stretched feeling the pleasant ache of a good night's rest and slowly made my way up out of bed. The hardwood floors felt cool against my feet as I padded to the bathroom, ready to start my day in a fresh slate.

In the bathroom, I took a moment to appreciate the modern design I had always dreamed of having. The sleek marble countertops, the spacious shower with its rainfall showerhead and the large mirror all felt like little luxuries I was grateful for.

I turned on the shower, waiting patiently for the water to reach the perfect temperature before stepping in. The hot water cascaded over my skin washing any lingering sleepiness. I let the steam envelop me it was my little ritual to take my time in the shower, letting soothing warmth relax my muscles and clear my mind.

I stood up under the water for a few more moments, savoring the sensation. Finally after stepping out, wrapping myself in a soft towel and feeling refreshed. After drying off, I applied lotion feeling my skin soak in the moisture. I slipped on a simple top and some denim jeans.

I headed downstairs to the kitchen, the smell of fresh coffee filled the air as I brewed a pot. With a streaming mug in hand, I settled onto the couch and glanced at my phone. There were a few texts from Imani, mostly checking in and making sure I felt okay about the move. I smiled, appreciating her thoughtfulness.

I took a sip of my coffee, savoring the warmth and the hint of carmel flavor. After I finished my coffee I placed the mug in the sink and glanced around the kitchen. A few of my cooking ingredients were missing, and I needed to restock the fridge.

As I grabbed my keys and my purse and headed straight out of the my house locking the door, I climbed into my car and started it up the engine purring to life as I adjust the seats and the mirrors. Just as I put the car in drive my phone buzzed in the cup holder, I glanced at the screen and saw it was Imani calling.

I swiped to answer and put the call on speaker as I merged onto the main road.

"Hey girl, What's up?" I said, trying to keep my voice upbeat.

"Hey boo, Nothing much. What are you doing?" Imani cheerful voice came through the speaker.

"Nothing much, About to head and grab some groceries." I said, weaving through traffic.

"Yeah, I understand. But I wanna ask you something?" Imani said.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"How about we go to the club tonight, If you aren't busy?" Imani asked.

"Yeah, I'm down fasure." I laughed, the idea instantly lifting my spirits.

"How about I pick you up around 8:30, we make it there around 9?" Imani asked.

"Yeah, that's fine girl." I said.

"Okay. And, I promise this will be the night to remember." Imani laughed.

"Girll." I said.

"I promise you girl it will be." Imani said.

I was pulling up to the Walmart parking lot as Imani and I wrapped up our conversation. The lot was crowded on a Saturday afternoon, but I managed to find a parking spot near the entrance.