Depths of a River

Chapter 7 - Ladies Night

"I know, but I needed to buy new jeans and my favorite belt broke the other day so I had to replace it. You of all people should know you have to replace something if it was your favorite, otherwise you might not get it in stores again." She said and I repeatedly rolled my eyes.

"I'll give you some money when I come and fetch you again, but this is the very last time, I promise you." I said to her very concerned.

"I love you, Adelynn!" she said before she hung up.

I got out of my car and walked around to the hotel entrance. I stared at the big lights that read: 'ROSELAND FOREST HOTEL', before I let the valet take me inside. I had to check in at the desk before I could go to the table. There was only one other guest at reception. As I approached the lady behind the counter, another employee came up to her and whispered something in her ear. She said to excuse her for a few minutes holding up her index finger to us.

"You can take a seat and get some refreshments on the table there. We have menthol water." she said to us and pointed to the table standing behind us.

I walked over to the table and took one of the little glasses. The liquid was clear with a light blue shade, and it had peppermint leaves inside. I took a small sip. It was delicious. The other guy that also stood by reception came over to where I was standing.

"Hi. Are you checked in?" he asked me.

I quickly looked up, surprised that he talked to me. He had on a red shirt and dark denim jeans.

"No, I have a reservation." I said while staring into his dark brown eyes.

"A special night?" he asked with a smirk upon his face.

"No, just my friend and I having a ladies night." I replied to him. 

Why all these questions? He smiled at me with perfect teeth. I recognized his face from somewhere. I've seen him before.

"We haven't introduced ourselves. I'm so rude. I'm Adelynn." I said hoping he would say his name so I would remember where I have seen him before.

"Don't make a habit out of it. My name is Rodriquez Valdez, I go by Rodrique." he said and his brown eyes lit up.

It didn't ring a bell. Why would he say I shouldn't make a habit out of being rude not introducing myself? The lady at reception came back.

"I'm sorry for that. We had a little emergency, but everything is under control. How may I assist you?" The receptionist asked.

We both walked towards her.

"After you, I know you want to get to your evening." Rodrique said to me while holding his arm up towards the desk.

I walked up to the lady.

"My friend is inside, Galilani Montez, I came with her." I explained to her.

"Just sign in, and Mr. Eric will show you the way." She said while pointing to a large book and then to the person standing with his hands folded in front of him next to the desk.

"Thank you." I said then moved over to the book.

After signing in, I looked back at Rodrique to signal him a goodbye. He was already looking at me when my eyes caught his. He smiled and nodded. I walked with Mr. Eric through large glass doors with brass handles onto a wooden patio. There were fairy lights around every tree and along the balcony of the second floor. The patio was built in the middle of a big fish pond. As I walked over the wooden bridge to the inside of the restaurant area, I saw koi fish swimming around in the pond. It was truly beautiful.

I saw Galilani sitting at one of the tables and walked over to her, thanking Mr. Eric as I walked away. I went to sit down on the chair opposite her.

"Took you long enough." Galilani said as soon as I sat down.

"There was a crisis, so we had to wait before signing in." I said to her.

"I met this guy; he waited with me at the desk. I thought I knew him from somewhere, but I can't put my finger on it." I said to her.

"Well, was he good looking at least?" she asked me.

"He was very handsome; he had the most beautiful eyes and smile." I said and felt myself blush.

"Did you get his number?" she asked, staring straight into my eyes.

"No, you know I wouldn't." I said then looked down at my hands.

Galilani laughed at me before the waiter arrived to take our orders. We drank two cocktails each and had an appetizer.

We talked a lot and laughed at each other's jokes. I talked to her about my concerns about Cleone never having money. She said that I must just do my best to be a friend and a sister to her and that there was nothing much I could do to change her mind about the choices she made in her life. We paid the bill and went to sign out. As I signed out I saw Rodrique's signature under my name and it reminded me of him again.

I dropped Galilani at her house and drove back to mine. It was only eleven so I made myself coffee, got into bed and sat with my sketchpad to create a few designs. My cats sat with me on the bed. Inspiration hit me and I drew three designs, even though I couldn't stop thinking about Rodrique. His brown eyes and white teeth keep flashing in my mind. I scolded myself for thinking about someone so much that I had just met.

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