Delivery Notes

CHAPTER 2 - "BREAK FREE"

The rest of the week had passed in a bit of a blur. I had a Happy Birthday call from my both my Mum and Dad the evening of my birthday. They each sent me £100 as a gift so that was my pamper day paid for.

I had a lovely day on Tuesday. I had my hair trimmed, followed by a facial and a massage at the local mini spa. However, all the relaxation I'd achieved was long gone after the 3 busy and short-staffed night shifts I'd just finished.

I'd only got about 5-6 hours sleep today but I had to get up early enough to get ready for our night out. I dragged myself out of bed feeling less than enthusiastic about tonight's plans.

I pulled my new outfit out of the wardrobe. My earlier shopping trip was successful. I bought a cute pair of skinny jeans that hugged my curves in all the right places and strappy black top, which covered my cleavage but showed off my shoulders and back. It was revealing yet classy, which sounded like something a 30 year old should be wearing. I had my trusty black stilettos out ready, I'd had them for years, they were worn in and comfortable yet they didn't look old. I had a little bolero jacket which would cover my shoulders and back whilst we walked between venues. Brighton usually was cool in the evenings thanks to the breeze from the seafront.

"Tillie!! Are you up?!" Sally bellowed from outside my door.

"Yeah, come in if you want." I yelled back. Sally had already opened the door before I finished. I was still in my pjs and looked a sleepy mess. She had her night robe on but had curlers in her hair and her foundation on. She looked me up and down with suspicion in her eyes.

"You're not bailing on tonight are you?" She accused.

"No! I've just picked out my outfit. Look". I pointed to the clothes on my bed. I saw her appraise the outfit and she lifted her finger to her lips, tapping her bottom lip.

"They'll do." She teased with a smile.

"So, what's the plan tonight? How long have I got?" I asked, even I heard the stress in my voice.

"Well, you've got about an hour and a half to get ready before we have to leave so plan accordingly." That means I have 2 hours. She always shaved time off because she knows it's inevitable that I'll run late. I'm never late for work but I'm always late getting ready for a night out. "But, can you fit in doing my eye make up for me? I love how you do my eyeshadow." She smiled excitedly.

"Of course I will Sally, no worries." I reassured her. I loved doing other people's make up. I bought her a nice make up brush set for her last birthday so she had her own for me to use when she asked.

"So the plan for tonight?" I prompted.

"Oh yeah, sorry," she rushed, "We're meeting Jess and Paul and a few of their friends for a bite to eat somewhere hip and cool in Brighton. Then we're walking round to **club name** to see a few bands play. Jess said one of the performers is Paul's friend who's visiting this weekend. He's supposed to be pretty impressive, and easy on the eyes too." She nudged me in the ribs with a suggestive grin. I laughed sarcastically as I rolled my eyes.

"Yeah, if he's anything like Paul, I doubt we're gonna be getting along."

Paul was in his mid 30s but had a serious attitude with me the first and only time we'd met. I couldn't figure out what his problem was, but I think he fancied Sally and maybe I was in the way. What he didn't realize that one sure fire way to turn a woman off is to be rude to her friends so that was never gonna happen for him now.

Jess was in her late 30s and had a similar vibe to Sally minus the purple hair. She was a bit of a rock chick and had clearly had a boob job. She intimidated me a little. We had hung out a few times at the apartment but we didn't have too much in common, so I felt like the odd one out. She was friendly enough though so hopefully in a crowd, I wouldn't feel so awkward with her.