Blood Bandits

9.

July 26, 2020
New Orleans, Louisiana

It was ten in the morning as I drove back to the hotel from my mothers house. I hummed along to Sly & The Family Stone, 'If you want me to stay.' Yes, it was a strange song but it was a classic. My mother had talked me into staying there all night so, I woke up a little late. Later than usual. I slept quite good to be honest. Best sleep I'd gotten in a long time. Slept in my old room and even put on some old clothes. I was surprised they could still fit from high school.

We talked and she filled me in on a lot of things that's I'd missed out on since I'd been gone. For example, my ex boyfriend from high-school,Parker had gotten married. That wasn't a shocker. He was a well rounded person back then and I pretty sure that only grew over time.

Everything had changed for me since then. Five years had gone by pretty fast and here I was living the dream. Half way about to get fired from my job, getting threatened by a semi bi polar vampire and trying to keep myself alive. I mean I wouldn't trade this for the world.

Sarcasm at it it's finest.

My mom cooked a great meal for me last night and this morning so I was full. So full that every time I drove passed a restaurant, my stomach would turn. I would probably be full for the rest of the day. The rest of the day...

Which brought me back to what was happening tonight. The interview. I gripped the stirring wheel tightly and drove back to my hotel. What would that consist of? More vague answered questions, would he even cooperate? Or would he even show up? All these thoughts flowed through my head and this vampire was starting to live in my head rent free. Stupid mother-

My thoughts were interrupted by the ring of my phone. It came through the Bluetooth speaker in my Jeep. I looked at the screen and smiled before answering.

"Hey Kenneth." I quipped.

"Don't hey me. What were you doing last night that you couldn't answer my call?" He huffed, I could tell he was pouting on the other end.

I laughed and pulled in the hotel lot, finding me a spot close to the front of the building.

"Good morning to you too sunshine." I smiled, knowing this would get on his nerves.

I killed the ignition and unclamped my seatbelt.

"Yea whatever, what were you doing?" He pried.

He wasn't letting up on this. Should I tell him about what happened last night? About what's supposed to take place tonight? I didn't want to worry him because he was my best friend. But then again, I didn't want to keep any from him. Not to mention, I wanted to keep him safe just in case things went downhill.

I closed my eyes before answering, "Looking through some files and then went to my mom's house."

Damn it. I lied.

I hated doing this to him. Other people, besides my mom, I didn't care but it just didn't feel right.

"Oh okay, so I'm off tonight and I was hoping you could find the time out of your busy schedule to come and have dinner with Loren and I."

Oh. I forgot about her. I mean he never told me when I was going to meet her. This was important to him so that meant it was important to me.