Page 12 of Always the Baker

As I maneuvered through the streets, I couldn’t tear my eyes away. People of all shapes and sizes hurried along the sidewalks. Street vendors yelled about sales or silently made eye contact with potential customers at what looked like a farmer’s market. The energy that filled the air was different, and I was looking forward to taking it all in.

I rolled the windows down, needing to hear more, smell more. “I feel so alive,” I said, surprised by the intensity of my emotions.

Ember snickered. “That’s the city for you. It’s got a pulse all its own.”

I pulled up to the hotel. It was a bit run-down, which would explain the cheap pricing, but it looked to be right in the heart of things. I practically bounced out of the car and was in such a rush to start my trip I forgot Em’s call disconnected from the car and connected to my phone.

“Oh shoot, chile. I forgot all about you,” I admitted with a laugh after pulling my phone out of my purse.

“Clearly.” Ember laughed. “You’ve got all weekend and you’re forgetting about me already. It’s fine, though. I just wanted to make sure you got there safely.”

I couldn’t contain my excitement as I squealed. Maybe a brief change of scenery was really all I needed to boost my spirit. “I’m finally here, Em. Already I feel like I’m where I belong. Something good is going to happen this weekend. I can feel it.”

I spun in a circle, taking it all in. The noise, the smells, the sights, the breeze… it was overwhelming in the best way.

“Look out, Rose Valley Hills,” I whispered to myself. “Billie Hopkins has arrived.”

4

Billie

The key card clicked,and I pushed open the door to my hotel room. My eyes widened as I took in the sight. Okay, so it wasn’t exactly the Four Seasons, but compared to my bedroom back home, this place was practically a palace in size. I could probably fit two of my bedrooms in here.

“Holy shit,” I whispered, dropping my duffel bag on the faded carpet. I’d checked in earlier that day, but I hadn’t been to the room yet. I’d spent most of the day exploring places close to the hotel, and I’d even found a small art gallery that kept my attention for an hour.

Now, I was ready for a night out on the town. I glanced around and saw the room was dark and kind of old, with peeling wallpaper and a slightly musty smell, but it had character. It wasn’t my kind of character. In fact, the longer I stood in it, the more it made my flesh crawl. It was all I could afford, and it was paid for so it would have to do.

As I went and wiped everything down, I was glad to see it wasn’t dusty and dirty, and there were no stray hairs, which Iloved. I had a thing about random peoples’ hair. Had I seen them, especially pubes, I probably would have ended up sleeping in my car. I ran my hand over the cherry red, ornate headboard of the queen-sized bed as my excitement returned. This might not have been the brightest and newest room, but it would be home for the next three days.

I fumbled with my phone, because my fingers were shaking with excitement as I called Ember. The FaceTime request connected, and her beautiful face filled the screen.

“Em! You’ve got to see this place!” I squealed, spinning in a circle to show her the room. “I know it’s not the brightest and newest but it’s huge. And look at how vintage the chairs and headboard are. It gives seventies chic, right? It looks just like my grandma’s house back in Memphis.”

Ember’s laughter crackled through the phone. “If you like it… I love it.” We shared a laugh because she certainly wasn’t about to hype up this room like I was. “Billie, you look like a kid on Christmas morning. This makes me so happy.”

“I feel like one! I feel freer than I have in a while.” I flopped onto the bed, bouncing slightly. “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”

“So, what’s the plan? You gon’ turn up and show them how we do it in The Lane?”

I bit my lip, suddenly feeling nervous. “I thought I’d check out some of those bars we read about online. Plus the places you told me about on the beach. I know I wanted to get a taste of city life, but right now, I just want a chill vibe.”

“Okay, okay, I feel you. Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Ember teased.

I rolled my eyes. “That doesn’t leave much off the table, now does it?”

We shared a laugh and talked a little longer before ending the call.

After hanging up, I unzipped my bag and pulled out the dress I’d been saving for this moment. Well, not this moment, but a moment of being somewhere new and worthy of it. It was black, sleek, and way more daring than anything I’d wear back home. I slipped it on, surprised by how snug it felt. Had it shrunk since I bought it? I refused to believe I’d gained weight over the last six months. Then again, with the way my mood had been up and down, I wouldn’t be surprised.

The longer I stared at myself, the more I saw where the weight was stacked. My arms were fuller, and my waist wasn’t as small, but my thighs and ass were bigger too. I’d take it!

I smoothed my hands down the fabric, loving the way it felt against my skin. My knotless waist length braids were sitting kind of flat since I had on a hat for the entire length of the drive. I decided to put them up in a bun for the evening to keep the focus on my face. While I wouldn’t put on a lot of makeup, I did put on strip lashes, a little blush, and some lip gloss.

The bars I’d be going to were in walking distance, so I put on some cute kitten heel sandals, but to be safe, I put a pair of flats in my purse too.

“You can do this, Bill,” I muttered to myself. “You’re a city girl now. Kind of. This is your chance to be who you’ve always wanted to be. To completely reinvent yourself. Even if for just three days.”

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my key card, tossed it into my purse, and headed for the door. As I reached for the handle, a wave of doubt washed over me. What if I stuck out like a sore thumb? What if everyone could tell I didn’t belong here?

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