Page 19 of Lovetown, USA
I’m power-walking through thehotel lobby when Ravi calls me over to the front desk with an earnest smile on his face.
“Ms. Washington? You have some items here.”
Frowning, I bang a right and head over to the desk. He hands over two envelopes and small casserole dish.
I give him a look, which earns me an even bigger smile.
The first card is a pink glittery mess with a message inside:
“Hey. I noticed you at the Velvet Note. I’d love to take you to dinner. My treat. Eric.”
I roll my eyes atmy treat, because that’s supposed to go without saying, and because there weren’t exactly a gaggle of single men at the lounge that night. This better not be a husband hitting on me.
The second card is plain white with a red heart on the front.
“Hi there! I’m Yolanda, and my brother Lance is a great catch. He has a steady job, a car, his own house, and a Labradoodle. Call me so I can set you two up!”
Her number is scrawled at the bottom.
And on top of the casserole is foil with writing scrawled across in black marker:
My son’s cell: 555-256-8399. XO Mama Whitney
I blink up at Ravi, who’s smiling sheepishly.
“Did somebody put up a billboard out there that says ‘single woman available, apply within?’”
Ravi shrugs. “It’s not a small town, but it operates like one. A determined one. Folks around here are serious about love, Ms. Washington.”
“Ugh.” I shake my head and push the casserole across the countertop. “Whatever’s in there is all yours.”
His eyes light up. “I appreciate it. I didn’t wanna ask.”
My Uber is waiting at the curb. I hop in and greet Tamika, my driver, complimenting her boho braids as I buckle.
“You’re new,” she says, pulling off. “How are you liking it so far?”
I chuckle. “It’s different.”
“That it is,” she laughs. “What brings you here?”
“Research.” I stare out the window. “I’m like a war correspondent, but for love.”
“I see.”
“Are you married?”
She smiles. “I am. Four years next month.”
“Congratulations. Was it the town that did it, or are y’all normal?”
She cackles. “I thought you asked for a quiet ride.”
I laugh with her. “I did, but now I need the tea.”
She turns the radio down. “Well…it’s not magic or anything. There’s just…a lot of emphasis on pairing off. They make it as easy as possible.” She gestures toward her GPS. “You’ll see in a minute. You’re going to bingo, right?”
“Yeah,” I say, defeated.
