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PROLOGUE
My internal alarmabruptly woke me from my sleep. The low light of the sun’s pending horizon was softer and gentler on my eyes at this hour, which was appreciated. Scorching eyes wouldn’t pair well with the piercing headache that instantly forced a groan from my chapped lips.
“Urgh.”
With my middle finger and thumb, I massaged my temple to distribute and possibly diminish the pain. I felt like shit. The dryness of my mouth proved to be discomforting. Hydration was necessary. A sip of water, a Gatorade, or anything revitalizing would suffice.
The simple task of retrieving a thirst quencher grew complicated as the numbness of my arm became more apparent. Long, dark hair covered the upper half while sandy skin rested against my forearm. My eyes scanned the naked frame as blurred memories of an eventful night came rushing in, explaining the unclothed woman, splintering headache, and chalkiness at the back of my throat.
Sure not to wake my guest, I slowly slid my arm from underneath her and replaced it with a pillow. She stirred slightly but remained semi-unconscious. I stood off to the side of the bed, clothed in only a pair of black briefs, trying to determine the exact order of events that led to this moment and if the night had been satisfying enough to continue into the morning or politely wake my guest to make her exit.
My phone’s screen glowed in the distance, summoning my attention. I grabbed it from the nightstand and quickly scanned the notification that appeared. Somehow, I managed to conjure enough saliva to hydrate the desert of a mouth I was suffering from, putting a few more seconds on the clock before dehydration choked me to death.
Dear Milo Domino,
Your order has been processed and is preparing for delivery.
Delivery window: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Thanks for choosing, Treat Someone.
My heart’s BPM increased substantially as I concluded the reading of what was viewable on the screen notification. Rolling the flesh of my inner, lower lip between both rows of teeth, I unlocked the phone to find the lone contact on myFavoritelist, though it was the most under-utilized among all others.
The flowers that replaced her government name were a reminder of how much she’d bloomed over the years, and though I’d watched from a distance, it had been enjoyable, nonetheless. Words, a plethora of them, crowded me, making it hard to eliminate those that were unnecessary and keep those that would mirror my sentiments. Sighing, I chose a few that were fitting and best described my feelings on this special day.
Nature… Thirty-six candles, today, love. We’re getting on up there, huh? I’m wishing the happiest of birthdays, continued wealth, prosperity, peace, and ultimate success for my favorite girl in the entire world. May this day be as magical as you imagined. I love you. Milo.
I read the text a number of times before pushing the arrow to send the message. With the most important task of the day out of the way, I began trekking through the house, en route to the kitchen.
The distance from the bedroom to the kitchen in the condo was substantially different from my home. It was crucial to my survival this morning, so I appreciated it more than I’d imagined I would once the cold water hit the back of my throat. I didn’t stop chugging until the container was empty and the bottle began to crackle.
“Urgh. Shit.”
Alleviated from the dehydration manacles, my brain function improved tremendously. My thoughts were clearer. My vision improved. And my body was in overall better health. I grabbed another bottle from the fridge and headed back to the bedroom.
The relevance of the body in my bed no longer registered with me. Ready to clear the space, prepare for my departure, and get my day at the office started, I nudged the dark-haired woman who was still unconscious.
“Ummm?” She groaned.
The scrunching of her features revealed the painful movement of her frame and the opening of her eyes.
“Ummm.”
“Checkout time, baby girl,” I announced, pecking the screen of my phone to secure her transportation.
“Hmm?”
“Your ride will be here in –six minutes.”
“My ride?”
“Yes. It’s time to head out. Would you like a bottle of water?”
“Um hmm.”
She nodded, finally opening her eyes and sitting up in bed, pulling the cover up with her. From the looks of things, it had been a hell of a night for us both. She uncapped the bottle and turned it up until she was satisfied. By the time she lowered it, she’d finished a third of the water.
“I didn’t get your name,” she exclaimed, much louder than anticipated.
