It was eight in the morning when I finally woke up. I opened my eyes to see that Tasha was still on the couch, sleeping across from me. I was glad she kept her promise. I got up and went to freshen up, needing to make my ten o'clock appointment and not having much time to get around. After stepping out of the shower and getting dressed, I walked into the room to find that Tasha was up stirring around. "Good morning," I spoke, brushing out my hair. "Thank you for staying last night."
She smiled, shrugging, "No biggie. Do you feel better?"
I thought about that, hesitating for a moment, and then went back to brushing my hair. "You know, I'm not completely over it, but in time I'll be fine." I spoke the words, hoping I would soon believe them. Then it hit me that Jacob was still going to stop by and see me after the meeting. I didn't know what I felt about that, but I would figure it out once I saw him. "I hate to jet off, but I have this meeting," I told Tasha, stepping into my stockings.
She stood up from her chair and stretched. I could tell that she was sore from being scrunched up on the sofa. She walked over to me and pulled me into a hug. "No worries. I have a few errands I wanted to do today, anyway. I'll call you later."
"Okay." I pulled from the hug and slid on my black pencil skirt. "Talk to you soon."
She left the hotel, leaving me to get back to preparing for my meeting. I put on a ruffled shirt, pulled my hair back into a long ponytail and put on my glasses. I glanced at myself in the mirror. I looked professional enough; I just hoped my best foot would move forward for the meeting.
I hurried out of my room and down the elevator, heading out to my car. Driving to the meeting, my heart beat fast as I thought about what I was going to say to seal the deal. I wasn't usually nervous when it came to business meetings, but this was a big deal. I wanted to make a good impression. Plus, a victory in this meeting would counterbalance what was going on in my personal life.
The GPS said, "Arriving at address 125th Street on right." I saw the huge building and smiled. I found a parking space and walked inside MOCA with confidence in my stride. Susie was at the door waiting on me.
"Ms. Baker, I'm glad to finally meet you," she said cheerfully.