Letters to Inmate 29901

Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

Lillie

It was Tuesday night. Today was strange and filled me with mixed emotions. The quartet practice went off without a hitch earlier. However, I couldn't say so about Arthur. I wasn't sure where I stood with him. I texted him after our date to say it was the best date ever! But he only replied with, 'my pleasure'.

That was it! No call, no message, no nothing.

Today was the first time I had seen him. He was cordial, just greeted me like everyone else. He kept his eyes glued to the music notes as he played his cello. I kept on glancing at him but received none in return. I wanted to talk to him after practice, but as Kenny dismissed us, Arthur disappeared in a flash. I couldn't help but think he was avoiding me!

I had to get to the bottom of this, I promised myself.

But for now, I was ready to just unwind and have some fun with Sassi tonight. I looked over my closet. Unable to decide what to wear. I frowned. To be honest my confidence level wasn't at its peak again. I just grabbed a green top, paired it with a pencil grey skirt. I looked a bit of a librarian. I'll brighten it up with some red pumps, to finish the look.

I met Sassi at an Asian fusion restaurant downtown. I never been at this restaurant before. But as usual Sassi wanted to check it out and asked me to tag along. I got out of the taxi and crossed the road, where I saw Sassi waiting for me at the entrance. We hugged and were greeted by the hostess. This place seemed popular, I was glad Sassi had made reservations.

The hostess led us to our table in the middle of a bustling crowd of people. The restaurant wasn't that large, cozier than what I expected. It was dimly lit with gold and blue exterior on the walls. We took our seats at a small table and I felt squashed amongst all these people seated at theirs.

I pushed my chair further in trying to create some privacy. Sassi sat across me and made herself comfortable by slipping off her leather jacket and placed it at the back of her chair.

She wore a gold shimmering shoulder bare top, exposing her cleavage and tight skinny jeans with gold peep toe heels. Her blonde hair flowing down. She looked great!

The waiter came around and we ordered our drinks. I looked over the menu, and each meal looked delicious. I settled on California Roll sushi.

"So, what kind of picture did you send your inmate?" Sassi asked as she folded her arms on the table.

"Just a head and shoulder shot," I replied with a shrug.

"Aaawh Lil, you should've given him a bikini shot or something. A bit more sexy. For crying out loud." She said rolling her eyes. I sighed, determined to ignore her.

"That's so boring," she continued.

"It's what I'm comfortable with. I'm not sending someone I never met SEXY PICS!" I shouted the last two words. Luckily, the restaurant was abuzz with talk, so the people seated nearby couldn't hear me.

"Whatever," she said with her hands up. "How's the pen palling going?"

Before I could answer, the waiter came with our drinks. I took a swig of my cosmopolitan. It felt smooth going down. The taste of sweetness lingered on my lips.

I took a deep breath.

"I'm not sure what's going with that honestly." I said, playing with the stem of my cocktail glass.

"What do you mean?" she said, her eyebrows raised up.

"Dimitri hadn't written back yet since my last two letters. And the one including my picture. So, I don't know what's up with that." I felt guilty for feeling this petty. But I couldn't help but feel a little sad.