16

As Zee parked her truck in the parking lot of the Oxbow hotel, she sighted Stanley waiting for her outside his car.

Concerning his dressing, his attempt at decorum impressed her. Instead of saggy jeans and a T-shirt bearing vulgar texts, he was wearing a fitted dark green shirt atop white pants and dark sneaker boots. His stud earrings were still on though and he was looking good.

As soon as he sighted her truck, he walked over to meet her. She stepped out of the car and they hugged heartily before separating.

“You look so pretty, Zee. I’ll be the envy of the room.”

Zee smiled. “Thanks. You look great, like a gentleman in many ways.”

“Thanks. You can say that again. Let’s go.” He took her hand and they walked towards the glass heavyset double doors of the restaurant.

The door attendant upon seeing them opened the glass door and greeted them to which they answered politely.

Quiet live piano music filled the room from a corner wh