Not enough for a budget flight even… And my little pity party meal just set me back more than I want to admit to myself.
I bused it here, so I guess I’ll bus it back. Minus the food I’m eating leaves me…
Right back where I started.
And to make matters worse, in my grief I make a decision that’s maybe dumber than coming to the city in the first place.
I book a rideshare.
The bus station is miles away and I don’t know my way around.
But rideshare?
I know, I know. The only thing my parents still warn me about is getting into cars with strangers. Oh, and picking up trash from the street.
But right now I don’t have a lot of other options.
I’ve got plenty of time until my ride gets here, so after hunting for the cheapest, I book a bus ticket online while I wait.
Lucky last seat… Yay me. And it’s cheap.
The seat on the bus next to the bathroom, I’m figuring.
I’ll be home. I’ll be broke, but I’ll be home. And I can deal with the fallout from my parents later.
Unable to finish my food, which is unusual for me, I blame the heat.
It’s crazy hot for this time of year and the smell of the city, the reek of underarms and rotting trash mixed with hot tar and gasoline slaps my senses as I step outside when my ride gets near.
It’s called rideshare for a reason, and after slotting my luggage into the trunk, I slide into the back seat. Almost hugging the armrest as I huddle into a corner.
As far away from the guy already in the back. I could tell myself he’s the source of the smell gripping the whole city.
But he’s just like everyone else today.
Went light on the deodorant and got caught out by the heat.
I end up facing the window almost if only to avoid his eyes that seem fixed on my chest.
It could be flattering, I do have a big chest and lots of hair, just like Vanessa at the interview.
But mine doesn’t have the same bag appeal for that kind of connoisseur and I only ever seem to attract guys that look like they’ve stepped straight off the top ten most wanted list.
Lucky for me, he’s only going a few blocks further. And once he’s gone I figure I’ve got the ride all to myself.
My driver gives me a friendly, generic smile in the rearview and we’re off again.
His cell rings loudly through the car speakers, and he shamelessly answers. Speaking at a shout to his buddy.
But hey. He’s not ogling my body and if anything, it’s a small price to pay for a cheap ride.
My heart sinks when the car slows and then turns down an alley, doubling back the way we came.
“I just gotta pick up one more,” The driver says. Giving me a sheepish smile.
I open my mouth to let him know I have a bus to catch but think better of it.
Only opening it again when I see just how far out of the way this guy’s going. But before I can have my second rant of the day, the car stops out front of a nondescript building.