In fact, I couldn't think of a better version of myself at that moment.
I took a deep breath, letting my eyes wander around the lobby one last time.
Then something caught my attention.
A flyer pinned to the wall.
I walked closer.
It looked like an ordinary advertisement at first, but one particular line immediately caught my eye.
30-SECOND FREE SHOPPING SPREE.
My eyes widened.
No way.
I quickly read through the rest of the flyer.
It was happening today.
At 3:00 PM.
I stared at it for a few seconds, trying to process what I had just discovered.
A free shopping spree.
Thirty seconds.
I had always dreamed of doing something like this.
And now I actually had the chance.
I immediately pulled out my phone and snapped a picture of the flyer.
I should probably send this to Raymond.
Speaking of Raymond...
I decided to call him instead.
The call rang for almost a minute before he finally answered.
"Hello, Aubrey. What's the problem? I'm a little busy," he said, his voice sounding tired.
"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry. You must be stressed because of work. Why don't we just talk later?" I blurted out, suddenly feeling guilty.
"WAIT!"
I flinched.
"You naive girl, were you seriously about to hang up on me?"
His voice held a hint of irritation, but I knew him well enough to know he wasn't actually angry.
"I mean, Ray, I don't want to bother you. I can hear it in your voice that you're already stressed, and besides, what I wanted to tell you isn't even that important."
"Just tell me. Out with it."
I took a breath.
"I just saw a flyer advertising a thirty-second free shopping spree!"
I practically screamed the last part.
"Wooooow!" Raymond exclaimed. "I'm soooo happy you're having a good time, sweetie."
"Thank you, Ray."
I looked back at the flyer, unable to hide my smile.
"But I wish you could be here. You would've been a great help."
I sighed dramatically.
"But oh well..."
"What do you need my help with? Don't you already have all the boys in Vegas?"
He asked it with such a smug tone that I could practically picture the grin on his face.
"Can you not? Please? Just this once?" I pleaded.
"Not what? State the obvious?"
"Can you not be annoying?" I finished.
"Nooooo!" he whined. "If I don't annoy you, who will?"
I rolled my eyes, already smiling.
"Now, I want you to go get ready for that shopping spree. And when you get back, you're telling me everything. I really need to run."
"Okay, my love. Goodbye."
"Byeee!"
The call ended.
I lowered my phone and glanced back at the flyer with so much excitement.