“Cheers to that,” I mutter, tipping my glass back before it’s my turn to say anything because at this point, I have nothing more to say.
Nessie and I spend well over an hour getting ready in our mini spa of a bathroom decorated in teal and gold and looks so gaudy and yet extravagant enough that it somehow works. And when Nessie suggests I wear a black dress she bought for Vegas that is shorter and tighter and more revealing than anything I’d normally wear, I don’t object. Tonight, I want to draw attention to myself and go back to ignoring and avoiding Tyler and not caring about why he’s being hot or cold and worrying that I’m the cause.
Nessie is in a silver dress with a deep cowl neck that she rocks like it was made for her. Nerves dance through my belly at the prospect of seeing Tyler, but when we step into the living room, Cooper is sitting on the couch and watching the news. His eyes shift to us, and then he blinks and does a double take, a goofy grin curling his mouth.
“Wow. You look … amazing.” He stands, walking over to Nessie and pressing a kiss to her cheek. I remember when he used to look at new gaming and computer stuff with that same envious stare, and it makes my lips twitch with a smile as I redirect my attention to the mostly empty bottle of champagne, choosing to finish it straight from the bottle instead of pouring it into a glass.
“Are you guys ready?” he asks.
“Where’s Ty?” Nessie looks around.
“He had to go do something for work. He said he’d meet us there.”
“Poor guy. It’s Saturday night,” Vanessa says.
I reserve my right to roll my eyes as I set the empty bottle down and lead the way to the elevator.
We could take a car, but since this is our first time in Vegas, we opt to walk. Each casino is different, the architecture, the colors, the plants all competing to be the most extravagant. The Banks Hotel is non-gaming and vastly smaller than the ones we pass through, which all have row upon row of brightly colored slot machines and posters with half-naked men, contrasted with class and luxury displayed in the architecture and elaborate décor.
Nessie’s hair is straight as pins while mine is in waves, but hair and dress differences aside, I still hear whispers of twins nearly always followed up with a crude remark that has me regretting the tiny dress and craving the comfort of my sweatpants again.
“They’re gross. Ignore them,” Nessie says, linking her arm with mine. “Don’t let it get in your head. You’re gorgeous and sexy, and you should own it tonight. Forget stupid boys, forget all your rules, and just have fun.”
She’s right, of course. My thoughts are still stuck on details, wondering what others think of me rather than on the here and now and having a good time. I square my shoulders, and when a guy turns to leer at us, I stare at him with a challenge that has him ducking his head.
I expel a deep breath, confidence radiating from me as we make the long walk to the hotel the club is in, and I don’t waste another second thinking or caring about anyone else as we explore the casinos, talking about which ones we want to come back and explore more of tomorrow.
“Are we really going to cut the line again?” I ask.
Cooper grins. “Party like a rockstar.”
Nessie laughs. “It’s crazy to think in a couple of weeks we’re going to be going back to work and school and eating Top Ramen again.”
Before we can reply, the bouncer at the door looks at us. He’s well over six feet and solid, likely intended to look like a threat, or at least make people question doing something stupid. His bald head shines with sweat as he greets us with a straight face. Cooper shows him his ID, and the bouncer looks over a shortlist on a clipboard and then nods, beckoning us forward. He places bright pink bracelets around our wrists. “My friend Angel is going to show you guys around. Please let us know if you need anything.”
It’s obvious that Tyler called ahead because there are three shots on the table when we reach the private VIP room: slippery nipples.
Cooper laughs, damning him before he takes the shot and downs it. “Let’s go have fun.”
I lose the rest of my thoughts to the music, the lick of alcohol still hot in my throat. The dance floor accepts us, swallowing us into the beats and writhing bodies. We’re so close together, and the lights are constantly changing and flashing, making it nearly impossible to tell who I’m dancing with and whose hands run over my body. I hardly care as I try to erase my thoughts of this week, the memory of Tyler’s cologne, and weight of his arm, the flash in his blue eyes whenever he smiles. I work to forget each detail—every new memory that I try to pry from my thoughts where they’re working to burrow far deeper.
Nessie grips my arm, a smile splitting her face. She leans in, yelling over the noise of the club, “I need to pee.”
Cooper stays on the floor as we use the buddy system to head to the restroom. The door is in sight when I see him: charcoal gray suit with a black dress shirt and attentive blue eyes. His intensity stops me in my tracks.
Nessie notes my hesitation and glances around, spotting him. I hate that I noticed him so quickly when she had to work to spot him. It’s becoming a trend that I’ve been trying to ignore and avoid because it’s becoming increasingly obvious.
“There’s an attendant at the door,” Nessie says. “I’ll be right back.” She waves to Tyler as he moves closer, and I’m torn between wishing she would stay and being grateful for her momentary absence
