“How much will it cost me for you to call in a bomb threat?” she reads. “Or anything to get me out of the girl trip from hell.” She shrugs. “I guess you’re right. It’s technically not an invite, but oh well. I’m here now.”
“Thanks,” I hiss, glaring at her.
I don’t think Darcy understands the concept of being subtle.
Lily’s eyes flash at me. “I do you a favor and this is how you treat me?”
“Hold on, who’s doing who the favor?” I say, laughing.
“Who cares? The important thing to remember is this.” Darcy puts her arm around Lily’s shoulder. “Inviting Kat to Vegas is like inviting Mother Theresa to an orgy. You think it’s going to be cool and different, but in reality, it’s just weird and uncomfortable for everyone.”
“Excuse me,” I interrupt with a laugh.
“But having me here?” Darcy continues, ignoring me. “That guarantees you’ll have fun, because I’ll make sure you forget everything.” She grins.
“You mean like that time you spiked my drink at Katie’s sixteenth birthday party?” Lily crosses her arms stiffly over her chest. “Because I still don’t remember much of that night.”
Darcy giggles. “Trust me, that’s probably a good thing. Remember how we had to rescue her from Mr. Dalton’s fish pond?”
I laugh. Lily naked and splashing around in elderly Mr. Dalton’s prized outdoor fish pond at three in the morning, frantically ranting about how cruel it was to keep them cooped up, is still one of favorite childhood memories. The annoyed expression on Lily’s face only makes me laugh harder.
“You want to reminisce?” Lily asks as she glowers at Darcy. “How about we talk about the time I stuck my tongue down your boyfriend’s—"
“Let’s go,” I demand.
I grab Lily by the hand and lead her over to reception, avoiding what I’m sure is seconds away from becoming a catfight.
“Just check us in. Please,” I beg her.
I stand back, ignoring the cold stares of the other clientele—who are no doubt wondering if we’ve stumbled into the wrong place. I smile politely at the elderly couple right next to me. They look away and pretend they didn’t hear me, then step back, as if to distance themselves. Okay then.
“Rude much?” Darcy mutters under her breath.
I turn around and narrow my eyes at her. She shrugs innocently.
“What?”
“You know what,” I hiss, walking over to her. “The only reason you’re here is to see this all blow up in Lily’s face.”
“That’s not a valid reason?” she asks, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, come on. I’m just having some fun. And that’s not the only reason. The real reason I’m here is because I thought you could use the help.”
“I appreciate that.” I say. “But right now? I’m more worried about whether you two are going to kill each other before we’ve even checked in. Or should I say, whether she’s going to kill you.”
“Relax.” She rolls her eyes, waving off my comment. “So long as I’m serving her a purpose, she’ll allow me to breathe in her air.”
“Please, just stop winding her up,” I beg her. “I’m begging you. I’m the one who’ll be stuck, listening to her bitch about you for the next six months.”
“Fine. I’ll refrain from saying things just to get a reaction out of her, if she refrains from being a fuckwit.” Darcy’s sticks her hand out, her eyes twinkling. “Fair?”
“Darcy!” I gasp, laughing, when she leans in and randomly licks my face. “What the fuck?”
“Admit it.” She gives me a sly grin and wraps her arm around me, while I laugh and push her away. “You’re stoked to see me, because now this vacation has a fighting chance in hell of being at least tolerable for you.”
She’s right. I am thrilled she’s here.
The strangest thing about Lily’s tantrums is that Darcy is one of the few people who can bring her back into line. It’s usually a few harsh words, followed by threat, but it works. I get the feeling I’m going to need a lot of that over the next few days.
“Done.” Lily stalks back over to us. She glares at me. “All checked in. Are you happy now?”
“Thrilled,” I say, dryly. “Can’t you tell?”
She turns her anger to Darcy, her face twisting into a scowl.
“I hope you don’t think you’re sharing our room.”
“God, no.” Darcy laughs. “I’ve heard you snore. I’d choose death before subjecting myself to that. I managed to get myself a room.”
“I hope it’s in the basement,” Lily mumbles.
“Not unless they work things backward here?” Darcy smirks. “Because I’m pretty sure floor twenty is just below the penthouse? Which means it’s probably a better room than yours.”
Lily smiles sweetly at her. “Sleeping your way to the top again?”
“My father has diamond status at this hotel chain, actually. They found me a room, even though they were fully booked.” Darcy gives Lily a pointed look. “But if I were sleeping my way to the top, at least I’d own it.”
Lily narrows her eyes. “You know damn well I don’t—”
“Don’t what?” Darcy taunts. “Swallow? Because those photos I saw in junior year suggested otherwise.”
“Why are you such a cow, Darcy?” Lily eyes flash as she glares at Darcy, her hands balled into tight fists.
“Me?” Darcy laughs. “Have you forgotten that time you took my phone and propositioned Mr. Barkley?” She shudders. “I couldn’t figure out why he followed me home, then insisted I let him inside.”
“Well, how was I supposed to know he’d do that?” Lily’s lips twist into a nasty grin. “I was just so sick of you always being on my back. Anyway, I bet you did let him in. Darcy would never pass up a free f—”
“You were the one who was constantly on mine.” Darcy cuts in. She laughs erratically, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Whatever.” Lily turns her icy stare to me. She raises her eyebrows. “Since you were so against the idea of coming here with me, you can stay with her.”
She flips her golden hair over her shoulder and flounces off, leaving Darcy and I gaping after her.
So much for not causing a scene.
Darcy turns to me, her eyes gleaming
“Do you think it was something I said?”
Chapter Two
Adam
“And I’m out.”
I toss my cards into the middle of the table, then stand up. The rest of the guys are too focused on the game to notice or care that I just folded pocket aces, but not Julian. He raises his eyebrows at me. I shrug in answer to his silent question, and then I stalk over to the window.
I stare out. It really is a beautiful city. No matter how many times I see that skyline, I’ll never get sick of it. I’m in Vegas often, mainly because it’s where my boss, Alberto, runs most of his business from. Which means I get to take in this view a lot. When I’m not here, I’m back at home, in Elliot Bay, taking in an equally stunning, yet completely different view of Seattle, from my waterfront apartment.
Alberto and I have a strange relationship. We laugh and joke with each other like we’re old friends, but deep down, he doesn’t trust me, and I don’t trust him. I’m not privy to all of his professional interests, and I know I’m kept out of the loop for most of the bad stuff—which is funny, because the shit I do know about is pretty fucking bad.
“Will you just relax?”
I turn around and smirk at Julian. Relax? God, I haven’t relaxed since I was ten. No, scrap that. I was just as stressed back then, but for different reasons.
Julian looks around and then lowers his voice, his dark brown eyes focusing on mine.
“Trust me, it’s all fine. Andrew knows to keep his mouth shut.”
“Fine, but what if he slips up?”
He frowns at me. “He won’t.”
“And you’re sure nobody else from school is coming?” I ask. “Your parents didn’t invite an
yone that you don’t know about?”
He laughs. “No. As if Alberto would let anyone in, who isn’t on the guest list, anyway. Just calm the fuck down and relax. Nobody is going to find out.”
“How much did you tell Andrew?” I ask more out of curiosity than anything else.
“As little as possible. That you’re in witness protection and to call you Frederick.” He sighs. “I’ve known Andrew all my life. He’s cool. If anyone figures out that you’re hiding something, it’ll be because you’re acting like a you’re a cop killer in a room full of cops.”
I sigh and rest my hands against the window frame, my arms outstretched as I bow my head. Julian’s right about one thing. I do need to relax. I’ve got whiplash from jerking my head around every time a door opens. I know that I’m being paranoid, but I can’t help it. I don’t like being caught unprepared—which is exactly how I felt seeing Andrew walk through that door.
Julian pats me on the back, then hands me his half empty glass.
“Here. Drinking makes you stress less,” he says with a wink. “Fact. It’s my secret to surviving this far leading up to the wedding.”
“Thanks.” I chuckle. “I really appreciate your half-drunk beer.” I examine it closely. “With what I’m pretty sure has chunks of buffalo wings floating in it,” I add, making a face.
“Hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?” he grins. “And the wings? Extra flavor.”
He puts his arm around me and leads me back to the table. No sooner than we sit down, my phone buzzes. I reach into my pocket, briefly glancing at the message from Alberto, then I kick back my seat and stand up. Julian gives me a lazy grin as he looks up at me.
“Alberto?” he guesses. I nod. “Where’s he sending you this time?”
“Guess I’m about to find out.” I smirk, glancing at Andrew. Does he know I work for Alberto? “Thanks, man. For everything,” I add, hoping he gets it.
“Don’t mention it.”
He acts like it’s no big deal, but I know how much having me at his wedding means to him. Though we knew each other in school, Julian and I didn’t become friends until years later. I was driving Lola home from college one afternoon when we ran into Julian. He was attending the same college and he recognized me and figured I was his ticket in with Lola. He walked over and threw his arm around my neck and started chatting to me like we were old friends.
It came so close to ending in disaster when Lola asked him how he knew “Frederick.” I could see the wheels ticking over in his head and I was sure he was about to blow my cover. But then he went along with it. I guess it just proves how bad he wanted Lola’s number. His plan worked. They started seeing each other, and Julian and I started hanging out. Of course, he wanted answers, so I told him I was in witness protection. Lucky for me, he bought it and didn’t ask any more questions. He’s been my biggest support ever since, which of course, makes me feel like crap.
I press the button for the elevator, then stand back and wait until the doors spring open. Alberto steps out, with Louis beside him.
“Frederick.” Alberto wraps his arm around my shoulder and gives me a firm hug. “The son I never had.”
“I’m right here, you know.” Louis—his actual son—snaps. He glares at his father.
“Of course, I meant my other son.” Alberto shrugs.
He winks at me and I shake my head. I feel sorry for Louis, because it seems his father goes out of his way to antagonize him sometimes.
“I was just on my way to find you,” I say. “You wanted me for something?”
“Yes. I need you to collect my nephew from the airport.” He reaches into his pocket for his wallet, retrieving a credit card. “His flight gets in at eight. Then on your way back, stop in and get me a bottle of Dom Perignon. You know the one I like.”
I nod and lift my eyebrows. “Celebrating something?”
“I’d like to say I’m celebrating my staff not being nosy assholes, but I think that would be a misconception,” he replies.
“I thought I was your long-lost son.” I chuckle, easing myself out of his embrace. “You can count on me. Even I can’t fuck up an airport pick up, right?”
“It’s that sense of humor,” he mutters to himself. I raise my eyebrows at him. “Sorry. I often ask myself why I keep you around and I just realized the answer is, it’s your sense of humor.” He winks at me.
“Huh. And here I was thinking it was my good looks.” I chuckle.
I step into the elevator, my smile disappearing as soon as the doors close.
Always look him in the eye and act in control, even if you’re not feeling it. They’re two of the most important tactics I employ when I’m around Alberto. I can’t risk him thinking something is wrong even for a second.
I lean against the wall of the elevator and dig my phone out of my pocket, taking the opportunity to check for missed calls. Nothing, but I guess no news is good news, right? They wouldn’t reach out to me unless they absolutely had to.
The doors open suddenly, startling me.
The foyer of the hotel is buzzing with activity. People trying to check in, others waiting in line to be let into the bar and restaurant. Anyone not here is probably in the casino. I step out and head left, dodging groups of laughing, happy people who seem to only want to stand in my way. Large crowds and noise go hand in hand in Vegas, but this is extreme.
I glance at the bar directly next to the hotel, which is known to be low key and offer live music every night of the week.. Since I’m in Vegas so often, I’ve spent many nights in there, listening to some amazing music.
My curiosity at who’s playing tonight gets the better of me, so I poke my head inside. I smirk when I see the karaoke machine. There’s nothing more entertaining than drunk people who think they can sing.
I turn around and—
No fucking way.
Lily, Julian’s ex-girlfriend is standing at the front of the hotel, only a few meters away from me. I take cover behind a group of people and watch her for a moment. She glances at her phone, and then looks around, shifting impatiently on her feet.
What the hell?
I’m torn over what to do. Lily being here could pose a huge problem, for me as much as Julian, but being late to pick up Marco would be worse for me right now.
Twenty minutes later, she’s still standing there. It kills me, leaving her like this, but I have no choice. I wait until she’s looking the other way and then I take off in the direction of my car. What the fuck is she doing here, anyway? There’s no way she got a wedding invite—though that would be kind of amusing. Unless she’s planning on attending anyway. I shake my head, because that would be a disaster. The real question is, do I tell Julian I saw her or keep this to myself?
I push Lily out of my mind when I reach my car. I’ll figure her out later.
With the hectic traffic adding even more time, I’m forty minutes late to pick up Marco. He seems less than thrilled by my tardiness, but his mood improves when I slip a hundred-dollar bill into his hands and tell him it was the traffic. He barely says a word to me the whole drive back to the hotel. I’m not sure if it’s a language barrier or if he just doesn’t like me. Either way, I don’t have time to worry about it, because I have other things on my mind; like the fact that I forgot the damn champagne. Lucky for me, I know the liquor store just down the street from the hotel stocks it.
I let the attendant park my car, and then walk the few minutes to collect the champagne with Marco snapping at my heels, like a lost puppy. Then we walk back into the hotel—in total silence, because he still hasn’t said a word to me and I’ve given up trying.
I nervously glance around the foyer as we walk through it. I’m keeping an eye out for Lily, but she’s nowhere to be seen. I guess that’s a good thing, because if she’s not causing trouble, then it gives me more time to figure out how to deal with her.
“What did I miss?”
I smile at the guys as we walk back into Alberto’s suite.
<
br /> “What you missed, is much more than you should have.”
Alberto frowns at me from where he sits next to the bar, nursing a glass of scotch against his crisp, white shirt. He adjusts his custom-made silver suit jacket, which probably cost more than my salary last year, he quickly raises his eyebrows at me.
“I was expecting you back an hour ago.”
I hand him the bottle of champagne and wink at him in response. He puts it down and stands up, throwing his arms around Marco. They exchange a few words in Italian, then he turns his attention back to me.
“I’m still not sure why someone with a private bar in his room needs to source their own champagne?” I add with a sly grin.
“Lucky for you, that’s none of your business.” His eyes burn through me. “So,” he continues, perplexed. “Did you get lost?”
I shrug innocently. “What can I say? There was a lot of traffic.”
He shakes his head and looks at Marco for confirmation.
Marco nods. “A lot of traffic indeed.”
He speaks in perfect English, albeit with a thick accent.
Huh. I guess it is just me.
Julian smirks at me as I sit down, his mouth twitching into a grin.
“How much did you pay him to agree with you?” Julian asks.
I shrug and return the smile, then tilt my cards enough to examine them. I nod confidently at my two kings. Maybe my luck is changing.
“Enough.” I smirk. “And it was worth every penny.”
“I’m not even going to ask what held you up this time.” Julian grins. “ And just so you know, those cards were from the last game. Which decided the overall winner.”
“Of course they are.” I sigh and look around, pretending to be disappointed, when I’m secretly thrilled I have a legitimate excuse to leave so I can focus on the Lily situation. “So, who won, then?”
“That would be me.” Andrew grins, motioning to his huge stack of chips. “Sorry, but when you’re gone for nearly two hours, it’s an automatic forfeit.”
Don't Go There (Awkward Love Book 5) Page 2