Page 10 of Vegas Duology

ChapterThree

“Lexi,stop tugging on your dress.You're going to stretch it.”

“That might be a good thing,” I said.“I can barely breathe.And don’t you think it’s a bit short?”

“Are you kidding?”Nicole said as she leaned towards the mirror to apply yet another coat of mascara.“Seriously, if I had your legs instead of these little stumps, my skirts would be a whole lot shorter.”

“Whatever.You look fantastic,” I said and meant it.She'd chosen a black dress adorned with just enough rhinestones to look classy, but not enough to be tacky.It was a fine line.The dress clung to her in all the right places, showing off the hard work she'd been putting in.

She turned around and flashed me a brilliant smile.“I do look pretty good, don't I?We are seriously hot.We won't have to buy a drink all night.”

I tried to look past her to the mirror.I had settled on the teal halter dress.It was the most modest choice, even if it was more revealing than any of the bathing suits I owned.It was short, maybe indecently so, but when I tried it on with the strappy black heels Nicole picked out, even I had to admit the effect was pretty incredible.Nicole was so proud of herself after she pulled my hair out of my usual ponytail and styled it so it hung in waves over my shoulders that I caved and let her do my make-up.It wouldn't hurt to play dress up for one night.

“Before we go, I want you to promise me one thing,” Nicole said and zipped up her make-up bag.

I groaned but said, “What’s that?”

“Before I tell you, just remember itismy birthday.”

I shot her a look.

“Just promise me you’ll have a good time.”

“Nic—”

“I mean it, Lex,” she said.“I know the last few months have sucked for you and you need to have some fun.That’s the great thing about Vegas.It’s really easy to have fun and the best part is, no one knows you here.You can totally let loose because you’ll never see any of these people again.Just try, okay?”

“What’re you talking about?”I leaned into the mirror to examine my eyelashes.

“You know what I mean.Trust me, okay?Consider it a birthday gift.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Lex, I mean it.”

“I said I would.”I stood up and looked at her.

She air kissed me on the cheek.“Good.Then we’re ready.”Nicole tossed her lipstick into her purse and took my arm.“Tonight is going to be amazing.”

The second we stepped off the elevator, we were hit with the pulsing life force of the casino floor and I could feel myself starting to get into the spirit of the evening.Nicole had been trying to get me to come to Las Vegas with her for years, but this was the first time I'd given in.At first, I was overwhelmed with the sheer excess of the city, but after two days, the crowds, lights, and noise were starting to feel almost normal.

There was a never-ending stream of people walking around at all hours taking in the wonders, and they definitely were wonders.Where else could you see lions playing with a human trainer in the middle of a hotel?Or a pirate show complete with a sinking ship right on the street?Vegas seemed a world away from my peaceful life in Canada and despite the quiet I was used to, the glitz and glamour had cast a spell over me.It was nice to leave reality behind and forget my real life.Even for a few days.But I was glad to have a return ticket.I would need the rest when the weekend was over.

“Are you sure the party isn't over?”I asked, trying to stifle a yawn.“It's almost eleven.”

Nicole laughed.“Lex, the party is barely getting started.No one goes out until after ten at least.You look like you need a drink to wake you up.We're almost there.”

We hadn’t even left the hotel, but we must have crossed the equivalent of three city blocks.The hotels were massive.I held Nicole’s hand as she wove through the crowd and concentrated on not tripping in my heels.Before I knew it, we were standing in front of Studio 54.A massive line snaked across the floor, with people in various states of undress.I looked down at my own outfit, which now seemed quite conservative.

“Do you have the tickets?”Nicole asked.She cast a quick look towards the people stopped in front of a muscle-bound bouncer, his arms crossed in front of his chest creating an impenetrable wall.

“Of course.”I handed them to Nicole.“But Leo also said to make sure we gave our names.”

“Names?Are we on some sort of guest list?”

“I don’t really know.He just said to make sure I gave my name at the door.Why?Does that matter?”

“Lexi, it totally matters.Come on,” Nicole said and floated towards the bouncer.I followed her, trying not to look at the group of girls shooting dangerous looks our way.