Page 67 of Vegas Duology

A knock at the door.

I froze.We both stared at the door as it opened.

Too late.

A tall woman wearing a black pencil skirt and neat red blouse came flying into the room.She dropped her black leather portfolio on the desk and said, "My name is Roberta.I'm so sorry to keep you waiting.It's been one of those days around here.I'm going to help you take care of all the details today, Miss Lennox."Her gaze flicked between us, trying to ascertain who the bride was.Her gaze landed on Nicole with the bridal album in front of her."It's a pleasure to meet you," Roberta said and stuck her hand out."Shall we get started?We have a lot to take care of and not a lot of time."

Roberta's no-nonsense tone didn't leave much room for debate or discussion.I slid back into my chair and for the next thirty minutes sat, occasionally offering my opinion on flowers, cakes, and music choices.The decisions were made so fast, my brain raced to keep up but I gave up somewhere around cake flavors.

Finally after Nicole settled on the vows she wanted, Roberta snapped her portfolio shut and stood.

"It was very nice meeting you, Ms.Lennox.Josh will be handling your event tomorrow.He sends his regrets that he couldn't be here today, but like I said, it's just been one of those days."She moved to the door."He'll be with you tomorrow, though, to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.It will be a beautiful ceremony and a day you will remember forever."She smiled a warm smile and slipped out the door before I could release the breath it felt like I'd been holding for hours.

Josh.Not Leo.Of course.

"Wow," Nicole said."I feel so much better now."She stretched her arms over her head and let out a yawn."But I'm exhausted.I think I'm going to head up to the room for a nap.Thanks for all your help, Lex.I swear, I couldn't do this without you."

We made our way out to the main lobby and Nicole asked, "You going up to your room too?"

I shook my head."No, I think I'll walk around for a bit."

"Lex, are you okay?"Nicole put her hand on my arm."I mean, being here and..."

"I'm fine."I did my best to offer a reassuring smile.

"And really, the wedding planner?That would've been nuts, right?"Nicole said.

"I don't know what I was thinking."I forced a laugh."I was just being stupid."

"You sure you're okay?"

"Nic, it was a million years ago.I was a different person, and like you said back then, it was just a Vegas fling.No biggie."

I could tell by her face she didn't believe me, but she didn't push the issue either."Go," I said."Sleep.I'll see you tomorrow if you don't need me anymore today."

"Nope.You have the rest of the day off from wedding stuff.But I'll see you in the morning for some spa time.I have us booked in for pedicures, massages—the works."

"Sounds good."I gave her a hug and watched as she crossed the lobby to the elevator bank.

It wasn't a biggie.Was it?It was stupid to think that Leo could be planning Nicole's wedding.I knew that.But instead of feeling relieved that it wasn't him, I couldn't help the disappointment that bloomed inside me as I headed outside to the Strip to lose myself in the crowd of tourists.