Our baggage stowed in the trunk, we slide into the back seat of the Uber."I’m not really here for the game.TJ and I are friends, and I’ll naturally support him, but I have some stuff to do.Including flying by myself and going to a casino.The timing just worked well."
Ophelia raises an eyebrow."I meant TJ orchestrating this, having me help you out, and staying in my room.Of course, I’m happy to, because you know I love a romantic storyline."
Her viral ClikClak was proof of that.She was trying for one of those grand romantic gestures.Turns out her boyfriend was a turd, and the video exposed him.
If I try to deny it again, it will not help my case.Instead, I change the subject."So what do you do when you’re traveling with the team?"
"I wouldn’t call it traveling with the team.They are fairly locked down.This is one trip where they have almost a full day before they fly out, though, so we might get to see the boys a little."
"Is that why you’re here?"
"Nah, I need to do some research for my next book.It’s a mob romance, set in Vegas.This is a work trip for me."
"Oh, you’re a writer?I thought you just liked to read books."
"That too.I write spicy romance under the name Lia Finn."
"I JUST READ YOUR BOOK!"My voice is way too loud for the confines of the car, but Ophelia doesn’t seem to mind."I don’t even like smutty books, but I’d seen it so much that I thought I would give it a try.It made the flight go by so fast!My sister would have loved it."
"Would you believe someone accused me of using Xavier for research for that book and said I was only with him to get my storyline?It blew up and nearly cost me everything."
With that, we both break into laughter.The over-the-top, side-splitting, tear-inducing laughter that such a ridiculous notion can bring.Wiping the tears away, I say, "Is Xavier immortal?I’ve seen him outside in the sun, so that kind of discounts the vampire theory, unless you’ve created a new breed of sun-tolerant vampires.Something more plausible than sparkling like diamonds in the light."
We can’t contain our laughter as we get out of the Uber and check into the hotel.There’s something about Ophelia that immediately puts me at ease.For the first time since Richie’s diagnosis, the huge crushing weight that’s been threatening to suffocate me lessens.
We’re at the W, which is where the Buzzards are staying as well.It’s easily one of the swankiest places I’ve ever visited, with its gold trim and marble everything.This is a very long way from Cramer-Romero Associates Pumps.Surely they’re going to kick me out for being an impostor.
That doesn’t even touch the fact that I’m not a WAG.
"The guys have a curfew, but they usually have a nice meal in one of the restaurants.I’ll find out which one, and we can go there too."Her fingers fly over her phone, texting away."Okay, apparently all the restaurants they are considering are over at Mandalay Bay."She squints at the phone."Xavier says they’re deciding between Mediterranean and steak."She looks up."Ten bucks says they’re going to do Mexican.It’s what they usually do."
Ophelia checks her phone and laughs."Maybe I should gamble a little while I’m here.They’re going to the Border Grill.Oh wait, Xavier has a message for you from TJ.He says there’s a casino in Mandalay Bay, right where the restaurant is, so you can hit that after.I’m here to see the casinos too, so what do you say?"
Ophelia talks so fast that it makes my head spin.She keeps going."Let’s get changed.Do you want to shower?I might shower.Like a quick rinse off.Not my hair or anything.I feel like I should dress up a little.Do you want to dress up a little?We don’t have to if you don’t want to.It’d be nice to look cute for our men, even if they can only see us from across the room."
My face falls."I didn’t bring anything cute.I don’t own anything cute.I don’t go anywhere where I need to look cute."
"You can wear one of my outfits.I totally overpacked because I couldn’t decide what I wanted to wear, so I just threw a bunch of stuff in my bag."She is rummaging through her suitcase, pulling out all her clothes.Every minute or so, she stops to look at me, her eyes narrowing."Okay, I think this one is for you."
She hands me a black sheath minidress that has a large white flounce around the top of the chest."It’s got your cute vibe, but also a little sexy too."
"What are you going to wear?"I hold the dress she’s handed me, already in love with it.
"I’m feeling sassy tonight.I’m gonna wear this one."Ophelia holds up a red boatneck skater dress."I want my husband to be chomping at the bit to get home to me after the game."
Getting ready feels like it did when Richie and I were in high school.We never did anything wild or crazy.Most of the time, doing our hair and makeup was the most fun part of the night.We’ve got music blasting, and when The Black Eyed Peas come on, I immediately pick up my phone to text TJ.
Me: Ophelia and I are getting ready for a night on the Vegas Strip.
I snap a picture of my leg extended, showing the short hem of my dress, a fair amount of skin, and Ophelia’s strappy black heels.
TJ: You’re killing me, Smalls.
"What’s that grin about?"Ophelia exits the bathroom in a cloud of hairspray and perfume.She looks fantastic.
"Nothing.I just sent a picture to TJ."
A sly grin takes over her face."Right.Your friend, TJ."
