“I haven’t said anything yet. Rio’s been my brother’s best friend forever. Four years ago, something happened that showed me his true colors. Rio’s real character. And I want nothing more to do with him.”
I pause, thinking about my puppy’s wheezing breaths that kept me up last night. “But then, when I think about Snorty…”
The vet’s estimate sits heavy on my mind. Six thousand dollars for the operation to fix his breathing issues. It would eliminate his pain and prolong his life.
“Say yes,” Janie leans forward, her eyes wide with excitement. "I bet the weekend will be super glam! Let me look it up."
I watch Janie as she taps at her device. "Got it. Concert this weekend in Vegas by Rio and the Wilders. Benefiting the Quench Autism Foundation."
"What? Steven didn't tell me that part," I say, grabbing Janie's phone. I quickly read the details.
"It says here Quench soft drinks will donate part of the concert proceeds to autism research. This is great. If I go, maybe I'd be able to meet VIPs directly involved with the charity. And tell them about the programs I've developed at my school."
Janie snatches her device back.
"Boring!" Janie says, using her fingers to expand the picture of Rio so that the front of his tight jeans fills her phone frame.
"Your fake rockstar fiancée has a package like this, and all you can think about is research?"
"Rio's my brother's best friend. I've known him since I was a kid. He's nothing to get excited about."
"To you, maybe. You must go to Vegas, Maddie. I can’t wait to tell my coworkers my roomie’s marrying the hottest rockstar on earth. Then, when you tie the knot, I’ll fill their heads with all the kinky sex you guys are having?—”
“We’re not getting married, and there’ll be no sex. Kinky or otherwise. I’m sorry I even told you.”
“Then why did you?”
I sigh. “Steven needs a decision before midnight. If I answer yes, I’ll need to fly to Las Vegas early tomorrow morning.”
“Do it, Maddie, do it! Las Vegas will be so fun! Besides…” She drops her voice, leaning in closer like she’s sharing state secrets.
“It would be good for you to get out of town this weekend. Especially sinceheis going to be there.”
“He? Who?”
“Joseph. Remember I told you about my new friend who only dates finance guys? Well, she knows Joseph. And she says his new firm is having their big annual convention at Las Palmas in Vegas this weekend.”
I stare at her. “That’s where I’ll be staying. You’re joking.”
“Nope. Apparently, this new firm is super conservative. Like, ‘family values’ conservative. They fire people for messy divorces or public scandals.”
“Then Las Vegas isn’t the place for them,” I say.
“I don’t know,” she replies. “Maybe they're staging the event in Las Vegas to provide temptation and see who breaks.”
“I’m curious if Joseph can pass the test.”
“What do you mean?” Janie looks at me.
“He’s a binge drinker. Rarely drinks, but when he does? Whoa, Nellie!”
It's not funny. Not bya long shot. But we both explode into giggles.
“Here's another thing," says Janie. "Since Joseph broke up with you, imagine how jealous he'll feel when he sees you on the arm of gorgeous Rio. He’ll regret your breakup and all the nasty things he said about you.”
“Ha! That will be the day.”
“Speak of the devil. Here comes he comes now, Joseph W. King.”
