“Don’t change the subject, young lady! What did he do, and what can I do to help? You know I’d do anything for you, babe,” she adds softly.
I’ve missedher straight talking.
I’ve missedher loyalty.
I’ve missedher friendship.
“I’ve missed you, Lottie.” I hope she can hear my smile down the phone.
“I’ve missed you too,” she says quietly before taking a breath. “Right. Now that we’ve got the sappy shit out of the way, are you gonna fill me in?”
She hasn’t changed one bit. Straight to the point, no messing.
“Yes, but not over the phone. Do you know of anywhere close to Boulder City that I can stay? A hotel or something?”
“Stay with me,” she states.
“I can’t. I mean, I just don’t think it’s wise. Not yet.”
“Okay.” She pauses. “My boyfriend’s brother owns a hotel on the Vegas Strip. Head there. I’ll sort it and text you with details,” she says firmly.
“Perfect. I owe you one, Lottie.”
“Yes, you do. Call me when you get there. I’m heading over there in about an hour anyway, so I want to know the minute you arrive.”
“I promise.” I know she is going to have a fit when she sees my face, but there’s not a lot I can do about that now. I’m just pleased she hadn’t been around to see me before I left Boulder City. “And, Lottie…can you put it under the name Natalie Jamesson?”
“Natalie who now?”
“Just…I’ll explain everything when I get there.”
We say our goodbyes and hang up. After speaking to the two people I hold dearest to me in the whole world, I’m happy. I turn the music up and open the windows, letting the wind blow away some of the weight that has been holding me down. I smile to myself and sing along with the music.
I’m going to Vegas.
***
After three hours on the road, I finally pull into Las Vegas. I’d lived fairly nearby in Boulder City for quite a few years and had come here occasionally, but it wasn’t a place I’d frequented. Aaron had been taken here by the boys for his Bachelor Party, although he had remained tight-lipped about what went down that weekend. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
I take a deep breath and remind myself why I’m here.
Move on. Move forward.
I follow Lottie’s directions to the hotel. It’s huge with beautiful fountains outside and a gleaming glass frontage. There is sparkling gold lettering above the entry that reads 'The Kingdom' and I momentarily wonder if they send someone up there to polish it every day it’s that shiny. The valet takes my car, and a bellhop greets me at the door, taking my case and walking me to the reception area. It’s stunning. The floors are highly polished marble as is the main reception desk, and there are huge arrangements of bright green foliage and pure white fresh flowers. Everywhere you look there are subtle accents of gold—the desk has a gold trim. The tall ornate pedestals either side have gold flourished indentations. It’s the kind of place Aaron would take me to for a weekend getaway.
I turn my attention to the friendly receptionist. I’m just about to speak when I hear a familiar squeal and I’m tackled from behind by a five foot redhead who has her arms wrapped around my neck and is squeezing me so hard I might pass out.
She lets go and bounces in front of me. “I’m so freaking happy to…” Her beaming smile freezes and drops as her brows knit into fierce hard lines and her tone changes to angry. “What the fuck happened to your face? Talk…” she says, putting her hand on her hip.
I smile at her softly. “Can I get out of these clothes first? Then we’ll go get a drink…please.” I don’t want to discuss this right here, and I really do want to freshen up.
“Fine. Come on, I’ll see you up to your room.”
My room is on the second floor and is beautiful. It has floor to ceiling windows, which are dressed in crisp white drapes with a gold trim. It’s simple, but elegant and not overdone. I leave my case in the bedroom where the colors of white and gold are carried through, and I freshen up in the marble bathroom before Lottie and I head back downstairs to find an outside table at oneof the bistros. We are served immediately, ordering drinks and a light lunch.
“Okay, spill it,” Lottie says, putting her elbows on the table and clasping her hands under her chin.
“It’s not really that bad,” I say, waving my hand as if to prove my statement is true.
