“Why Vegas? There’s plenty of bars and clubs in LA,” I said, already knowing there was no way to change Taylor’s mind. She wanted to have a weekend in Vegas, so she would get it.
“You live a one-hour flight away and have never even been there,” she argued.
It was true. I had never been to Las Vegas. But I never saw the point in going since I didn’t go out much and didn’t gamble. And if I knew my friend, that was all she would want to do.
“There’s a lot of people who’ve never been. Besides, I could spend my money on other things. Like a new oven,” I countered, eyeing the oven in question.
It had been acting up since we moved in a few days ago. The apartment was small, but I could afford the rent without having to share a room with my sister. Giving a seventeen-year-old pubescent teenager her own space was a priority. I’d been willing to sleep on the couch if I couldn’t find a two-bedroom apartment for us, but luck had been on my side for once.
“I already told you all you have to pay for are the flights. I won the hotel room. You have to come. Kelly said she’s in too. This is going to be so much fun.”
Another reason not to go. Kelly was one of Taylor’s friends, and she hated me. But Taylor took every opportunity to throw us together. She wanted us to get along so bad, she ignored that we were completely different. Vegas seemed like her latest attempt at making us all the best of friends.
“Do I have to go? You’ll have more fun without me.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “This will be good for you. One last hurrah before you embark on pursuing your boring five-year plan.”
“Ten-year plan. And maybe you’re right,” I said. Maybe I did need to have one last weekend of fun before I pursued my goals. It wouldn’t be too bad hanging out with Kelly. After all, Taylor would be there.
“I’m always right,” she said.
One thing I’d learned over the last few months: life was short. You had no control over what it would throw at you. And maybe I should just live in the moment for once. One weekend wouldn’t throw me off my course. My plan was ironclad; a minor detour wouldn’t make a difference.
And Taylor was stubborn. She wouldn’t give up, not when she thought this was the right thing to do. We’d only known each other a few months, but we had become good friends in that time.
We worked together at an accounting and financial services firm, a place where dreams went to get pulverized. But they paid well, and it was the only place that would hire me straight out of college. Besides, I couldn’t really be picky given my current situation.
“Finish packing. The taxi is waiting outside,” Taylor said, a sly smile on her face.
“Now?” I screeched, running to my bedroom. “But Brielle hasn’t even come home yet. I need to let her know what I’m doing.”
“It’s two nights. I’m sure she won’t even notice you’re gone.”
I tried not to get annoyed with her flippancy. I was my sister’s guardian. I couldn’t just disappear for the weekend without a word.
I opened my suitcase and placed clothes inside. I folded them neatly, making sure I’d have an outfit for every occasion. After getting all my toiletries, I zipped the case up and texted Brielle.
Me: Hey, where are you? Thought you’d be home by now.
She answered straight away, not surprising since her phone was permanently attached to her hand.
Brielle: At Daisy’s. She said I could stay the night.
Me: I’m going to Vegas for the weekend, so maybe you can stay with her for two nights?
Brielle: Haha, very funny.
Me: I’m serious.
Brielle: No way is that part of your twenty-year plan. You hate Vegas.
Me: Ten-year plan. And hate is a pretty strong word.
Brielle: You said it’s a cesspit of sin. Have fun getting corrupted.
Me: Call me if you need anything. I’m only a short flight away.
Brielle: I’m fine. Stop worrying. And maybe leave the stick up your ass at home. You might even enjoy yourself.
