Page 47 of The Truths We Find

We pull up to the Bellagio Hotel, right in the heart of the Strip. After checking in, we head up to the fifteenth floor, where Alexa and I end up in next-door rooms, with Gavin just down the hall.

“It’s just about nine now,” Gavin says, checking his watch. “Make sure you’re at the hotel spa in forty-five minutes. I’ll be in my room doing some work if you need me, but somehow, I doubt that’ll happen.”

“Thanks, boss!” Alexa cheers.

“Yeah, thanks, Gavin. Really. It means a lot.”

“Of course. Now go get settled in your rooms and have a great day. Meet me downstairs in the lobby at four-thirty and the limo will take us to the ceremony.”

Alexa and I turn to unlock our doors, and she rushes inside, slamming the door behind her. I linger in the hallway, my gaze catching on Gavin, chest heavier than I expected. I want to say something, something real, but I don’t know where to start, or if I should at all.

The last few months without Sam have been harder than I let on. Nights felt too quiet, days dragged on, and somewhere along the way, I started leaning on Gavin more than I ever meant to. It’s not just the absence that’s gotten to me. It’s the realization that even before Sam left, I didn’t really have him the way I thought I did. Not in the ways that matter.

And that’s what makes this so complicated. Gratitude and comfort have twisted into something else—something I didn’t plan for. I can’t risk saying it out loud. Even the smallest hint could unravel everything we’ve built, and I’m not sure I could handle losing Gavin too.

So, I force a small, careful smile, the one that hides all the thoughts inside my head, and slip quietly into my room, leaving him standing in the hall.

I enter the massive room and throw my head back against the door, trying to shake off the feelings fighting a war in my head—and my heart.

I take in the space in front of me. A king bed rests against the wall, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Strip. I toss my bags on the couch off to the side when a knock comes from a door along the wall. I open it to find Alexa in the next room.

“Adjoining rooms, baby!” Alexa screeches.

“Oh boy. I’m not going to get any sleep this trip, am I?” I laugh.

“Nope! We are here to win and to party. Hurry up and change so we can get to the spa. I bet I can get them to take us a little early.”

“I was just going to go in this.” I open my arms to show off my jeans and sweatshirt. “Why do I need to change?”

“Girl! Do you know nothing about spas?”

The truth is, I’ve never been to a real spa before. I’ve had massages and facials, but always at the local salon. I notice she’s wearing a strapless purple sundress, with a pink bikini underneath. Alexa walks over to my suitcase and starts rummaging through my clothes. She holds up my blue one-piece swimsuit and white cover-up.

“Ah, perfect!” she says. “Quick, throw this on and let’s get going.”

Once I’m deemed spa appropriate, we make our way downstairs. As we walk through the double doors of the spa, we’re greeted by the smell of eucalyptus and the faint sound of singing bowls. That, combined with the soft gold and white walls and marble floors, already have me feeling relaxed.

A cheery woman greets us behind the check-in desk.

“Hi! We have reservations under Alexa Li and Dani Russell,” Alexa says excitedly.

“Yes, I see those appointments right here. Looks like you are both scheduled for the deluxe package,” the woman confirms.

“Uh, what exactly does that include?” I ask.

“You each get a massage, facial, mani-pedi, and hair and makeup. You also have unlimited access to our private saltwater pool and sauna. Plus, lunch and drinks are included.” She smiles.

“I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Alexa whispers.

“Right this way.” The woman gestures towards an open doorway.

Alexa and I link arms and follow the woman, giggling in excitement.

“I don’t think I have ever felt this relaxed in my life,” I sigh as we make our way out of the spa.

Alexa and I are officially Emmy ready. Since I’m not used to all the glitz and glamour, I went for a simple look. I had the makeup artist use natural tones on my face, but Alexa insisted she up the heaviness just a bit so I wouldn’t wash out in photos. My hair is down with soft curls reaching just past my shoulders, and I have freshly painted red nails. Alexa is the complete opposite. High-end glam makeup and a big updo, with black ringlets framing her face. It works for her though.

“We have a few more hours until we need to meet Gavin. What should we do now?” I ask.