Piper laughs at Lina’s comment, seemingly forgetting that I’m still standing here.
I let out a heavy breath of frustration. Taking a few steps away and without turning around, I say, “Thanks.”
I slide my phone from the pocket of my jeans to text Bailey.
Me: Are you not in Vegas right now?
I pace back and forth in front of the grand fountain in the middle of the hotel lobby. I see three dots, but nothing has come through yet. I glance over at the group who have made their way over to a bar outside the restaurant. They all take turns glancing my way, presumably waiting for me to join them.
I’m not leaving this spot until she texts me back.
Bailey: No, Luca has a little cold, and I didn’t want to leave him.
She’s not here. My shoulders sink, and I rub my forehead, annoyed that I even came in the first place. I should’ve known. Why didn’t she text me?
Me: You could have told me.
I snap. Maybe she won’t pick up on the fact that I’m pissed since it’s over text.
Bailey: I didn’t know I had to tell you.
She does. That’s my girl.
Me: Is he alright?
Bailey: Yes, he’s fine. The school called just as I was leaving to go to the airport.
Me: But you had time to tell Lina and Piper?
Bailey: Seriously?
I don’t text her back. I’m not upset that she’s home with Luca; I’m annoyed that she didn’t think I was important enough to tell. I don’t want to be here if she’s not. Bailey is the only reason why I booked that suite. Massaging my temples, I glance behind me to see Harry waving me over. I would love to stay. He is my best friend after all, but now that she’s not here, I don’t want to be.
I’d rather be home fucking the shit out of her.
Balling my fists at my sides, I walk straight toward her brother. But before reaching him, I look back down at my phone to see if Bailey has messaged me again.Nothing.
“Mason?”
I guess I’m not important enough for her to tell. And I shouldn’t be obviously, but I am unequivocally bothered by it.
“Mason—”
“What!” I scream at Harry. Aside from being irritated that my weekend is not going to go as planned, I can’t deny the ache inside of me, knowing that Luca is not feeling well. A strongsurge of adrenaline takes over, and I immediately need to be somewhere other than that restaurant.
“What the hell, man. Are you okay?” he asks, concerned.
I wipe my hand down the length of my face. “Yes. I’m fine, but something personal just came up and I’m sorry, but I have to head home,” I tell him.
“Shut the fuck up, really?”
I try to remove the annoyed look from my face, but I am struggling to do it. “Yes, man. I’m sorry, but I have to bail.”
“Well, that sucks. You practically planned this whole weekend.”
“I know, and I’m sure you bastards will all enjoy yourselves,” I say, slapping his shoulder.
“Hell yeah, we will.”
