BECK - VEGAS
I can’t stop staring at Hero and Nora.
I want what they have.
Maybe I’m too desperate to find true love. Maybe my books turn women away because they think that’s what I want. Maybe I hold my standards too high. I mean hell, for as far back as my family can remember, not a single Robertson has ever been divorced. It’s not in our genes. So yeah, my standards are high. The pressure is high. I get one chance. I can’t mess it up.
Maybe I’m overthinking it.
“You want to go grab a beer or two before we call it a night?” Zane asks, his attention on his phone. Probably texting his “non-girlfriend” Willa.
Riiight. They aren’t dating, my ass. Those two are as committed as the soon-to-be newlyweds sharing a seat across from me.
Fuck.
Everyone around me is happily settling down, and then there’s me. Happy as hell for them but envious as fuck.
Wanting to be in love isn’t a crime. It doesn’t make me pathetic or sappy or whatever you want to call it just because I want that and don’t have it.
It makes me human.
Fucking hell, I need a drink or two.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
I stand just as Hero says, “We’re going to call it a night, but let’s still plan to meet poolside tomorrow, yeah?”
“Oh, it’s so cute how you all keep your traditions on tour. Poolside on your day off.”
Hero pinches Nora’s side, and she laughs before he kisses her.
Shots. I need shots too.
Zane and I say goodbye to the lovebirds and head out of the restaurant and down the Strip. Signings in Vegas are a lot of work, but they’re some of my favorites. Normally, we don’t stay on the Strip, but we changed it up this year. It also helped that Simon brought his son because his summer babysitter quit at the last minute. He thought the Strip would be more fun for him. Roller coasters and whatnot. So far, his favorite has been M&M’s World.
“Hey, wait up!” a female voice says. It’s one I know all too well.
Simon’s sister. Calla.
“Calla, are you heading out on the town?” Zane jokes with her.
“Not exactly. Just a drink or two. I ran into Nora in the elevator, and she said you two just left, so I thought I’d catch up.”
Her eyes lock on mine, and I can tell she’s just itching to say something snarky.
I beat her to it.
“What, no one needed an escort tonight?”
I skim her outfit.
I know what I said. I know it was shitty. But fuck, what was I supposed to say? Wear that dress again and I’ll tear it off myself?
Nope. Can’t say that.
So, be a dick it is.
“You know what? I’m not even going to respond to that. I’m in a great mood today, thank you very much.”
