Page 30 of Kiwi

The next morning,the blare of the doorbell rouses me from sleep. After last night's events, I came home and cried until sleep finally claimed me. Through bleary eyes, I peer over at the clock on the fireplace mantel to see it's barely eight o'clock. The doorbell goes off again, followed by a knock. "Hold on. I'm coming," I grumble, throwing the blanket off me and sitting up on the edge of the couch. Just as I make it to the front door, the pounding starts again. "I said, hold on!" I shout as I swing it open. My mouth falls open when I see who's standing on the porch.

"Took your ass long enough."

"Jia! Oh my god, what are you doing here?" I pull my friend in for a hug.

"Good to see you too, Piper. Now, are you going to invite me in? My tired ass needs caffeine, pronto."

Moving aside, I let Jia in. "Why didn't you call to tell me you were coming? I thought you were spending the summer with your parents?"

"My dad was called away for business, and there was no way I was spending two months alone with my mother. So, I hopped on a plane last night, and here I am."

"Oh, man. That sucks, Jia. I know you were looking forward to spending some time with your dad."

Jia waves her hand at me. "He promised his trip was only for a week. And to make it up to me, he's sending me to Vegas. He got me tickets to all the shows I've been wanting to see. I told him the only way I'd go is if I got to take my best friend with me. So, what do you say? Our flight leaves in three hours."

"Are you serious? A week in Vegas and you want to take me?"

"Yup, all expenses paid by dear old dad. Come on, Piper, don't make me go alone."

I mull over Jia's proposal then decide the trip couldn't have come at a better time. After last night, I could use the time to clear my head. "Okay, I'm in."

"Yes! I knew you wouldn't let me down. Vegas, here we come," Jia cheers throwing her hands in the air.

"Follow me upstairs and help me pack. I need to call my dad to let him know what's up and call my boss. I have lots to do in only three hours."