Page 33 of Kiwi

Piper

"Oh, wow!" I exclaim as I peer out the floor to ceiling window of the hotel suite Jia and I will be staying for the next few days. "This view is amazing."

"It really is," Jia says, coming up behind me. "Dad reserves the same room every time he comes here on business or when he brings me to see a show."

"It must happen often. The receptionist downstairs recognized you the moment we walked into the hotel."

"Oh, yeah. Dad comes to Vegas at least five times a year. We also come together during spring break and for one week out of the summer. He doesn't stay anywhere but here."

"What about your mom? Does she come with you guys?"

Jia snorts. "My mother thinks it's beneath her to mingle with tourists or do anything I consider fun. If it doesn't involve lunch with her friends, a trip to her plastic surgeon, or laying out by some pool, she won't do it. But that's okay, dad and I have more fun without her. He's nothing like my mom."

Jia says all this like it's no big deal, but her eyes tell a different story.

"So," she says, changing the subject. "What do you want to do first? I'm a little beat considering I jumped on a flight from Florida to New Orleans, and three hours later, I was on another plane to here."

"Well, I didn't get but two hours of sleep before you showed up at my house. I spent the entire day and night at the clubhouse. We had a party to celebrate the grand opening of Kings Custom with the Montana Chapter, who surprised us with a visit. I say we go to the restaurant downstairs for a bite to eat, then come back up here and rest up for tomorrow."

"Sounds good to me."

When Jia and I arrive at the Italian restaurant, we don't have to wait and are shown to a table right away.

"What's good here?" I ask, looking over the menu.

"Everything. Seriously, order anything on the menu, it's all good."

A minute later, the waiter arrives with our drink order. "Have you ladies decided?"

Jia doesn't bother looking at the menu. "I'll have the Lobster Ravioli."

"And you, Miss?" the waiter peers over at me.

"I'll have the same, but I'll have some of the Calamari to start."

"Very well. I'll have your order out to you soon."

Just as I pick up my glass to take a sip of water, my phone chimes with an incoming text, Jia rolls her eyes. "Let me guess, your dad?"

"Shut up," I laugh. "He's just protective. Sure, he's a little much, but I'm used to it."

Tapping on the phone screen, I expect to see a text from my dad, but I see one from Tai instead.

Tai: Are you ok?

Tai:Talk to me

Tai:I'm sorry

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I ignore the last text and toss my phone back into my purse.

"You okay?" Jia questions.

"Not really," I sigh.

"Is this about that guy you were telling me about? The one in your dads' club? The sexy one with the accent?"

I nod. "A few days ago, he kissed me."