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“Dakota’s reservation got lost and they don’t have any more rooms to stay in.”
“Oh, shit,” he mutters, and I can see the gears working behind his eyes. And he’s not exactly thrilled.
“Yeah, so I offered to share my room with her. I mean, I have a double and I don’t really need a double.”
I watch as the guy leans in toward her to say something. I try to hear them without being obvious, but I’m interrupted by someone else patting a hand on my back.
“Dakota! You made it!” I recognize Austin’s voice immediately and feel my shoulders relax.
Ever since we were kids, Austin and I were close. Closer than any of our other friends and their siblings. And as we grew up, we grew even tighter. We needed to when our parents didn’t approve of our career and lifestyle choices. Not only did our parents find it unorthodox that I preferred women over men to share my bed with, but they also thought I was reckless to choose a life as a freelance photographer.
Then, Austin got hit with the disappointed parents. He also went down the artist path–as a kickass tattoo artist.
As much as it sucks to not have supportive parents, at least we have each other. Whether it is a two a.m. phone call where I end up in a mental breakdown because the entitled model doesn’t think she needs to listen to me, no matter how many times I tell her that I am her boss when there is a camera involved. Or it is a six a.m. series of text messages from Austin, telling me all about how he proposed to Kate.
And now, here we both are, standing in this luxurious Vegas hotel so my brother can say “I do” to the only person he’s loved possibly more than me.
“Is this the famous Dakota?” The sweet voice draws me back to the moment in front of us.
Austin has fully wrapped his arm around my shoulder now and I see the woman I recognize from photos as Kate walking toward me with her arms outstretched. She’s just as tall as Austin, with long blonde curls and wearing a pink sundress. If not for her arms and legs covered in tattoos I would wonder what they have in common.
At first glance they’re total opposites, until you learn she’s also a tattoo artist. Because of my busy schedule, extensive traveling, and their quick engagement, we haven’t gotten the chance to meet yet.
“Dakota, this is my fiancee Kate. Kate, this is my older sister Dakota.” He smiles as Kate leans in for a hug. I’m a bit taken aback, but I accept the embrace.
“It’s so great to meet you! Austin has told me so much about you. We truly appreciate you offering to take our wedding photos.”
“It’s the least I can do.” I turn back to the chipper receptionist who clears her throat. She was surprisingly patient through all our introductions.
“Sorry, but have we figured out a plan of how to move forward with the room?” she asks, looking between me and my possible savior. Shit, I haven’t asked her name.
“You’re sure you don’t mind?” I look at her again.
“Nope, the room is under Violet Roy.” She steps forward as the receptionist types it in.
“Yes, your room is ready, and we’d like to offer a discount for the troubles.” She smiles and hands Violet and I our room keys.
The man behind her is glaring. What the hell is his problem? He clearly isn’t the boyfriend if she isn’t staying with him this weekend.
“Lemme introduce you to everyone else.” Austin smiles as a bellhop takes our luggage.
His other friends are introduced as Grace and Harry. Grace is a petite Asian brunette with bold lips and a great sense of style. I’ll have to ask her later where she likes to shop. Harry has his arms around her, a tan complexion, and a variety of tattoos up and down his arms. The guy behind Violet is Grant. He shakes my hand with a subtle eye roll as I decide I don’t like him very much. He is only a few inches taller than me and the most striking thing about him is his hazel eyes. But I’m not concerned with him anymore. I don’t have the energy to figure out what his deal is. I only have the energy for crashing into a bed.
“So, how about we all freshen up and then head down the street for dinner?” Austin chimes in.
I can’t help but let out a loud groan.
“What, Dakota. You don’t eat anymore?” Austin teases.
“I eat. But I also sleep. And right now, I need sleep.” I start toward the elevator, not even waiting for them to catch up to me.
“Fine, take a nap. Meet us for dinner in about an hour?” Austin punches the round button, illuminating the twentieth floor button.
Again, I roll my eyes. “Don’t forget us peasants down here on eighteen.” I playfully push past Austin, smacking the button with my index finger.
The elevator jolts and started rising. I can feel my vertigo starting to hit but I push it down. I am not about to explain to a group of strangers how I always want to curl up in a ball when riding an elevator.
I waste no time pushing out and into the hallway as soon as the doors slid open. “1802…1802,” I keep muttering to myself as I lead most of the pack down the hallway. Grace and Harry find their suite, barely waving good-bye before slipping into their room. Grant finds his room next to theirs and I watch as he stares after Violet, expecting her to follow him.
