cute. I loved that Hazel and Everly were both so radiantly happy, even if it did remind me of my own failures in love.
Everly yawned and Mr. Calloway scooted to the edge of his seat, as if poised to swoop in and gather up his wife in his arms should she need him.
“Sorry,” Everly said. “I get tired so early these days.”
“That’s a perfectly normal consequence of pregnancy,” Hazel said. “I’m rather surprised you’ve made it this long without needing a nap.”
“Does that mean you won’t be disappointed if I turn in early?”
“Of course we won’t,” Nora said. “Besides, if you don’t go back to your room soon, your husband might give himself an aneurysm.”
Everly laughed. “I know. He’s so intense.”
“And we love him for it.”
Hazel’s eyes darted to Corban. Again.
“Oh my god, will you two stop eye fucking?” Nora said. “Both of you, go.”
“I wasn’t—” Hazel started to say, then stopped herself. “There’s just something about hotel rooms for us.”
I tried not to giggle as I watched Corban chew on his lower lip, his eyes locked on his wife. They were so obvious.
“Go,” Nora said, brushing them away with a flick of her hand. “Go have hot hotel sex. I’m completely happy for you and not the least bit jealous.”
“I’m jealous,” I said.
“I am too, obviously. I’m just trying to be nice.”
Everly stood and a second later, Mr. Calloway was at her side. Hazel got up and shot Corban a look that dripped with suggestion. The corners of his mouth lifted and he stood, shoving his hands in his pants pockets. They both walked away, in different directions, clearly beginning a game that only they understood.
“I guess this is growing up,” Nora said wistfully as we watched our friends go. “Best friends with husbands and babies on the way.”
“Things change,” I said. “And I think it’s normal to be both happy and sad about that.”
“Well said, Soph.” She stood and shouldered her purse. “I think tonight I’m going to embrace that change and turn in early.”
I followed, careful not to knock my chair over. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. To be honest, I didn’t sleep well last night. Pajamas and hotel sheets sound decadent right about now. But I don’t want to ruin your night. Would you rather go out?”
“No, I’m fine. We had fun last night, and it’s been a long day for me too. I like where you’re going with pajamas and hotel sheets.”
She and I walked to the elevators together. Her room was on the thirty-eighth floor, so she got out first. I stayed in, and the elevator rose, opening on the thirty-ninth.
I hesitated, and a moment later the doors closed again with me still inside.
Because I didn’t really want to go back to my room.
I was in Vegas, feeling awesome in this dress, and I’d had so much good luck today. My shoes fit right, my hair was behaving itself, and I hadn’t tripped or fallen even once since that meeting earlier. I’d gotten through dinner without spilling a single thing, and that had to be some kind of record.
I didn’t want to waste this good luck. Especially not here.
With a sense of resolve, I pushed the button to go back down.
We were staying at the Four Seasons—so decadent—and since I was alone, I decided to stick close and go to Mandalay Bay.
The noise and lights of the casino greeted me, a cacophony of beeping machines, background music, and conversations. Clutching my purse in my hands, I took slow steps, trying to get my bearings. It was loud and bright and exciting, and I was going to make the most of it.
A slot machine seemed like a good place to start. I chose one of the smaller ones, took the seat in front of it, and fed in some money.
The screen flashed and I hit the button. A little thrill of excitement tingled my stomach as I watched the symbols scroll until—
Wait.
I won.
I didn’t win much, but I’d won a few dollars. Go, me!
Time to play again. I hit the button and the screen flashed.
I won. Again.
How was this possible?
I glanced around, wishing I had someone to celebrate with. I never won anything and I’d just won twice in a row.
Positive that I’d lose this time, I played again.
And I freaking won.
This one was a bigger payout—twenty dollars—and the machine celebrated for me with flashing lights and music. An old lady walking by gave me a big thumbs up. I smiled and waved back at her.
Okay, now