Page 62 of Six Wishes

I tried sending him an email, got no response. As a last resort, I wrote him a letter and mailed it via snail mail to a New York address that Damian was kind enough to give me.

However, it was all out of my hands when three days later I got flight information for me and Hunter, and a large sum of money had already been deposited in my checking account.

I really worried about flying out to Las Vegas by myself to do some photoshoot or something. But they did not blink an eyelash when I asked if I could bring someone with me. Hunter jumped at the opportunity.

And now she is jumping on her bed in the hotel suite we got assigned. I have to admit as I make a big circle and take everything in, that it is amazing. I have no idea how this is my life either.

“Is Van going to be at the photoshoot tomorrow too?” Hunter finally bounces to her butt, then throws herself back against the fluffy pillows lining the bed.

“I have no idea.” My voice shakes a bit, and I clear my throat, attempting to make it sound that’s what caused me losing my voice. Hunter doesn’t buy it.

“He still hasn’t called you back?” There’s pity in her tone. I hate it.

“Not yet,” I turn around and head toward my own room where all my stuff is still in the bag I brought with me.

I hear Hunter getting off the bed and following me at a brisk pace. “I’m sure he will, Chlo. I read that he was back in New York to meet with doctors and with the team. They haven’t announced yet if they’re keeping him or not.”

I smile and grab her in a quick hug. My little New York Sliders fanatic. She’s always in the know when it comes to what they’re up to.

“How about we go have dinner at that cool restaurant downstairs?” I try to distract her with meaningless talk. “I am starving, and I am sure you are too.”

“It kind of is past my feeding time,” Hunter agrees and checks the time on her phone. The girl can eat you under the table and she is skinny as a rail. She works out but nothing crazy. Mind boggling, really.

“I’ll change really quick and we’ll go.” I push her back toward her room, then close the door to mine. I fall back against the hard wood and let out a breath of air. My chest feels tight, like I have a weight sitting on it.

I stand here, taking calming breaths until I am finally able to walk to where I dropped my bag earlier. I open it and pull out a sparkly halter top that seems to be appropriate for where we are. I decide that the dark wash skinny jeans I have on are good enough, and debate for a second over what kind of shoes I should wear. I brought a pair of high heels, but I’ll look ridiculous next to Hunter.

After eyeballing my navy blue Converse shoes, I grab the black ballerina flats I packed, then head to the bathroom to freshen up a little.

“Ready?” Hunter’s smile hits me as soon as I step into the living area of our suite.

“Yes, let’s have some fun, chickee,” I grab her hand and we start walking toward the door.

“Thank you for bringing me with you, Chlo,” Hunter squeezes my hand just as I am about to open the door. I take in her way too serious face all of a sudden. “I…”

“Are you okay, Slayer?” I am worried now as I watch her eyes filling with water.

“I am moving back home,” she bursts in a rush of breath. “And I quit my job in New York.”

My eyes look like ping-pong balls, I’m sure. I am speechless, unsure of where this is coming from all of a sudden.

“I haven’t told my parents yet,” she hurries to say. “So please don’t tell your mom or dad just yet.”

I continue staring at her with big eyes popping out of my head. Why is there no one else around when there’s an urgent situation at hand? I do not deal well with stuff like this.

“I told Ridge, and he said I can stay with them if I need to,” she sniffles, and God bless her brother.

“You can stay with me too, Hunter,” I pull her into a tight hug. This girl is not okay, and I don’t know what to do to make it better for her. I feel guilty again for being all too upset about Van ghosting me, for lack of a better word.

“I’m sorry,” she pulls away from me and starts waving with her hands at her face to dry her mascara on her insane lashes. “I just wanted you to know. I’ve been dying to tell you.” I nod in understanding. “Thank you again for bringing me with you on your adventure. I needed this. More than you know.”

“I love you, Hunter, thank you for trusting me with this, okay?” She gives me a watery smile and makes an effort to regroup. “Now let’s go have some damn fun. On me! Since I can apparently afford it now,” I crack up. “Can you believe this?”

“You’re gonna be my claim to fame, Chlo,” Hunter giggles as we walk toward the elevators.

The trip down to the lobby is very short considering how high up we were. I almost feel dizzy by the time the doors open, and I haven’t even had a drink yet. Tonight should be good.

Hunter wraps her arm around mine and starts giggling in a whispered tone about the pair of old ladies who chatted with us on the ride down.

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