Page 81 of Vegas Heat

A server comes over, and I order a vodka soda—a much faster route to the tipsiness I’m currently craving.

I just really hope I don’t spill anything once the truth serum kicks in. I tend to be a loud and happy drunk, and that’s what I need right now to help fill up the hole in my chest where my heart used to be before Cooper ripped it out and took it with him.

“You go to UNLV?” the girl across from me asks.

I nod. “You?”

She nods, too, and two of the others also go to UNLV, and they look familiar, like we’ve passed each other on campus or maybe had a class together at some point. We get to chatting about all the professors we have in common, and parties and events and dorm rooms and people…and laughter, so much laughter as the vodka starts to slide down faster and faster.

I love this group of people already. They’re fun. They’re my age. They’re silly, and the boys get into a pissing match of chugging and dares while the three of us girls giggle at their antics. I find a quick bond with Chloe, though Mackenzie doesn’t seem quite as friendly, and after my first couple drinks, I feel Justin’s leg pressing against mine. During my third drink, hetosses an arm around my shoulders. It’s friendly, though. It’s non-threatening. It’s fun and light.

I stack my third empty in front of me after only an hour.

I haven’t eaten anything, but the pressure on my chest has started to ease up.

The pressure in my bladder, however, has not.

“Need to pee!” I announce, and I practically fall out of the booth before I beeline for the restroom.

I pull my phone out of my pocket.

There’s nothing there from Cooper.

I’m not drunk enough just yet to think texting him is a good idea, so I skip over that particular cliché.

I finish my business and head back to the table, where a fresh vodka drink awaits.

I’m slightly tipsy, and four will push me over the tipsy line, but I don’t care.

I force a smile as I force Cooper out of my head. I’m here to have a good time, and I focus on that thought as I pick up my drink and get started on number four.

CHAPTER 10: COOPER

It’s more crowded here than I’d like, but I pull my ballcap down low over my eyes and manage to score a booth in the corner facing the wall. A server takes my order, and contrary to Nick’s advice, I go with a beer. As a compromise, I get a Michelob Ultra. Fewer calories and all that.

Kaylee slides into the booth across from me. “What’s up, Coopster?”

I laugh. “Coopster?”

“I’m trying it out. You like it?”

I shake my head. “No, I don’t.”

She shrugs. “I’ll keep working on it. You doing okay?”

I shake my head. “Not even a little. But good news about SFK and the sponsorship, right?”

She nods. “Great news. I take it that was your Gabby in the meeting?”

“Of course it was.”

She presses her lips together. “I’m so sorry. What are you going to do?”

“WhatcanI do?” I chug down the rest of my beer before the server comes over to take Kaylee’s order, and I ask for a second one along with some nachos. Fuck the diet. It can start tomorrow.

“You can be honest with her father,” she points out.

“Right. Her father, the guy who confessed earlier today that my ex hit on him but he declined since you don’t fuck a buddy’s ex or family members.”

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