Page 4 of The Vegas Rerun
The tension in my chest eases too, and the sounds of the casino flood back in now that I’m out of my little bubble of despair. The space around me is once again filled with clusters of tourists and businessmen, and the hum of conversation competes with the plink plonk sounds of the fruit machines. Myheart is hammering, as excitement and possibility fill the air, and I feel like if it wasn’t for the sounds of life going on around us, Joshua would be able to hear it beating. I take a moment to calm myself and then I force my voice to sound casual when I speak.
“I thought you were supposed to be on a plane right now,” I say.
We pause in our conversation when the bartender brings our drinks, and Joshua tells him to put them on his tab. He gives the bartender his room number and it’s different from his original room, so it does sound like he left and came back, meaning he likely didn’t get my note. I relax further and just enjoy the view that is Joshua for a moment longer before the transaction is complete and Joshua’s focus turns back to me.
Joshua grins at me and takes a long drink of his drink before setting it down on the bar. He pushes mine towards me and I thank him and take a drink, glad of something to do with my hands.
“Yeah, anyway, about going home,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was supposed to be flying home today, but I got to the airport, and there was some sort of a mix up with my boarding pass. Apparently, they overbooked the flight, and I got bumped to one tomorrow.”
“So, you came back here rather than staying in a room at one of the airport hotels,” I say, and I can’t keep the smile off my face now. He came back for me.
His grin turns a little sheepish, confirming my suspicion.
“I was going to. But then I figured I would come here on the off chance I might run into you here,” He tilts his head slightly, his eyes locked onto mine. “And here you are.”
“Yup,” I agree, still grinning like a lunatic but unable to help myself. “Here I am.”
“So, since fate decided to give me an extra night here, how about we get another drink?” he says.
His voice is light, but there’s something else underneath it. Something that makes my pulse quicken and my mouth go slightly dry. Something that makes me feel like anything is possible if I only relax and go with the flow, and just for once, I want to do just that. But I have to be careful about it and as much as I want Joshua, I can’t risk losing my job over this.
I glance over my shoulder. My manager is nowhere in sight, but that doesn’t mean she won’t appear at any second.
“I can’t really be seen to be drinking with the guests,” I say. “I know it’s dumb but it’s company policy. I risked getting fired drinking this one.” I gesture to my now empty glass.
Joshua nods, as if he expected that answer.
“Then let’s go somewhere else,” he says.
I hesitate for a fraction of a second before reminding myself that I’m going to relax and go with the flow tonight and I find myself nodding my head in agreement.
“Ok,” I say. “Why the hell not.”
CHAPTER 4
JOSHUA
The night airis warm as we step out of the hotel, the city humming around us. Vegas never really sleeps, and even though it’s still fairly early, the streets are already alive with neon lights and the distant sounds of laughter. Molly walks beside me, her heels clicking against the pavement, her presence effortless yet intoxicating.
"I know a place," she says, glancing over at me with a shy smile. "It’s not like these rip-off tourist places. It’s usually not too crowded, and not too quiet. It’s perfect for a drink or two."
I let out a low chuckle.
"Sounds like you know what you’re doing," I say. “Lead the way.”
She laughs, her eyes flashing with amusement.
"Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.,” she says. “Don’t forget Vegas is my home."
That makes sense. She belongs here in a way I never could. This city fits her – they are both bold and bright, always moving, alive in a way that feels different to anything else. Meanwhile,I’m just a visitor, one foot already out the door. But tonight, I push that thought aside. Tonight, I’m going all in.
We walk a few blocks to a bar tucked away in a side street that comes off from the main strip. It’s the kind of place you don’t just stumble into; you have to know it’s there. Inside, the lights are dim, and the atmosphere is intimate. Couples sit at the tables around us, although there are some free. The low murmur of conversation fills the space, accompanied by the occasional clink of glasses, and in the background, barely audible, soft music plays.
The bartender nods at Molly in recognition as she waves at him and leads me across the room. We slide into a booth, and when the waitress comes, Molly orders us drinks without hesitation.
“Two Macallan Eighteens please, hold the rocks,” she says and the waitress nods and smiles and leaves the table.
“Good choice,” I say. “Something strong, but smooth.”
