Page 2 of Wolf Fated
I'd been saving money since I was fifteen for my future wedding. Only took me six and half years of busting my ass waiting tables, cleaning houses, and even mowing old Johnson's yard every week. But I didn't have to ask my mom for a cent. Hell, I even bought the wedding gown myself. Both Dawn and I lived with my mom to save money because neither of us wanted to have to ever come back here.
"What am I going to do with you gone? Soon Dawn will leave me too."
"I'm only nineteen, Mom." Dawn patted her hand. "And I've got years more of college to get my veterinarian degree. Apartments are expensive, especially this close to the campus."
"That's my Dawn," Mom beamed. "Always the one I knew would make something of herself."
I let out a snort, then covered it up pretending I had a sneeze.
"All right, let's finish packing and get this wedding on the road," Dawn helped me out.
* * *
Three and half hours later, Dawn, Mom, and I were standing outside Caesars Palace. Its shimmering lights illuminated the early evening sky.
"Who's hungry?" I held out my arms, wrapping us in a group hug.
"Famished," Dawn said.
"Great. There's a place near here with the best sushi. I read about them on—"
"I'm allergic to shellfish," my mom said in a half-whiny voice. "What about a nice Italian?"
"No problem. Stephen said he's paying for our hotel and meals." After checking my GPS on my phone for directions, I led them to another restaurant a few blocks down.
When we entered the swank Italian bistro, the wait staff looked like they wore diamond rings and had regular facials and manicures. Not even a hair out of place or a worn-out look among them.
"May I help you, Mesdemoiselles?" the matre'd asked.
"Yes." I cleared my throat. "It's my wedding day, but I don't have a reservation. Mind squeezing us in?"
"Congratulations on your engagement." He smoothed back his jet-black hair, with an expression on his face like he was saying he was glad I didn't smell of manure. "We have one tiny opening."
"Thanks, we'll take it."
Inside was immaculate with cream-colored tablecloths, satin-covered chairs, even an actual trio of musicians playing. Two violins and a cellist brought the classical song to life, filling the room. Always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, but my days were full of school and work.
Dawn clasped my arm. "Are you sure we can afford this place?"
"No, but Stephen's paying." I pulled out his credit card and flashed it.
* * *
Over an hour later, I leaned back in the chair stuffed more than a Thanksgiving turkey. We ordered all the appetizers, and each got a different entree and dessert to share. Mom, after two glasses of red wine, had livened up as well.
"Did you know that in school all the boys asked me out and your father won because I was dared to go out with him?" Mom snorted. "But he was such a good kisser too."
"Gross," Dawn said making a gagging noise, then she and I burst into giggles.
This was the most fun I'd had with my mom and sister since Dad passed away six years ago.
I picked up my wine glass and held it out for them to toast with me. "To a glorious time at Las Vegas, may we have the time of our lives." Or something like that, the food and wine were making it hard to come up with an eloquent saying.
"Cheers." Dawn clinked her glass to mine and Mom's.
We drank the last of our wine.
"Pardon me, ladies, but may I take care of the bill for you?" Our waiter stepped forward and picked up some of our empty plates.
