“Just checking, ’cause I have to report to my boss.”

“What boss?” Kate asked. “You don’t have one. You work for yourself.”

Becky turned to Kate. “I do when Jenna gets sick. Max will text everyone in the universe to find out if Jenna, his princess, is fine.”

I had to smile at her remark because I knew it was true. Max was overly protective when I was sick. He even came to my apartment when he was mad at me before we started dating, just to make sure I was fine. Thank goodness he was there, though. Luckily, I had found my prince. He was too good to me and I didn’t know what I’d ever done to deserve someone like him.

“You’re fortunate Max is the way he is. You got lucky in that department. All men want to be taken care of when they’re sick, but they’re not good when the roles are reversed,” Kate stated. “I have to be honest, Craig sucks at it. When I get sick, he’ll give me medication of course, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t match up to Max’s standards. Max goes beyond the call of duty.”

“Beyond, beyond,” Becky added. “But there is nothing wrong with that. I think it’s sweet.”

Our conversation had died down as we continued along the dark highway. There were no stars out tonight, adding to the eerie feeling. Luckily, there were some cars in front and behind us, so it didn’t seem like we were completely alone. Yet, I had to admit, I felt like I was in a tunnel of endless darkness and there was no finish line. It kept on going and going, and the only thing I could see was what the headlights provided in front of us.

Seeing nothing but darkness reeled me back to thoughts of Crystal. Ethan stepping forward was the best thing that could have happened. I couldn’t believe my eyes when he had come to our last meeting. Because of his confession about his affair with Crystal and how she’d blackmailed him, the lawsuit never made it to court. And of course I apologized for saying his balls were sagging. He’d just laughed it off and told me that he was glad to help. Ethan was a good guy. I was so glad he remained that way and his wife was forgiving. I believed her support was one of the big factors in his coming forward.

“We’re here,” Nicole said cheerfully.

Thank God! Trying to keep my mind occupied with other thoughts beside how sick I felt, I concentrated on what was in my line of vision. The colorful bright lights brought on a whole new level of blissful ambiance. I felt like I was somewhere in rainbow city, sucked into the beauty and excitement.

“I made reservations at the Bellagio,” Becky murmured, staring out the window. I was certain she was enjoying her view since it was the first time she’d been there. “Actually, Matthew made the reservations, but he confirmed it with Max. So it was both of their idea.”

“What do you mean?” Kate signaled right, and then exited the highway.

I remembered Max mentioning it, and though I had told him not to go out of his way, he had done it anyway. A part of me didn’t mind because it was for Nicole, but a part of me felt bad. This meant that Max and Matthew were going to pay for the room.

“That’s not all,” Becky continued.

Nicole leaned closer, and slightly swung to the right when Kate turned left. “I feel so bad, but what else?”

“We have our own private limo driver.”

“Really? Oh my God. Don’t ever break up with the Knight brothers,” Nicole exclaimed, giggling. “I have to thank them.”

“We’re going to parade around Vegas in style,” Kate sang.

It had been a while since I’d seen Kate this jovial. I knew she loved Kristen and her husband, but I guessed she just needed her time alone.

After we valet parked, the gentleman took out our luggage, and the bellboy placed them on the cart for us.

“I’ll bring them to your room,” he said with a friendly grin.

“Thanks.” Becky gave him a tip, and we entered the door that was held open for us.

It had been a while since I had been there, but it didn’t matter. My eyes always went straight to the colorful glass decoration on the ceiling. And how could you miss all of the people snapping pictures of the garden? I loved how they changed the theme by seasons.

“I’ll check in for us,” Becky said, leaving the three of us standing near the waiting area.

While we waited for Becky to return, Nicole took out her cell phone. “Let’s take pictures.” She flipped it so that we could see the three of us. Then she took some more of the ceiling and another one of Becky walking toward us.

“Let’s get this party started.” Becky handed each of us to our key to the suite. “This way.” She led the way, and when we reached our room, we told Nicole to swipe the card. After all, this was for her. Nicole excitedly opened the door, and I had to say I was not prepared for what I saw in front of me. I knew we were staying at a Chairman Suite, but I never imagined how stunning it would look.

“Hoooly...shit,” Becky murmured under her breath.

“Wow.” Nicole’s eyes grew wide and I was pretty sure mine were just the same. We stared, mesmerized by every inch of the grand suite.

“This place is double the size of my house.” Kate started to head toward the window that took up the whole back wall. “We have a fantastic view of the water fountain. We can watch it from here.”

We all rushed over. What a view! Blinking lights filled the darkness, providing a feeling of exultation. It filled me up so that I couldn’t help but smile and let my worries disappear. It was no wonder people came to Las Vegas to escape; you had no control. Reality disappeared and you were drunk from the atmosphere, the excitement, and the billboards of half-naked women and men flashing every way I looked.