BOOK SIX: LAS VEGAS Men can be such insolent pigs, can't they?They make you angry, they make you cry, they make you question everything you ever thought about yourself.?Yes, I really hate men sometimes. They really are the bane of human existence.Especially when I am in love with one of them, and I have to ignore it because the pain of wanting someone I can never really have is too much to bear."No, I don't want any pink or purple. It's not a bloody disco! Send me the final proofs when you're done and believe me, there will be hell if I see one trace of either of those colours. Bye," I gruff as I hang up the phone impatiently.Gabe tsks in disapproval as we walk down the supermarket aisle, him holding the basket while I pick out the food for our dinner and movie night.I notice his disapproving stare. "What?" "Gee, are you sure you're not the one getting married? Bride-zilla hello!"I give him a playful scowl as I put down a packet of rigatoni pasta. "These people have
"Oooh, I really hope we find the one!" Jackie enthuses, nervousness tinged in her sweet and warm voice.?She looks at me with her wide ice blue eyes. Without a speck of makeup, she is a lovely looking girl with her natural tan and ash blonde hair. She will make a gorgeous bride."You will. When you find the one, there's no feeling like it.""That's the thing. How do you know? There are so many pretty dresses, how will I ever choose?""Well firstly, don't say that you like them all. Don't be afraid to say you hate it, it needs to be perfect in every way possible.""But"I see her twiddling her thumbs and I gently put my hand on hers. This might be a family affair and a personal engagement, but I need to treat her like a client first and foremost. "Nothing for nothing, I've done this a thousand times. You will know the dress when you see it. I mean, look at where we are."?I get her to take another look at our surroundings. We are sitting in the back fitting room of Isadora Vivien
Tristan looks like a giant, his height and build only accentuated by his navy jacket and relaxed jeans. A sexy giant. He crosses his arms, and turns to his mother with a frown on that damnably gorgeous face. Be still my beating heart. "Mum, what are you doing?"Janet shrugs her shoulders, feigning innocence. "What? I was just having a chat with Lacey, what's wrong with two gals catching up?""About what?""Secret girls' business," she blinks femininely and I grin nervously. "Uh-uh, I'm sure it's secret," he mutters under his breath. I smirk to myself. Even though he is a grown man, it's rather cute that he still gets embarrassed by his mother.Janet gets up abruptly, almost as if she was waiting for him to arrive. "Anyway, I'm going to leave you two alone, you should have lots of privacy where you are. It's pitch black at the back!"Tristan scowls at her. "Mum, please stop talking now."She giggles in a blasé fashion before looking at me. "Gosh he's stubborn, isn't he?""You
Putting the final touches on my cherry red painted lips, I'm happy with my hair and makeup. As I put the lipstick into my brown leather clutch, I start straightening my camel coat when my door knocks. That must be him. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I open the door to see Edmund on the other side with a bouquet of pink and white daisies, a big shopping bag beside his feet. He's sharply dressed in a long black coat and thick grey scarf. I'm dating a sexy older man. I never thought I would say this to myself but here I am. And I don't mind it at all."For you, my lamb chop," he smiles and hands the flowers to me. I'm dating a sexy older man who refers me to a piece of meat, the cliché does exist."They're beautiful!" I gush as I take them, opening the door wider. "I'm going to put these in a vase, come right in."He grabs my arm before I move and leans in to kiss me a polite, restrained and warm kiss. It's pleasant, nice really. He's a good kisser, his lips are soft, his breath is al
"Thank you. Call me as soon as anything changes alright? I want the gift bags ready Thursday morning, by the latest, so I can inspect them.uh-uhyepno problem okay, bye." I hang up, checking another email that has just popped up regarding the catering from the Estelle Salon."Sis, come on we're about to get on the plane. Turn the phone off!" Hansley reprimands as we drag our suitcases towards the departure gate. I continue reading the email, looking up and down as we dart through the crowds. Typing a few quick words, I'm halted as I realise we are at the waiting gate. Packed with impatient looking travellers, I'm glad we are here thirty minutes before the scheduled boarding time. The last few weeks have flown by and it's coming into September, which means it will nice and hot in Vegas. I've packed a good variety of tops, t-shirts, dresses, and one thick jacket. I wish Jackie was here, but no I'm travelling with Hansley and his entourage. They are going early for the bachelor party,
Vegas truly is Glitter Gulch, because that's all I see: glitter, lights, and bright neon signs. As we sit in the cab all I can do is pop my mouth open at everything that rolls before my eyes.The strip is an endless parade of dazzling lights, one glitter ball after the next and on a hot evening like tonight there is nothing like it. The Bellagio, The Aria, Bally's, and The Cosmopolitan all compete to be the brightest and glitziest. Even the dresses the women wear are shiny, all of them wearing super high platform heels, big hair. I certainly feel underdressed in my skinny jeans and t-shirt, that's for sure. At least, I packed enough suitable clothing, because it is hot for an evening. I'll definitely have to take advantage of the weather and use the hotel pool. Opting for a quick ride around town, we begin south at?Mandalay Bay and make our way north towards?Stratosphere?where our hotel is nearby. Because of the convenience with the wedding, we are all checking into the Estelle Salo
Clicking save on my file, I look over the run sheet once more. Everything seems to check out. Final menu confirmed? Check. Floral and candle arrangements in place? Check. Photography locations confirmed? Check. The only contentious issue is the cake, why is it always the cake? The happy couple have settled on a French Vanilla cream-filled sponge, served with balsamic glazed strawberries. Jackie was perfectly happy to let me choose the baker to do the job, but the hotel insisted on hiring their former head chef, Linda, who is now working as a freelancer. And she has been almost impossible to contact. When I finally managed to get in touch with her, she said she was busy around the clock with orders but that I didn't need to worry about it as she would be able to get it done on time. How can I be okay with someone who finally picked up after thirty attempts??Nevertheless, I scouted a local bakery that can make the cake with twenty-four hours' notice and I made Linda promise t
"I can't wait to see you Lacey! So soon now!" Jackie's lovely voice chirps through the phone. "Likewise. Just get here in one piece, and I'll sort everything else out for you, alright? Okay, bye."I hang up and drop my mobile on the bed, getting up to go to the bathroom. All of a sudden, my hotel phone rings. Geez, my phone is just ringing off the hook! Walking back to the bed I place the receiver to my mouth."Hello?""Hey, you coming down for dinner?" Hansley's voice comes through. "What do you mean, it's your bachelor party tonight." Not to mention I had planned to do some serious work on that 'Pro's' and 'Con's' checklist about London. My laptop is popped open, and that spreadsheet is waiting to be filled up. I've put it off for too long, I need to put in some serious time on it soon."I know, but come join us for dinner. I feel bad leaving you alone while I'll be out getting shit-faced."I sit down on the bed, checking the time. It's 5:30PM, his shenanigans aren't suppo