“Nothing,” Both girls reply, but something tells me their nothing means something.
“Don’t be playing any games, guys,” I say, watching both of their grins grow wide.
“We’re not playing anything, Bell. We just know Jesse. There is no way that man is going to see you and want to be friends.”
I roll my eyes because I knew this was coming. “Jesse knows how I feel guys. He’s respecting my space.” I direct my stare at each of them, willing them to understand.
“If you say so, Bell.” Holly shrugs, not looking directly at me. She doesn’t believe me.
I turn to Lissy to gauge her opinion. “Don’t look at me. I’m with them on this.”
“I do say so. What we had is over.” I shake my head, ignoring the flutter their doubt ignites in me.
“It doesn’t have to be,” Holly argues, ready to challenge me. I knew this would happen. Dealing with Jesse on my own I’ve managed to stay strong and not cave, but with a room full of Jesse fans, I don’t see how I’m going to survive.
“What we had, it wasn’t healthy, guys.” I’m not ready to admit they might be right and maybe I should let him in. I just wish I wasn’t so confused.
“Bell, you know I love you, and I will respect your decision either way, but that man has been through hell the last few months. What he did that night was wrong, I’m not taking that away from you, but people make mistakes, babe.” Holly fights his case, cracking a little at the hard shell I’ve locked myself away in since Jesse pushed me out of his life.
“I know, but I’m not ready guys.” I look back to Kelly and Kadence hoping they understand. I know I’m probably hurting everyone for pushing Jesse away, but I still need time.
“Just don’t give up.” Holly steps forward and wraps her arms around.
“I’m trying not to.” I admit, more to myself than anything.
“Okay, we’ve all established whatever is happening between Jesse and Bell is just going to have to wait. Now we have dinner and drinks to go to.” Kadence steps in, taking the focus off me.
I blanket my mind from everything Jesse, and focus on getting through the night. Through this weekend.
“She’s right. We have a bachelorette party to have. Strippers to see, money to win. Are you ready to do Vegas, ladies?” Holly calls shifting gears into party mode.
“Hell yeah!” they all reply, hopefully forgetting their need to fix Jesse and me.
“Let’s do it then, ladies!” She hollers before throwing her drink back. Kadence turns her gaze back to me and gives me a wink.
“Thank you,” I whisper as we gather our bags and start to head out.
“Don’t worry, Bell, I have your back,” she assures me and I trust that she does. I know none of these ladies will let anything happen to me. They are part of my family now. Even after everything that’s happened, they have been there every step. Even when I tried to push them out they wouldn’t allow it. I’m stuck with them and I can’t fight it.
“I know you do, Kadence.” I smile and follow them out the door. I have to force myself to not think about Jesse and put away everything the ladies said. This weekend isn’t about Jesse and me. It’s about Holly and Sy, and I refuse to let him ruin it.
I’m going to stay strong and when I see him, act like it means nothing to me.
Easy. Right?
“Oh my, he sure is pretty.” Holly giggles next to me as we wait for our row of shots. It’s been a few hours since we headed out. After eating downstairs at Le Cirque, we moved the party on to The Bank, one of the many bars in the Bellagio.
“Yeah, he’s okay.” I shrug, watching the bartender give Holly a wink. He’s cute in a boy-next-door kind of way, but isn’t anything to make me stop and flirt.
“Girl, you still have it bad for Jesse. No other reason you would be saying that man is okay.” She nudges my shoulder, making me fall sideways.
“Whoa there.” Two hands grab me and stop my descent.
“Oh, sorry.” I look up at the man who saved me. His dark hair is cut short on the sides but sits messy in length on top. Locked in a brief moment, my eyes sweep his face. His nose is long but slightly crooked, like it had been broken and left to its imperfections. A boyish grin spreads across his face, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. “That was an accident.” I shake my head out of his spell and awkwardly finish my sentence. “My friend slipped.” I turn to point at Holly and watch a cheeky grin split over her face.
“No, I changed my mind. He’s cute,” she whispers, tilting her head toward the man beside me.
I turn back to the handsome stranger, before Holly embarrasses me more.
“That’s okay, not every day I get to save a pretty girl.” He winks. His hands are still on me, his grip firm.
“Umm, yeah, well, thanks again.” I softy shrug out of his grasp. He lets go then instantly extends his hand.
“My name’s Grant.” His voice is deep and raspy, and makes me want to ask him a question just to hear it again.
“Bell.” I fit my hand into his. He shakes firmly, his thumb lightly stroking my hand before he releases me.
“Can I buy you a drink?” he asks, nodding for another bartender’s attention.
“She’s having champagne and you can get the bottle.” Holly sticks her head into our little space interrupting.