“Really? Is that my uncle or my manager talking?”
“Both.”
I look around and try to see the image he’s seeing: I see a mom and daughter; girlfriends who are laughing and meeting others, something I’ve made happen; and I see Ryan, sitting in the corner, content to let his friend bask in meeting a celebrity. I look back at Ian and shake my head.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t see what you’re seeing. I’m here for three days and if I want to entertain, I’m going to.”
Alex signals that we are all set. When I look at her and nod my head toward Ryan she nods and smiles. I’m about to get to know a fan, something I’ve vowed I’d never do.
“Alex says everyone is ready to leave. So I’d like to go now.”
Ian walks away and starts talking animatedly with Jones. His eyes get big as he looks over the people. If anything I should’ve consulted with him first, but I wasn’t thinking. All I really wanted to do was get Ryan alone so we can talk. Somehow I don’t think he’d open up in a room full of girls.
But maybe he’ll open up when it’s just him and me on my balcony. At least that is what I’m hoping.
CHAPTER 5
Ryan
When Alex announces that everyone is invited back to Hadley’s suite, I groan. I’m not interested in hanging out with people I don’t know, but Dylan will want to and I can’t let my disposition affect her happiness. She earned this.
I am worried about curfew though. My parents are expecting me home at some point and it’s already approaching midnight.
Dylan comes bouncing over to me when Alex says it’s time to leave. She pulls my hand into hers. The grin on her face must be hurting because it’s been permanent since Hadley walked into the room.
We rush to her car, running through the now-empty parking lot. Dylan cranks the radio once she has the car started and pulls out of the spot. I roll down my window and let the breeze wake me up a bit. I can’t help but laugh at Dylan; her attitude is infectious.
“You know I’m going to get into trouble,” I tell her. Her face drops as she looks at me. She pulls out her phone and presses on the screen.
“Hi, Mrs. Stone. Sorry for waking you, but Ryan and I are really tired so I think we're going to grab a hotel for the night.”
My mouth drops as she blatantly lies to my mom.
“Yeah… no, I’ve got it covered. Okay, see you tomorrow.”
Dylan puts down her phone and starts laughing. I’m staring at her, shocked that she just did that.
“There, now you aren’t late.”
“I can’t believe you did that.”
Dylan shrugs and looks at me quickly. “I'm willing to do just about anything if it means I can party with Hadley Carter.”
“You’re freaking crazy, Dylan Ross.”
“Yes, but you love me.” She drives us to the hotel. It’s an expensive one with two valets. Something I’ve only read about in books. Two men with long black coats and hats open the car doors. One extends his hand, helping Dylan out. The doorman pulls open the main door and smiles as we pass by. I’ve never had such treatment before.
I follow Dylan up to the front desk. She asks for a room for the night. She pulls out her credit card that her dad gave her. I hate that I can’t help her pay. She’s always footing the bill for me.
The clerk hands Dylan two room cards and she gives me the spare. Now I can ditch this after-party and hang out in the room. Dylan also gives her name for the list that Alex said would be waiting. She’s handed another key and quickly turns for the elevators.
I’m standing in front of gold elevators… gold. When the car dings, signaling its arrival, Dylan starts bouncing on the balls of her feet. She’s way too excited. She skips in, causing the other patrons getting in to look at her funny. I shrug and skip in behind her.
We stop on the thirty-fifth floor. I step out first and look left and right. I motion for her that it’s safe. She slides against the wall until the next opening, waving her hand that the coast is clear. We started doing this at about the sixth floor, pretending we are spies. I come around the corner and a door opens, causing Dylan to start laughing. She falls into me, gripping my arm, just like the last time she had gotten drunk and I had to babysit her.
We straighten up as an older couple walks by us. Their stern look is enough to keep our faces from cracking under pressure. They watch us as we walk to Hadley’s room, probably wondering if we even belong on this floor. Dylan does, but definitely not me.
“I’m only going to stay for a few minutes, okay?” Dylan rolls her eyes as she knocks on the door.