I jump
“Stop it, Doug. I’m barely holding on.” I look around him to the long black limo double-parked outside.
“Yes, well, we have almost five hours to dive into that. Get dressed. I’ll pack you a bag. I know the perfect place to get your gown. I already called so they are expecting us.”
“I need coffee. What time is it?” I scramble into my bathroom and start to put on my makeup as Doug tosses me a cute yellow summer dress.
“Ten a.m. and there’s coffee and tequila in the limo.”
“Wait.” I drop the robe and slip on the dress. “This is all happening fast. Like my mind is swimming.”
He examines me closely. “Don’t worry about your face. I’ll fix it in the car. Let’s go.” He grabs my hand, his other holding a pair of lace-up sandals.
“Oh my God, you’re making me crazy. I need to make sure I’m not forgetting shit.” I reach for my bag and start tossing things into it.
“Just get your phone.” He nods at the bed as he continues to pull me.
“Your boyfriend’s a criminal. He’s loaded. We can buy you everything else in Vegas. I packed your underwear and shit.”
“You suck.” I hit his leg with my bag.
“Sorry… your fiancé. Better?”
I roll my eyes and give up. Time to let Doug do his thing. In a way, it’s better since I can’t seem to pull myself out of my post-stabbing funk.
“Lock the door.”
“Shhh, I know I have to lock my door.” Shooting him a glare, he doesn’t look convinced but grabs my bag to hand to the driver. I stop and blink at him.
“I know. Fucking hot, right? Remind me to send Edge a thank-you text.” He smirks as he slides into the limo.
“Is that all?” The deep voice makes me turn.
“Yes, thank you. I’m Dolly and this is Doug.” I glance inside the limo to see Eve with her long legs crossed trying to reason with a visibly cranky Charlie.
The driver is tall and lean with pitch-black hair. It looks like he dyes it. No one has hair that color. He reminds me of a young Elvis as he pops the trunk and looks up at me sporting blue eyes. Not as blue and gorgeous as Edge’s, but still hot.
“I’ve met Doug.” He clears his throat and I swear his cheeks pinken. “I’m Robert. The limo has a full bar and snacks, but we can always stop if you guys need anything.”
He holds the door open as I thank him and swirl to look at all the faces in the back.
“Holy shit,” I whisper, giving Doug the hot guy stare. He looks at me like I’m insane.
I sigh and move to go sit by Charlie who scowls at me.
“What? You’re looking at me like this is all my fault.”
Charlie holds up her hand, her ridiculous diamond sparkling rainbows around the dark leather interior. “Are you kidding me? I’m fucking eight-and-a-half-months pregnant. I have to get my fat ass out of bed—”
“You’re not fat.” She shoots me a glare and I look over at Eve who mouths, Don’t say anything.
“Go on.” I hold up my hands and sit back in the buttery soft seat.
“I have to get my ass up at the crack of dawn to the hospital because you”—she points at me—“stabbed Edge?” Her voice is getting louder.
“I’m sorry, but I thought he was cheating on me.”
I glance out the darkened windows. We’re already getting on 134 East. The partition between the back and front seats is still down.
Eve, who looks fantastic as usual, leans over to Robert. “Hey, we’re going to shut this. Nothing personal.” She smiles. He looks up into his mirror right at Doug and says, “Let me know if you need me.” Then he grins as he pushes the button for it to zoom shut. Both Eve and I look at Doug.
“Helllooo Doug.” Eve swings her head dramatically causing her long hair to whip Charlie in the face.
“Oh God.” She snorts and scoots up rubbing her stomach.
“Sorry. I know you don’t feel well, but you’re in the home stretch.” Eve pats Charlie’s stomach and looks at Doug and me. “This might turn out to be the best trip ever,” she says, nudging his leg.
“Look.” He laughs. “As delicious as he is, there is only one of me. We’re on a schedule.” He reaches for the tequila, pours it into a cup of Starbucks coffee, and hands it to Eve.
“I should ask him to be our driver all day.” She looks at me. “I’ll tell Jason we want him. I mean, come on… what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
I can’t help but laugh. Eve is fantastically ridiculous. I don’t think I’ve seen her this excited in a long time.
“Are you guys kidding me?” Charlie reaches for a bottle of water.
“Charlie, I know you’re grumpy, but for Dolly’s sake, try to have fun.” Eve crosses her legs and sits back. After sipping her tequila coffee, she pulls out her phone to text.