Don't Go There (Awkward Love 5)

She looks away from me as she talks, her lips barely moving as the words come out.

“Are we clear?”

“Crystal.” I nod and bite down hard on my lip, then I cough to cover up a chuckle.

God, if only Darcy were here so I could enjoy this with someone.

“You think this is funny?” She glares at me. “If Julian sees us—”

“Then you’ll talk to him like a normal person would, so we can catch the next flight home?” I say hopefully.

“Oh relax, Katie. Stop acting like this is going to kill you.”

“Yeah, Kat, you’re such a party pooper.”

My eyes widen at the sound of Darcy’s voice in my ear. I turn around and wrap my arms around her. I can’t wipe the smile off my face, because I’m so happy to see her. I sneak a look back at Lily, who looks less happy. In fact, she looks like she’s about to pop a blood vessel.

“What’s up, Lil?” Darcy grins. Her dark eyes shine as she raises her eyebrows. “Anyone would think you’re not happy to see me.”

“Then anyone would be right,” Lily snarls, when she’s recovered enough to speak. “What are you doing here, Darcy?”

“Kat invited me,” she says, shrugging.

“I did not invite you,” I retort, my cheeks heating.

“You didn’t?” She frowns, her brow creasing. “Well, fuck. This is embarrassing, then. So, you didn’t text me this text?”

She pauses while she pulls out her phone. I swallow, remembering the text I sent her just after Lily picked me up. She ignores the death stare I’m giving her as she starts to read.

“How much will it cost me for you to call in a bomb threat?” she reads. “Or anything to get me out of the girl trip from hell.” She shrugs. “I guess you’re right. It’s technically not an invite, but oh well. I’m here now.”

“Thanks,” I hiss, glaring at her.

I don’t think Darcy understands the concept of being subtle.

Lily’s eyes flash at me. “I do you a favor and this is how you treat me?”

“Hold on, who’s doing who the favor?” I say, laughing.

“Who cares? The important thing to remember is this.” Darcy puts her arm around Lily’s shoulder. “Inviting Kat to Vegas is like inviting Mother Theresa to an orgy. You think it’s going to be cool and different, but in reality, it’s just weird and uncomfortable for everyone.”

“Excuse me,” I interrupt with a laugh.

“But having me here?” Darcy continues, ignoring me. “That guarantees you’ll have fun, because I’ll make sure you forget everything.” She grins.

“You mean like that time you spiked my drink at Katie’s sixteenth birthday party?” Lily crosses her arms stiffly over her chest. “Because I still don’t remember much of that night.”

Darcy giggles. “Trust me, that’s probably a good thing. Remember how we had to rescue her from Mr. Dalton’s fish pond?”

I laugh. Lily naked and splashing around in elderly Mr. Dalton’s prized outdoor fish pond at three in the morning, frantically ranting about how cruel it was to keep them cooped up, is still one of favorite childhood memories. The annoyed expression on Lily’s face only makes me laugh harder.

“You want to reminisce?” Lily asks as she glowers at Darcy. “How about we talk about the time I stuck my tongue down your boyfriend’s—"

“Let’s go,” I demand.

I grab Lily by the hand and lead her over to reception, avoiding what I’m sure is seconds away from becoming a catfight.

“Just check us in. Please,” I beg her.

I stand back, ignoring the cold stares of the other clientele—who are no doubt wondering if we’ve stumbled into the wrong place. I smile politely at the elderly couple right next to me. They look away and pretend they didn’t hear me, then step back, as if to distance themselves. Okay then.

“Rude much?” Darcy mutters under her breath.

I turn around and narrow my eyes at her. She shrugs innocently.

“What?”

“You know what,” I hiss, walking over to her. “The only reason you’re here is to see this all blow up in Lily’s face.”

“That’s not a valid reason?” she asks, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, come on. I’m just having some fun. And that’s not the only reason. The real reason I’m here is because I thought you could use the help.”

“I appreciate that.” I say. “But right now? I’m more worried about whether you two are going to kill each other before we’ve even checked in. Or should I say, whether she’s going to kill you.”

“Relax.” She rolls her eyes, waving off my comment. “So long as I’m serving her a purpose, she’ll allow me to breathe in her air.”

“Please, just stop winding her up,” I beg her. “I’m begging you. I’m the one who’ll be stuck, listening to her bitch about you for the next six months.”

“Fine. I’ll refrain from saying things just to get a reaction out of her, if she refrains from being a fuckwit.” Darcy’s sticks her hand out, her eyes twinkling. “Fair?”