Faded (Rock Star Trilogy)

the speakers. I sit back in my seat and relax.
     
    4:43 PM
    Vegas, baby!
     
    Once we land in Vegas, we have to walk-run to the other side of the airport so we can board our flight to Los Angeles. It’s at this exact moment that I realize just how spoiled I really am. Being normal sucks.
    “Your feet look like they hurt,” Stephan says, about halfway through our journey.
    “They do. Next time we decide to use public transportation, remind me to wear flats.” I look down at my four-inch heels and sigh.
    Finally, we make it to the correct terminal, only to see a sign that says “FLIGHT CANCELED”. What the fuck ? I walk up to the desk.
    “Why is the flight canceled?” I ask.
    Without looking up, the lady says, “Next available flight out isn’t until tomorrow morning. Go to the service desk to book the flight.”
    I glare at her. “I am Scarlett Ryan, and I demand to know why the flight is canceled.”
    The lady looks up at me, and quickly straightens her skirt. Her tone instantly changes. “I’m sorry, Miss Ryan. There was a problem with one of the engines on the plane. A bird got caught, and the plane had to make an emergency landing. Unfortunately, there are no other seats available on a flight to LA tonight. I’m sorry. But I can call a hotel for you if you like.”
    “No thanks.” I turn to Stephan. “I’ll call Alec. He can get us a room for the night. His friend owns a hotel here.”
    One hour later, Bob, Stephan and I are walking into The Palms in Las Vegas. We are staying in the penthouse suite. Stephan and I let the bellhop carry our luggage, but when he tries to take Bob’s bag, Bob just glares at him. The bellhop looks as though he is going to crap himself. Stephan and I both knuckle bump Bob as we make our way into the elevator.
    “Maybe flying commercial isn’t so bad,” I tell them as we make our way into our room. I’ve stayed at a lot of nice hotels, and this one is definitely one of the nicer ones.
    “If you weren’t… you … it would suck.” Stephan laughs. “We would be sleeping at the airport, or on a bus right now, and our trip would be ruined. But you get us a freaking penthouse suite. This is incredible.”
    When I called Alec, he offered to send a helicopter to come get me. I declined, saying a night in Vegas sounded perfect. I didn’t tell Stephan this.
    “So what do you want to do?” I ask Stephan.
    He looks excited. “I don’t know! We’re in Vegas! What do you propose we do?”
    I think for a minute. Alec and I have been here twice a year since we met. Every year, on my birthday and his birthday, we come to Vegas. We’ve done a lot of crazy things, but my most memorable experience was singing karaoke with him at this tiny club. It’s not on the strip, so not many people know about it. We went in there and sang. Not one person recognized us.
    “I have the perfect idea,” I say. “Get dressed. A nice pair of jeans and a polo, nothing too fancy.”
    I run off to my room to get ready. I take a quick shower, curl my hair, and put on a simple outfit. I find a pair of short Daisy Duke shorts and a dark red top. I start to put on a pair of heels, but instead grab my red Toms… Actually, they’re Bridgett’s. I stole them when I was packing, just in case. I smile at my reflection and come back into the sitting area of our suite.
    “Where is Bob?” I ask Stephan.
    “He’s napping. He said to wake him when we were ready to leave.”
    I look at Stephan and whisper. “Let’s sneak away…”
    “Do you really think that’s a good idea?”
    “Let me ask you something.” I pause for dramatic effect. “Do you want to wake Bob up?”
    He doesn’t have to think long. “No.”
    “Do you want my 400 pound security guard tagging along with us your first time in Las Vegas?”
    He shakes his head again.
    I grab Stephan’s hand, and we run for it.
     
    7:57 PM
    Karaoke
     
    “Karaoke?” Stephan questions when we walk inside.
    “Trust me, after a couple of shots you will be dying to get up there.”
    Stephan orders us both a shot of tequila. It’s the first time I’ve had alcohol in almost four months. I’d say that this is a well-deserved night out. I lick the side of my hand and put salt on it, Stephan does the same.
    “I propose a toast,” he says, holding up his glass. “Here is to new adventures, taking a chance, and having the night of our lives.”
    Our shot glasses clink together. I lick the salt off my hand and down the shot. I chase it