Page 10 of Blinding Lights

“God, you’re funny.” I grin obnoxiously, letting my tone confirm my feelings. Not that it affects my always smiling, always annoying little sister, who I unfortunately love to death.

“One of us had to get the humor gene.” She beams as if proving my point.

“You’re right, little sis. You did get the humor gene, while I got everything else.”

“Whatever you say, Mr. Congeniality.”

As hard as I try not to laugh, it still escapes me, and of course, Henley gloats. I wouldn’t say I’m Mr. Congeniality, but I have to admit, she’s not far off base. I do as I’m told without complaint. I’m nice to everyone. I help where I can. I just don’t have time to maintain friendships like she does, and I definitely don’t have time for lavish weekend benders disguised as wedding celebrations. Yes, I know the definition of a bachelor party, but no one said it had to be a full weekend, and no one said it was compulsory to go.

“Can you try to switch off your brain for once so you can have some fun? Please. For me?” Henley links her fingers in front of her chest and tilts her head to the side with the smallest of smiles—her go-to pose when she wants me to do something. Because it always works.

“Fuck, Henley. You only get to use that once. Are you sure this is the right moment?”

She glances behind her to the mass of overhyped, once responsible adults splashing around in the pool, and for the briefest of seconds, I think she’s going to cave. Until she turns to face me again and I throw my head back with a groan.

“Only for you,” I reluctantly agree.

“Yes! Can I push you in?”

“Hell, no. If I’m getting in there, I’m getting a drink first.”

“Your one for the day?” She bites back a grin, and another laugh rumbles out of me.

“You know it.” I jump up, purposely bumping into her as I walk past. “I’ll meet you there. But you owe me.”

Henley pushes me back, her infectious giggles following after me, until the bar comes into view, and my happiness fades while my fake smile widens.

It’s time for the onslaught of attention, starting with the confident brunette striding toward me.

Come on, Beckett, let’s do this.

Chapter Three

LILY

The first twenty-four hours fly by with get-to-know-you events and sightseeing on the Vegas strip. Hunter and Olivia wanted us all to bond ahead of their big day, so the itinerary has been packed. I can honestly say, I’ve met more people since my incredible first class flight touched down yesterday than I have since I was in college. And my social cup is filling.

It’s been a day, and yet, I haven’t stopped smiling.

Following breakfast, we were given time to ourselves before the big Halloween costume party tonight, and after a glorious relaxation spa late morning with Henley, and pedicures, we spent the afternoon resting by the pool.

I must have panicked at least ten times when someone called out “Mom,” yet I’ve never felt so calm. “This has got to be the most time I’ve spent horizontal away from my bed in as long as I can remember,” I tell Henley, knowing she’s going to have some smart-ass comment to say about that.

“I’m hoping you end up horizontal in several locations this weekend. A kitchen counter, a desk top, a couch. Hell, even a bed that’s not your own…as long as it’s bouncing around.” She grins innocently while I roll my eyes.

I’m surprised to say I’ve pictured every one of those potential moments, and I can report it’s both terrifying and exciting at the same time.

Hen and I stay by the pool until the sun lowers in the sky, and once we get back to the room we’re sharing, I shower and take my time applying my makeup for the night, trying to look my best despite the fact that I’ll be wearing a mask. I promised to try and put myself out there, which means I need to at least prepare on the off chance that I find someone to spend the night with.

God knows Henley’s expecting it.

Ignoring the knot in my stomach threatening to derail me, I smile like I mean it. Hooking up shouldn’t be a scary task. Everybody does it. It’s natural and… God, what am I doing to myself? I have to stop overthinking. Maybe I do need to get laid. Then it wouldn’t be such a big deal anymore.

What better place to find a meaningless fling than Vegas.

After braiding my thick, long blonde hair, I glide my skintight costume up into place and spend the next five minutes attempting to stretch it so that it covers a little more of my ass.

Why, oh why, did I let Henley talk me into this? I loved the idea of a butterfly.