🎼The Gambler
Jake called me when they arrived in Vegas on Thursday. I told him to live it up and enjoy his time without me. He responded by saying he was counting down the seconds until I got there. Judging by the pictures posted on social media, he wasn't desperately awaiting my arrival as he claimed. I was glad Jake was having fun, but I couldn't wait to join in. I already had a plan to ensure no drama, fights, or misunderstandings. I planned to be the perfect girlfriend for Jake. I was going to stick by his side, cater to him and show him he had no reason to ever doubt my loyalty or feelings for him. I hoped showing him he would never have to fear me cheating would help with his trust issues. I didn't mind working with him and his trust now that I knew what the issue was.
My plan also erased the uncomfortable feeling about being around everyone. Once they saw how good we were together, they would get over whatever misconceptions they had about me. As long as they saw we were in a committed relationship, that's what mattered to me.
I ducked out of the clinic as soon as my last appointment was over. I didn't even bring my work bag so I would have no reason to pass Sandra's office. I left with my patient and rushed home. I took a 5-minute shower and changed into ripped jeans, a white tank, and a cardigan. While I waited for an Uber, I double-checked to make sure I had everything I needed in my 3 bags. I had a rolling luggage bag, a matching carry-on bag, and a clutch purse for my keys and wallet. I wasn't checking in any bags to save time and money. When the car arrived, I threw my things in the trunk and hopped in. We barely beat the traffic on the way to the airport. I thanked the driver and tipped him before heading inside. About an hour later, I made it through boarding and security and was seated. I pulled out my phone and saw I had missed calls from Jasmine and Jake. I called Jake back first.
"Hey, Cariño. Did you get off on time?" Jake questioned.
"I did. I'm at the airport right now." I replied.
"Give Jasmine a call. They should be there soon." he requested.
"She's my next call babe."
"Ok. Call me before you board."
"Will do."
After I got off the phone, I called Jasmine. She informed me they were waiting for the TSA check. I told her where she could find me. 15 minutes later, they joined me. After we said hello, we headed to a bar. I requested wine. I wanted to sleep on the plane ride so I would be well-rested for the night. When Reggie left to retrieve our drinks, Jasmine turned to me.
"So you and Jake ok?" She asked.
"Yeah, no thanks to you. What did you tell him? He thought I didn't want to come." I narrowed my eyes at her.
"I stretched the truth a little and said you were debating coming. Only because he thought y'all were cool." Jasmine replied.
"We were. Everyone else was making a big deal of it." I countered.
"Lily, we couldn't even talk about it without you looking ready to cry. I love y'all together. I love my brother, but don't be afraid to call him out on his bullshit. You don't deserve to pay for what that bitch put him through." Jasmine finished before Reggie came back.
I drank two glasses of wine before I settled my bill and we headed back to wait for the plane. I called Jake as we were boarding and told him I would call again once we arrived. By the time the plane was ascending, I was knocked out.
I slept through the majority of our flight. Vegas was two hours behind our time, so it was still early in the evening when we arrived. I tried to call Jake, but he didn't answer. I sent him a text while we waited to get off the plane.
We hurried to the baggage claim to retrieve their bags. While they waited, I went to the bathroom. I was debating grabbing something to eat. I hadn't eaten since breakfast, but food left my mind when I saw Jake standing with Jasmine and Reggie. I hurried right over. He smiled at me as I hugged him. I realized it had only been a day, but I was so excited to see him again. He looked relaxed and sexy in a plain white t-shirt and cargo shorts.
"What are you doing here? I thought we were meeting at the hotel?" I asked him.
"I didn't wanna wait any more seconds." He smiled at me.
I grinned and kissed him.
"Aww, how cute!" Jasmine cheered.
Jake grabbed my hand and led us to the exit. We piled into a shuttle van from the hotel. Once we were settled and on our way, Jake told us the plans for the night. Omar set up reservations for dinner at a restaurant at the casino resort in a few hours. Once we arrived at the resort, Jake and I left Jasmine and Reggie to check in while we went to our room. I took in the decor on the way. The Egyptian theme was very well done. The elevator ride was an experience in itself. Since the hotel was a pyramid, it traveled up the slanted sides at an angle. It felt like we were going sideways. It was so cool. Looking at the casino from above felt like seeing an alternative Egyptian universe, just with flashing lights and slot machines.
"Ohmigosh. I'm so excited!" I gushed to Jake. He smiled at me.
"Come check out the room." He said once we stopped at our floor. I followed him out of the elevator to our room. He pulled out the hotel key and opened the door.
I walked in and was immediately surprised. It was a different room than the one he showed me online. It was bigger, with a separate living area including a wet bar and a breakfast nook. The view from the window included the strip and a great view of the surrounding hotels. The bedroom had a king bed and the same view as the living room. Even the bathroom was impressive, with a separate shower, bath, and dual vanity.
"Jake, this is not the same room, but it's so nice!" I smiled.
"Birthday upgrade." He revealed, watching me as I stood in the window.
"The view was amazing last night, right?" I asked Jake. I was sure it would be at night with the hotels, casinos and buildings lit up.
"It's better right now." He informed me as he walked over to me.
"Really? Even without the strippers?" I teased him, over my shoulder. He wrapped his arms around me.
"There were no strippers here last night." He said, before kissing me on my neck.
"That's not what I heard..." I shuddered, as his lips sent sparks all over my body.
"You heard wrong." He turned me around so I was facing him and leaned his forehead against mine.
"Thank you for coming Lily." He said simply.
I pulled my head back to look up into his eyes. "There's no place I'd rather be than right here with you."
He leaned in to kiss me. His kiss started off sweet and gentle but intensified as we held each other closer. The only thing that stopped our make-out was my stomach growling.
Jake pulled away. "I'm guessing there is another place you'd rather be. Anywhere with food?" He grinned.
"Shut up! I worked through my lunch today. I only had time for wine at the airport." I told him.
"Get dressed. I'll go get you something to snack on."
"Ok."
He left and I jumped in the shower. I rushed out when I heard the room phone ringing. It was Jasmine, asking if I wanted to get dressed with her. I told her I had already taken a shower and she replied she could come to our room. I told her to give me five minutes and I would call her back.
I texted Jake to make sure he was ok with that. When he replied that he was, I called her and Rocky to see if everyone wanted to get dressed together. Jasmine told me she would call Kelly and Tanya, Jake's cousin's girlfriend, to see if they wanted to join. 10 minutes later, Jasmine, Rocky, and Brandon had made it over.
I guessed Rocky was right about Brandon needing to relax. He actually greeted me with a genuine smile and hug. It was before Jake returned with a slice of pizza from the food court, so I knew it wasn't for Jake's benefit.
Brandon cocked an eyebrow at me after Jake surrendered the slice of pizza. "You know we're getting dressed to go eat right?"
"Yeah, but I'm hungry now." I informed him, taking a hearty bite of the pepperoni pizza.
"Who said something about you showing your inner fat kid?" Rocky mused.
"Whatever... Where are we going to eat anyway?" I asked Jake, changing the subject. Forrest made that comment, but I didn't wanna talk about him around Jake.
"I'm not sure," Jake answered. There was a knock at the door and he went to go answer it. Kelly and Omar joined us in the living area.
"What restaurant are we going to?" Jake asked Omar.
"Tacos and Tequila." Omar answered.
I grinned at Jake. "Typical. Are we going to wear sombreros and dance in a circle too?" I joked.
Jake laughed while Omar turned to me.
"You do know the guy you're dating is Mexican?" He asked me.
I gave Omar a fake, sugary sweet smile. "I sure do. I even brought a pinata for his birthday."
Everyone laughed but Omar.
"She's joking Omar." Jake smiled.
When the boys left, we got glammed up for the night. Jasmine helped everyone with their hair. Rocky even talked to her about setting up a hair appointment because she was ready for something different.
Rocky and I put on the Bebe dresses we bought at the mall. Rocky had her hair in upright pinned curls that fell to her neck. It looked amazing with her subtle, fresh-faced make-up and sexy yellow dress. I wore my hair straight, all pushed over one side of my shoulder with my bangs swept over my forehead. I wanted to make sure my hair didn't cover up the cut-out back of the dress. My make-up was more dramatic featuring gold shimmer and coral pink lipstick.
Jasmine wore a sequin crocodile minidress. Her make-up looked amazing with fake lashes and bold red lipstick. Her hair was in thick, wild, sexy curls. Kelly wore a navy blue jumpsuit that her breasts looked amazing in. Even I couldn't help looking at her cleavage. Her make-up was the most dramatic, with thick dark liner and wine red lips. She looked stunning with her black hair flowing in waves like a dark curtain framing her face.
We got looks from both men and women as we made our way down to the lobby. The only person's attention I wanted was Jake's. Warmth spread throughout my body at his heated gaze. He looked me over twice from the top of my head to the point of the heels he bought me before he stood from the lounger he was sitting on.
He looked a sexy mixture of casual but dressy in dark khakis and a forest green v-neck shirt.
"Cariño, you look so beautiful." He said as I settled by his side.
I smiled at the surprised tone in his voice. "Sounds like you had doubts..."
"Not at all. You just look better than I could imagine."
"Good answer." I said, kissing him on the cheek. "You look great too."
Malik and Colton were already at the restaurant. When Frankie and Tonya showed up, joined them. We were seated right away at a large table. It was a good thing Omar made reservations because it was crowded, but I wasn't giving him any kudos.
"What are you getting?" Jake asked me, as I perused the menu.
"Tacos and tequila." I answered.
Jake laughed at me. "For real..."
I laughed too. "I am! Just trying to figure out which ones I want to try."
"Let's share tacos and do a flight of tequilas." Jake suggested.
"Perfect!"
We ordered an assortment of tacos and towers of different tequila shots for the entire group. I was sure there were differences in the flavor, but by my 4th sample shot, I couldn't tell the fucking difference. As the shots disappeared, our table was growing more loud and more obnoxious, but in a fun way (I hoped). Eventually, we went around the table and all toasted the birthday boy.
