Destiny on Ice (Boys of Winter #1)(9)

Huh?

Apparently, there’s a mandatory meeting with management in Vegas. And if I miss it, I’m toast.

What in the hell could this possibly be about?





Party Like a Rock Star





“This party is the best, Lainey,” I scream over the noise. “Have I told you lately how much I love you? I do, little sis, and I’m so happy you brought me here.”

Lainey smiles over at me. “I’m glad you’re having a good time, sweetie,” she says. “Like I said this morning, when we were on the phone, you deserve a night like this, just some good, old-fashioned reckless fun.”

She hugs me and when she pulls away, everything goes blurry. “Whoa, don’t move so fast,” I say.

Worry creases Lainey’s brow, and she peers down at the red plastic cup in my hand. “I think it’s time to start pacing yourself, Aubrey. You don’t drink much these days, so maybe slow it down a notch. At the rate you’ve been going, you’re either going to get sick or pass out.”

I’m definitely drunk, but to Lainey I maintain, “Nah, not me. I’m a trooper.”

Belying that point, I shift my weight from one foot to the other and almost topple over. Lucky for me Lainey has fast reflexes and grabs my elbow.

“I’m good, I’m good,” I insist as I right myself with her assistance.

“Pacing, Aubrey,” Lainey repeats. “Learn it, live it, make it a way of life.”

“My stumbling wasn’t on account of me being drunk,” I huff.

She laughs, and I point down to the four-inch shiny black heels I borrowed from her to complement my shimmery red party dress. “It’s these damn shoes you gave me to wear. They’re deadly.”

“Yeah, sure they are,” Lainey replies, shaking her head. “Good thing I’m the designated driver this evening.”

On that, I can’t disagree. “Yeah, good thing,” I concede.

And then, for no reason other than the fact I’m buzzed to the gills, I yell to the crowd, “Party like rock stars, dudes!”

That earns me some interesting looks. Okay, clearly I am beyond buzzed. Lainey is right; these vodka tonics I’ve been slinging back are catching up to me.

“I’m going to be so hungover tomorrow,” I groan as I finally admit I’m inebriated.

“You can sleep it off on your flight to Vegas,” my sister says reassuringly. Much more of a partier than I, she’s well-versed in next-day hangover remedies, which she proves when she adds, “Drink lots of water when you get back to the hotel. And eat a couple bananas. That’ll replenish your potassium.”

“Thank you, Dr. Lainey.”

She shakes her head at me, but in a good way. I can tell she’s glad I’m cutting loose and goofing around, just like I promised.

“I’m proud of you,” she yells over the ever-growing crowd noise. “You’re really sticking to this ‘new you’ philosophy of having fun.”

“I sure am,” I agree, raising my cup. “But this reckless me is making an appearance tonight only. It’s fine to get a little crazy in a place where no one knows me. Speaking of which, thank God I’ll never have to see any of these people ever again.”

“Here, here.” Lainey taps her water bottle to my cup. “Get wild, crazy girl.”

“To one night of absolute abandon,” I declare.

As I polish off what’s left in my cup, Lainey says, “Hey, on a serious note, I’m glad you came out with me tonight.” She makes a little hand flourish in front of me, like I’m a prize on a game show. “You look stunning, Aubs. That dress is amazing. You should consider wearing it to your meeting tomorrow. You know”—she puts her fists up in a mock-fighting stance—“knock ’em dead and all that.”

More like get fired and all that.

I peer down at the cute and clingy red number I stuffed in my suitcase before I left this morning. I packed it on the off chance I’d actually venture out at some point on this trip. And wow, here I am, already wearing the dress and partying like a rock star. But a dress like this, all sexy and low-cut, is best reserved for nightlife only.

“I think this might be a bit much for business,” I state.

“Still, it’s a good thing you brought it. Otherwise you wouldn’t look so fabulous tonight.”

“Thanks, Lain.” I smile over at her. “I’m glad I threw it in my bag at the last minute. I almost didn’t.”

“Why? What do you usually pack for these work trips?”

“Business suits for meetings and lots of leggings and comfy shirts for the downtime.”

Lainey lets out a little laugh. “Talbots and LuLaRoe, right?”

“You know it.”

I sway a little from side to side, moving to the music someone just turned up.

Lainey smiles and says, “You’re kind of funny when you’re tipsy.”

Still swaying, I remark, “I may be a little more than tipsy, Lainey, m’dear.”

She laughs, and I decide it’s probably best to stop moving so much since it’s making me kind of dizzy.

Lainey is peering into the crowd, so I do the same. There are lots of guys, and she’s eyeing them up and down, checking each one out. I don’t usually assess men, but then again, maybe that’s my problem.