Page 7 of The Only Reason
“Sure.” I nod. We take a seat together at a couple of machines that look empty. I don’t know the system for picking out the machines but Austin seems to know what he is doing. A waiter comes over asking if we had enough to drink and we order a round of Jack and Cokes.
“So, what’s the story with Violet and Grant?” I am trying to sound like a curious sister and not like I am pining for her.
“What do you mean?” Austin isn’t paying nearly enough attention to see straight through me. He is sloshed. But that means perfect timing for me to ask him questions.
He can’t keep a secret to save his life. He’s told me that was one of the reasons he proposed so quickly. He just couldn’t wait and couldn’t hold it in.
“Like, are they together?”
Austin shrugs. “Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. Kate said that she thought they were but then Violet started pulling away from Grant more. I think Grant wants more than Vi does, and they just haven’t figured out their balance yet.”
“How long have they been trying to?” I’m sure my intentions are obvious but I’m thankful he doesn’t realize.
“I don’t know, it feels like forever. But maybe just a few months?” he answers as a question and I take that as my cue to leave him alone. I don’t want him to remember any of this tomorrow. I hand him his drink and we both take a hearty sip.
“Where’d the boys go?” He stands up and he is a bit wobbly on his feet.
“Why don’t you wait here and I’ll find them?” I suggest.
“Okay.” He nods.
I walk around the perimeter of the casino, looking for them. I mean they wouldn’t have gone far, right? Looking through the rows and rows of slot machines and crowded poker tables, I don’t see them anywhere. I wonder if it would’ve been easier to just call them, but I am pretty trashed myself so that isn’t the first thing to come to mind. I start walking back although I swear I feel like that scene in the Percy Jackson movies where I can’t find my way out of Vegas and time is standing still. I walk a few times in a circle until I finally find Grant, Harry and Austin at the bar at the end of the casino.
“Where have you been?” Grant growls when I reach them.
“Dakota!” Austin cheers and throws his arms around me. Yup, my little brother is drunk.
“I got lost looking for you guys.” I frown.
“I called them when you didn’t come back,” Austin explains. He hops on the barstool, almost falling on his ass and climbs up a second time trying to sip his drink.
“I really hope that’s water,” I say, looking at the clear liquid.
“It is.” Harry nods.
“What?! No wonder it doesn’t taste good.” Austin makes a face.
“No, you need to drink some. Or you’re cut off, man.” I give him my best big sister look and he frowns.
“You can’t be too hungover tomorrow, man,” Harry reminds him. Austin sighs and sips the rest of his water.
“We were about to head to the show if you’re ready,” Grant says snippily.What the hell is his problem?
“I’m ready.” I clench my jaw. It isn’t worth it to get into anything tonight. Tonight is about Austin and him only.
Violet
When we allstarted to split our ways, I thought it would be the perfect time for me to sneak up and check the results.It is killing me. I need to know.
But what am I going to do when I did find out?And what if it is…
I can’t think about that until I see how many lines were on the test.
But apparently, I won’t be getting to slip off anytime soon.
“Come on! It’s time for Gatsby’s!”
I look at my phone, seeing it is almost time for our reservation.