15. Dani #2
So, I force a small, careful smile, the one that hides all the thoughts inside my head, and slip quietly into my room, leaving him standing in the hall.
I enter the massive room and throw my head back against the door, trying to shake off the feelings fighting a war in my head—and my heart.
I take in the space in front of me. A king bed rests against the wall, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Strip. I toss my bags on the couch off to the side when a knock comes from a door along the wall. I open it to find Alexa in the next room.
“Adjoining rooms, baby!” Alexa screeches.
“Oh boy. I’m not going to get any sleep this trip, am I?” I laugh.
“Nope! We are here to win and to party. Hurry up and change so we can get to the spa. I bet I can get them to take us a little early.”
“I was just going to go in this.” I open my arms to show off my jeans and sweatshirt. “Why do I need to change?”
“Girl! Do you know nothing about spas?”
The truth is, I’ve never been to a real spa before.
I’ve had massages and facials, but always at the local salon.
I notice she’s wearing a strapless purple sundress, with a pink bikini underneath.
Alexa walks over to my suitcase and starts rummaging through my clothes.
She holds up my blue one-piece swimsuit and white cover-up.
“Ah, perfect!” she says. “Quick, throw this on and let’s get going.”
Once I’m deemed spa appropriate, we make our way downstairs. As we walk through the double doors of the spa, we’re greeted by the smell of eucalyptus and the faint sound of singing bowls. That, combined with the soft gold and white walls and marble floors, already have me feeling relaxed.
A cheery woman greets us behind the check-in desk.
“Hi! We have reservations under Alexa Li and Dani Russell,” Alexa says excitedly.
“Yes, I see those appointments right here. Looks like you are both scheduled for the deluxe package,” the woman confirms.
“Uh, what exactly does that include?” I ask.
“You each get a massage, facial, mani-pedi, and hair and makeup. You also have unlimited access to our private saltwater pool and sauna. Plus, lunch and drinks are included.” She smiles.
“I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Alexa whispers.
“Right this way.” The woman gestures towards an open doorway.
Alexa and I link arms and follow the woman, giggling in excitement.
“I don’t think I have ever felt this relaxed in my life,” I sigh as we make our way out of the spa.
Alexa and I are officially Emmy ready. Since I’m not used to all the glitz and glamour, I went for a simple look.
I had the makeup artist use natural tones on my face, but Alexa insisted she up the heaviness just a bit so I wouldn’t wash out in photos.
My hair is down with soft curls reaching just past my shoulders, and I have freshly painted red nails.
Alexa is the complete opposite. High-end glam makeup and a big updo, with black ringlets framing her face. It works for her though.
“We have a few more hours until we need to meet Gavin. What should we do now?” I ask.
“Follow me,” Alexa says with a grin.
She grabs my hand and leads me outside to a waiting cab. “Are you available?” Alexa asks the driver.
“Hop in,” he responds.
We climb into the back seat, and I hear Alexa tell him to take us to the Venetian.
“Why are we going there?” I ask.
“Because we are going shopping to find you a new dress for tonight.”
“I have a dress already!”
“D, you are not going to accept your first Emmy in a bridesmaid dress you wore three years ago.”
“Okay first off, we don’t know if we won yet, and second, I can’t afford a new dress, especially the ones they have at the Venetian shops.”
Alexa opens her wallet and flashes the cash she won at the airport. “You can’t, but I can.”
“Alexa, that’s your money. I can’t accept that.”
“Dani, you’re my best friend. And we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you believing in me and this story. I’m buying you a new dress whether you like it or not.”
I don’t know how to respond. Reaching over to give her a hug seems like the only thing that makes sense, careful not to ruin our makeup or hair. “I love you,” I manage to get out. “And thank you.”
We pull up in front of the hotel and follow the signs to the Grand Canal Shoppes. Alexa pulls me into the first boutique she sees and immediately starts pulling floor-length gowns off the racks.
I try everything she wants, but nothing fits right. I hate trying on clothes and can feel all the relaxation from the spa leaving my body.
Feeling defeated, I go back into the changing room to put on my clothes, when Alexa begs me to try just one more on.
I slip on the dress and step out to a row of mirrors.
I’m speechless. The dress is stunning. It’s all black with a delicate lace overlay, and cap sleeves that sit just off my shoulders.
It hugs my curves just right and gives my chest just enough lift that I don’t need to wear a bra.
Every girl’s dream. It’s even the right length, which is a miracle considering my short stature.
“I think we found your dress.” Alexa beams.
“I look hot.” I grin. “Did those words really just come out of me?”
“Hell yeah, you do! Quick, take it off so we can pay and get back to the hotel.”
After I change, I meet Alexa at the counter and notice she’s holding a shoebox with the words Jimmy Choo on the outside.
“Treating yourself to new shoes?” I ask.
“Nope. These are for you. To go with your hot new dress.”
“That’s way too much. I have heels that work fine.”
“Too late. Already paid for. Let’s go!”
There’s no point in arguing. I grab the garment bag with my dress, and we head outside to find a cab.
Once back at the hotel, we have just enough time to quickly change into our gowns and meet Gavin in the lobby.
I put on the new shoes Alexa bought me, and they’re a perfect fit. The sparkling silver strappy heels go perfectly with my dress. I don’t think I’ve ever looked or felt this amazing. It’s a refreshing change, even if it is just for tonight.
Alexa walks through the door connecting our rooms in a deep purple gown. It’s held up by two thin straps, and the silk material looks like it’s glued to her.
“Damn. You look like you’re ready to walk a runway,” I say in awe.
“Thanks, girl. Look at you! You should start dressing up more often.” She grins. “Let’s head downstairs. Don’t want to be late!”
As we ride the elevator down, I check my phone to find no new emails or missed calls from Sam.
Our last call was five days ago, and it was really quick.
To be honest, I’m a little annoyed. Not about the call being fast or anything.
But because he knew the ceremony was tonight and he didn’t even bring it up.
I throw my phone in frustration into my clutch.
Alexa looks over and, almost like she knows what’s going on in my head, gives me a comforting smile.
When we get to the bottom floor, we make our way through the casino to the lobby exit.
“Dani! Alexa!” a voice yells from behind us.
We both turn to see Gavin walking towards us.
He’s wearing a slim-fit crushed black velvet tuxedo, complete with a bow tie, and white pocket square.
His hair is slicked back, and even though it’s clear he shaved, he kept his signature stubble.
As he gets closer, I feel my stomach drop and breathing stagger.
“Holy shit,” Alexa whispers to me.
“I know,” I hush back.
“You ladies look beautiful.” He smiles.
“Thanks!” we reply at the same time.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” Alexa adds.
Gavin’s grin widens. “Let’s head outside and find our ride.” He gestures towards the exit.
Alexa walks ahead in excitement, leaving Gavin and me trailing behind. As we follow, Gavin leans in and whispers in my ear, “You are absolutely stunning, Dani.”
His words, combined with the heat of his breath on my skin, send chills down my spine.
“You are making this only-friends thing really hard right now,” he adds.
“I know.” I wink.
He stops dead in his tracks as I keep walking. Did I really just say that? What the hell is wrong with me? Tonight just got really complicated. And for some reason, I’m not totally against it.