It was strange to think that despite the way my life had changed, this city, where it all started, didn't change.My stomach flipped when we passed Caesars and the statue where Leo and I sat and people watched.
Did he still live here?Was he married?Did he have a family?
"Unreal," Andrew said beside me.He stared out the window like a child, taking in everything.I forgot he hadn't been here before and a wave of guilt washed over me.It was my fault.I turned away from the window.I didn't need to see anymore.
When we pulled up to the hotel and the limo door opened, I said a silent thank-you to Nicole for booking her festivities anywhere but at the MGM.The Mirage was beautiful, with dozens of palm trees lining the drive, and of course a spectacular volcano sitting on the Strip.Ryan had wanted to stay at the MGM Grand because they had excellent wedding packages, but Nicole worked her magic and negotiated a great deal at one of their sister hotels instead.I don't think I could handle reliving my entire Vegas experience.She knew that.
Still, I couldn't stop the feelings that rushed through me as I followed the guys through the grand foyer.It was stupid.That was six years ago.It was a completely different place, with different people.This time, I was with my husband.That one detail made the entire trip different.
Drastically different.
"So, is that okay with you, Lex?"Ryan's voice snapped me out of my daydreams.
"Sorry," I said."I didn't hear you.Is what okay with me?"
"I'm going to check in," Andrew said, "and take our bags up to the room.You can just go straight up and talk to Nicole.We'll meet both of you down here for dinner in a bit."
"Assuming you can calm her down," Ryan added."You can calm her down, right?"The hope in his expression would've made me laugh if he didn't look so worried.
"Of course."I nodded."What's the room number?"
Ryan breathed a sigh of relief and pointed me in the right direction.I left the guys to take care of the details and I went in search of Nicole.At least taking care of her drama would keep my mind off the past.
I read the numbers as I passed: 1150, 1152, 1154.Nicole's room was at the end of a long hall.Instead of knocking, there was a doorbell.Must be nice to have a room big enough to require a doorbell.But, she was the bride.She deserved it.
Moments later, the door flew open and Nicole burst out into the hallway."Oh, Lexi.Thank God you're here."She wrapped her arms around me and started bawling.
I wiggled out of her grip enough to free my hands, which I brought up to her shoulders and pushed her away just enough to look at her.Her pretty face was puffy and red from crying.Her hair was tied back in a ponytail.Strands that escaped the elastic were pasted to her face from the tears that soaked her skin.
"Nic.What's going on?"
"Everything is awful," she moaned."I don't know what to do."
"What are you talking about?Calm down."
"Come in."She pulled me into the suite and closed the door behind us."Where are the boys?"
"Downstairs.We'll meet them in a bit.But first, tell me what's wrong."
Nicole flopped onto a blue velour couch and started sobbing again in earnest.Clearly, this wasn't going to be easy."Nicole," I prompted.
"I've made a mistake," she said."This is all wrong."She sat up and waved her hands, encompassing the stunning suite.
"No, this is beautiful," I said.
"Well, yes.This is nice," she conceded."But everything else is wrong.What was I thinking?"She buried her head into the plush sofa again.
I pulled up a red leather ottoman and sat next to her."In what way?Getting married?Or getting married in Vegas?Because there's a world of difference.Are you having second thoughts about this Vegas thing?"
She nodded but didn't look up.
"You're wishing you had your family?That you'd done it the old-fashioned way?"
She nodded again.
"Well, don't," I said."It's normal to get scared and have cold feet, Nic.It's going to be great.The ceremony, the parties back home.Like you said, you get to wear your dress more than once and what could be better than having three parties in your honor?You're not a traditional kind of girl; I can't imagine you walking down the aisle, with the whole big white wedding thing.This is going to be so much more you.You and Ryan."
The sobbing stopped and she looked up."You really think so?"