Page 117 of All This Time
And as I drive back to my cabin, I know one thing for certain.Laney Hart was always meant to be mine, and I’ll stop at nothing until she is.
Chapter 23
Fletcher
What Happens in Vegas
“Perfect. I think lining those up on that side of the bar will be great.”
The crew I hired to deliver and unload all the stuff for the party walks through the room and sets up the slot machines along the left side of the bar, lining up the bar stools underneath.
I’ve already been here for a few hours, but the party room in the back of Hart Winery is slowly being transformed into a Vegas casino. Green felt tables are scattered throughout the space, each set up for a different game. Gold and black streamers line the walls, hiding the usual winery décor to make the room feel like a different place. I’ve also hired a few cocktail waitresses to serve everyone, and a buffet table is being set up on the right side of the room.
“Well, look who it is,” Dilynne says as she enters the room, carrying large cardboard cutouts that I can’t see the front of.
Gesturing to the contents of her arms, I say, “I’m afraid to ask, but are those for the games?”
Her smile is mischievous. “Why yes, they are.”
“And what game are they for?”
She pulls the cutouts away from me as I try to peek at what’s on the other side. “You’ll just have to wait and see like everyone else.”
“Fine.” I fan my arms out, drawing her attention to the rest of the room. “Well, what do you think?”
She surveys the progress so far. “It looks like a lot of debauchery is about to go down.”
“Let’s just hope that Elliot and Tori have a good time.”
“Or we could hope that Tori just doesn’t show up.”
“Why can’t you just be happy for Elliot?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.
“I would if I felt like Tori was the right person for him, but she’s not.”
“And what are you basing that on? How she treated you in high school?”
Dilynne shakes her head, her eyes narrowed. “No, it’s a gut feeling.”
“Afeeling?”
“Yes, it’s called women’s intuition, and since you have a penis, you wouldn’t understand how powerful it is.”
“You’re right. I don’t get it, but I do get that one of my best friends is really happy, and I think we should all just put our opinions aside to celebrate that.”
“I have been, haven’t I?” Dilynne counters.
“For the most part, yeah.”
“Then leave me be.” Her eyes dip down my body and then back up. “Speaking of intuition, you seem like you have a lot on your mind.”
I reach up and adjust the hat on my head. “I do. This party, the wedding…”
“Nope, it’s something else.” Tilting her head at me, she continues, “It wouldn’t have to do with my best friend, would it?”
“What are you trying to ask me, Dilynne?”
She takes a step closer to me, lowering her voice. “You sure are going to a lot of trouble here. Is it all for Elliot and Tori?”
