Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, I just take them for rides in my Jeep. :p

Ch 8

SPOV

"Hi Pam, come on in!" I said as the blond smiled up at me. I opened the front door wide, and stepped aside as she came into our apartment.

"You look well, Sookie. Did you sleep soundly?" She asked me. There was a slight leer to her face. No doubt she had talked to Eric.

"I did, thank you. I really enjoyed the club. You guys sure know how to make a girl feel welcome."

"Well, you are welcome to return, anytime," she winked at me. I didn't quite know if she was hitting on me or what, but I felt my cheeks flush nonetheless. Thankfully, Amelia came bounding into the room at that moment, and I returned to the couch, picking up a book I'd been half-heartedly thumbing through.

Pam left shortly after that with Eric's jacket. I admit I was both relieved, and disappointed that he hadn't come to get it himself. I wasn't sure if the spell would be broken that had surrounded us last night, or if there really was something there. I had to find out though, and I had to do it soon. This was our vacation dammit! Amelia and I had agreed to let loose and have fun, and if I could have fun with Eric Northman...

"Sookie?" Amelia called as she shook my shoulder, effectively breaking me out of my reverie.

"Sorry, I was just..." I started, but she interrupted me.

"Yeah, you were just day dreaming about tall and blond! Don't deny it, I saw that look on your face! You were even licking your lips like you were staring at a big juicy steak!!" She began to giggle as she sat down on the couch with me.

"You know what Amelia? I've decided you are right. This is our vacation. I do need to let lose. I do need to have fun." I looked over at her face at this point. Her jaw was hung open, and a grin was starting to reach her eyes. "So, screw it! You tell Pam we are having a party. Ask her to keep it quiet, and find out what night she and Eric can get away from the club, but don't tell him why."

She put her hand on my forehead, pretending to take my temperature. "Are you alright? Who are you, and where is my best friend?! Not that I mind, I'm just wondering what happened to make you so... aggressive! Sookie, I like it." She really was smiling now and even waggled her dark brows at me.

"I have no idea what's gotten into me Ame, but I like it too. Now come on, let's plan a party," I grinned at her.

I lied. I knew what had gotten into me. I knew what I wanted more of in me, too. Eric Northman.

-----

That whole week went by in a blur. Amelia and I had decided to throw a theme party, and we chose to use the party as a thank you to Brinna and Kelly for being great tour guides and helping us get situated. Truth is, they had helped us immensely, and I didn't know what we would have done without them. We had gone to lunch with them almost every day and had been introduced to several more people through them. They had showed us around and we had gotten the lay of the land near our apartment down pretty good. I was finally starting to settle into this being 'home', and I loved it.

Amelia had made our outfits. At first I was nervous and told her I didn't want anything that showed too much skin. She had to remind me that it was my idea, so I finally agreed to let her do whatever she wanted. She had squealed at that, and I knew she was having a ball so I just left her to it, and didn't even look at it until it was finished.

She and Pam had seen each other a few times and seemed to be, ahem, getting along quite well. Pam had come through big time for us as well, helping us get some of the supplies and decorations. She had promised to keep it hush hush, and I got the feeling she was enjoying sneaking around behind Eric's back. She and I had spoken more while she visited with Amelia, and I really started liking her. She was actually a transplant here as well, so her accent was very slight, but her snarky attitude just made you roll your eyes and laugh. If you had looked up 'brutally honest' in the dictionary, you'd see Pam there with a Cheshire cat grin on her face. I could see (personality wise, at least) what Amelia found so appealing about her. Not that Pam wasn't attractive - she was - that was just barking up the wrong tree for me.

Brinna and Kelly were bringing along more friends, some we had met and some we hadn't. They were so excited about the party; they wanted to make it really fun with a lot of bodies to share the excitement. That was fine with us because really, who wants a dead party?

Finally, the day arrived. I was busy all day setting up tables in our open apartment, stringing up decorations, and making appetizers. I had made sure the roll away bar Pam had procured for us was fully stocked, and that there was plenty of ice and cups. I flitted around like a damn gnat, never stopping in once place too long I was so nervous. Finally, it was time to get ready. The party would start in an hour and a half.

I sat myself on my bed for a pep talk to try and calm down before I hopped in the shower. "You can do this. It will be fun, you'll laugh and make friends. You'll have some drinks, enjoy the conversations. You will get to see Eric..." Oh yeah. Eric. Suddenly I was more nervous. Why was I so nervous? This was on my turf. The sexy Swede was coming to my house! Deep breaths... Deeeeep breaths.

I finally calmed enough and took my shower, but I didn't stop thinking about Eric.

---

Twenty minutes later, Amelia filtered into my room for the 'big reveal'. She was already dressed, and I have to say, she looked fabulous. She had on a tight black mini dress that came to mid thigh on her, and it had fake money stitched all over it. There were also some poker chips placed strategically on the dress. She had on high heels that made her legs really stand out. I had no doubts Pam would be pleased tonight.

"Amelia! You look great! Casino Night is going to be a blast if your outfit is any indication," I said as she laid a garment bag down on my bed.

"Thanks, Sook! So, moment of truth. You know, you have to wear this; I did not make you a backup. I hope you like it..." She unzipped the bag as I closed my eyes. She was right, I just had to accept whatever it was. Amelia knew me, she wouldn't put me in something she knew I absolutely wouldn't wear, would she?

I opened my eyes when she told me to, and I swear I just sat there unblinking for a full minute. Amelia was holding one hanger in each hand because, of course, my costume was a two-piece. Both were bright red satin, the top was a halter, and the bottom was a totally tiny mini skirt, much like Amelia's. I briefly registered her saying "You're Lady Luck tonight, Sook!" as I noticed there were four leaf clovers, horseshoes, and other accoutrement all over the red satin in green, black, and gold. I walked over and fingered the outfit. My first reaction was "there is no way in hell, this shows way too much skin!" but the reaction I settled on was that I would wear the hell out of it and look fabulous doing so. This night would be one to remember that was for sure.

"I... wow. Amelia, just.. wow," was all I managed to say as I grabbed the hangers from her and pulled her into a hug.

"You're welcome! Oh, and there is more to it in the bag, so don't forget to put that stuff on too. Shoes are in the bottom! Now hurry up and get ready, everyone will be here in less than an hour," she said as she turned to go back to her side of the penthouse.

After I finished my hair and makeup, I rolled on the fishnets in the bag and stepped into the costume. Wow. I checked myself out in the mirror, and was actually surprised at how happy I was with the look. I did look good, dammit! Amelia had a gold necklace with a dainty charm that read 'Lady Luck' in fancy letters, so I secured that around my neck. There was also a bright green garter that I slipped onto my thigh over the fishnets, and a charm bracelet with tiny little dice attached went on my wrist. She had some funny money in the bag, and I tucked a few of those bills into the garter against my skin. Next came the shoes. They were a bit too tall for my tastes, and knowing me I'd fall and break an ankle in a most ungraceful way. I called out to Amelia to see if she thought it would be alright to just wear the nice black peep toe pumps I had been given from Brinna. She agreed and as I slipped them on my outfit was complete.

I finished everything off with a spritz of my favorite perfume, and whirled around the room putting things away. I always liked to have a tidy bedroom, and being in a different country just couldn't change that in me.

Twenty minutes later our first guests arrived. We welcomed the guests of honor, Brinna and Kelly, with hugs and hung their coats. As they stepped into the open living space they both started giggling and kind of jumping in place as they took everything in.

"Girls! You've turned the apartment into a real casino! Is that actually a roulette table?!" Kelly squealed as she ran around the room, taking in the evening's activities.

"Of course! We had to show you how Southern Ladies do things. We don't fool around!" I said as I went to the bar, and offered the ladies a cocktail.

While making them both a drink, Amelia answered the door for our next round of guests. Our party was starting up, and I couldn't have been having more fun just greeting everyone and mixing cocktails. I had plenty of experience behind a bar so I felt right at home there. Everyone loved our outfits, and I was sure to let them know they were compliments of Amelia. While not everyone was decked out as we were, they all looked fabulous and many did put on the money-print and gold feather boas we had draped around the rooms.

People started sitting at the tables and mingling, and started playing games. Everyone seemed to love taking turns as 'dealer' at the black jack and craps tables, and the roulette wheel. A few people were just watching as the games progressed, but most were playing. We had a good crowd after about 45 minutes, about 20 people. I was having so much fun I didn't notice when the front door opened and Pam walked in with a guest.

---------------------

A/N~

You guys know I won't leave you hanging for long. Give it a couple few days and you'll get the scoop. Teeheee! Don't stake me! Shoot me some reviews, let me know what you think!! :)