Chapter One
Screenshots
Rhi POV
Exiting the airport, I quickly make my way to the taxi stand. I need to get away from here as soon as possible. I want to minimize my exposure to social media before I can text everyone with updates.
"Where to?" The driver asks, obviously he needs to know where we're going.
"The Bellagio, please." I'm not feeling very chatty right this moment so I watch the world pass by through the window as we make our way back to the Strip. Right now, the only thing on my mind is getting back to the hotel so I can figure things out.
I plan on waiting until I get back to the hotel to text everyone. The girls already know I'm not on the plane, that's obvious, but no one else knows. I'm really not looking forward to the fallout from this when everyone else does, especially Nana, Papa, Grammie and Grampie. Oh, and let's not forget Joe and Brad. They're both going to be pissed. Yeah, I'm not looking forward to any of those conversations.
I haven't looked at my phone since I text the girls that I missed the plane. I know I need to text everyone and I plan to text Lurch first. He's not going to be happy with me. I already know it and I'm prepared for that. I think. Hopefully, it won't be as bad as I'm anticipating. After all, I did tell him that whatever I was planning was something I needed to do for me. Am I handling it the right way? Probably not but if I told everyone what I wanted to do, they would all stay behind or force me to go back with them.
After a minute, I decide I better send texts right now. I don't need to worry anyone any more than they already will be. Pulling out my phone, I text Lurch. I don't want him to worry, though I'm sure he will, but I also don't want him to see anything online. That's a fucked up way for him to find out I'm still in Vegas.
R: Hey. Don't freak out.
OK, so that's probably a trigger for him to start to worry but I already hit 'send' so there's nothing I can do about it now.
R: I just wanted to let you know I'm still in Vegas. I missed the plane but the girls made it. They should be there on schedule. There was a little snafu at security but I'm OK. I promise. I'm on my way back to the hotel right now. I'll text you when I get there.
Sending one to Retro, I need to make him laugh. After a minute, I come up with something and laugh as I type it.
R: Did you know that shoes are an important article of clothing to run through an airport? What's even more important is remembering to take your shoes with you so you can put them back on when you're through security!
I send one to Elliot too, for a couple of reasons. First, he'll be pissed that I left him out. He's about as protective of me as Kate and Ana. Second, he'll give me shit about it and will never let me live it down. Though I'm pretty sure he'll figure out how to do that anyway.
R: Apparently, if you're distracted enough, you can still run in an airport in socks and not notice until it's almost too late.
I suppose I should send one to Ice and the guys. After all, I promised I'd text them later.
R: Hey. So… I missed my flight /
Next on my list is Gio.
R: Hey. It's Rhi. I'm still in Vegas. Maybe we can get together sometime today or tomorrow? I want to settle up with you for last night. I also need to pick up those bags so I can take them to Ms. Trombley too.
I'll wait to call Ms. Trombley until I hear from Gio about picking up the bags. In the meantime, I'll send a message to Devin.
R: Hey. It's Rhi. Just letting you know that I'm still in town. I missed my flight but I'm OK. I just wanted to thank you for everything you did last night for me and putting up with my antics. I might see you today sometime. I'm waiting to hear back from Gio.
Of course I can't forget Amber. I really want to talk to her about the roller coaster comment she made. Something about it is bugging and I need to quiet it before it drives me insane. It's like a mouse in the walls that you hear scratching around but can't find.
R: Hi Amber! It's Rhi! What are your plans for today?
I don't even want to look to see if I have any other messages from Alex. I silenced my phone just in case because I didn't want to deal with him. Hell, I still don't want to deal with him, especially because no one else is here with me. Unfortunately, I'm in Vegas and I'm sure at some point he'll see me on social media. I don't even want to think about that mess right now. Right now, all I want to do is get to the hotel and get settled.
Sighing, I sit back and wait for the taxi to arrive at the hotel. When we pull up, I thank the driver and tip him. Taking my bag with me, I stroll back toward the elevator and see Mark. "Hi Rhi! Where is everyone?" He asks, looking around for everyone.
"They're on their way back home." Smiling at him, "I missed my flight so I decided to stay another day."
"That's always fun." He looks as confused as he sounds. "Well, I'm always here at your service. My shift is ending soon though so I may or may not see you. If I don't, enjoy the rest of your day!"
"Thanks Mark! If I don't see you, have a good rest of your day too. I need to get upstairs and figure out what I'm going to do next." I bid him farewell and step into the elevator and wait for the doors to close waiting for the ascension to my floor. Walking down the silent hallway feels weird after having everyone here for the past few days. I like my alone time but I miss them all already.
Opening the door, I step into the silent, empty suite, and look around. Everything is the same as we left it except it's obvious that housekeeping has been through because there are fresh towels and toiletries. "Well, at least it's clean." A thought hits me and I go check to see if the blood has been cleaned up off the wall. It's still there and I can't help but laugh at the memory of how it happened. I better call housekeeping so I can clean it up properly. I'm not letting someone else clean up a biohazard. "Lurch was so worried when he saw the blood. He's so sweet." Thinking about all the things we did the past two days makes me smile. It also makes me a little sad. I empty my suitcase, find his shirt, and bury my face in it, inhaling his scent. My nerves are quickly soothed and I relax. We need to figure out how to bottle this scent or something because it calms me. I can't just wear his shirts all the time. That would be weird. My anxiety can get out of control at times and so far, his scent is the only thing that's calmed me. Well, other than Slade's shirt, which I still have, though I think I should give it back because it's his favorite and I have Lurch's now.
Pulling out my phone, I send Lurch a message.
R: Hey. I'm back at the hotel. Same room. I'm OK. Just getting settled and letting everyone know where I am. I don't know what I'm going to do yet but I'll figure something out, I'm sure. I hope your trip home is safe and uneventful? Did you pass on my messages to Retro? I'd hate to come back and have to kick someone's ass for meddling, or not meddling, in my life. LOL Please let me know when you land. I'll worry if I don't hear from you. I'll text you later when I figure things out.
I suppose I better text the girls too. I decide to text Ana this time and Kate next time. Instead of texting them both the same thing I'll just alternate between the two of them.
R: Hey. I'm at the hotel. I'm trying to figure things out so as soon as I have a plan I'll let you and Kate know. Everything is fine and I'm OK. Let me know when you guys land. Say Hi to Elliot for me!
Stepping into the kitchen, I pull out a tumbler and fill it with Patron. Carrying it to the breakfast bar, I sit down and take a deep breath and slowly exhale. I needed the quite time to myself after all the bullshit that happened in the beginning of this vacation. My head was a mess and I was miserable.
I always disappear when life gets too stressful and I need to reset myself. I guess you could say I've disappeared again, although everyone knows where I am so I'm not a complete ghost like I usually am. It's strange actually having someone wanting to know where I am. Kate and Ana are used to me disappearing, along with my extended family, but I don't think Lurch is aware of the extremes I take in order to disappear from everyone.
My superiors, they're a completely different animal. They have eyes and ears in almost every corner of the world so it's hard to ghost them. To be honest, I'm surprised they haven't had anyone here watching everything. How do I know they haven't? If anyone was here I never would have gotten hurt or been able to disappear like yesterday when I went to the Secret Garden and last night playing pool. I also would have been forced to have surgery immediately, either here or back home.
"OK. This quiet is starting to get on my nerves. While it's nice, it's too quiet for me." I have no problem talking to myself out loud. No one can hear me and no one questions what I'm saying. Unlocking my phone, I turn on my music player for some background noise. I'm not in the mood to headbang right now, or dance at all. I need to figure out a plan and get my mood amped up again.
Just as I'm trying to think of something my phone goes off. I quickly check to see it's a message and I'm hoping it's someone I actually want to talk to. My hopes are dashed when I see it's from Alex, along with the nineteen other messages he's sent. Fuck. I don't have the energy to deal with this.
A: What time are you supposed to leave?
A: Certainly you can make time to talk. You have made time to do a lot of things the past couple of days.
Dude… of course I'm going to make time to do a lot. It's my vacation. I'm not sitting around twiddling my thumbs.
A: I don't understand what happened. We seemed so good together. Was it all a lie? Well, I guess you did say you had to see how things went.
A: I thought things were fine and you would open up to me after getting your hand treated.
A: I wanted to be there with you for your surgery to help you out. I don't like to see you hurt and it really bothered me. All I want to do is take care of you. I'm still willing to come and help you. I just need when and where to go.
A: I miss seeing you. I miss dancing with you. I miss holding you.
Uh, how about 'NO'? I may need help but I don't need help from him. I sure as fuck don't want him knowing when or where I'll be, surgery related OR where I live. This is bizarre, the way he says some things, it's almost like he's talking to himself. I can't judge him for that considering I do the same thing when I get really stressed out. Dad always comes to visit me when I need him the most. While it was good to talk to him a couple of times this time, I would have preferred it not be on my vacation.
A: You looked amazing last night. Though I think that dress was a little too revealing. Did you have to wear that? So every man could see you? What were you trying to accomplish? Attracting the attention of every male in town? If that's what you wanted you certainly succeeded. I would have preferred you wear something a little less exposing. It wasn't exactly safe. If I was with you I would have been able to protect you and keep the other guys away from you.
He preferred something less exposing? He'd 'protect' me and keep guys away? "What in the ever-loving FUCK?! Like it's his decision, not mine? FUCK HIM."
A: I guess you're not upset anymore about what happened with those guys who caused you trauma earlier? You had dinner with them and seem to be spending a lot of time with them. I guess you do forgive easily. Though I hardly think that's a good thing. You would think you've learned your lesson. They won't change. They never do.
"Learned my lesson? What lesson? That forgiveness is a bad thing? That sometimes forgiveness needs to be done to move forward? Am I fucked up for that? Maybe, maybe not. I don't expect everyone to agree with my choices but I expect them to accept that it's MY choice to make in the way that I see fit. You see, my choice was taken from me by someone who I thought loved me. Someone who should have protected me no matter what. Instead, she initiated and fed the perversity of someone she loved more. I've said this to everyone. There's nothing that means more to me that having the CHOICE to do, or not, do something.
A: The world calls you a Fairy Princess. It suits you.
A: I liked your idea of a sock hop. It seemed to go over well. How did you manage to get Black to let you do it? He's pretty strict with his policies. You must have the magic touch or something because you pretty much get whatever you want. It's hard to say 'no' to you.
"OK, so yeah, it was a pretty cool idea but to get whatever I want? That's not true at all. I do the things I do because I want other people to be happy and enjoy life. Sometimes I go to the extremes but like I've said all along, I don't want anything in return or any attention. If Gio told me 'no' then I would have done something else. I'm not twisting anyone's arm to do anything. It's THEIR choice." Why the fuck do I need to explain anything to him?
A: You seem to be enjoying the rest of your time here. I wish I was part of that. Though it looks like you've found someone else to make you happy. I'm confused though and maybe you can explain it. Why does it have to be one of the guys who caused all of your stress and pain? I was there for you. I never hurt you. I'd never do anything to hurt you. You could've had me. You can still have me.
"Why Lurch? I've said it before, he 'gets' me. We have fun. He doesn't try to change me, he accepts me for WHO I am. He gives me the CHOICE to do, or not do, things." I'm now at the point that I'm growling at my phone. Who the fuck does he think he is? I'm pretty sure what sealed the deal with him was because it was MY choice. He didn't force anything on me.
A: You are an amazing dancer. I'm sure you already know that though. I wish you were still dancing with me.
A: So tell me, why did you leave the club alone? Did something happen? Did one of those guys do something to hurt you? Tell me and I'll make them pay. They'll regret doing anything to hurt you. All you have to do is ask.
"You'll make them pay." I actually laugh at that. "What the fuck kind of nonsense is that? Like he's some sort of hero? He's delusional."
A: You seem to be awful cozy with one of those guys. Spending all day on his back with his hands on your ass? He shouldn't be touching you at all. No one should.
A: Why would you let him kiss you?! Especially like that, in public? Have you no shame? People don't need to see that. That's disgusting.
"If I want him to touch me it's MY choice. NOT yours! No, I'm not ashamed of kissing someone in public. Hell, I kissed you so… that's disgusting too then. Not to mention a HUGE mistake. EVERYTHING with him was a mistake. Fuck you, Alex."
A: Why do you look so sad now that they're leaving? You should be happy because the threat is gone. You'll be safe. I'll keep you safe. No one will ever hurt you again.
A: Don't worry, we'll be able to fix this. I know we can get past it. Despite everything you've done I'll still take you back. I love you, Rhi. I've loved you from the minute I saw you. I'll always love you. I'll always be here for you.
"Why am I sad? It's none of your fucking business. You're not coming anywhere NEAR me. NEVER AGAIN!" I'm shocked at everything I've read. Despite everything I'VE done, he'll 'take me back'? Is he insane? He must be. What the fuck is he talking about, LOVE? "What the fuck?"
A: I see you and the girls are leaving. I guess you really didn't have time to talk. You seem to be in a hurry. Hopefully you won't miss your flight. You can always stay with me though. I'm sure Jack won't mind.
A: You haven't responded to any of my messages. I guess I really won't see you again.
A: I was really hoping to at least talk to you before you left. I'm sorry for whatever I did to make you leave me.
"HOLY FUUUCK." I'm speechless. There's nothing that could have prepared me to see all of these messages. From the time we were getting ready to go to the airport until now he's sent all of these. It's like he's reviewing a movie. From what I've read, it sounds like he's doing a commentary on everything that's been on social media. "I KNEW there was something 'off' about him!"
Checking the time, I see the last one was sent almost an hour ago. "Maybe he got the hint that I'm not going to respond to him." Typically, I would just shrug this off and forget about it. However, I'm in Vegas by myself and while I know a few people, I'm not about to drag anyone into this. However, I do need to tell everyone back home because if I don't tell Kate and Ana they'll be super pissed. I can't put them through that hell again. Now, there's someone else to add to this mess. Lurch, Retro and I can't forget Elliot. I know if I don't say anything it will end bad and I really don't want to do that to them. "Why the fuck does he have to do this? Why now? Why me?"
I guess I better send everyone a message. Probably the easiest way is to screenshot everything and hopefully this will be the last I hear from him. I will admit, he's really freaking me out, not to the point of crying like I would have when he was around though. Right now? He's pissed me off so much that I'm actually yelling at my phone answering him. "God I hope I don't have to watch over my shoulder while I'm out. That will ruin plans I have already made."
I wonder if I could just send the same message to everyone so I don't have to type it multiple times. "I think that's what I'll do. I'll send screenshots along with it. This is fucking irritating."
By this time, I've downed the first glass of Patron that I planned to slowly drink. However, I'm pretty sure I need a refill because this guy is too much. Doing just that, I drink that glass down too. "Fuck it. Three is my lucky number so might as well go with it." Filling it a third time I decide to not down it and drink it slower. Angry shots just make an angry alcohol induced feeling and that's the last thing I need right now.
Sighing, I start to compile a message to everyone.
R: So this just happened. I'm not sure but I don't think he's going to be an issue here. There are too many people around so I should be OK. However, I will admit I'm a little freaked out. I'd like to beat the shit out of him but that wouldn't do me any good. See? I have some self-control. You should be proud of me for that :D I need to go out for a while so I'll just make sure I'm always around people. Besides, with the Treasure Hunt thing, anything that happens will be all over the internet and he will get a lot of backlash from it. I'll keep you updated on my whereabouts. Please don't worry.
Attaching the screenshots to the message and hit 'send'. Welp, that's done. They will be upset but at least I told them. Within a minute after the message sent, a new one comes in. I'm dreading looking at it just in case it's Alex but I'm relieved to see that it isn't. Thank god it's not. The only one who can respond right now is the only one who hasn't been here to witness the whole shit show.
E: What in the fuck?! Who all did you send this to? I think everyone needs to know. Rhi, what the hell do you do to make these guys go crazy? I mean, you're a totally awesome person and I get the attraction, but this is a little extreme. You OK?
R: I sent it to Kate, Ana, Lurch and Retro. Those last two are Reynolds and Ryan. I gave them nicknames :D
R: It's not my fault I'm awesome! If more people were the same way the crazies would be more dispersed. I'm just recruiting people to find their awesomeness and let it shine.
R: Yeah, I'm OK. Really pissed and a little freaked out but more pissed this time. The only thing that worries me is that I have some plans today and I refuse to let some psycho ruin them. I think I'm a little freaked out because of the fact that I'm alone here and don't have anyone to have my back. Although, that stupid Treasure Hunt just might become a life preserver in the fact that if he does anything it'll go viral and the entire world will get ringside seats. It'll ruin him.
E: Lurch? Retro? What the hell?! I don't even want to know how those came about. Actually, I do. I'm sure you have quite the story. I can't wait to hear everything when you get home.
E: Don't do anything stupid. Plans or no plans, you need to take care of you and anyone else you're with.
E: Did you intentionally miss the plane?
Uh… How do I answer that? Honesty is the best policy but when my ass is on the line I'm so tempted to skirt the issue. That's not me though, I tell the truth all the time, it's just that sometimes things need to be said in a way not to worry or hurt anyone.
R: I legit left my shoes at security. Kate and Ana said they barely made it to the gate while it was still boarding. I never would have made it.
E: That wasn't the question.
Fuck. Here comes the honesty.
R: I didn't plan on it happening that way. The shoes just made it easier, though my idea was creative and hilarious. To me anyway.
I close my eyes as I hit send. If I hear an explosion and see a mushroom cloud I'll know it's him blowing his top.
E: Why would you do something like that? You should've come home with the girls.
R: El, it's been such a shitty vacation until yesterday and today. My head was messed up already by what Luke did. Which reminds me, Ana's boyfriend is the root of all this mess in the first place. Blame him.
E: Stop avoiding the question. Why did you stay behind?
R: Luke caused enough damage. Alex just added to it. I'm tired of being treated like a child and having Kate and Ana either become mother hens or just sit back and do nothing to support me. It all just got to me. They tried to push me and Alex together but when I told them things that went on they didn't realize they were wrong until we talked about it more in depth today.
R: El, I'm fucked up. Jace really did a number on me. He's not the only one either. My mother caused more damage than anyone really understands. While I'd love to place all the blame on Ana's boyfriend, I can't. This shit goes back over 20 years ago. Can we talk about this shit when I'm home? Texting is a lot and I really need to figure out how I'm going to go about my plans without Alex lingering in my mind.
E: I get it. You're right too, we WILL talk when you get home so be prepared for that. I'll bring the tequila ;)
E: Regarding your plans, is there anyone you can talk to about this? Maybe someone who can help if Alex goes too far?
R: No one that I want involved in my drama. I can't ruin someone else's life.
E: Despite you not wanting anyone else involved, you need to let someone know in case something happens. So what are you going to do? What's your plan?
R: I'm going to go about my business. I've had some Patron and I feel like playing a little pool to forget about some of this. Besides, I'm waiting for everyone to text back and I'm getting bored. I might as well play a few games while I'm waiting.
E: You know what you're doing. I won't harp on you about safety. I'm sure you already get a lot of that. You're not stupid, just stubborn ;)
R: Yeah Yeah Yeah :D
R: Thanks El. I'll keep you updated on everything. Talk to you later.
E: Bye Rhi stay safe
Well, that went better than expected. I'm sure that when I get home it'll be a lot worse. In person is always a lot worse than phone. I can't hide from them. Not to mention everyone will be there and probably people I don't even want there.
Filling my glass one more time, I down it and make sure I have everything then head out the door to go play some pool. It's a good distraction and stress reliever from everything and when I'm back home I play a lot. Exiting the elevator, there's someone else operating them so I don't stop to talk. Continuing through the casino, I exit onto the Strip and cross over to go to the Beer Park.