The Missing Piece

[1:00PM]
We hurried to the restaurant for lunch. We went to a French bistro called Mon Ami Gabi, the restaurant across from the Bellagio Fountain. We sat outside and ordered our food. I got the chocolate waffle while Caroline got the smoked salmon and homemade blinis. Payton got the egg white omelette while Jana got the classic eggs benedict. As we waited for our order to come out, we talked and enjoyed the view of the strip. It was so beautiful in the morning.

Jana asks, “so what are you guys going to do today?”

Caroline asks, “we’re not spending the day together?”

“I think we should do our own things today and meet up later for dinner and club.” Jana says.

“What are you going to do Jana?” Payton asks.

Jana says, “i'm going to explore some more of Vegas.”

Bailee says, “i think i'm going to go shopping and buy some stuff for my co-workers.”

“I honestly don't know what to do today but i’ll figure it out.” Caroline says.

“I think i'm going to go casino hopping and see if i find anything there.” Payton says.

Bailee asks, “so we got a plan afterwards or what?”

Jana says, “maybe we can meet back at the hotel around 7ish to get ready for the night.”

“And make it the best last night ever.” Payton says.

“It means we can't drink as much.” Caroline says.

Caroline’s POV.
After eating lunch together, we split ways and did our own thing. While the others were out, i figured i go back to the hotel room to rest for a little while. After a few minutes, i put on my shoes and gotten my bag to leave. I walked to the elevator and took it all the way downstairs. When the elevator dinged, the elevator doors opened widely. As it did, i saw Darin Miller standing there waiting for the elevator. He was right in front of me. He noticed me but i ignored him and just went on with my day. I walked out of the elevator and towards the exit of the hotel building. I sense that he was chasing after me. He reached me and grabbed my arm back to talk to me.

Darin calls out Caroline’s name as he holds onto her arm, “Caroline.”

Caroline says as turning around releasing her arm from Darin, “Darin Miller.”

“Okay, i deserve that.” Darin says jokingly.

“Were you busy last night?” Caroline says.

Darin says, “one of my friends had gotten sick so we promised each other not to go out without them. We’d go as a group or not at all. So we didn't go at all.”

Caroline stays quiet with her arms crossed.

Darin notices something off from Caroline & asks, “were you waiting for me to come at the club last night?”

Caroline says as she walks away in denial, “of course not. i was there with my girlfriends.”

“You were waiting for me to come.” Darin smiles & says as he catches up to Caroline from behind.

“No i wasn't.” Caroline says in denial.

Darin says, “i'd be happy if you did wait for me.”

I blushed and smiled at him. We walked together around Vegas and took some nice pictures. It started to rain and he pulled me into Caesars Palace on the side to hide from the rain. We stayed there for a little while, just until the rain stopped. We looked out of the scenery and there it was, Paris.

Caroline says, “i have to be honest with you, Darin.”

“About what?” Darin asks.

“I'm actually in a 2 year relationship with this guy i met on tinder. We don't live together nor do we know where the relationship is taking us right now.” Caroline admits.

Darin asks, “what went wrong? What was wrong?”

Caroline says, “he’s just interning here for a few weeks and going back home to Wisconsin afterwards.”

“What's going to happen with the relationship?” Darin asks curiously.

“I'm not sure, really. I have this thing for long distance relationships.” Caroline says.

Darin asks, “what thing?”

Caroline explains furthermore, “i was in one before i met him a couple years back. That other guy cheated on me for another girl he met online.”

“That doesn't mean that all of your present relationships won't work because of that one situation. Only time will tell where it will take you.” Darin says.

“What about you? Are you in a relationship with anyone?” Caroline asks curiously.

Darin shakes his head & says, “No. well, i was 5 years ago.”

Caroline asks, “what happened?”

“I got into law school when i was 19 years old. We wanted different things in life. I wanted to study law and she was going to study design in New York.” Darin explains.

“And she chose New York?” Caroline asks.

Darin says, “we both chose our career path and it was the best decision yet.”

Caroline smiles & says, “and everything worked out okay.”

“Thank you for being honest with me. I am really sorry about last night.” Darin thanks & apologies.

“If you had a chance to turn back in time to last night, would you meet me at the club like we promised?” Caroline says & asks.

Darin says, “of course i would.”

Caroline asks, “do you want to join me today?”

“Sure, i would love to.” Darin smiles & says.

Me and Darin spent the day walking around Vegas. We spent a lot of time getting to know each other. I would say it was the best day for me.

Payton’s POV.
Me and Bailee were looking around at the mall. When we did, me and her talked about Jana.

Payton curiously asks Bailee, “do you ever think that Jana and Alex are going to get together?”

Bailee says, “i hope so. I really like them together and he cares for her a lot.”

“Do you think Max is good for Jana?” Payton asks again.

“I don't want to be mean and talk behind her back, Pay.” Bailee says.

Payton says, “we can talk about this if it bothers us.”

Bailee says, “i honestly don't like him. I just feel like he takes Jana for granted.”

“How so?” Payton asks not understanding what Bailee is saying.

“Like he doesn't go out to eat with us when Jana tells him. It's always about work with him. It seems like he doesn't love Jana, just her job.” Bailee explains.

Payton says, “at first, i really liked him with her but after a while, it just doesn't fit anymore.”

Bailee says, “yeah. Jana needs someone like Alex. He really cares about her and wants her to be happy.”

“We want that for her too but what can you do.” Payton sighs & says.

[7:30PM]
Caroline’s POV.
It was the end of our day together. Me and Darin arrived at the front of the Caesar’s Palace hotel building saying our goodbyes.

Darin says, “i hate to say goodbye.”

Caroline asks, “what if we don't have to say goodbye?”

“Then what do we say?” Darin asks.

“We can think of it as a new beginning for the both of us.” Caroline says & smiles.

Darin smiles & asks, “is it okay if we talk sometimes over the phone or meet when we go back home?”

Caroline smiles shyly & asks jokingly, “is this your way of asking for my number?”

“Of course.” Darin says admittingly.

The both of us took out our cellphones and exchanged numbers. After that, we gave each other back our phones.

“You should go. Your girlfriends are probably waiting for you up there.” Darin says.

Caroline smiles & says, “right. I had such a great time with you these past couple of days.”

Darin says, “me too.”

“Thank you for everything this week.” Caroline thanks him.

“Your welcome Caroline.” Darin says.

Caroline says as she walks away, “bye Darin.”

I turned back and walked towards the entrance doors of the hotel when Darin called me back. I stopped and saw him coming towards me. He went straight in for a kiss on my lips. Oh my goodness, i can't believe it. He actually likes me, i think. What do i do? I just stood there and kissed him back. There was so much chemistry between us. Then he lets go and says with his eyes on me…

Darin says, “i'm sorry but i had to.”

Caroline pecks his cheek & says, “i really like you Darin.”

“I like you too Caroline.” Darin admits.

“Now, i really have to go.” Caroline says.

Darin says, “right. Bye.”

I walked away from him once again. I didn't want the day to end. It was the best day ever. I was in love and is in love with Darin. He’s the sweetest guy i've met in my entire life. The entire way up to the hotel room, i was spaced out and couldn't stop thinking about that kiss we just had. As i reached the room and went inside, i heard the others excited about something. I snapped out of my thoughts and came towards them wondering what was going on.

Caroline asks, “what's going on?”

Payton says excitedly, “me and Kevin are back together again.”

“Oh my god! That’s wonderful news!” Caroline says happily.

“Can my birthday get any better???” Jana says with excitement.

Caroline says, “it's even better. Darin kissed me just now.”

Bailee says & asks, “no way! You guys spent the day together?”

“The entire day. It was amazing all day. He made up for missing last night at the club.” Caroline says.

“It just got better! I'm so happy for you guys!” Jana says happily.

Payton says, “come on! We have to get ready for our last night here!”

Bailee’s POV.
We took turns getting ready for the night. I went first into the bathroom. I took a shower and did my hair in there too. I wore a long black bodycon dress that showed through the cleavage area, tan heel boots, very glitter makeup that will blind you.

Then it was Caroline’s turn. She wore a black mesh jumpsuit that showed her cleavage as well, stiletto heels, very natural to night makeup that she did herself this time.

Next was Payton’s turn. She wore a black long halter dress that has a slit at her thighs, beige heels, with dark winged makeup.

Lastly was Jana’s turn. After awhile of being in the bathroom, she came out wearing a black strappy short romper, black heels, red winged makeup.

We were all ready to go and left the hotel room. We looked fabulous from head to toe. We walked downstairs to the Old Homestead Steakhouse. Since it was our last night in Vegas, we thought we’d go big or go home. Fine dining at its finest. We were going to split it this time around. After eating dinner at the restaurant, we surprised Jana with a cake that was from the restaurant itself. We sang happy birthday and split the cake piece among the four of us. Jana loved it so much. Then we headed over to the Omnia Club in our hotel. We stayed there until 1 in the morning. We limited ourselves to stay until then because we had a plane to catch early the next morning.

Notes

Happy Monday Everyone! Here's another chapter for y'all. There are just a few more left. :)