Power Play

13

Vienna ends up staying the night and texts her parents that we were up late working on a school project. The next morning we get ready for school together. While I'm doing my makeup she rummages through my closet.

"Don't you have anything with holes in it?"

"Nope."

"What about netting?"

"Huh?"

Vienna gasps. "How are we best friends again?"

"I don't know, you tell me," I pop my lips and cap my tube of lipgloss. "How are you feeling?"

Vienna sighs as she pulls out a black knit sweater dress. "I guess this will do. And to answer your question I feel fine. Obviously yesterday's events had me a tad...shaken, but that's over now. Today is a new day," she grins mischievously. "I think we should do something."

I groan. I know that look on her face. That look means trouble. "Whatever you're thinking, un-think it."

She ignores me. "You're friends with Cecilia now right?"

"I guess..." I trail off suspiciously. "Why?"

"Well Cecilia must have a lot of influence, being who she is. And my sources tell me next weekend is the grand opening of the Red Room."

I knew it. "You want me to ask Cecilia if she can get us in."

"We deserve a girls night out!" Vienna exclaims. "Besides, I'm sure a girl like Cecilia wouldn't be opposed to a party. I mean, she's a socialite."

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my noise. If I'm being completely honest, I'm a little over parties at the moment. God only knows how many more I'll attend before the year is up, but it seems like all Vienna wants to do is party. I love her to death, but it's hard keeping up with her sometimes.

How are we best friends again?

"Fine," I relent. "I'll ask her. But don't bug me about it again."

"Yay! Thank you!" She squishes me in a hug and gives me a smacking kiss on my cheek. I push her off me.

"Yeah, yeah. Now hurry up and get dressed. We need to leave soon."

Vienna groans. "God, I forgot how early you like to leave for school."

I smirk. "You have fifteen minutes."

...

Winston: I miss you

Me: you miss my body

Winston: that too.

I smile. I haven't really had the chance to spend time with Winston since we hung out at his place. Even though we haven't seen each other in person, we still text a lot. He's been super busy with work, and I've been busy with school. Apparently Winston and his father have been working on closing a new deal with Hudson. They're a small chain of family owned hotels. Even though they're nowhere near as big as King Hotels, they're still pretty popular and well known for their family orientated ideals and atmosphere. They're also affordable while still providing quality service, which is popular with both tourists and locals alike. However the owners, Kelley and Foster Hudson, are nearing retirement and looking to sell their brand.

Hudson may be small, but they have a lot of influence in the industry. If they can secure this deal, it will be a huge. But Kelley and Foster are worried that selling to them isn't the right move. They're afraid Norman will just turn it into another overpriced resort, forgoing their morals and ideals. Needless to say, work has been pretty stressful for him.