It All Started in Vegas

Chapter 13

Jake POV

I made my way back up to our floor, and knocked on the doors of the three rooms we were staying in. Once all of the guys had emerged form their rooms, I told them my news. 

"Get ready boys, we're going to dinner and hanging out with Charlotte and her friends tonight," I said with a smile. 

The three single ones let out audible cheers, while the two taken ones just smiled and shook their heads. 

"So how'd you pull that off?" Ryder asked. 

"Well, I guess I'm just that good," I said with a smirk, and headed into my room to get ready. Once 6:15 rolled around, I went and banged on all of their doors, signaling that we needed to go. I know it was early, but I just wanted to make sure we were there in time. 

"Charlotte and her friends should be here soon," I said to them anxiously. We waited in the lobby, until I saw the four of them heading over.

 "There's Charlotte," I said, and I jogged over to them. I said a quick hello and she introduced her friends. 

Once Charlotte had finished, I said, "Nice to meet you all, I'm Jake," with a smile. 

"Oh trust me, we know." Ashley said while winking. I noticed Charlotte blush, which made me smile. 

We made our way over to my friends, introducing them all. Then, I introduced Charlotte's friends. When I got to Charlotte's name, my friends cut me off by saying, "CHARLOTTE, we know!" 

Immediately my cheeks heated up with embarrassment. "You can call me Char if you'd like," she said with a small laugh. 

"Thanks a lot guys," I whisper yelled to my friends, reminding myself to kill them later.

As we were making our way out of the hotel, the girl, who I think is named Jenny, noticed a fountain that they wanted to take pictures in front of. We all groaned, but eventually gave in once she used a firm voice, intimidating us. I watched while they took pictures, going through the usual girl poses. 

Then, they insisted that Charlotte take pictures by herself. She looked embarrassed, and asked if she had to, but gave in. Her friends cheered her on, and even mine joined in. I just looked at her, and she really did look gorgeous. She had on the same shoes as last night, and the light pink color of her dress looked great on her. 

Once she was done, Ryder piped up from the back, "Hey, don't we get a picture with the birthday girl?" 

She waved us over, and my friends made sure to leave me a space next to her. Maybe I won't have to kill them later. Her friend took a couple of pictures of us, and then while the rest of the boys walked away, I kept my hand on her back and asked quietly if I could get a picture with just her. 

She nodded in response and we took a picture together. I noticed my friends had been heading out the doors while we took the picture, and I was thankful because I know how much shit they would've given me if they would have seen.

Once we got to the restaurant, I was actually surprised with how well it was going. I was little worried about the fact that we would all actually have to talk instead of dancing with each other in a club, but I was impressed with my friends. Once everyone had ordered, they actually made sure the conversation flowed easily.

We all decided to go around the table and say some things about ourselves, except for things about school, due to the fact that we all dreaded going back. I made sure to listen to Charlotte's friends, due to the fact that they were the only ones I didn't know very well. Eventually it was my turn. 

"Well, my name is Jake Williams. I'm from Chicago. I'm a huge sports fan, I play hockey, and I have a little sister." I looked at Charlotte, indicating it was her turn. 

"Well, I'm Charlotte Parker, Char for short. I live in southern Illinois, so I'm a huge St. Louis sports fan," I let out a small chuckle. She was from Illinois, but lived closer to St. Louis, so it made sense that she would like their sports teams. I should've realized when I saw her in the Blues t-shirt. She continues, "I'm really close with my mom, brother, and sister-in-law, and I hate ranch dressing." 

Who doesn't like ranch dressing?! I kept my mouth shut, knowing that she would catch some criticism for the last part. Hearing her explain herself made me want to know more. She didn't mention her dad, was he not in the picture? Did she have any pets? I wanted to know everything. 

After we had all finished eating, we were ready to get our checks. When the waitress came over to her table, I motioned for her to lean down. 

"When you bring the checks, would you put her on mine?" I said, as I motioned to Charlotte. "Also, it's her birthday. If you guys do a free dessert, would you bring one out? If not, bring a dessert and put it on my bill, but let her think it's free for her birthday." 

She gave me a slight nod, and headed on her way. When she brought the checks and the dessert, I could see Charlotte's face light up, and that made my night. I paid for the meal before she could notice, and once she had finished her dessert. She asked the waitress for her check, and looked confused when she said it was taken care of. 

"Consider it a birthday gift," I whispered in her ear, and headed towards the door.