Hey. I’m up in the room. We’re leaving in about an hour. How’s it going on your end? She wasn’t worried about Charley’s well-being but was afraid she would miss saying good-bye to her. Charley’s flight wasn’t until tonight, so she had the room until at least eleven.

On my way now. Be there in a few.

Annie didn’t want to miss saying good-bye to Charley. She needed her strength and her advice. Vegas had started off with a bang, and then something unsettling had happened when Sterling Mayfield showed up. With a sigh, she scraped up her toiletries, shoved her clothes into her suitcase, and threw everything onto the bed. She decided to send a text to Bristol to let her know she was back at the room in case Bristol thought otherwise.

Thanks for having Cam wait for me. He walked me back to the room. I’m here safe and sound.

She held the phone and waited for three little dots to tell her Bristol at least saw the message and was responding. After five minutes of staring at the screen, she gave up.

Charley burst into the room with her hands raised and both fists fat with stacks of cash. “Guess who got a hand payout?”

“Woohoo! How much did you win?” Annie asked. She smiled when Charley gave her a tight hug.

“Four thousand and change. Are you all packed?”

Annie nodded and pointed at her suitcases. “That’s a nice little treat to take home. What time will your flight get in?”

“Around seven tonight.” Charley scouted the room for anything Annie might have left behind. “Hopefully, I don’t blow all of this.”

“Even if you do, it’s been a super-fun trip and totally worth it.” Annie extended the handle on her luggage and grabbed her messenger bag. “I have to go. I’m sure everyone is downstairs already.” Annie checked the time. She still had a few minutes. “Checkout time is eleven, but you can store your bag downstairs.”

“Hell. I’ll just cart it with me. Maybe I’ll check out a few other casinos. Try my luck elsewhere.”

She hugged Charley. “Thanks so much for coming. I had the best time with you.” She wanted to tell her about her night and the exchange she had with Bristol and Sterling, but it was too fresh, and she was still processing.

“Keep me posted on anything exciting.”

“Let me know when you’re home safe.” Annie waved off Charley’s help and grabbed her bags. “I’ll let you know when we get to LA.” She dreaded the bus ride and hoped for some peace and quiet. She noticed Bristol’s bus wasn’t in the lot and checked her phone again to see if Bristol sent her a message. Her only notification was breaking news on CNN.