“Yeah,” she said, scrambling down the steps. “Sorry.”
“We’ve never seen the Rockies before,” Savannah explained to everyone as Courtney climbed into the limo.
Courtney was last inside—she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the mountains—and she took the back right window seat. It was her favorite seat because it had the best view, looking out to the scenery instead of the opposing side of the road.
She’d expected Aspen to be over-the-top and glitzy. But as they drove through the town, it was surprisingly quaint, with rows of two- and three-story wooden buildings with thatched roofs that belonged in a Christmas snow globe. The town sat in a valley between two mountains—one of them gigantic, covered in trails of fresh snow between the pines, and a smaller one without as much snow, dotted with houses up the base. The limo traveled down Main Street, which was lined with Victorian houses that looked like they’d been transported here from a hundred years ago, and continued toward the mountain.
“Is your dad’s house on Red Mountain?” Emily Nicole asked, her eyes wide.
“I don’t know.” Savannah shrugged. She looked at Peyton and Courtney, as if they had the answer. But Courtney had never asked where in Aspen Adrian lived.
“Yes, it’s on Red Mountain,” Oliver answered for her. “Where else would Adrian Diamond’s house be?”
The drive up Red Mountain was full of twists and turns, past mansions of different styles—some wooden mountain homes, and others full-out modern. They were the biggest houses Courtney had ever seen. They were all built into the side of the mountain, and she couldn’t imagine what they looked like inside. Finally, the limo pulled into the driveway of a sprawling three-story modern house, with light-colored wood and brick siding and floor-to-ceiling windows.
They hurried inside, and all Courtney could focus on was that within the two-story cavernous living room was a pool and hot tub. A stairway curved above the pool and into a room beyond, and behind the pool, a wall of windows overlooked the snow-capped mountains.
“Well, this is going to be fun.” Damien knelt next to the pool and stuck his hand in the water. “Warm as a bath. Who wants to jump in?”
“We don’t have time!” Savannah glanced at her watch. “Perry and Noel will be here soon, and Adrian made us those reservations at that club for dinner. We have to get ready.”
“Come on, I know someone’s up for a little fun.” He zeroed in on Emily Nicole, who had already taken off her shoes and jacket. She gave him a small smile, which was apparently enough incentive for him to pick her up and toss her into the pool with her clothes still on. She squealed as she hit the water, laughing as she surfaced and shaking out her hair. He jumped in after her.
Savannah glared at them, her hands clenched into fists. “The One Connection boys will be here any minute, and you guys are going to be soaking wet when you meet them!” she said, stomping her foot on the floor.
“Oh, well.” Emily Nicole laughed and spun around, her arms spread wide. “If anything, they’ll certainly find us interesting. Come on, you guys. Jump in!”
Courtney shook her head no, sliding her hands into the back pockets of her favorite jeans. She wasn’t going to ruin them. “I’m picking a room and getting ready for dinner,” she said, wanting to make sure she got a room as far away from the craziness as possible. She glanced at Peyton, since they would be roommates. “You want to help me choose?”
“Sure,” Peyton said.
They ventured through the house, which was sleek and modern—it fit Adrian’s personality perfectly. The floors were all light-colored wood, the furniture a mix of white and gray, and every room had huge windows letting in tons of sunlight and providing out-of-this-world views of the mountains. There were three bedrooms down the hall from the pool—where, judging from just now, most of the partying would take place—and Courtney continued exploring. On the other side of the house was the master bedroom, which Savannah had claimed for herself and Evie. Upstairs were two rooms that opened to below, and the bodyguards would be staying in the basement.
Finally, Courtney found a room on the first floor that she’d missed earlier. It was larger than the others, and it was set apart in its own section in the front corner of the house.
“This is our room,” she declared, tossing her bag onto the king-size bed.
“Whatever you say,” Peyton said. “I’ll only be in here to sleep, anyway.”
“Cool,” Courtney said, since that meant more quiet time for her. It was exactly why she’d wanted to room with Peyton. “I think I’ll take a shower now.”
“You mean you don’t want to be around when the One Connection boys get here?” Peyton’s tone dripped with sarcasm.
“Between Savannah, Evie, Emily Nicole and Brianna, they’ll have enough fangirls to handle,” she said, unpacking her stuff she’d need for tonight. “I think I’ll survive.”
But then Savannah burst into their room. Her cheeks were pink, and there were droplets of water all over her clothes—they must have gotten into some sort of splashing fight in the pool.
“You know that shirt is silk, right?” Courtney asked. “You shouldn’t get it wet.”
“Whatever.” She straightened the top. “It’ll be fine. At least I didn’t jump in the pool with it on.”
“Right,” Courtney agreed. “Anyway, I’m about to take a shower. Remember that we have to leave for dinner at Cardinal Club in an hour.”
“You can’t shower now!” Savannah widened her eyes. “Perry and Noel are getting here any second. He literally just texted me that they’re at the base of Red Mountain.” She held up her cell phone as proof. “That’s why I came in here—to get you and Peyton. You have to be there when they get here. Please?”
Courtney blew out a breath and looked up at the ceiling. She’d wanted some time to herself before what was sure to be a busy night, but how was she supposed to say no when her sister looked so nervous? “Fine,” she said. “Just don’t throw me in the pool, okay?”
“I would never!” Savannah smiled.
“At least Noel’s cute,” Peyton said, fixing her hair and checking herself out in the full-length mirror. She turned to the side and posed, making a “come hither” look with her eyes.
“No.” Savannah’s mouth dropped open. “You cannot go for the bandmate of the guy I like. He and Perry are practically brothers. That would be too weird.”
“Chill out.” Peyton laughed. “I was kidding. Boy-band pop stars are not my type.”
Savannah’s phone buzzed, and when she checked it, her eyes bulged so much they looked like they were about to pop out of her face. “They’re here!” she said, bouncing to the door. “Come on!”
They followed Savannah to the living room, where everyone was still hanging out. Damien and Emily Nicole were still the only ones in the pool, and they were splashing anyone who dared to get too close. Brett had been talking with Evie—it was nice of him not to leave Savannah’s friend alone—but his eyes lit up when Courtney walked into the room. She smiled back at him, glad to have come back, if only to see the way he looked at her.
Madison, Oliver and Brianna were sitting on the sofas, listening as Brianna animatedly talked about something that clearly excited her. Oliver listened to his sister—his half sister—so closely, as if everything she said was fascinating. It was clear from looking at them that he loved her.
Madison was related to Courtney the same way that Brianna was related to Oliver. But they hadn’t grown up together. How was Courtney supposed to feel the same bond of sisterhood with Madison that she felt with Savannah and Peyton?
She didn’t have time to think about it, because there was a knock on the door, and everyone quieted.
“They’re here!” Emily Nicole squealed from the pool. “Perry and Noel are here!”
Savannah stared at the door as i
f she didn’t know how to open it, Evie clutched Savannah’s hand so tightly that it turned white and Brianna bounced her legs, her hands clasped to her mouth as if she might scream if she removed them.
“Everyone try not to fangirl,” Madison said. She was totally calm, as if pop stars knocked on her door every day. “Perry and Noel might be famous, but they’re still people. They’re here to take a vacation and chill out. They won’t be able to do that if you’re all running around like chickens with your heads cut off.”
Courtney nodded at Madison. As much as she wouldn’t admit it out loud, Madison was right.
Peyton marched toward the door, the heels of her boots pounding against the wood. “Since none of you seem to be capable of opening a door, it looks like I’ll have to do it myself.” She flung the door open, and standing on the steps were none other than Perry and Noel from One Connection. Which wasn’t surprising, since who else would be there? But it was strange, since Courtney had seen them on posters on Savannah’s walls, and now here they were, in the flesh.
Even though she’d met them at Savannah’s birthday, the first thing she was struck with was how much smaller they were in person than they looked in photographs or on TV. She joined Brett next to the wall, leaning against it. Even though Savannah had wanted her to be there when the guys arrived, her sister wouldn’t notice if she stood off to the side.
“Who’s ready for a kick-ass week?” Perry yelled, holding a bottle of champagne up in the air. He rushed over to Savannah, scooped her up into a huge hug and spun her around in a circle. Savannah’s eyes were squeezed shut, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as if she never wanted to let go. Noel had followed him inside, and was standing awkwardly next to Evie.
“Hi,” he introduced himself, holding out a hand. “I’m Noel.”
“I know.” Evie blushed as she shook his hand. “I mean, of course I know who you are. I’m a huge fan. Except...I’m not supposed to fangirl. Not that I’m a fangirl. I just love your music.” It all came out in a complete jumble. She looked away from him, took a deep breath, and focused on him again. “That was really awkward,” she said, calmer this time. “Can we try that again?”
“Sure.” He smiled, his hand not leaving hers. “Hi, there. I’m Noel.”
“I’m Evie,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too.”
From the way they were looking at each other, it was hard to say which one of them was more starstruck.
Perry placed Savannah back down and popped the cork of the champagne, sending it flying across the room. Foam leaked out of the top and spilled onto the floor. Savannah had a huge smile on her face, her eyes worshipping him. Emily Nicole cheered from the pool, Evie and Noel had stopped shaking hands but were still sneaking glances at each other and Peyton rushed to the bar to grab some champagne flutes.
“That better not stain the wood,” Courtney mumbled to Brett. “If they trash the house, Adrian won’t be happy.”
“It won’t stain the wood.” Brett gave her hand a squeeze. “And don’t worry—I won’t let anyone trash the house. But it’s spring break. Don’t let a little spilled champagne stop you from having fun.”
Courtney stilled at his words. Was she not fun? She looked around as everyone filled up glasses of champagne, and naturally turned down a glass when Brianna tried to hand one to her. Everyone was smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves.
And she was standing to the side, watching.
She imagined what it would be like to join in. To introduce herself to Perry and Noel and slip easily into the conversation. Madison and Oliver had done that—even Peyton had done that. Now they were all hanging around like old friends. Brianna jumped into the pool and started a splash war with Damien, shrieking as he captured her and held her over his shoulder. They were all so relaxed and carefree.
Courtney wished she could be that way, too.
Instead, she mumbled something to Brett about needing to take a shower before dinner, and scurried back to her room.
chapter 19:
The limo dropped their group off in front of an unmarked building, and Peyton followed everyone into an indoor hallway that held no signs of leading to one of the most exclusive clubs in Aspen—the Cardinal Club. Adrian was a member, and he’d insisted on making a reservation for them the first night they arrived, to give them their “first taste of Aspen.” So far it didn’t seem like anything special, especially compared to the clubs in Las Vegas.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” Peyton said.
“Yep.” Oliver strolled ahead, since he and Brianna were the only two who had been there before. “Here it is.” He gestured to a plain wooden door with the numbers 411 on the top, and PRIVATE written in capital letters in the center. The only sign that it led to the mysterious Cardinal Club were the two interwoven Cs on the wooden panels.
He opened the door and motioned for the girls to go first.
“They must not want people to find this place,” Peyton said as she walked through. The entranceway was a small room with a Persian rug, a wooden balustrade and wide winding steps leading down below. No one was there to greet them. “I guess it’s down this way,” she said, pointing down the stairs.
They made their way downstairs, where they were greeted by the host and instructed to check their coats. Then they were led into a lounge room that felt like a hunting lodge, complete with patterned carpet, green walls, wood trim and red couches and chairs that surrounded low tables. They chose their seats, and a waiter quickly appeared to take their drink orders.
The atmosphere was so different from Vegas. It wasn’t nearly as flashy, although the designer outfits and jewelry worn by the people inside made it clear that everyone came from money. Their group was the youngest there—most everyone else appeared to be in their 30s or 40s. And there were no windows anywhere, since the club was in a basement. Peyton imagined this was what those speakeasies in the twenties were like.
They settled in with their drinks—Perry and Noel in the center—and chatted about how the One Connection world tour was going. Savannah kept smiling at Perry, Damien kept glancing at Savannah, Brianna was focused on Damien, Courtney and Brett had their pinkies intertwined and were pretending to be inconspicuous, Madison and Oliver couldn’t take their eyes off each other, and Noel and Evie’s legs kept grazing each other’s. Peyton couldn’t help being amused by the dynamics. Things were sure to get...interesting on this trip.
And of course she would be left alone. Not for the first time since she arrived, she wished Jackson were here. But that wasn’t going to happen. Feeling like this for the rest of the trip would suck. Sometimes it felt like no one was ever there for her. Everyone thought she was so strong. And she was, for the most part. But that didn’t mean she never needed anyone to lean on.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” she said, standing up from the couch. “Be back in a few.”
There were no obvious restroom signs, and after asking the host, she found it around the corner and down a hallway near the entrance, right past the coat check. On her way back, she paused next to a mirror in the hall, staring at her reflection. She’d tried so hard not to let the past few months change her, but she could see the difference in herself. Her eyes no longer had circles under them, because she was getting better sleep now that she had a room to herself. Her skin glowed with a healthy tan from her time spent at the pool. Her hair still had her trademark blue steaks on the undersides, although it was fuller and healthier now that she was getting regular trims at the salon.
But the biggest difference wasn’t on the outside—it was on the inside. Peyton had been insistent since she moved here that she wasn’t going to college, and she’d refused to budge, because changing her mind would mean giving in to the mold everyone else was trying to shape her into. But those gap-year programs she’d
been researching required that you defer college acceptance, not decline. The programs were meant to be something you did between high school and college. And she wanted to do one. Technically, she supposed she could jet around the world by herself for a few months, but she didn’t want to go alone. Traveling with a group of people her own age, all of them working together in different countries around the world, really did sound like fun.
But that would mean that she wouldn’t be able to decline her acceptance to UNLV, like she’d been telling everyone she was going to do. If she did that, they might think she was weak, and didn’t know her own mind. It would be humiliating.
If Jackson hadn’t mentioned the gap year, none of this would be an issue. But she was glad he had. And if he were here, he would tell her to go for it.
She wished she could ask him. But he’d made it clear enough that he didn’t want to be with her. That he couldn’t be with her. She kept waiting for him to change his mind, but waiting around for him—hoping that every time her phone buzzed it would be him—was driving her crazy. Maybe he never wanted to talk to her again. She wrapped her arms around herself and sighed. She might finally have to accept that he was gone from her life forever.
“Ms. Diamond?” a low voice asked from nearby. “Is everything all right?”
Peyton glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting those of Courtney’s bodyguard, Teddy. She’d always liked Teddy. Out of the bodyguards, he was the oldest. He wasn’t quite old enough to be a grandfather—and while she’d never gotten a chance to know either of her grandfathers—she’d imagined that she would want them to be like Teddy.
“Yes,” she said. “Well, sort of. I don’t know. I just have a bunch of stuff on my mind.”
“Anything you want to talk about?” he asked. “Or should I say anyone?”
She pushed her hair behind her ears and checked around to make sure no one was listening. “What do you mean?”
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