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Nicki
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I NEED TO GET AWAY, like really away, and get my shit together. I want to have fun, relax and not think. Dani is right, don’t ever let her know I admitted it, but sometimes I think about finding that special someone. I pull the internet up on my laptop and search for flight and hotel deals.
The morning has passed, and I’ve been at it for hours. I can only take a day from work without causing a hassle, so I’m looking at a Monday through Thursday morning getaway. The quickest and cheapest route is probably Florida. I could be there in two hours, and the flight leaves from Newark. The only thing is I don’t really want to go alone. I don’t trust myself to behave, so I click on another beach vacation getaway. The pricing is for two, but it’s less than the ones I’ve seen for just one. I’m taking it. Maybe Kendra or Danielle would want to come.
I pull my phone from the table and dial Jack’s cell number with the decision made. Jack Sanford and his two partners have owned the Wigwam for years. His family home isn’t far from my parents, and I think his son went to school with Danielle, or maybe he is a year or two older. The phone rings as I place it to my ear.
After two rings, he answers, “Hi Jack. It’s Nicki. I was wondering if I could have Wednesday off? I know Jacob will be in, and it’s been slow.” I mention it, so he knows we have coverage for our regulars.
“No problem, if he gets busy, he can call me. I’ll probably be in for a few drinks and to check on things anyway.”
“Thanks, Jack. I appreciate it.” I say, he replies, “Take it easy.” We hang up, and I turn my attention back to the computer. I scroll to find where to purchase this trip, and an ad pops up for a Vegas deal. With wide eyes, I read the details. This is perfect! It’s forty bucks cheaper than the Florida getaway, and I’ve always wanted to go.
I click on it and read the details, “Fly out early Monday morning, and five hours later, I could be in Las Vegas. Viva Las Vegas!” Excited, I enter my information and click submit my reservation. The confirmation appears on my monitor immediately.
There is no turning back, no refunds, “Vegas, here I come!” I leap from the chair with my arms up in the air.
Filled with excitement, I grab my phone again, but this time I click on Danielle’s name to shoot her a text. Within minutes my phone pings. I laugh at her response: “Are you crazy? I wish-can’t get out of work, sorry.”
I text back, “maybe -crazy.” With the girl with her hands up to the side emoji.
I try Kendra, but she responds, “You’re nuts, schools almost out, finals. Sorry!” Which leaves me searching for my contacts. The only other person who comes to mind is Diesel. I wonder if he would even consider going. Especially after last night, I know he doesn’t work again until Thursday night. I click on his name and call rather than text.
“Morning Nicki, what do you want?” He asks with a mumble. I check the clock on my wall, “Dude, it's afternoon. Did I wake you?” I wonder, changing the phone from one ear to the other.
“No, I’m spackling. I fucking hate this shit,” he huffs out. The poor guy has been trying to get his house back into living order.
“Well then, I’m glad I called. I think you need a vacation.” I can’t contain the smile from spreading across my face as I pace my room and open the door to my closet. This could be fun, we can walk the strip, drink, and relax, and I know he will make sure I behave.
“Nicki, what are you talking about?” He must have put me on speaker. I now hear background noises.
“I got an extra ticket. Do you want to come?” I close my eyes and cross my fingers, waiting with anticipation.
“Where? When? I have work, you know?” he says with a sigh.
“Monday, tomorrow- so pack! And we’ll be back for Thursday’s shift.” I say while pulling things from my closet.
“Seriously?” he stops, his voice clearer as he picks up the phone. “Where are we going?”
“Vegas, baby! Start packing, and I will pick you up at six in the morning. The flight leaves at eight-fifteen.”
“You’re crazy, you know?” he chuckles. “I know. See you in the AM!” I end the call and am excited to get away, even if it is just for a few days. Usually, I’ll take day trips down the shore, but I need to be more adventurous. It’s time to focus on me and figure out who and what I plan to do. At least I can have a good time and come home focused on my future.
I toss a couple of tank tops, T-shirts, and my white, off-the-shoulder blouse, along with a few pairs of blue cut-off shorts, into the carry-on luggage. Then, I open my closet door and grab two of my go-to dresses to hit the town in. After checking for my bikini, toiletries, make-up, and shoes, I think I have everything I’ll need. I zipped the suitcase closed and carried it to the front door.
My phone rings, and I answer, “Hello Kendra darling, how are you?”
“Hi, who is this, and what have you done with my sister?” she asks, laughing.
“I’m just excited to get away,” I confess, walking into the kitchen to get a drink.
“Did you find anyone to go with you?” she asks.
“I did, actually. Diesel agreed to come.” I close the fridge door and sit at the small kitchenette table.
“Maybe the two of you can get your shit together then,” she says. I hear the horn blow.
“Are you driving? I better be on speakerphone!” I holler into the receiver.
“You are! Geez,” she shouts back.
Ignoring her previous assumption of Diesel and me belonging together, I ask, “so Professor Manning is kind of sexy, huh?” the radio lowers.
“Nicki, don’t even go there.” Ah, so she does have an interest. “Does Keni have a crush on her teacher?” I tease, and she snaps back, “No, he’s a nice guy. Not your type. Hands off.” The line goes dead.
“Well, isn’t that interesting,” I say, looking at my phone and pressing her number again.
“What?” she answers, sounding stressed, so I make it quick, “Can you drive us to the airport? Six tomorrow morning?” It’s silent for a moment, then she answers, “Yeah, no problem, I’ll see you then.”
“I owe you, stay safe,” I say before hanging up.
