To Marry A Monster

What's the very first thing we should all know, but they never tell you about Las Vegas?

The heat when you step off the plane smacks you right in the face like a vendetta, as if the sun has a grudge against the you and the city. Surprisingly, I find comfort in it. It's all so warm, and as ironic as it sounds, homely, because it contrasts so deeply with the chill I've carried with me since leaving Italy.

I push my sunglasses higher up my nose as I step out of the cab in front of the Bellagio. This is where Adrian is staying for his so-called Wild Week of Fun. His words, not mine. Personally, I think it's just an excuse for him to drink overpriced cocktails, gamble away an obscene amount of money, and charm his way into the hearts of strangers before disappearing into the night. It's all very Adrian.

And yet, here I am, instead of going straight to college since landing in America, I'm about to go watch some strippers and hopefully play Russian Roulette with my childhood best friend.

Well, if he'd let me that is.

"Isla!"I hear someone yell as I take cover under the hotel's veranda from the scorching sun. Adrian's voice is unmistakable: loud, cheerful, and just a little bit smug. I barely have time to turn before he engulfs me in a bear hug, his cologne enveloping me. For a moment, I let myself sink into it, enjoying his scent and the familiarity that comes with it, and the way his presence feels like home.

"Adrian," I grin, playfully shoving him away. "You look surprisingly good for someone who is about to go slave his youth away at Stanford for a medical degree. "

He rolls his eyes at me before shooting me a lazy grin. "What can I say? Vegas brings out the best in me. But forget about me, you made it!"

"Of course, I did. Free vacation, remember?" I tease, adjusting the strap of my duffel bag.

"Please, I know you're just here to keep me out of trouble."

I roll my eyes. If only he knew. But I don't correct him, just follow him inside, my sneakers squeaking against the polished marble floors.

We spend the next two days in a whirlwind of neon lights, rooftop bars, and impulsive decisions. Adrian somehow finds a way to make every second count, and I surprisingly find myself able to keep up with him. I try not to think about how this all has to end soon, and how I wish the summer would last forever.

But it won't.

Soon, I'll be packing my bags for Rhode Island and, heading to Brown on a scholarship that means more to me than anyone knows. A chance to escape, to reinvent myself, to build a life free from my family's past.

To escape and forget about all the bullshit my father managed to do before he gave up that measly life of his.

But if there's one thing I should say out of the multiple things I love about Adrian, it's how he never lets me wallow in my self pity for more than three seconds. That is, before he challenges me to a bet on who can convince the two drunk guys, whose wives had gone up to bed with the kids, down the hallway on the slot machines to marry at the drive thru wedding chapel as a prank.

I saunter over to one of the guys, while Adrian does to the other guy across the room. I stifle a giggle as the confused man looks up at me from the machine, his eyes glossy from a lack of sleep.

"How may I help you Miss?"

"Would you be interested, in an easier but a little bit weird way to make money?" I ask, trying hard to keep my face straight.

I explain to him the business model I and Adrian planned out for our prank, which we were definitely sure would not work, but somehow did, because an hour later we were taking photos as the Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid at the Little White Chapel with the newly married couple who had no idea they had actually really gotten married.

After our little wedding disaster, we head back to Adrian's hotel suite. Immediately I pass through the door, I flop down onto the sofa, groaning loudly.

"What's for dinner Mr Best Man?" I ask, taking off my earrings and sitting up to slouch against the sofa.

Adrian is leaning against the bar with, his sleeves rolled up and, his tie loosened. He looks like a walking cliché, the kind of guy to avoid in romance novels. He looks at me with a face so straight it's comical.

"Isla, you just ate like five minutes ago downstairs."

"Well that one's expired."

Adrian rolls his eyes at me, pouring a drink of water from a carafe into glass for me. He walks over and hands me the water.

"Dinner."

"You pauper." I scowl, but I still take it from him.

He rolls his eyes at me, and flops next to me on the sofa, lying down with his chin resting on my thighs.

"You know," I murmur, tracing the rim of my glass. "This week has been fun."

Adrian chuckles. "See? I told you. You need to let loose more."

"Meh. I'd still choose being a couch potato any day."

He flips around to probably glare at me and say something snappy back, but the air stills and he doesn't say anything. His eyes meet mine, something unreadable flickering behind them. I open my mouth to say something, anything really, just so I can make conversation. But Adrian doesn't let me. Before I can process anything Adrian sits up, taking the glass from my hand and kisses me. He pulls back, looking into my eyes for further consent, and I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him in and I kiss him.

For a second, he kisses me back. His hands are on my waist, his lips soft against mine. It's everything I've ever dreamed of, everything I've secretly wanted since I was old enough to understand what love felt like.

And then, just as quickly, he pulls away.

"Isla." His voice is hoarse and his hands withdraw from my waist "This is a mistake."

A mistake.

Wow.

The word slams into me like a slap, and I feel the weight of it settle in my chest. Embarrassment creeps up my spine, and my cheeks flush red and hot.

"Right," I say, forcing a smile as I stand up from the sofa. "Of course. I-I should go."

"Isla, wait-"

I don't wait. I turn away sharply and put my heels on, trying to avoid eye contact.

I then grab my purse and head for the door, my vision blurring as I step into the hallway. The city outside is still alive, still awake with excitement. But inside, in the quiet of the hotel corridor, all I feel is the weight of a moment I can't take back.

A mistake.

This has to be the worst rejection I've had in my life.

I swallow hard and begin walking, eventhough I'm not sure where I'm walking to...as long as I can be away from Adrian.