Go explore the city

As intriguing as those rooms were, Vyki suggested they take advantage of the limo Molly had arranged and explore the city with just the three of them. Both Ashley and Lou immediately found the idea far more appealing.

Heading toward the main lobby, they noticed the earlier commotion had died down—no sign of Colin or Nigel, and curiously, no sign of Molly or Katie either. Only then did Vyki realize she had no phone, no purse, nothing to reach Molly. Lou, ever perceptive, caught her searching glance and quickly pulled out his own phone to call Molly.

Molly explained that she and Katie had gone off on their own adventure. She encouraged them to take the limo without waiting, promising to call the driver when she and Katie were ready. Moments later, Lou received a text with the driver’s contact information, and Molly phoned ahead to arrange pickup for Vyki, Ashley, and Lou.

As Vyki stepped outside with her two companions, a pang of distance from Molly struck her—an unfamiliar disconnection that made her instinctively lean closer to Lou, seeking steadiness.

The limo glided up with practiced precision. The driver hurried around to open the door, greeting warmly: “Hello, Ms. Vyki! Glad to see you and your friends. Where would you care to go?”

Lou answered smoothly, “Actually, we thought we’d start with a drive around the city—take in the lights and nightlife.”

“Certainly, sir,” the driver replied, ushering Vyki and Ashley inside before closing the door behind Lou.

Once settled in the spacious backseat, Lou slid comfortably between the two women. The driver, professional and discreet, raised the privacy screen after announcing, “I’ll begin driving so you can enjoy the view. If you’d like to stop anywhere, just let me know.”

The city lights shimmered past as Lou rested his arms along the seat backs, occasionally pointing out landmarks. Vyki and Ashley offered quiet, polite replies, but soon Vyki noticed Ashley wasn’t looking out at the sights at all—her gaze was fixed on Vyki.

Caught off guard by the intensity of Ashley’s stare, Vyki turned quickly, her stomach fluttering, and pressed her attention to the opposite window. There, a towering holiday display caught her eye. “Oh, look! The Regency has a countdown to midnight,” she exclaimed, grateful for the distraction.

Lou chuckled. “Guess we’ve still got some time to kill. You ladies want to grab a bite or a drink?”

Ashley leaned forward, her voice soft but deliberate. “There’s a great little sushi place nearby. They’re open late, and it’s quiet enough to talk.” She glanced past Lou, locking eyes with Vyki.

Vyki inhaled, her words carrying more weight than usual. “I’d definitely enjoy spending some time getting to know you both better.”

“Perfect,” Lou agreed, lowering the divider to give the driver their new destination.