CHAPTER 16

                                    

                                          
Bags were packed. Suitcases overflowing. 
It was KK Arnolds birthday, and the team decided to spend it in Las Vegas—or thats what they told Paige.
Paige tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for the plane to finally land so she could lock herself in a room and drown in her thoughts.
As the plane finally landed, a sense of dread settled in her stomach. This wasn't the neon drench arrival at McCarran international airport she had envisioned. This was—"Reagan national airport???" Paige exclaimed. "Why are we in Washington??"
"Calm DOWN girly pop. We'll stay here for a few days before going to Vegas." KK yelled.
Paige couldn't argue with the birthday girl. Honestly she DIDN'T want to argue. The thought of being close to Y/N again, she didn't know how to feel. But a small smile appeared on her lips.
Arriving at the hotel, Paige trudged behind the team, her backpack feeling heavier with each step. The sterile beige walls of the hotel room mirrored the dull ache in her chest. 
Reaching her room, she slammed the door shut behind her, the heavy thud echoing through the hall. 
Tossing her backpack on the plush bed, she sank into an armchair near the window, letting out a defeated sigh. 
Paige wasn't buying it. "Stopping-over" in Washington was for Y/N. But what she couldn't figure out was if they were doing it for Paige or just because they missed her.
A soft knock on the door startled her. "P? You okay in there?" It was Azzi.
Paige hesitated, she just wanted to be alone with her thoughts but needed human connection. 
She mumbled, "yeah, come in."
Azzi pushed the door open, taking in the sight of Paige slumped in the chair—admiring the way Paige's hair fell around her face. "Rough landing?" She asked gently, her voice softer than usual.
Paige offered a weak smile, a smile that made Azzi weak in the knees. "You could say that." 
Azzi sighed, "look I get it. This isnt what we planned." She pulled up a chair across Paige, her gaze lingering a little too long at her features. "But hey, im sure D.C. has its own kinda fun hidden gems." 
Paige couldn't muster much enthusiasm. Maybe D.C.  did hold some hidden gems but right now all she had in mind was Y/N. Where was she? What was she doing? Was she thinking of Paige the way Paige is constantly thinking of her?
"Hey, earth to Paige." Azzi said, disrupting Paige's thoughts.
"Sorry... I just have someon—thing on my mind." Paige stuttered.
"Y/N" Azzi muttered under her breath. Scoffing. "How about this? Give yourself some time to sulk but THEN let's grab some dinner. My treat." 
The thought of food and Azzi's company was a welcome distraction. "Yeah—okay fine." Paige conceded with a sigh. "But only because im starving." 
Azzi grinned, "alright it's a date. Be ready in 5." 
Paige nodded. 
Later, as they sat at a restaurant table, they were joined in by Nika and Ice.
"And the worst part is—" an intoxicated Paige grumbled, distracted by the sight of Nika and Ice, "yoo over here."
Forcing a smile, Azzi shifted her gaze at the two.
"Whatcha guys talking about?" Nika asked. The two sitting themselves beside the pair.
"Nothing. Just what Vegas would've been like if we were there right now." Azzi sighed. 
"Also—earlier, I thought I like saw Y/N, but Azzi said it was a lookalike," Paige said, "if she didnt I wouldve definitely gone up to her and—" 
Ice and Nika turned to each other, nodding in agreement. "Paige, she's here" Ice said, causing Paige's smile to fade. 
Azzi's stomach clenched. A flicker of disappointment flowing through her. 
"What did you say?" Paige asked, thinking she misheard Ice.
 
Ice sighed. "Y/N's here. She's been staying here ever since she left Connecticut."
The glass in her hand, fell, spilling all the wine. The shattering sound it made pulled her back from her shock.
"I need to see her."