The Secret Diamond Sisters (27 page)

He stared at her, hard, his eyes dark and full of anger. “You can be a real bitch, you know that?”

Deciding that didn’t merit a response, Madison stomped to the door and slammed it behind her, not looking back. He might have a point, but he didn’t have to be so cruel about it.

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The Diamond grand opening

Posted on Thursday 07/08 at 12:59 PM

We all know what tomorrow night is—the grand opening of the
Diamond Hotel and Casino. And while hicks in small towns think homecoming and
prom are the biggest events of the year, in Vegas we know nothing compares to a
fabulous grand opening. Champagne will be flowing, appetizers will be anywhere
you look, and does anyone else think the games are rigged so everyone wins a
little
more than on a normal night? Nothing ups
the happiness in an atmosphere more than people thinking they're hitting it big
in Vegas.

If you're in the know, then you're aware that the best part
of a grand opening is the exclusive dinner beforehand and the busy VIP floor at
the club after. Not like many of us get to go to the dinner, but if you're
willing to pay (or if you call your Centurion card personal concierge), then you
can try to get in and party with us in VIP. It doesn't mean we'll like you, but
at least you'll get a chance.

But here's the biggest question—who will go with who? We all
have an idea who the lucky few from school are who received invitations (with a
plus one, of course) so post your best guesses here :)

Have fun, and be safe! (In every way possible).

I'll see you all soon. Or at least those of you who
matter!

1: Posted on Thursday 07/08 at 1:29 PM

whats a centurion card???

2: Posted on Thursday 07/08 at 1:40 PM

A Centurion card is a black American Express card, otherwise
known as a Blamex. Something
you
clearly do not
have.

3: Posted on Thursday 07/08 at 2:07 PM

i would kill to go with damien sanders. hes probably going with
savannah diamond though. the two of them seem to be spending a LOT of time
together recently.

4: Posted on Thursday 07/08 at 2:12 PM

Obviously you weren't at Luxe last night when Damien kissed
Madison Lockhart in front of Savannah. Maybe Damien and Madison will go
together. Courtney will probably disappear in a corner, since she doesn't seem
very social. As for Savannah, who knows? She's been obsessed with Damien since
she got here, so maybe she
would
go with him after
what happened. Or maybe she, Madison, and Damien will all go together…

5: Posted on Thursday 07/08 at 4:54 PM

savannah and madison at once? i'd take that ANY day!

6: Posted on Thursday 07/08 at 9:08 PM

I bet Oliver is going with Larissa. The two of them would make a
cute couple. WHY aren't they dating already??

7: Posted on Friday 07/09 at 4:37 AM

because larissa is a sluthoe and theres no reason for oliver to
date her when she sleeps with him whenever he wants. that way he can fuck all of
the diamond sisters, and madison, too.

8: Posted on Friday 07/09 at 2:45 PM

Speaking of the Diamond sisters, has anyone seen THIS?
www.youtube.com/savannahdiamond
Savannah Diamond made a YouTube
channel and there's a video of her singing karaoke at the Imperial Palace
Karaoke Bar. It would be funny since that place is such a dump, but she's
actually REALLY good…

chapter 25:

After the Imperial Palace, Nick and Savannah had split up to go home. But on Friday morning, they met up again for brunch at Zabu, the poolside restaurant in the Diamond Hotel. They had a cute table for two with wide wicker chairs, pushed up against the wrought-iron railing looking over the water. A huge umbrella shaded them from the hot desert sun. Savannah ordered pancakes, and they were delicious. Nick must not be a breakfast person, because even though it was a little after 10:00 a.m., he got a burger and fries.

“I’m worried about starting Goodman in the fall,” Savannah admitted to Nick as she dug into her pancakes.

“Switching schools can be rough, especially coming into sophomore year,” Nick said. “But you seem outgoing, so I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ll introduce you to all my friends.”

“That would be nice.” Savannah smiled. “At first I was most worried because I know I’m going to be behind in the classes, since I’m coming from public school. But after what happened last night, it’s pretty obvious that Madison doesn’t like me. I have no idea what I did to her, and I don’t want her telling her friends not to include me before they know me. It seems like she’s one of those people who everyone loves and listens to.”

“People do love Madison,” Nick agreed. “But they’re also kind of scared of her, too. She’s confident and smart, and I think everyone is afraid of what she’ll do to them if they get on her bad side.”

“Like I’ve managed to do.” Savannah stabbed a piece of pancake and ate it, even though it was soggy since she’d drenched it in syrup.

“Cheer up,” he said. “Madison and I aren’t on great terms either, so you’re not alone. And I’ve been going to Goodman since first grade, so I’ve got a great group of friends there. Once I tell them how awesome you are, they’ll all want to hang out with you.”

“Why are you spending so much time with me when you have so many friends at Goodman?” she asked. “I mean, I’m glad we’re hanging out, but why me?”

“I’m guessing your school in California was pretty big,” Nick said.

“We had about 450 kids in my grade.”

“That’s huge,” he said. “Each grade at Goodman has about 75 kids. I’ve been with the same people since I was five years old. They’re my best friends, but when we get someone new like you and your sisters, it’s a big deal.”

“I would like to meet some of your friends,” she said. “If you don’t mind. It’ll be easier to be somewhere new if I already have some friends when I start.”

“If you’re willing to come to house parties instead of clubs every night, you’re more than welcome to join me,” he said.

“Everyone at Goodman doesn’t go to clubs all the time?”

“No.” Nick laughed. “The people in the elite circle do—like Damien, Oliver, Madison and their friends—but most people at Goodman are pretty normal.”

“But they still go to private school, which is way different from what I’m used to,” Savannah said. “What’s your definition of ‘normal’?”

“Good point,” he said. “Ask me some questions, and I’ll let you know what’s normal.”

“Okay.” She thought about her first question. “Where do most people live?”

“Not on the Strip,” he said. “Most people live in gated communities nearby. St. Andrews Country Club, Woodfield Country Club and Long Lake Estates are the more popular ones.”

“Hold up.” Savannah nearly dropped her fork. “People live in country clubs? And that’s considered
normal?
”

“Compared to living in a penthouse condo on the Strip.” Nick shrugged. “It’s not a far drive, so we still come to the Strip for events. But not everyone has a fake ID, a parent who owns a hotel or enough money to pay off the bouncers, so it’s easier to have house parties.”

“Damien mentioned that he and his friends have fake IDs,” Savannah said.

“Yep.” Nick nodded. “They’re scannable and everything. Oliver knows some guy who makes them and hooked them all up. When Madison and I dated, she set me and my friends up with them, too. That’s how we got into Myst and Luxe. The clubs are cool, but I like house parties more.”

His mention of when he used to date Madison made Savannah feel awkward. She tried to think of another normal thing about Fairfield for her next question. “Does everyone take a bus to school?”

“We don’t have buses,” he said. “Our parents, siblings or neighbors take us to school until we’re old enough to drive.”

“So you all have cars?”

“Most everyone gets one for their sixteenth birthday,” Nick said.

“I turn sixteen in December, so I guess I know what to ask for.” Savannah sighed and buried her face in her hands. When she had imagined creating a “new Savannah” a few days ago she had felt so confident, but after what had happened with Madison and Damien, she wondered if she would always be on the outside looking in. “Your ‘normal’ sounds nothing like where I come from,” she said. “I’m going to be so out of my element.”

“Relax,” Nick said. “You’re Adrian Diamond’s daughter, so it’s a given that you’ll be part of the elite. Don’t let Madison get to you. My guess is she feels threatened by you and your sisters, and that’s why she’s acting like this.”

“Madison doesn’t seem like she would ever be threatened by anyone,” Savannah said.

“Remember, I did date her for a few months,” he said, finishing the last of his fries. “She seems confident, but she’s no more perfect than anyone else. But enough about Madison. I promise everyone’s going to be excited to meet you.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

The waitress dropped off the check, and Savannah reached for her bag to get her credit card.

“I’ve got this,” Nick said, pulling the check to his end of the table and placing his credit card inside.

“Are you sure?” Savannah asked. “We can split it. Adrian pays for my card, and he doesn’t mind.”

“My dad pays for my card, too,” he said. “Trust me, it’s fine. My treat.”

Savannah pulled her hand away from her bag. “Thanks,” she said. Did Nick think this was a date? She had fun with him, but she didn’t feel jittery and nervous around him like she did with Damien, whose slightest touch made her dizzy. She felt the same way around Nick that she did with her friends.

The waitress returned to the table and placed Nick’s card in front of him. “Your credit card was declined,” she said, sounding haughty and bored. “Is there another one you want to use?”

Nick examined his credit card, confused. “Did you try running it again?”

“Yes.” She looked around at the other tables, as if she had somewhere else to be. “Twice, and I entered the numbers manually. It was declined every time.”

“Take mine.” Savannah thrust her Blamex at the waitress, wanting to save Nick the embarrassment. “I’m sure this one will be fine.”

The waitress’s mouth dropped open when she glanced at the credit card, and she straightened, her entire demeanor changed. “Of course, Ms. Diamond.” She smiled, her eyes more awake than they’d been since Savannah and Nick had sat down. “I can charge your meal to your condo. I hope everything at Zabu was to your liking, and I apologize for the inconvenience. I’ll be right back.” She hurried to the kitchen, nearly knocking down a busboy in the process.

“Sorry about that.” Nick played with a petal on the flower arrangement between them. “That’s never happened before.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Savannah felt awkward, and she didn’t want to pry, so she tried to change subjects. “This hotel is so pretty,” she said, looking out at the pool and the colorful garden surrounding it. “I can’t believe I live here now.”

“It is nice,” he agreed, the conversation now noticeably stilted. Luckily the waitress returned quickly, so they didn’t have to continue it for long.

“I’m sorry again for the misunderstanding,” she said, placing a huge slice of cheesecake and two forks on the table. “Here’s Chef Bart’s famous cheesecake, on the house. It was voted the best in Vegas. Enjoy, and please come back to Zabu soon.”

“Thanks,” Savannah said. She’d never gotten free food at a restaurant before. “This looks delicious.”

That satisfied their waitress, who gave them another pageant-girl smile and hurried to another table.

“That was strange,” Savannah said, taking a bite of the cheesecake. It was smooth and creamy and practically melted in her mouth. She would never be able to eat cheesecake from the grocery store again. “Omigod, this is amazing. You have to try it.”

“She knows who you are,” Nick said. “Or, more important, who your father is. She wanted to make sure you had a good time at the restaurant.” He tried some of the cheesecake, and his eyes lit up. “This is really good,” he agreed, taking another forkful.

Their conversation returned to normal as they enjoyed the cheesecake. Savannah didn’t bring up Nick’s credit card situation again, but she wondered. Nick had said his father was a real estate developer in Vegas. It didn’t make sense for him to have a problem with his credit card.

“I got something for you,” he said once they finished eating. He pulled something out of his pocket, and with a dramatic flourish, placed a plastic flash drive on the table.

“A flash drive?” Savannah looked at him in confusion. “Um, thanks.”

“Not the flash drive.” He laughed. “But you can keep that. I got you what’s
on
the flash drive. A recording of you singing karaoke last night.”

“No way.” She snatched it up and grasped it tightly to her chest. “You didn’t show it to anyone, did you?”

“No,” he said. “Relax. I just thought you would like to see it.”

“Thanks.” Savannah
was
curious about how she’d sounded last night. “Let’s go watch it on my computer.”

They went up to her room to watch it, and she was surprised that she sounded like a
real
singer. Judging by the crowd’s reaction, they’d loved her. Maybe she had a shot at a singing career after all. Karaoke today, a record deal tomorrow.

She doubted that would happen, but it was nice to dream.

“Are you ready to make that YouTube channel now?” Nick asked once they finished watching.

“I don’t know.” Savannah sat back and wrung her hands together. “What if people watch, think I’m terrible and then write mean comments? I’m not sure I could handle seeing that.”

“Did it sound like everyone at the bar thought you were terrible?”

“Well, no,” she admitted.

“You told me last night that you wanted to make a YouTube channel,” he said. “Now you have a great video of you singing. You can either do nothing with it and let it collect dust, or put it out there and see what happens. You’re really talented, so I hope you choose the second option, but it’s up to you.”

She knew the right answer, but she wasn’t sure if she was ready. Then again, wasn’t this what she’d always wanted? If she didn’t put herself out there, she would never know if she could make it. If she did put herself out there, she still might not make it, but at least she was giving herself a fair shot. “I’ll do it,” she finally agreed, unable to believe she was going through with it.

Nick sat by her side as she signed up for YouTube and uploaded the video onto her channel. The only people she could think to add as friends were her sisters, her favorite musicians, Evie, some of the girls from the volleyball team, Brett, Nick, Nick’s brother, Ben, and Ben’s friends that she’d met last night.

It wasn’t much, but at least it was a start.

“Do you live in one of those gated communities you mentioned at brunch?” Savannah asked Nick while the video uploaded. Maybe she’d have a few views next time she checked her account.

“I used to,” he said, staring out of the floor-to-ceiling windows across from her bed. “My mom and I moved out in the beginning of summer to an apartment off the Strip. But it’s only until she figures out where she wants to go more permanently.”

“Oh.” Savannah felt bad about bringing it up. She assumed he and his mom had moved out from where they’d lived with his dad—meaning his parents had recently separated. “So you’re close by, then?”

“You’re happy about that?” Nick replied playfully, leaning back in the bed and smiling at her. It was impossible not to smile back—Nick radiated light.

“Of course I am,” she said. “You’re my first real friend here.”

“Real friend? As opposed to your fake ones?”

“Yeah. Like Madison.” Savannah wrinkled her nose as she said Madison’s name. “Anyway,” she said, changing the subject since she’d had enough talk of Madison for one day. “I still have no idea what to wear to the grand opening tomorrow night. I’ve never been to an event like this before.”

“Your life is full of tough decisions,” he joked.

“I know.” Savannah laughed. “I have no idea how to choose.”

“I’m sure you’ll manage,” he said. “Whoever you’re going with is extremely lucky.”

“About that...” she started, remembering the ominous “plus one” on her invitation. “I’m not going with anyone yet. Do you want to go with me? I understand if you’re already going with someone, and I know it’s last-minute—”

“Of course I’ll go with you,” Nick said before she could continue any more. Savannah was glad he’d interrupted her, since everything she’d said had come out in a jumbled rush, and she probably sounded like a complete spaz.