What Happens In Vegas

January 10, 2026January 10, 2026 Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Re-written for Muse on Monday where David
asks us to write a story that shows the explicit
passage of time by noting the points in time as
our stories unfold. Revised from a story I wrote
in 2024, here’s where the prompt took me.

7:27 AM Friday. I step out of the shower, towel off and choose today’s outfit.

7:30 AM. Phone chirps; it’s a text from Drew: “Hey, sorry! I know it’s early. Got any plans this weekend?”

[OMG! My heart starts racing. My biggest crush in forever is asking me if I have plans this weekend. OK, get a grip. I don’t want to appear too anxious; after all, we’ve never actually dated – just the occasional coffee after walks in the park with our dogs, Arlo and Bert.]

[Alright. A sufficient amount of time has passed.]

7:40 AM, me texting: “This weekend? Um …. I don’t think so. What’s up?”

[Just the right tone. Cool and calm; neither describes me at the moment. Gotta love texting. It’s so impassive when necessary.]

7:42 AM, Drew texting: “I scored 2 tix to Springsteen for Saturday nite in …. RU ready 4 this? Vegas!”

[Vegas! I love Vegas! I love Springsteen! I’m practically hyperventilating. Settle down and take a deep breath. Remember …. cool and calm.]

7:44 AM, me texting: “Sounds fab! Lemme check my calendar. BRB”

[Exit text, count to 30.]

7:45 AM, me texting: “Hey Drew, my weekend’s open.”

7:46 AM, Drew texting: “Excellent! Bree, listen. It means spending the night and getting back late Sunday. I don’t want to push you. RU cool with this?”

[Am I cool with this? Am I cool with this?! It’s sudden but I have to admit it’s what I’ve wanted for a long time. Gotta go for it.]

7:50 AM, me texting: “I won’t lie, Drew …. it is kinda last minute but I’m in; it’ll be fun.”

7:52 AM, Drew texting: “This is gonna be an amazing weekend, Bree. I’m so happy you said ‘yes’. CU at your place tomorrow AM at 7:00. The flight’s at 10:00.”

7:54 AM, me texting: “Perfect! I’ll be ready.”

My head’s spinning. This is really happening! So much to do before tomorrow! Skip lunch today and go to Victoria’s Secret. Get a bikini wax on the way home from work. Pack tonight. And ask Gerry next door to take care of Bert.

I couldn’t concentrate at work and the excitement kept me awake most of the night. I’m up at 5:30. Time for coffee and a shower.

A quick glance at the clock …. ten minutes before Drew gets here. I place my carry-on bag on the bed, toss in my toothbrush and zip it up.

The sudden shrill ring of the doorbell startles me. Forcing myself not to lunge for the door, I pace myself, smile and casually open it to see Drew smiling back at me, one arm cradling Arlo, his other arm around the shoulder of a stunning redhead in tight jeans and a Springsteen tank top. My smile freezes in place as I instantly connect the dots.

“Bree! This is Charlotte. I’m really glad you can take care of Arlo this weekend; we’re so psyched about this trip. We’ll pick him up when we get back Sunday night. Thanks, Bree. You’re a real pal!”

Taking the pup, I manage a “Have a great time” and watch Drew and Charlotte walk down the hall toward the elevator. They’re laughing in that intimate way, heads close together. Slowly I close the door, my stupid grin gone as I snuggle Arlo.

“Hear that, bud? I’m a real pal.”

This is “Waitin’ On A Sunny Day” by Bruce Springsteen