Chapter 46: The Quiet Before the Storm

*Jasmine*

“Are you nervous?” Zain asked Jasmine as they left their hotel room, heading for the elevator.
Jasmine nodded, smiling sheepishly. “A little, but I’ll be more nervous tomorrow.”
Zain laughed. “I will be, too.”
She arched an eyebrow. “You’re nervous?”
A sexy smile lit his lips. “It’s not every day you get married.” He pushed the button when they entered the elevator. “So, where would you like to eat? There’s a Mexican restaurant, a steakhouse, a pizzeria, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.” He chuckled, shaking his head.
“Let’s do the Mexican restaurant, the steakhouse, or pizza.” She laughed as the elevator opened on a quiet floor high above the casino. “Somehow, going to an all-you-can-eat buffet the night before we get married doesn’t sound very romantic.”
“Let’s go to the steakhouse then.” Zain took her hand and smiled. “We can always save the buffet for tomorrow.”
She laughed, feeling more relaxed now than she had earlier. Something about Zain always sent a feeling of peace over her just being with him. When the taxi driver said they could get married at the Marriage License Bureau, she nearly had a heart attack. Although she knew this would be a small wedding and not really a wedding at all, she still wanted it to be special. But whether or not they got a divorce on Monday as they had planned, this wedding was still going to be real for her.
Zain and Jasmine had been anticipating their wedding for weeks. Now, the big day will come tomorrow. As they stepped into the foyer of the hotel, they were dressed to the nines in their best formal wear, prepared to take Las Vegas by storm.
Jasmine had dressed in an over-the-shoulder chiffon A-line dinner dress, fitted at the top that flared out slightly at the waist. The hem was shorter in the front and reached her calves in the back. The back was open with a diagonal strap across one shoulder to the waist. It was a deep blue, nearly black, and showed off her legs and figure and looked great with her brown hair. Zain’s eyes had widened, and he gasped as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom, but he quickly recovered himself.
Jasmine was taken aback when she saw Zain dressed in a dark gray suit and a blue shirt without a tie, open at the neck. For a moment, she wondered if that was what he had planned to wear for their wedding. But in reality, she didn’t care what he wore... as long as they were married.
“Shall we?” Zain offered her his arm, and she smiled as she took it.
The restaurant was appropriately named The Steak House. It resembled a nineteen twenties speakeasy, from the look of the outside, with rich, reddish wood and orange lettering that sent the visitor immediately back in time.
As they entered the restaurant, they were immediately enveloped in the bustling atmosphere, surrounded by rich wood, adding to the ambiance. The sound of lively conversations, clinking glasses, and clattering silverware filled the air as the luscious scent of steaks and exquisite food wafted from the kitchen. The restaurant had a warm and inviting ambiance, helping Jasmine to relax.
Even the hostess was cheery and attentive, smiling as she approached.
“Hello and welcome to The Steak House!” She took two menus from behind the counter as her eyebrows lifted. “Two for dinner?”
“Yes, please,” Zain replied. “We’re getting married tomorrow.”
“Why, congratulations!” The woman leaned in conspiratorially. “I’ll seat you some place special then.” She smiled as she nodded toward the interior of the restaurant. “Right this way.”
Zain placed his hand on the small of Jasmine’s back as they followed the hostess to a private booth in a secluded area away from the hustle and bustle. “Will this be okay?”
“It’s perfect,” Jasmine replied.
Zain waited for Jasmine to slide into the booth first, and then slid in on the other side.
“By the way,” the hostess asked, leaning in close. “Will you both be staying here at the hotel?”
Jasmine shot Zain a worried look and then nodded. “Yes. Right upstairs.”
“Good! So, you won’t be driving!” she replied, baffling Jasmine. “Your waitress’ name is Sandy, and she’ll be right out.”
Before we could ask her any more about it, she headed back to the front of the restaurant to help another couple.
“What do you think that was about?” Jasmine asked, her voice low.
“Beats me.” Zain shrugged as he opened his menu. “So, what are you going to order?”
“Hello and welcome to The Steak House!” A beautiful blonde woman set two champagne glasses on the table, and covered the top of a champagne bottle with a small white towel. When she popped the cork, the frothy liquid bubbled to the top but Sandy expertly filled the glasses.
“But I’m not—”
“It’s okay.” Sandy set the bottle on the table, leaning in close. “Here in Las Vegas, the drinking age is twenty-one, but there are exceptions. You can be underage when you drink if you’re with your parents or your spouse.” She winked at Jasmine. “And a little bird told me you’re getting married tomorrow!”
“Yeah, but—”
“Thank you,” Zain cut her off, lifting the glass toward Jasmine, and then took a sip.
“So, what can I get for you?” Sandy asked, setting the bottle on the table.
“I’ll have a T-bone steak and a loaded baked potato,” Zain replied, handing her the menu. “I’d also like a Caesar Salad to go along with that.”
“Yes, sir,” Sandy chirped and then turned to Jasmine. “And for you, miss?”
“I’ll have the same.” Jasmine handed her the menu.
“Great!” Sandy wrote down the order, smiling as she took them both in. “And would you like an appetizer?”
Jasmine looked up at Zain, and he nodded. “The Seafood Sensation, please.” It consisted of oysters, shrimp, and crab.
“I’ll have that right out!” Sandy headed off to do our bidding.
Zain lifted his glass to Jasmine and smiled. “To us?”
“To us.” Even though Jasmine knew this wasn’t going to last, this was the most real thing she had ever felt.
“Here you go!” Sandy set the appetizer on the table before them, along with two small plates. Then she refilled their glasses. “By the way, the champagne is compliments of the house. Your meals will be out in a few minutes. Enjoy!” Then she headed off again.
“Well, it looks like we’re both drinking tonight,” Jasmine teased, taking another sip, the bubbly liquid tickling her nose. Although she had had champagne before at her parents’ dinner parties, this was different. For the first time in her life, she truly felt like an adult.
Zain leaned in, giving her a sexy smile. “If you get drunk tonight, I just may have to take advantage of you.”