“The best,” she answers proudly. “He has yet to meet anyone who can out -bluff him.”
I point out the obvious. “Rocco is a former world poker champion. Harve wouldn’t stand a chance against him.”
“I bet he would.” Her eyebrows dance.
She’ll lose that bet. The same way that I almost always lose when I play cards with Rocco. I tell myself I’m doing it for fun and as a way to unwind, but every single time I leave his place with an empty wallet, I wonder where the hell I left my better judgment.
“Invite Harve to your next game and we can set up a side wager,” she goes on. “If he wins, you give me an extra week off this year with pay.”
Curiosity drives the next words out of my mouth. “And if Harve loses?”
“I’ll bring you coffee every morning for a month.”
I can’t help but laugh. “That’s in your goddamn job description.”
“Is it?”
I glance down at my watch again. “Text Conrad to pick you up. It’s time to call it a day.”
“I can charge it to Rizon?” She skims her thumb over the screen of her smartphone.
I nod. “Tell your grandson to take you to Crispy Biscuit. It’s a diner in midtown. Buy him a grilled cheese and fries. Order yourself some dinner too.”
“You’re buying?” She looks up from her phone. “Why are you in such a good mood?”
I found my Vegas angel today.
I skip over honesty and settle on believable. “I locked down one of the best advertising firms in the city to handle the vanilla vodka campaign.”
“That is good news.” She places her phone back in her lap. “Con is five minutes
away. I’ll grab my things and head down to the lobby.”
I stand. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
She’s on her feet too. “Don’t stay too late, Jeremy.”
I won’t take her advice. I’ll order something in and focus on the budget projections for next quarter. “I’ll see to it Harve has a seat at our next poker game.”
“I’m tagging along,” she says as she turns to leave my office. “I want to see the look on Rocco’s face when Harve wins.”
I want to see that look too, but I doubt it’ll happen.
“Enjoy your night, Blythe.”
She turns back to face me. “She must be special.”
I lift my chin. “Who?”
“The woman you keep thinking about.” She shoots me a warm look. “I’ve been around the block enough times to know when a man’s mind is caught up with a beautiful woman.”
I should deny it, but I don’t. “She’s very beautiful.”
“Why don’t you take your own advice and get out of here? Meet her for dinner.”
Because she won’t even admit that I know her.
I could confess all of this to Blythe, but I’ve always kept my personal life out of the office. That won’t change now.