“You’re just bitter about pushing forty. You’re no longer a part of the cool crowd.”
I snort. “Shut up and play.”
“Hit me,” he says to the dealer. He draws a four of spades. “Speaking of kids, how’s yours doing? I was kinda gutted that Anna didn’t RSVP.”
The mere mention of my daughter’s name makes me smile. Anna is my pride and joy; currently attending her third year at Princeton studying computer engineering and astrophysics with aspirations of one day joining NASA. Since she was a child, Anna’s dreamed of building spaceships and launching satellites to explore the infinite cosmos.
“Don’t be dramatic,” I tell him. “Your invitation was short notice. Besides, we agreed she’d spend Christmas this year with her mother in Florida.”
“Ah, the witch who shall not be named.”
“Teresa isn’t that bad.”
“She took you for half of everything.”
“Igaveher half of everything.”
“And I still have no clue why.”
“Because,” I tell him with a firm expression, “we may not be together anymore, but I still respect her. It’s my duty to take care of my daughter and her mother.”
Heath smirks at me. “You know what your problem is? You’re too noble for your own good.”
“I fail to see how that’s a bad thing.”
The dealer clears her throat. “Would you like to hit or stay, sir?”
“Hit me, baby!” He’s dealt a ten of spades.
“Bust,” the dealer announces, gathering up the cards and the chips. He only has four thousand remaining to play with.
Heath waves a hand dismissively. “You know what? Go grab a drink with Knox. You’re throwing off my groove.”
I frown, but there isn’t any real heat behind it. I leave my brother to his fun and venture off in search of my youngest, navigating the rows upon rows of slot machines and tables. It’s surprisingly crowded considering how close to Christmas it is, but I suppose not everyone subscribes to more traditional forms of holiday celebration.
They design these places like mazes with no windows in sight—a deliberate choice to keep casino-goers more or less unaware of the passage of time. They pump fresh oxygen in through the vents to keep guests alert, figuring the longer they remain awake, the more they’ll want to spend their money. The sound of bells and the stimulating flash of lights are constant, giving the people a taste of what it would be like to win a jackpot themselves.
I personally have no need for any of it. I don’t need to rely on Lady Luck to make my dollar. Everything I have comes from hard work and dedication, not wishful thinking and risky bets.
I spot Knox at the bar, grumpily sipping on his no doubt overpriced beer. At least a dozen different spots are available to grab a refreshment on this floor of the casino alone. I’m about to join him when out of the corner of my eye—
A woman. She anxiously looks over her shoulder at some unknown danger as she walks up to the reception desk. This casino, like many others on the Strip, is also part-hotel. Against the backdrop of all the glitz and glam of Vegas, she stands out like a sore thumb. I normally wouldn’t pay any mind. It’s not polite to stare, but something about her shifty nature and wide, frightened blue eyes makes me pause.
Curiosity gets the better of me.
I take a few steps in her direction, leaning against one of the many decorative pillars lining the hotel lobby. The ceiling is painted a light blue, accented all around with bright lights to give the illusion of an open-air dome.
“I need a room,” she says to the hotel receptionist working the desk. Her voice is shockingly soft, almost angelic. The sound makes my heart drum a little faster.
“For how many nights?”
“Just one. The cheapest one you’ve got.”
The receptionist types quickly into his computer. The entire time, the woman continues to throw cautious looks over her shoulder. She reminds me of a rabbit on the lookout for a fox, ready at a moment’s notice to sprint in the opposite direction. She hasn’t noticed me, and a part of me doesn’t want her to. The last thing I want is for her to spook and run.
I watch her from a few feet away, stunned silent by her beauty.
She’s dressed conservatively in a pair of jeans and a baggy coat, so I’m unable to make out her silhouette. Her eyes do me in. Electric blue, so rich and vibrant I can clearly see them from where I stand. The woman has a cute button nose and full lips, her arched brows pulled together into a worried frown.