“Your father likes to celebrate.” She would always defend him so there was no use fighting it. “I saw Danessa, she’s still as pretty as ever.”
“That she is.”
“Are you two?—”
“No, just friends.”
“I like the thought of you making friends out here. She’s a nice girl. Good influence.”
“Yep.”
My mother shifted so we were facing each other. “Are you okay?”
“I’m good.”
“Areyouokay? I pointed to the bruise on her arm.
“You know me … I have two left feet. It’s good laying eyes on you. Let’s not wait so long between our next visit.”
I drove my folks back to their hotel. Nori had the foresight to book my mom into a hotel other than the W. After dropping them off, my father stumbled with each step and my mother insisted she didn’t need any help, I hightailed it over to the plaza which was an open air food truck court with seating and music.
Danessa was sitting on a bench near the entrance so she saw me coming from the parking lot. “Born and bred in Northeast Philly, give it up for number four, Aldridge Mosley,” Danessa imitated the Ramblers announcer from tonight’s game.
“Please, please hold your applause.” I approached with a side hug.
“You were amazing tonight. On fire. Unstoppable.”
“Thanks,” I whispered because she was drawing the attention of lookie loos.
“Are you embarrassed? Am I embarrassing you?”
“No, I just want a laid-back night. No autographs, no pictures, no platitudes.”
“I’m down for a night of just food and good conversation.”
“I’m going to get a burrito the size of both of my hands.”
“That’s a very big burrito.”
“What about you?”
“Actually, a burrito the size of your hand sounds really appetizing. It will help sop up all the beer sloshing around in my stomach.”
“Oh so you and Anika had a time tonight.”
“The tickets you gave us came with free beer and wine. Which your dad also appreciated.”
I rolled my eyes. “Let’s order.” After getting our food, we headed to a small vacant area with two Adirondack chairs separated by a table with a fire pit in the middle.
Danessa took one bite of her burrito and broke out into her happy dance. “This was a good choice.”
“You’re not the only one who knows about hidden gems in Vegas.”
“This place is hardly a hidden gem, but it’s a nice way to spend an evening.”
“Don’t be a hater because I’m becoming well versed in all things Vegas.”
“Really, do tell me more of what you’ve learned.”
