Page 10 of Aldo

He nodded. “I will.”

The next night, I was tired. The casino was packed, the noise level growing increasingly louder as the hours wore on. Laughter, conversation, the machines, the crowds. All of it swelled, rarely dying down. The casino was always busy, but the weekends in the summer were the craziest. Tourists, locals, and VIPs poured through the doors constantly. And Saturday evenings were the busiest of them all. Roman and I had been walking, shaking hands, overseeing any issues, helping to set up private games, doing everything we needed to do to make sure our VIPs were happy. They spent a huge amount of money here. It was obscene.

We also made sure the regular people simply enjoying a night out were satisfied. Drinks, snacks, upgraded food, complimentary parking. I issued it all, knowing a few free things and some preferential treatment would bring their hard-earned dollars back again. The hotel was booked solid as well, although I knew some of the rooms would barely be used. Many of the serious gamblers wouldn’t leave the casino until the early hours of the morning, or even later.

I glanced at my watch, not surprised to see it was past midnight. I was hungry and needed a break. Normally, I would order something and head to my office, but tonight, I found myself outside Rolling Dice. It was quieter but still busy. I stood for a moment and watched, my gaze focused on one thing.

Violet Nelson.

Today, she wore the uniform with the polka-dot skirt and the tight T-shirt. It left her legs bare, and even in sneakers, they were sexy as hell. She moved around the tables, filling coffee cups, taking orders, carrying a tray like a pro. Wanda saw me and came over. “Mr. Ricci.”

“How is she doing?” I asked, trying to appear casual.

“She is a godsend. She showed up early last night, menu memorized. I showed her around and explained the software, and an hour later, you’d think she’d been here a month. The cooks love her, the other staff think she is great, and the customers agree. Her tips are amazing.” Wanda laughed softly. “She tried to give some back last night because she thought there was a mistake. Even with the kitchen portion taken out, her tips were bigger than anyone’s. I suspect it will happen again tonight.”

I nodded, secretly pleased.

“Good.”

“You want a table?”

“In the staff section.” I didn’t want to be disturbed for a bit.

“You want the usual?”

“Please.”

“You know where it is.”

I walked to the back, around a corner that provided some privacy. There were two booths and, at present, both were empty. I slid into one, removing my jacket and rolling up my sleeves.

A moment later, Wanda set down a vanilla milkshake in front of me. “Sandwich is coming right up.”

“Thanks.”

I sipped the cold shake, the sweet drink refreshing and delicious. We had the best milkshakes around. I shut my eyes, relaxing, waiting for my sandwich.

A few moments later, there was a noise as another staff member came around the corner.

“Oh.”

Somehow I recognized her from that one breathy sound. I opened my eyes and met the hazel gaze of Violet Nelson. Before I could speak, Wanda came in and slid my plate in front of me. She looked between Violet and me and laughed. “Twins.” Then she left.

I glanced at Violet’s tray and chuckled. We both had a Reuben sandwich and fries. A vanilla shake. She began to head to the other table, and for some reason, I held up my hand. “Join me.”

She slipped in, and I picked up my sandwich, taking a large bite. The hot corned beef and tangy sauerkraut hit my tastebuds, and I groaned. “Damn.”

Violet laughed, following suit, although her bite was much smaller. “I think they make the best Reuben around. I had it last night too.”

“I agree. Try the clubhouse, though. Or the burger.”

She grinned, taking a sip of her shake. “If I eat this way every night, I’ll have to jog to work.”

I stopped, the sandwich partway to my mouth. “You aren’t walking, are you? With the shift you’re working?”

“Oh no. I drive.” She smiled. “It is very generous of you to give us such great parking rates.”

I shrugged, relieved. “We try to think of what people need. We want our employees to be happy.” I took a sip of my shake. “Wanda says you’re a rock star.”