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“You know he wants to take me to Cancún for my birthday? I told him the party at the Venetian is fine, but noooo…you know how he is. He’s got to flash his cash so everybody knows he’s got it like that.”
“At least he spoils you. That’s always a plus.”
“Andleaves feelings off the table. We’re just having a good time.”
I don’t say anything. I’ve only met Kilroy once, months ago when Tasha visited for half a day and forgot to mention her super rich boyfriend was flying her in on his private jet. The sixty-two-year-old was cordial and stylish, but his whole vibe screamed philanderer. He’d made one too many flirtatious jokes about how lucky he was to spend time with two beautiful young women. That wasbeforehe mentioned he had associates who would love to meet me.
Otherwise code for testing the waters, gauging if I was interested in a setup like he had with Tasha.
I’ve never told her because I don’t want to ruin what she has going on; she’s only ever gushed about him, a rarity for her and a man she’s involved with.
“Are you still coming?” Tasha asks.
I pause for half a second. “Tash, I don’t know…maybe. I already told you it might not be a good idea.”
“Oh, c’mon! I can’t celebrate my bday without my bestie! Are you going to avoid Vegas forever? He doesn’t even live here anymore.”
“Yeah, his casino is only the most successful and popular one in the city.”
“So we’ll avoid the Vittoria. We won’t go anywhere near there. He’s back east, Fal. Haven’t you seen the news? He and that Rosenbaum guy are working on that production company.”
I tend to avoid any headlines mentioning Giovanni. It’s best for my sanity to stay away from any updates about him, including his business ventures. I’ve learned it’s a rabbit hole type of thing—the second he’s on my mind for too long, I fall down a trapdoor of memories, good and bad. My heart aches and I feel like I’m being crushed all over again. I feel the deep yearning that I’ve accepted will probably always be a part of me.
Some love you never let go of. Giovanni will always be in my heart, even as broken and fragmented as it is.
“Fal,” Tasha says, stirring me from my thoughts, “say you’ll come! Kilroy is paying for everything! Your travel and lodging are all covered. He’ll even have a driver pick you up. You know he’s good for it—he gave me his black card to go shopping for birthday outfits. Youneeda fun girls’ weekend! It’s been how long since you’ve had one?”
I sigh. “I have fun on my sofa. When I need a little extra excitement, I walk to the beach.”
“Girl, not good enough. You’re coming. I’ll kidnap you myself if I have to.”
I cave after it becomes clear Tasha’s not going to let it go. It’s her special birthday weekend, and it’s not as though I have to go anywhere near the Vittoria. A small break from my little secluded life in Santa Cruz just might do me some good.
Kilroy keeps his promise. I’m greeted by a private driver when I approach baggage claim.
“Mrs. Sorrentino,” he says, holding up the sign with my name scribbled across.
I glance around out of paranoia. “Actually, I’m going by Ms. Carter. Please refer to me as such.”
“Of course. I have collected your bag. Your car is waiting. Please follow me.”
I let him guide me through the crowded baggage claim, my heart drumming in my chest. I wasn’t prepared to be addressed by my married name. Technically, Giovanni and I are still legally married; we’re only separated for the time being, but it’s been months since I’ve been called Mrs. Sorrentino.
It still awakens confused feelings out of me whenever I am.
Realistically, Ishouldstart the process of filing for divorce. I’ve struggled finding the energy with how long it’s taken me to even settle into my new life, but I’m going to have to take the plunge and do it eventually. I’m going to have to let that last part of my old life go.
The driver helps me into the backseat of the limousine Kilroy has sent for me. Our drive to the Venetian is full of silence except for the XM radio that plays. I’m grateful for it; staring out the window at the Vegas Strip brings a flurry of different emotions out of me.
So many memories I made here. Many of them—my happiest ones—with Giovanni.
The nearby highway makes me think of the times he took me for fast drives in his sports cars. When I see the Link, my mind’s on how we’d once ridden it to the top, enjoying a day date with just the two of us. The Vittoria itself, standing as tall and prominent as ever in its black and gold splendor, makes my heart ache even more.
I blink and look away.
“We’re here, Ms. Carter,” the driver says, pulling up along the valet.
I’m led up to the top floor with a bellboy pushing my small luggage and explaining the perks of being a VIP guest. Kilroy has put me in the suite next-door to the one he and Tasha are staying in. Once the elevator doors ding open and we enter the hall lined with luxury decor and carpeting, I call Tasha.
