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“What’s going on, Ty? You’re making me nervous. Why are we here?” I set my drink down hard on the cocktail tablebetweenus.
“Breathe, Harry. You’re even paler than normal. I didn’t think that was possible,” heteased.
“No. I think you’re about to tell me that you’re not coming back. I feel like you’re making Vegas your home and I have no idea why.” I rubbed my hands down my pants. Then I stared at him until he broke down and spoketome.
“Is Drew making you that crazy?” Ty forced a smile then took a big swig from hisdrink.
I raked a hand through my hair. “I’m growing a beard and mustache because he has taken over my house. I can never get in my own bathroom. My maid is threatening to quit because she can’t walk past him without getting a smack on the ass. And despite being the richest one among us, he has drunk his way through my wine cellar and my most expensive liquors, eaten me out of house and home, yet he has not offered to share a dime.” I started to stand, but Ty raised his hand to halt myprogress.
“It’s that bad?” Hefrowned.
I shook my head. “No. It’s worse. It’s so much worse, I don’t even have words.” I sucked down some Coke through my straw and began to rethink my stance on drinking alone. “This is your department. I was transportation. You were the handler. It takes a team tomanageDrew.”
“Have you tried sending him home?” Ty said little, but his face spoke volumes. The man looked decidedlyguilty.
My eyes narrowed. “Of course I did. I dropped him off. He took a taxi back. I sent him by Uber, he found a Lyft. I can’t win. There’s noescapinghim.”
He chuckled. “Sorry. I can actually picture that. It’s funny.” He shrugged. “So, stay in Vegas a while. Drew hatesVegas.”
“Yeah. Well, Drew hates being alone more. The guy needs a purpose.” I drummed my fingers on the cocktail table. “And I need a drink. I’m too worked up. Look at me.” I gestured tomyface.
“You certainly do.” He motioned and a cabana boy came running. “Crown and Coke. Light on the Coke.” He winked and pointed to me by way ofexplanation.
I covered my face with my hands. “I feel like I’m losing it. I’ve been the anti-ginger for years. I’ve controlled my temper. I’ve built a solidcareer.”
“You’ve built a company.” Ty shook his head. “Your father wanted you to come to work with his studio, but you refused and started your own. Hell, rumor has it you have several of the major studios looking at your work for joint releases.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “Never discount your work. You’reamazing.”
“I don’t feel amazing. I feel like shit. I’m a shit friend, a shit employer. I’ve lost my backbone.” I slumped inmyseat.
“You’re here. As a friend. I think you’re pretty awesome.” Ty smiled. “Forget about Drew for a moment. You’re here tosupportme.”
“Yeah, but how? Why? You’ve never been so secretive before. We’ve always shared everything.” My browfurrowed.
He shook his head. “I can’t share this. Not yet. Lean back and relax. Here comes yourdrinknow.”
A moment later, the drink was set on the cocktail table. I lifted it to take a sip and grimaced. “I think the fumes burned my corneas.” Then I felt the warmth spreading through me and sighed. “Totallyworthit.”
“I thought so.” Ty watched me for a few minutes before speaking again. I was so focused on the drink, I didn’t even care. “Why don’t you stick around for a while? Send Drew home. Relax. We’ll go sight-seeing.”
“Who are you? We gamble. We bet. We play hard. We don’t do the tourist thing.” I set the half-empty glass on the cocktail table and studied him. “Hell, you used to be the biggest player ofusall.”
“I know, but people change.” His lips twitched as he tried not tosmile.
I sighed. “If you truly believe that, then help mechangeDrew.”
6
Laney
We reachedthe end of the hall and Kate used a key to unlock the door. I scanned the area, watching for a sign indicating this was the locker room, but there was nothing. For all I knew, I was willingly entering the room where I met my demise. I paused for a moment, then shrugged and entered the darkened room. A second later, the lights flickered on and I realized we were in a fancy bathroom. The floor and walls were covered in marble. There was a huge steam shower, a fancy vanity, and a tub with a television. Kate turned and seemed to be watching me for signs ofapproval.
“What? No fireplace?” I tried to joke, but I knew itfellflat.
Kate began to wring her hands. “I can’t stress enough how sorry I am. I had no idea Marie was pregnant. I never meant for…any of this tohappen.”
I bit my cheek. She seemed sincere. “One can rarely plan for thesethings.”
Immediately, her gaze fell to the floor. Then she shook her head. “Your shoes too. I swear. Didn’t miss a spot.” She huffed and closed her eyes a moment. “Okay,” Kate murmured, “I’ll grab a bag for the dirty clothes. I’ll see if there are shoes in the lost and found. Then I’ll return as quickly as possible and wait for you in the hall.” She started toward the door, but I stopped her with aquestion.
