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“I know, right?” Ashley danced toward me and accepted a glass. “I found it in the back of my mom’s closet. After a few alterations, it’s absolutely perfect.”
I eyed the dress with a smirk. “You’re telling me Maxine Brooks had that hot number in her closet?”
“She watched a show about decluttering and made me come over and help clean out the closets. Some of the things we found—” Ashley shuddered and took a swig of champagne.
“I can’t imagine what my parents have hidden in the depths of their bedroom. You’re a brave one.”
“Are your parents coming tonight?”
“Like you could keep them away.” I smiled, thinking about how great things had been between us. Mom had been by a couple of times and even stayed with me the night after Luca was stabbed.
“I love this new era in your relationship with your mom.”
“Me too.”
At some point, Miranda showed up, and we all shared the bottle of champagne as we got ready.
As we slid into our dresses, Miranda said, “I want you both on your best behavior tonight.”
“Okay?” Ashley asked as she struggled with her zipper.
“Oscar’s coming, and I don’t want you guys to scare him away.”
I smiled softly at Miranda as I helped Ashley. “We promise to be as normal as we can be.”
Miranda blew out a breath and inspected her reflection. “Thank you. It’s just that he’s a serious introvert, and you guys can be a lot.”
“I can see that.” Ashley joined her by the full-length mirror. “We’ll be good. We want Oscar to feel comfortable with us.”
I whistled low as we turned and checked our outfits from every angle. “We might’ve gone a bit generic with our costumes, but damn, we look good.”
“It’s not like we could go all out,” Miranda said, adjusting her modest princess gown.
I fluffed my hair one more time. “I’m starting to regret not getting the witches hat.”
“Eh. It would’ve smooshed your hair.” Ashley checked her phone and grinned. “Believe it or not, but we’re right on time.”
“Shall we?” I held the door as Ashley and Miranda filed out, taking one last fortifying breath before I followed.
The grand opening was in full swing when we got to the lobby. Local celebrities, officials, and rich folks milled about with stylish cocktails and complimentary buckets for their winnings. Miranda split off to find Oscar, and Ashley wanted to check with Joey and make sure they had looked over our final numbers, so I was left alone in a sea of happy gamblers.
In all the years of seeing our hard work turned into reality, this casino was different. Not only was it a testament to the genius of SA Designs, but it was also another opportunity to grow the Moretti fortune. A fortune my children would inherit. My hand fell to my stomach, imagining the next generation and what it would mean to raise a Moretti heir.
“Mrs. Moretti?” A deep voice behind me interrupted my daydream of children with black hair and green eyes.
I turned and came face to face with Judge Graves, Jazz’s father. “Oh, I’m so glad you could make it.” We shook hands while keeping a comfortable distance from one another.
“Thank you for inviting us. This is quite the place.” Judge Graves gestured to the bright lights and chiming machines.
“Thank you. We’re hoping The Palace will become yet another gem of St. Louis.”
Judge Graves studied me before nodding. “I appreciate your discretion regarding your friendship with my daughter. Jazzlyn is a promising young woman, and I’d hate to see her rise stilted by inappropriate friendships.”
I smiled, admiring the man in front of me. “I’d never want to do anything to keep Jazz from being the very best she can be. She’s too important to me.”
“Good.” He cleared his throat. “I hope your husband comes home soon. This whole thing has set the city on its ear. I’ll be happy for things to get back to normal.”
“You and me both.”
