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We shared a tight smile, then Judge Graves looked over my shoulder and lifted his chin in acknowledgment. “I need to go collect my wife from the craps table. Congratulations.” He gently touched my elbow and walked around me.
I watched the sophisticated couple sneak peeks at me before moving deeper onto the casino floor.
“That went well.” Jazz handed me a drink. “Looks like you could use that.”
“Thanks.” I took a big sip and sighed. “Your parents love you.”
“Yeah. They’re a lot, but I’ve never doubted that they love me.” She bumped my shoulder and lifted her drink toward the slots. “I talked to your mom for a few minutes. She is over the moon about the casino. I don’t think proud is a strong enough word.”
Mom whooped as her machine whirled, slapping Maxine’s thigh and pointing. The two women fell into a fit of laughter as they pressed the buttons again.
I smiled, happy our moms were enjoying themselves. “Things are getting better. She’s really trying.”
“I won at blackjack!” Imani rushed up to us, shaking her bucket. Her red sequined gown and purple gloves gave her a beautiful Jessica Rabbit illusion—all sparkling curves from the waist down.
“Good job, baby.” Jazz dropped a kiss on her forehead as Imani straightened Jazz’s black tie and tugged on the lapels of her beige coat.
“Are you going to come play?” Imani playfully pouted her crimson lips.
“In a minute. I wanted to check in with Sasha.”
“Don’t take too long. My winning streak might cool.” Imani hugged me tightly, and the sequins on her dress scratched my arms. “Congratulations. The casino is amazing.” She stood on her tiptoes and whispered, “And thank you for the engagement trip.” When she pulled back, her eyes were shiny with tears. “You’re the best.”
“Don’t mention it.”
She squeezed my hands and slinked off toward the gaming tables.
“She says she won’t get married until you can come.” Jazz chuckled.
“Oh, you don’t have to—”
Jazz lifted her hand, shaking her head. “Honestly, it’s going to take at least a year to plan the wedding. I assume by then, things will be back to normal.” She lifted her eyebrow.
“If I have my way, it’ll be handled tonight.”
With a thoughtful nod, Jazz tapped my glass with hers, then strutted off, the tails of her trench coat billowing behind her.
The Chronis brothers walked by, politely dipping their chins, but thankfully didn’t stop for a chat.
Thank God.
An hour later, I was at a poker table with Jazz, Adriana, Sarah, and Ashley. Imani flitted back and forth, bringing us drinks and stories from the other side of the casino while Michael hovered protectively behind his very pregnant wife. Miranda and Oscar had slipped away for some air. Based on the lovey-dovey eyes they were giving each other, I’d bet my last dollar that she was showing him her hotel room.
Mid trash talk about the last hand, none other than Beth sat in the last seat at the table. Across from her, Ashley glared, but it didn’t deter Beth from changing out for more chips and settling in next to me as if I’d never threatened her with a gun.
“Congratulations,” Beth said with a strained smile on her face.
“Thanks.” I shared a “what the fuck” look with Sarah, then turned to Beth. “Are you having a good time?”
She nodded, her dark straight hair sliding over her shoulder. “I am. I decided I might as well enjoy myself. I mean, I don’t really have a choice, do I?” Her dark eyebrows arched as she looked at the cards she was dealt.
I let out a humorless chuckle and slid my cards to the dealer. “You don’t, but there’s no point in being a sore loser.”
Beth’s cheeks crimsoned. Everyone placed their bids, and Beth kept matching. Although if her forefinger rubbing her thumb was anything to go by, she was bluffing her ass off. When it was time to finally flip their cards over, Sarah screamed in excitement, then in agony as she held her stomach.
“I think it’s time.” Her wide green eyes were full of tears as she stared up at Michael. “The baby’s coming!”
We all jumped up, circling around Sarah. I waved down a floor security guard and had him call for an ambulance. Cautiously, we guided Sarah to the front exit as Michael ran to the car to fetch their go-bag. The ambulance pulled up, and the EMTs quickly loaded her into the back. Michael tossed his car keys to me and climbed in after her.
