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For the next few days,I play the role of third wheel. I watch Aurelia’s every move, I watch everything around her. I watch Nate’s every move too. And I watch him move in on Aurelia. And I allow myself to feel utterly shit about it too, because it’s what I deserve.
I’ve tagged along for sunset walks along the beach where Nate has tried to hold Aurelia’s hand, but she’s yet to give him the satisfaction. I’ve stood by and watched them play crazy golf, old-time fondness creeping through the cracks of tension that still linger between them. And I’ve sat in the corner of our restaurant while they’ve laughed over sharing plates and champagne, forgetting I was even there.
Tonight, we’re at the casino. Aurelia has never wanted to come in here but Nate insisted. He appears to have an overly enthusiastic penchant for the slots, and the poker snob in me can’t help but snicker at his choice of gambling poison. There aren’t many shadows inside the casino but I stand back trying to be as invisible as possible. Occasionally, Aurelia catches my eye and nods her acknowledgment. Despite the fact she’s pissed at me, she’s sensitive enough to know how uncomfortable this is, having Nate around. Plus, it makes my job just that little bit harder, watching two people instead of one. I don’t have to watch Nate but if someone really wanted to get to Aurelia, they could use Nate to do it.
He downs another glass of bourbon. It turns out slots aren’t his only poison. Without looking around from the machine, he starts clicking his fingers above his head. I grit my teeth and grip the floor with my feet. I have a strong urge to stride over there and break those damn fingers because the staff here deserve more respect than that, but I stay rigidly put. Aurelia clasps a hand over Nate’s. “Hey,” she whispers, “I’ll get it.”
Luckily, right then, a waiter walks by and she gets his attention, then turns back to Nate.
“Maybe you should make this your last one, huh? You’ve had, like, eight already.”
“Relax Aurelia,” Nate replies, lazily. “The night is young. I’m on a streak here.”
“Really? You’ve hardly won a thing and you’ve easily put four thousand into those machines.”
Finally, he turns to face her. “Aurelia, I can’t stop now. They have to come through sooner or later. The key to winning is to be patient. I’m going to get all that money back, and more. Just you wait and see.”
Aurelia steps backwards, presumably in an attempt to conceal herself between two of the slot machines. It’s my bet she doesn’t feel like this represents her image too well. Her eyes flick to me and I detect some embarrassment in them. I pretend I’m not even looking her way; I don’t want to make her feel even worse.
Thirty minutes go by and Aurelia is still standing at his side while he inserts coin after coin into those greedy machines. Nothing has come through yet, and the frustration he’s feeling is evident. He’s had three more bourbons and is barely balancing on his stool. Finally, Aurelia looks over to me as though admitting she needs some help.
I take a deep breath. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t step in; I’m supposed to be totally invisible. But this is no ordinary situation and Aurelia is no ordinary girl.
“Aurelia has a show tomorrow,” I say, monotone and mechanically. “It’s time we left.”
He turns to face me, probably for the first time since he arrived. “Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do? If Aurelia needs to leave, she can fucking leave.”
I don’t look at Aurelia; I know that’s going to hurt, even if it’s only the alcohol talking.
“Come on, Nate,” I say, my tone a fraction more friendly and accommodating. “The slots are not giving up, and you’ve had a lot to drink. We’re going. I suggest you come too.”
He twists his head and fixes his thin eyes on me. “Oh,you’regoing? You and who’s girlfriend?”
I straighten. Are they back together? I feel Aurelia wringing her hands next to me.
“Nate, it’s really late. I need to get back. Isaac has to come with me.” I watch her visibly cringe. “I pay him to.” She’s not denying they’re back together and that sticks in my throat.
“Fine. I’ll see you later,” he says, dismissing her. He turns back to the slots, simultaneously feeding the machine and clicking his fingers for another drink. Suddenly, lights flash and sirens blare. The fucker’s won. Aurelia and I fix our gaze to the neon windows Nate has been fawning over for the last couple of hours. Coins come pouring out of the dispenser and Nate practically shrieks in glee, like a heroin addict who just got a lifetime fix.
Aurelia swallows. “How much?”
“Wait, wait…” Nate holds up his hand, trying to comprehend on double figure bourbons what he’s actually made. “A couple grand.”
“Is that all?” Aurelia looks appalled. “You spent double that.”
“So?” He throws her a vicious look. “Who’s keeping score, huh?”
Aurelia steps back as though he’s physically slapped her. “Let’s get back,” she sighs. “We can talk about it in the morning.”
“Talk about what?” he seethes, half-lunging off the stool. He’s got way too much alcohol in his system and gravity plays its hand, drawing his forehead to the floor. “Fuuuck,” he groans, pushing himself up by the hands.
“Nate,” Aurelia repeats, firmer this time. “We’re going. You’re embarrassing me.”
“What?” He looks up, not computing her words.
She turns on her heel and I have no choice but to follow.
