is sweet, uncomplicated and straight-forward. She says what she means and means what she says.
By the time we make it back to the Fortuna, having gained back the nine hours, it’s a little after noon. Walking in with Lilly by my side, I scan the room for Deanna. She’s not here yet. Once again…surprise, surprise. Let’s see if she even turns up. My heart skips a beat at the thought. Maybe she won’t. And then? Well, Lilly still has a flight to catch, I remind myself.
“You still have things in the room?”
“Yes.”
“Go get them. I’ll wait here in case your sister shows up.”
“Okay.” She pauses. “What about all the stuff you gave me? The dresses and the shoes?” She looks so sweet and earnest, but her tone leaves no doubt that she’s totally serious.
I laugh. “Lilly, do you really think that I’d take them back from you now just because you’re leaving the casino?”
“I don’t know,” she smiles uncertainly. “They’re just so expensive.”
“You take those, Lilly.” I watch the furrow smooth out of her brow. “They were gifts. They’re yours to keep.”
“Okay.” She nods vigorously but I can still feel her hesitating, as if there’s something else she wants to say.
“Go on,” I wave her off. “Deanna is going to have my head if you’re not ready to roll by the time she gets here,” I add with a wink. “I’ll meet you back here.”
Lilly trots off, leaving me alone. While she’s gone, I make a quick stop by my office. It’s where I’ve stashed her phone and it’s time to return it to its rightful owner.
Walking back to say our final goodbye, I take a long look at the bustling crowd on the casino floor and feel a sense of pride. This is my home. I helped create this. The thought comforts me. What I’ve created will always be here. There is security in that. Women may come and go, but Fortuna and Destino…and soon the Royale…will stand the test of time.
By the time Lilly returns with a small bag packed, I’ve talked myself into it—I felt a twinge earlier at the thought of her leaving but I can now say goodbye, set her free, and return to my real life.
She’s wearing the same short, light-pink wrap dress she wore on the evening she cooked for me. It’s been freshly cleaned and pressed, and although she looks just as sweet and innocent as she did when she first set foot on my property, she also looks more adult-like. And she looks like she wants to say something.
Her lips part as she says my name, “David,” and then takes a deep breath.
I look at her, waiting, wondering what she could possibly say. But before she can go further…
“Hey!” A brash voice interrupts before we can continue our conversation. “There you are. I was at the wrong entrance. This fucking place is impossible.” Deanna strolls up briskly. She looks better than the last time I saw her. Today, at least, she seems to be freshly showered. Her hair is pulled back from her face in a high ponytail, and she’s dressed casually in jean shorts, flip-flops, and a loose-fitting grey t-shirt.
“Deanna!” Lilly’s face lights up and she gives her sister a giant hug, squeezing her tight. “Good to see you.”
“You too.” For a moment it’s like I’m not even there. Deanna’s face is peaceful when she hugs her sister. The two girls look more alike than ever, with both of their hair in ponytails. “You okay?” Deanna steps back and checks out Lilly from top to bottom, as if inspecting her for damage.
“Yeah, Deanna, I’m totally fine. There’s nothing to worry about.” Lilly shoots me a quick smile as she talks.
“Good. So, Mr. Millionaire, we all good?” Deanna turns to me, her eyes scrutinizing me with suspicion.
“You can consider your debt from our poker game paid.” I nod, stuffing my hands into my pockets.
“Cool, cool.” Deanna nods. She’s totally relaxed today. So, this is what she’s like when she’s sober. She seems surprisingly easygoing.
I clear my throat. “There is still the matter of the debt I pocketed at The Glamazon.”
“For fuck’s sake.” She rolls her eyes. “You’re really gonna come after me for that pocket change? It’s squat to you.”
“A deal’s a deal, Deanna.” I ball my hands into fists, irritated. But I know that talking down to her now, or trying to force her hand aggressively, won’t do any good. I grit my teeth, keeping my voice casual. “$100k. Plus