Escalade. “And she damn well needs to get sober. And soon.”
“Why do you care?” Lilly asks again.
I grit my teeth in irritation. What the hell does she want from me? An admission that maybe I give a rat’s ass about her—which means, unfortunately, that I also give a shit about Deanna?
“Look, I know what having a family member with addiction issues can do to a person. I’ve experienced it firsthand.” I pause, drumming my fingers on the area between us. “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
“I wish she would get help.” Lilly sighs.
“There will come a time when she will hit rock bottom,” I tell her as objectively as I can. “Then she’ll get the help she needs, willingly. Until that point comes…” I know what I’m talking about, but I know it must be hard for her to hear.
The car is slowing down as Mike pulls up to the back entrance of the Fortuna.
“Mike, I’m actually going to go on to Destino,” I call up front to him. “Ben, you head inside and coordinate the money drop with Terry.”
“Yes, sir,” the men respond in unison.
Lilly looks at me in surprise. “I thought you were going to take the day off?”
“Well, that plan is shot to shit,” I say. “I should check in on things at Destino. I haven’t been over there in person in a few days. And I need to get that money over to Antony ASAP.”
“Of course.” She looks away, embarrassed. “Thank you again for everything you’ve done today. Then I’ll see you later?”
“I think it’s going to be a long day for me…and a late night,” I say. “Don't wait up, okay? Just get yourself some room service and relax. It’s been a rough morning.”
“Sure.” Her shoulders slump forward slightly. Ben is already holding the door open for her and she clambers out of the back seat and heads inside. After the car door slams, I watch her go. She looks back at me but I know she can’t see me through the tinted windows.
I know she’s disappointed, but right now, I need some time to untangle my thoughts. I run through the morning’s events as Mike drives me over to the Destino. When I went over to The Glamazon this morning, I wasn't planning on paying Antony off. Not at first. But I soon realized it was the only way to get Deanna out of her jam. And her flaws aside, Deanna is important to Lilly. And Lilly, I’m starting to realize…with a certain discomfort…is important to me.
***
The rest of the day goes by in a blur. I throw myself into my work, making the rounds at Destino. It’s not until late in the evening that I make it back to the Fortuna, where I immediately head to my private office. I’m barely settled behind my desk when Terry knocks sharply on the door.
“What?” My voice is tired.
“Just wanted to check in.” He sticks his head in and eyes me warily.
“Come on in, Terry.” I gesture to the large leather seat across from my desk. “Want a drink?”
“I’d take a bourbon if you’ve got one handy.” He settles into the chair.
“I keep a bottle here just for you,” I give him a tired smile as I stand up and head over to the small liquor cabinet. I pull out a bottle of Kentucky bourbon and pour two fingers into a glass, then set it down in front of him. “I think I’ll join you.” I pour myself a glass and then settle back into my chair across from him. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” Terry raises his glass and takes a long sniff, a small smile forming on his face as he inhales the aroma. “Shit that’s good,” he grins.
“It better be, I paid top dollar for it,” I say with a chuckle. “One of the few things in life worth spending extra money on. Good liquor.”
“Agreed.” Terry takes a sip and then puts the glass down.
“Antony got his cash?” I ask. I have no doubt that Terry took care of this hours ago, when I texted him about it. I don’t know why I’m asking him about it now. Maybe I’m just looking to talk to someone I trust.
“He did.” Terry nods. “I accompanied Ben personally to The Glamazon with it.”
“You didn’t have to take time out of your day for that.” I glance at Terry with surprise. Normally, that’s the kind of errand he’d leave to someone else, not handle himself.