by Piper Rayne
One night. I was away for one night.
This is why I don’t take breaks.
Todd finds me despite the chaos, tracking me down like he’s got some sort of beacon set up. He taps away furiously at his iPad, double checking business emails and monitoring camera feed.
“Where’ve you been?” he asks, exasperated. “I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for hours.”
I choose not to answer. What I get up to on my own time is my business. Instead, I get to work, slipping into manager mode with ease. “I want you to call up our on-call staff,” I instruct Todd. “Offer them double their hourly pay for today. Whatever it takes to get them here, and fast.”
Todd nods. “Got it.”
“Did you already call our machine technician?”
“An hour ago, yes.”
“Call him again. I want those slot machines up and running in the next twenty minutes. If he can’t do it, fire him and ask to borrow Jack’s go-to guy.”
“Isn’t he also your competition? What if he doesn’t give you a name?”
“He will,” I state firmly. “Jack and I go way back. If I have to owe him a favor, so be it.”
“All right.”
“Now, what’s the situation with that little old lady over there?”
“It took me a while to pull up a complete profile because when security asked for ID, she had maybe four or five pieces on her.”
“So?”
“Five fake pieces. All with different names, addresses, the works.”
“Fun,” I mumble dryly.
“It looks like she’s been banned from every other casino on the Strip. Cameras apparently caught her jamming something into one of the slot machines. They’re trying to get it out now.”
“I want her on our own banned list. Take a picture of her so we remember for next time.”
“Right away. And the buffet issue?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and close my eyes. This is quite the headache I have to deal with so early in the morning. “I’ll take care of it,” I mutter. “But before I forget, there is something I need you to take care of for me.”
“What is it?”
“I need you to send Lake a message on my behalf. Tell her to call me when she gets the chance. I’d like to take her out again when—”
“Get your stinkin’ hands off me!” the old lady exclaims as one of my security guards tries to usher her out. “This is elder abuse. Let go or else I’ll sue!”
The s-word is never something a business owner wants to hear. She throws a very elaborate fit, kicking and screaming and shouting at the top of her lungs to attract as much attention as possible. A part of me wonders if she’s doing this on purpose, if this was her main goal all along. All it’ll take is one slip up, a bit of rough handling and she’ll cry wolf with hundreds of witnesses around her to potentially back up her claim. I have to put an end to this nonsense once and for all.
11
LAKE
His side of the bed is cold by the time I wake up. There’s no sign of him. No note, no text message. Nothing. He’s picked up his clothes and is nowhere in sight, leaving my own garments lying about the floor in an embarrassingly lonely fashion. I sit up in bed and pull the sheets close for comfort. They still faintly smell like him, but it’s fading fast.
I fumble around for my phone on the nightstand. It’s almost eleven and I really should be heading back to the shelter. Maeve said she’d take care of things, but I don’t feel comfortable having her shoulder all of my responsibilities like this. Before I get out of bed, I debate whether or not to call Asher. I stop for a moment, staring at my screen with a nervous hesitation eating away at my stomach.
What if I’m being too clingy?
We went on one date, had one magical evening together. Is texting so soon after considered bad form? Will he think I’m desperate for attention? Needy? It’s been so long since I’ve gone out with anyone that I don’t know what’s considered proper etiquette.
Still. The very least Asher could have done was woken me up to tell me that he was heading out. I try to ignore the sting in my chest. Maybe he did and I fell asleep after and forgot all about it. My thumbs fly over my phone’s screen to type out a message.
Where are you?
I don’t receive an immediate reply.
With a sigh, I pull myself out of bed and get dressed in last night’s clothes. I’ll have to call a cab and head home to change before going to the shelter. I feel like I’m going to die of embarrassment. Is this what they call the walk of shame? But what’s there to be ashamed about? I had a fantastic time. I really want to see Asher again. It’s just that the doubt whispering in the back of my mind tells me I shouldn’t be so optimistic.
I pull myself together, get dressed, and head downstairs. I don’t have a hangover, but the golden decor of The Grandiose is blinding. I swear I can feel people’s eyes on me, judgement rolling over my skin like waves on a beach, slowly wearing me down. It’s probably in my head, but it’s anxiety inducing all the same. It occurs to me then just how out of place I feel here. This dress, my surroundings, the sheer excessiveness of it all. I don’t belong here.
I’m just a girl who works at an animal shelter.
Asher’s a wealthy casino owner used to a life of luxury.
We’re from two very different worlds, uncomfortable when left alone without the other. As much as I’m starting to like Asher, there’s no denying the stark contrast of our lives. Even if things do end up working out between us, I can’t possibly imagine spending my time here. The constant hustle and bustle of the Strip would keep me up at night. I wouldn’t know how to make use of my time here. And in the same breath, I can’t imagine Asher leaving any of this behind. He no doubt worked hard for everything he has. He’d never slum it with someone like me in a place that constantly smells like wet dog.
I check my phone one more time to see if Asher’s managed to respond to my earlier text.
Nothing.
I take a deep breath and head outside, bracing against the heavy rays of the desert sun. I hail the first cab I spot and ask the driver to take me home.
Maeve, that little devil, pulls up really close and pumps her eyebrows at me the second I make it through the front door. “So?” she prompts.
“What?”
“The date. How was it?”
“Good.”
She guffaws. “Just good? I think that little hickey on your neck is a sign that things were more than good.”
I bring my fingers up to touch the tender part of my neck. I’d spent almost half an hour in front of the mirror trying to conceal the damn thing with some makeup, but I rarely ever use it so I have no idea how to make it stay properly.
“Tell me more,” Maeve continues as she follows me to the back room. “What all did you do? I mean, obviously the do, but—”
“Can we please just get to work?” I ask, ignoring the heat flooding my cheeks. “Have you fed the dogs? Taken them out for a walk? Cleaned out their kennels?”
“Yes, yes, and yes. So, let me guess. Dinner? Movies? Did he get you flowers?”
I sigh as I enter the playroom. Gaga rises out of the dog bed Scooter used to use all the time, tail wagging when she spots me. It looks like she’s getting more comfortable here because she walks straight over to sniff my fingers. I get one or two pats in before she returns to her spot, one that she’s deemed safe and secure.
Mave frowns in concern. “What is it?” she asks. “Am I being too nosy?”
“No, that’s… Well, maybe a little.”
“Sorry.”
“No, it’s OK. I… I actually had a really good time.”
“Then why do you look so glum?”
I chew on the inside of my cheek. “I think I’m just getting into my head too much. I, uh… I stayed the night.”
Her jaw drops as she slaps me across the shoulder. “Are you serious? Was he—”
“A perfect gentleman.”
“I
was going to ask if he was big, but yeah.”
I roll my eyes and rise to my feet. “I don’t know. He didn’t even say goodbye this morning, so I thought that was kind of weird.”
“Really? Kind of a dick move. Maybe he left you a note?”
“I checked. I even texted him, too.”
“Did you hear back from him?”
I check my phone one more time for good measure. Surely he’s seen my message by now. “Nothing,” I mutter, disappointment sitting heavy in my chest. “Should I message him again?”
“No,” Maeve says immediately. “God, no. Double texting? Big red flag. He’ll think you’re into him.”
“I am into him.”
She throws her hands up in mock surrender. “Hey, man. I don’t make the rules. You’ll just seem super eager, that’s all.”
I sigh. “I was worried I would.”
“Just give him some time. If he’s really interested, he’ll reach out. And if not, cut the loser loose. I don’t see any point getting all flustered over a guy and one date.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
“I know I’m right.”
“It’s just as well. I don’t think we’re very compatible.”
“What makes you say that?”
I shrug, not really feeling up to explaining myself right now. “He’s just… I don’t know. A guy like him needs Jessica Rabbit on his arm. Someone who appreciates his style and lifestyle.”
Maeve punches me lightly in the arm. “Hey. Haven’t we been over this? He asked you out. Maybe he’s had a string of Jessica Rabbits, and now he wants someone who’s actually real.”
Elvis, the old boy, stirs and howls a rough bark. He’s normally too busy sleeping to make much noise, so his sudden holler catches us both by surprise. It’s almost like he’s trying to agree with Maeve, which I appreciate.
“Thanks,” I mumble. “Now, we really should get to work. Have you tried taking Gaga out for a walk yet?”
Maeve nods. “I did, but she’s still super nervous. I could only convince her to round the building. She’s chilled out a lot since Scooter left, though. He was probably riling her up. How is he, by the way?”
“Adjusting well, I think. Happy.”
“That’s good.”
“I’ll try taking her out for a walk again. I think she might be a bit more comfortable with me. Can you please make sure to brush Elvis while I’m out?”
“Of course.”
While Maeve gets busy with the rest of her duties, I take my time helping put Gaga’s leash on. She squirms, tries to run and hide, but the most important thing is that she isn’t aggressive. She whines, but never growls or dares to show her teeth. The Pitbull is a timid little thing, worthy of extra time and extra love. Once she’s certain I mean no harm, I manage to guide her outside slowly. I allow her to lead me, taking things at her own pace.
Gaga startles every time a loud car whizzes by. My heart warms every time she hides between my legs for protection. She has been making incredible progress, and I’m committed to helping her every step of the way. We make it almost two blocks —a significant improvement— before she finally sits down and refuses to go any further. Gaga’s probably nervous about being in brand-new territory, and I don’t blame her.
“Come on, baby,” I coo, scratching her behind the ear. “Let’s head back. I think you deserve a nice treat.”
She barks in agreement, leading the way home.
It occurs to me then just how much I love my job. It isn’t fancy, and sometimes it’s incredibly stressful, but only because I really want to see my babies find good homes and loving families. I’d never give up what I have. Not in a million years.
But I can’t see Asher feeling the same way.
I check my phone one last time before returning to the shelter to resume work.
No new message.
12
ASHER
The last week has been full of nothing but fire after fire. The second I manage to put one out, another springs up as if to laugh and say ‘just kidding.’ Unhappy guests, a double-booked conference room for high paying executives, a stack of unaccounted casino chips, seven of my employees requesting vacation time all at once. My to-do list is never-ending.
This is the first time that I’ve actually been allowed to catch my breath, though the threat of something else potentially going wrong continues to have me on my toes. It’s exhausting. I honestly have no idea how I’ve managed to last this long without burning out before. I’m practically sinking into the couch, head tilted back to stare mindlessly at one of the crystals of the chandelier in the living room.
Scooter is curled up on my lap. I’ve told him repeatedly that he’s not allowed on the furniture, but it seems that he’s found a way around my rule by using me as a cushion. Technically, he’s not on the furniture, so I can’t even be mad. I scratch my dog behind the ear, noting the way his short fur is beginning to matte.
“I think it might be high time for another bath, Scoot. You’re starting to stink.” His ears perk at this. Scooter immediately hops off my lap to race down the hall and hide in his room. I get up and start after him. “Come on, buddy. Don’t be such a big baby.”
He hides beneath the guestroom’s bed, knowing full well there’s no way I’m going to be able to reach him. I have to get down on my knees to check up on him, lifting the bedskirt to peer at two dark black eyes watching me in the shadows.
“Were you always this difficult with Lake?”
Scooter barks. I take it as a no.
With a sigh, I sit down on the carpeted floor and reach into my back pocket for my phone. Lake hasn’t reached out since our date. At least, that’s what I think until I realize there is a message from her. It’s a short text, buried beneath almost a hundred other business-related messages. I mentally kick myself. She sent it almost a week ago.
Where are you?
I look at the date and time. She must have just woken up and asked after me. And, like an idiot, I failed to answer. Now that I think about it, I realize Todd never did get around to messaging Lake on my behalf. I can’t even blame my nephew. Things got so crazy that I lost track of what I was doing, and it’s on me for not checking in sooner.
A sinking feeling settles in the pit of my stomach.
She probably thinks I ghosted her.
“Shit.”
I need to remedy the situation immediately, so I call instead of text, praying that she actually picks up. When she doesn’t, I try again. It’s the middle of the day, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Lake is busy working at the shelter.
She picks up on the fourth ring.
“Hello?”
“Lake, hi.”
“Oh, um, hi.” There’s a nervous quiver in her voice, a hint of apprehension. “How are you?”
“I’ve been better. Things have been crazy at work.”
“I feel that. Things have been kind of crazy here, too.”
“What’s going on?”
“We’re hosting an adoption event. It’s going really well, but I’m also trying to prepare for a huge arrival. Some puppy mill got shut down yesterday, and since the shelter’s the closest one around, we’re getting the majority of the dogs.”
“Sounds like you have your hands full.”
“I do.”
“Do you… Should I let you go?”
“N-no!” she says quickly. “I mean, I can take a break. What’s up?”
“I wanted to apologize. I meant to have Todd reach out and ask you to call me when you had the time, but it seems we got our wires crossed.”
“Oh,” she says, like it’s a huge relief to hear. “I see.”
“I should have called sooner.”
“It’s all right.”
“Are you free tonight? I’d like to take you out to dinner again.”
“Tonight? Uh…” I can hear a bit of distant talking in the distance. It sounds like there might be a customer or two at the shelter. “Yeah. Dinner tonight s
ounds great. Pick me up around seven?”
My heart shoots up into my chest. “Excellent. Seven’s great. I’ll make the reservation.”
“Sounds good. Give Scooter my love for me.”
“Sure thing.”
I can’t remember the last time I felt this genuinely excited to see someone. It feels childish in a way, the almost boyish and carefree part of me that I’ve buried deep inside for the sake of effective business is slowly bubbling to the surface.
I don’t think it was ever this way with Natalia. Natalia was nice and she was there, but what was supposed to be a spark was more of a dim flicker of candlelight. The thought of seeing Lake is something else entirely, like the promise of a fireworks show or a dazzling meteor shower.
Scooter follows me into my walk-in closet as I pick out a nice suit to wear. As I’m about to pick out a suit, Scooter barks. I raise a brow at him.
“Not this one?” I ask. Scooter barks again, like he’s seriously trying to reply. I slowly reach for the next suit, but he barks again. “What? Suddenly you’re a fashionista now?” Scooter growls in overt disapproval. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
I end up choosing a pair of black slacks and a white button-down, rolling up my sleeves for a more casual spin on my everyday attire. When Scooter doesn’t protest, I take it as a good sign that he finally approves of my choice. He follows me to the front door where I make sure to give him a good scratch behind the ear before grabbing my keys and wallet to head out.
“Be good,” I tell him. “Mary will be here in half an hour to keep you company. Maybe we’ll go for a walk after that, OK?”
I’m about to step out into the hall when I stop, mid-stride. I’m cut off by Todd, who looks more overwhelmed and exasperated than usual.
“What’s going on?” I ask him.
“I think I screwed up, Uncle Asher. I think…”
I pat him on the shoulder. “Calm down. Just tell me what happened.”
“I accidentally double booked you. Larry from accounting and Michael from security both want to speak with you. They’ve been waiting in the office for fifteen minutes, but I totally forgot that you said you were going out tonight and I forgot to reschedule. I swear there must have been some sort of glitch in my calendar or something because they’re both booked to see you at the same time and now they’re getting frustrated because they’ve been waiting so long and—”
