CHAPTER NINE
The jet touches down and I stretch, smiling. I text Maria. *Just touched down. Be there after I visit the Club.*
*Have a good time. We’re having Black Barbecue Pork Chops. Don’t be late.*
*Yum!*
Leaving the airport, I drive straight to Been Jammin'. When I arrive, Jimmy recognizes my Jag and positions himself to park it for me. When it’s my turn, he opens my door. "My man, Moore. You’re here early."
I step out. "I’m here to ensure everything is ready for tonight."
"Tonight? You mean tonight’s the night?"
I chuckle as I hand him my keys. "Yes, it is."
"Are you going to tell me who?"
"Nope." My smile feels like it’s brighter than the sun.
Walking through the casino, I head for Rebecca’s table. She smiles a warm greeting when she sees me approaching. "Aurei, are you excited?"
I sit down at her table. "Excited and nervous." I give her my Been Jammin' card and she swipes it, then slides it back with a stack of chips. I gamble at her table while we visit. "Has everything been delivered?"
"Last time I checked everything was here and the crew was setting it up." She grins. "I don’t know anyone who deserves each other more than you two. You’re both fucking awesome and I hope, no, I know you two will hit it off together."
"You haven’t told anyone?"
"Nope. I’ve kept your secret. I asked around and no one knows who’s going to be entertained in the room tonight." She laughs. "No one suspects it’s Seary, so she hasn’t told anyone either."
"Thanks. This should be epic."
"I can’t wait to tell her I’ve kept your secret all these months and helped you plan it."
"I really appreciate your help making this come together."
"No problem. I’m glad I could. Are you going in to see the room before time?"
"No. I think I’ll wait too. So, how’s your love life? Any plans for tonight?"
She smiles. "Monty says he’s got a surprise for me. I told him this morning that just waking up beside him was the best Valentine’s Day gift I could have received, but he says he has something special for me. Not to work late."
"Any idea what it could be?"
"No and I love surprises so I didn’t snoop around before coming to work either."
"Have you gotten him anything?"
"I saw this sexy teddy yesterday window shopping. I’m going to stop by on my way home and pick it up."
"He’ll like that." I grin at her.
I play several more hands of Blackjack with her, but I can’t concentrate. The man sitting next to me says. "Dude. You seriously should consider a new dealer. You’re losing your ass here."
"That’s a clue to get out of here," I tell them, then slide my chips back. "That’s your tip, Rebecca."
"Aurei. I’m speechless." She tells me with tears in her eyes.
I stand up, give her a wink and tell her. "A small token of thanks. Happy Valentine’s Day."
