This is a rewrite of 'Vegas', combining both Books. While maintaining the theme, it offers a completely different and fresh take for the main characters.
Grateful thanks go to the best editor in the world – thesoundandfury - not only for his editing, but also for the constant encouragement, suggestions, and for helping me to become a better writer.
Chapter 5: Rosie is surprised
"I don't understand!" Daniel spat out the words.
"Don't get upset," Grace said in a matter of fact way that was difficult for him to believe.
He ran a hand through his crinkly hair. "Grace, I'm not angry, I'm confused!" Why now? Why did she want to end their relationship right now? It didn't make sense. Except… it did. She'd just spent the last half-hour explaining to him while she packed. It wasn't working between them. She had an opportunity for success. And she didn't need him any longer.
"You're not confused, Daniel," she told him, climbing out of the chair beside the dressing table, "because I've just explained." Turning back to the nearly full suitcase on the bed, she resumed the final bits of her packing.
"You had a successful night, so you're—"
The brunette slammed the suitcase lid closed and picked up her cosmetic bag. "That's not quite what I said, Daniel," she sighed, "cleaning out the top drawer from the cabinet. "We both know we've been drifting apart, for too long now. It just hasn't been working for us, we've just agreed that."
"I know that, Grace, but I'd hoped—"
Her head shot up. "You've just told me what you hoped Daniel. We've been talking about this for the last hour. With my new contract at Samuel Smith's, this'll give me the chance to make my own way. I want to stand on my own two feet, see how far I can make it. It's as simple as that, Daniel. Okay?" She spat out the last word, as if putting a full stop under the discussion.
"So, your new contract includes a suite at the Bellagio?"
"Just for the time being, Daniel. For Lauren and I. Then I'll find somewhere local to stay. I'm here for a three months, so I'll need to rent a more permanent place for that time. This just gives me some breathing space."
He nodded, at a loss to know what to say. Deep down, he realised the sense of everything Grace had said. Maybe it was just the suddenness that spooked him? He slowly eased up from the corner of the bed, walking across to the window and staring out onto the Strip.
"That's it," Grace told him, finishing her work.
He swung back around to a face that was full of excitement, even if it was tinged with a hint of sadness around her eyes.
"I want us to leave on good terms if we can, Daniel," she said, closing the distance between them and pulling him into a bear hug. "I only want the best for you."
Her words, scent and demeanour all felt wrong. Daniel couldn't quite place it, but there was a piece of the jigsaw still missing. He shrugged it away. After all, did it really matter now? "And the same with you, Grace," he sighed. "I know how you've worked for this opportunity. You deserve it. And I know you'll be successful. You've always had the talent."
"Thanks, Daniel, I'm pleased you did so well yesterday, too," she brightly smiled, turning back to her bags. "Good luck with your Main Event."
He nodded. He hadn't seen his girlfriend this happy for some time. "Grace," he began, but she was already turning to answer the sharp rap on the door.
"Hello," she smiled at the bellboy. "It's the large suitcase to go downstairs, please. "Look," she said turning back to Daniel, "Lauren's waiting in reception for me. I really have to go."
He took a long breath as the feeling of emptiness ran through him. "Here's your other bag," he said, handing her the cosmetic case and accepting the kiss on his cheek. On his cheek, for God's sake! "Stay in touch, Grace, and take care. You know where I am if you need anything."
She smiled at him one final time, and then she was gone.
***
How long was it since she'd heard from that bastard of a boyfriend? Thirty-six hours? Whatever poker game he'd got himself into, he was either being very successful or desperately attempting to repair the damage. So what was new? Sometimes she wouldn't hear from him for a couple of days and then he'd turn up, with their bank balance another thousand or so less than it was.
Except he'd promised her those days were behind him. Her hysterical sounding laugh frightened her. Next, she'd be talking to herself.
Turning back to the mirror, she finished drying her hair. It'd have to do, and anyway, a brush through it before she left home would make it respectable. Home? That was a laugh. The run down apartment was desperately in need of attention, but that wasn't going to happen for some time now.
The thousand or so that she'd managed to save over the last twelve months had gone to help with Charlie's gambling debts. Every cent she earned from her job went the same way. Her job? Could you call prostitution a job? Flopping back down on the bed, she couldn't hold back the tears.
Get hold of yourself, girl, she told herself even as she buried her face in her hands. A few deep breaths managed to stifle the sobs.
Moving to the box of tissues on the dresser, she wiped away the tears. Glancing at her reflection in the mirror, she gave a wry smile. In the white bra and boy shorts, she still looked sexy—at least she had that in her favour.
She'd resisted Charlie's suggestion to move in with her and now she knew why. If he'd been gambling again, it would be all over between them. If? A rueful laugh pierced the air again. She'd allowed him to persuade her to fuck the club's clientele on the basis he gave up every form of gambling.
Just for a short time, he'd said! While he found a regular job and paid off his debts. And she'd fallen for it—how stupid!
He'd sworn he'd never gamble again and she'd fallen for it. Become a whore. What sort of man would want his girl to fuck other men? For money? It wasn't right and if she was honest with herself, something had died between them when he'd pleaded with her to help him that way.
She'd have it out with him when he returned.
For now, she had to get dressed. The phone message had said that Big Eddie wanted to see her that morning. What the hell was that all about? She'd seen her fellow workers called before the gangster before and it hadn't been a pretty sight. The man had a quick temper and the girls who'd left his office in tears were never seen again.
But that was when they'd been up to something. She hadn't. Maybe he wanted her to work different hours? Or longer hours? Goodness knows, she needed the money. Reaching for her red tee shirt, she checked the time. Damn, her watch had stopped again. God knows when she'd be able to afford a new one.
