“Ellie, I have no money. Like, none. I told you I lost itall.”
“That’s impossible. How long have you been there?”
“I don’t…I don’t know. I’ve lost track.”
“What, have you been drunk the whole damn time?”
“Kind of…yeah.”
“Does Denice know about this?”
“No, and please don’t tell her. I’m begging you.”
“I’m sure she’ll figure it out.” I sneer. She’ll be his nextcall, I guarantee it. “And what stupid, hair-brained scheme did youthink was going to make you win, Will? You’ve only been to Vegasonce before and you lost your shirt then. Why did you ever consentto this?”
“I don’t know, Ellie. Like I said, I lost my head. After webroke up, I just, I don’t know. I don’t think things will ever bethe same.”
“Will, I can’t have this conversation again. You and I bothagreed that we’re much better apart.”
“Well, that’s half true, Ellie. You’re better off without me,but I’m falling apart.”
“Clearly. But, Will, you need to get some help. Don’t drownyour sorrows in Vegas with that tramp. You want my opinion I thinkshe saw you coming.”
“See? That’s why I need you, Ellie. You always were the wiseone.”
“Sounds like a stable relationship to me, Will. You keepmaking all the messes and I’ll continue cleaning themup.”
“You know what I mean, Ellie. “
“Yes, I do.” I guffaw, exasperated. “How much vacation time doyou have, Will? If you don’t even know how long you’ve been therefor, how do you know when you’re due back at work?”
“I lost my job, Ellie.”
I run myfingers through my hair, feeling like I want to vomit. Will was thetop investment banker at his branch. Sure, he didn’t make the sevenfigures a year that I do, but he made more than all of hiscolleagues at that bank. “Please tell me you’re drunk and don’tknow what you’re saying.”
“I’m serious, Ellie. I forgot what day it was and didn’t showup for work. My boss called when a client showed up and I wasn’tthere. I was drunk and said something stupid. Got an email an hourlater.”
“Well, first of all, that’s illegal. But nonetheless, Will,you need to get out of there and get home. You may be able tosalvage your job if you hop on the next plane and gethome.”
“How am I going to do that without money, Ellie?”
“You mean to tell me you’ve maxed out all your credit cardstoo?”
I hearsomething in the background and Will whispers quickly. “Shit,Ellie, I’ve gotta go.” The line goes dead. I hesitate for a momentas I watch Maverick and his lady friend up ahead, getting out ofhis truck. Will has been a thorn in my side for far too long, andas much as I hate bothering Denice about it, I need to unload him.He begged me not to, but it’s all I’ve got.
Diallingher number I feel my gut clench. She answers on the first ring.“Hey, I hope I’m not bothering you.”
“No. Not at all. Something’s wrong. I can tell by yourvoice.”
“It’s Will. He’s dig himself into a pile of shit and he beggedme not to tell you but I just…I just can’t deal with him anymore.I’ve got enough problems of my own.”
Shesighs. “What’s he done now?”
“Lost his job for starters. And he thinks he’s got himselftied up in the mob now. That slut friend of his seems to be marriedto one.”
“Was he drunk again?”
“I think so. But not as bad as the last time hecalled.”
