“Okay, okay, I get it,” he raises a hand, “but, we have obligations with this thing. I’ve signed the deals and the money’s in the bank. These are not the type of people you mess around with.”
I look at him sharply. “What the hell do you mean by that?”
“Nothing,” he answers quickly. Too quickly. “Look, let’s just do this tour. The money’s good. Better than good. You’ll be set for the rest of the year. Then you can take all the time you want. Hell, I’ll clear a month for you. You can have all the pussy time you need.” He bobs his eyebrows, trying to make light of it. I’m not impressed. I drain my beer and put the glass on the bar. It’s whisked away and replaced with another. The bartender sets another martini in front of Cory.
“I didn’t order another round,” I say tersely. The man shrugs. He’s one of those hipster types with a beard that’s groomed to perfection and a thick wave of hair swept back from his forehead. Coolness oozes from him.
“From the ladies over there.” He nods down to the end of the bar. Cory grins and raises his glass to them.
I look over and groan inwardly.‘Ah, geez, not again.’I recognize the blonde from the hospital.‘I’m not in the mood right now.’I push the drink away and turn back to Cory, who’s leering down at the women. “When do we leave?” I say. My tone is heavy with resignation.
He glances back at me, looking sheepish for a moment. “Tomorrow night.”
I do a double-take. “Tomorrow night?” I want to hit him. “Jesus, Cory! And you’re telling me now? I’ve only just got back, for God’s sake!”
The blonde is making her way over, towing her friend behind her. I feel another flicker of recognition. She’s the redhead who was also at the hospital. The one with the liquid brown eyes. She doesn’t seem to share her friend’s enthusiasm to get over to us but the blonde isn’t taking the hint. I get the feeling she doesn’t even know what a hint is. They’re both dressed in typical ‘chick’s night out’ gear – there are tits and ass everywhere – and it’s clear their sights are set on me.
“Everything’s arranged, Sam, there’s nothing to worry about except getting on your flight,” Cory is saying. “And your cat will be fine. The sitter’s great, right? I got that organized for you. Come on, cut me some slack here.” He’s not taking no for an answer.
“Fine,” I say finally, rising abruptly. “But this is the last fucking time, Cory. If you pull another stunt like this, you and I are done. This is Vegas. I can snap my fingers and there’ll be a string of publicists waiting in line.” He nods quickly. I’m fuming.
“For sure, Sam, never again. I swear it.” He extends his arm for a handshake; an act of conciliation. I take his hand, my face grim.
“Atticus Colt!” the blonde interrupts us. She’s just reached us, and she’s flicking her hair and sticking her chest out. This is the last thing I need. “We met at the hospital, remember?” I nod. “Youhaveto have a drink with us. I insist!” She’s brazen and that’s bad right now. I’mreallynot in the mood.
“Thanks,” I say as politely as I can, given the circumstances and my temper. “I’m busy right now.”
She pouts. “But it seems like you’re done talking. And your drinks have just arrived.” Cory winks at her and looks as if he’s about to make space for her to sit down. I’m starting to wonder if he has a death wish.
“Not interested,” I snap, my anger peeling out. My voice is sharp enough to draw attention.
The redhead shrinks back a bit, and for a moment, I feel a bit shitty. She’s actually quite lovely, and when I look closer, I see something of that small boy in her face. The huge eyes, the delicate features. But Blondie has her hand on my arm.
“Oh go on, don’t be like that,” she presses. She really doesn’t want to get the hint. “It’s my friend’s birthday. Have some fun with us.” She’s rubbing up against me, and something snaps inside.
“I said I’m not fucking interested!” I bark out, yanking my arm away. Why the hell do people think they can just touch me when they want to? “Now get out of my face and leave me the fuck alone!” People are openly staring now. Blondie gasps in shock, her expression almost comical.But what did she fucking expect? I grab my keys off the bar counter, turn on my heel and barge past her. The redhead has a hand over her mouth. “Happy birthday,” I mutter as I stalk past her.
She still hasn’t said a word.
When I get into the parking lot, I take several deep breaths to calm down. I’m raging inside. Trapped like an animal. Cory treats me like a fucking commodity; something to peddle like a drug dealer.
I see my Mustang parked on the other side of the lot, but I ignore it and stride over to the nearby bus-shelter where an old man has been sitting since I arrived. I know he’s not going anywhere.
He has no place to go.
He looks up. His hair is grizzled, gray stubble flecks his dark cheeks. There’s an emptiness in his eyes. He’s expecting me to tell him to get lost, or worse.
There’s a weight in my shirt pocket, and I reach my fingers in as I get to the guy. A flash of gold glints as I haul out Cory’s Rolex and press it into his hand. His mouth drops open.
“Take this to Benny’s just behind the Strip,” I say. “Tell him Sam sent you. He’ll give you a good deal.” Before he can reply, I turn and head to my ‘Stang. His expression is enough to ease my mood a little.
And fuck Cory.
It’s his own fault for thinking that a simple handshake can fix things between us. I grin. It’s not a pleasant expression.
“Hey!” a woman’s voice stops me in my tracks. “Hey, you!” I turn in the direction of the sound, and stare in astonishment.
