I raise my hand to flag down a waiter.
Jamie’s eyes widen, and he jumps up and pries my arm down. “No!”
God, I know I shouldn’t tease him so much, but it’s just sofun.
“What’s the matter?” I nudge. “It’s their job.”
“It’sinsane.”
“You think it doesn’t happen all the time? I’m sure that would be one of the easier requests they’ve fielded. And I tip well, so it’s practically a gift.”
“That’s no excuse.”
“You wouldn’t pocket five hundred dollars for spendingfifteen minutes picking up some fast food?”
Jamie’s eyes widen. “That’s what they make?”
“That’s what I tip.”
I watch the gears grind in Jamie’s head. Finally, he says, “I don’t think anyone should have that much power. It doesn’t seem healthy.”
“Neither is fast food,” I counter.
“I have to be careful what I wish for around you,” he grumbles. “You’re like a sadistic genie.”
I laugh. I think I’ve laughed more in Jamie’s presence these few weeks than in the past year. Two years, even.
“There are a lot of reasons to be careful around me,” I croon. While Jamie is still shivering, I ask, “What’s your birthday?”
“February first… why?”
I lead him over to the roulette table and put a stack each on one and two.
“Oh, don’t do that,” Jamie murmurs.
“Why?”
“Because then it’s my fault when you lose.”
I crack a smile as the wheel spins. I have a good feeling about tonight. It’s a win-win for me. Either I blow Jamie’s mind, or I have something to tease him about for hours. Days, even.
The ball slows, spiraling towards the center.
Jamie holds his breath.
The ball settles on two.
“Or,” I counter, sweeping up the pile of chips from the dealer. “You’re my good-luck charm. You just made me sixty thousand dollars.”
Jamie chokes. “Those chips are worththatmuch?”
“Here,” I say, handing him two. “Pick anything. Except red or black, that’s a cop out.”
“When’s your birthday?”
“August twenty-second.”
“Oh, it’s coming up.”
