Page 10 of Dirty Money

"I know, and that's a whole other issue that we need to discuss."

I choose to ignore that comment. She's not going to like what I have to say.

"Come on,” I change the subject, “I'll drive you to the airport."

I take her small hand in mine and pick up her suitcase. Inside the car I hired, I sit close to her and put my arm around her, but we ride in silence to the airport. A part of me is definitely leaving on that plane to New York, and I wish I were going with her. Our goodbye kiss is fierce yet tender, and tears roll down her cheeks.

"No tears, Pixie. I'll see you soon." I wipe the tears with my thumb.

"You'll let me know if your guy gets some dirt on Bradley? Something we can use to get him to back off?"

"We're getting close. Don't worry,” I assure.

With a final hug and kiss on her forehead, I watch her board her plane to New York, leaving my heart in pieces.

Amber

I finally arrive home and lock myself in. I leave my suitcase at the entrance and go get a glass of water. The girls have been texting me all week, and I've put them off too long. But the one message that catches my attention is one from my friend Gemma. She seems to be in some kind of trouble. Money trouble. My first instinct is to talk to Jason about it, but he's not here. I left him in Vegas with my heart.

A long call with Gemma tells me she's in bigger trouble than I thought. So I contact Jason and give him the information I have on Gemma's new beau. I think she's being naive, but who am I to judge? I trusted Bradley all those years ago, and look where it got me. When Jason gets back to me, he tells me this guy Murphy is in all sorts of trouble. A con man. I immediately ask Gemma to move in with me for a bit until we can confront this guy.

My heart jumps when Jason says he's coming to New York sooner than expected so we can help Gemma with her problem. How could I have fallen so hard for this man in such a short time? Maybe I'm the one being naive. It's probably all about the great sex, and trust me, the sex is phenomenal. Surely, I'm being blinded by the things he makes me feel.

But I'm wasting time thinking about myself instead of being there for my friend. She comes over, and I fix her some chamomile tea to calm her down.

"Gemma, Jason is really good at these kinds of things. He'll help you."

"Where do you know him from?" She asks after taking a sip of her tea.

"Las Vegas. I met him in one of the casinos I went to play at. He's a security contractor for different casinos there."

"Is that why you didn't return with the girls on Sunday?"

"He asked me to stay with him the week."

"And?"

"It was amazing, Gemma. But I think I'm just overwhelmed by all the hot sex we had. This can't be real."

"You're in love with him." She beams.

"No, no. Infatuated to the extreme, but I wouldn't say in love. That's… Are you in love with your con man?"

"Don't call him that. I was slowly starting to give my heart to him, yes."

"Are you going to tell the girls about what's happening?"

"Eventually. When I don't feel like such a fool."

"You are not a fool. These guys know how to manipulate people to get what they want."

"Thank you for helping me. And thank your Jason, too. I think I'm going to lie down for a bit."

"Okay."

For the next two hours, I can't stop looking at my phone to see if Jason has landed at JFK. I wanted to invite him to stay over, but I don't think it's wise with Gemma here at my apartment. I've missed him so much, and it's only been a couple of days. Then, a message finally comes from him.

Jason: My plane has landed, Pix. Where can I see you?

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