Page 2 of Wild Ace

My mom is gorgeous, smart, and doesn’t take shit from anyone, which is how she liked to tell me she won my dad over. He loved that she was a strong woman who liked to live life to the fullest. So, it’s no wonder the rich, handsome, and successful businessman from New York City was drawn to her and pursued her until she finally agreed to go out with him.

She turned him down for a few years, I think in part to me still being in high school at the time and not wanting to do anything that might change my life before I was able to be on my own. But I also think it was in part to her being scared to move on with her life after my dad.

I knew she would eventually, and I really do want her to be happy, but I still miss my dad.

Pulling up my text thread with my friend Cassie, I tap the call button, and it only takes two rings for her to answer.

“Hey, Lex,” she greets.

“Hey, are you busy tonight?”

“I am now,” she says, and I can hear the excitement in her voice. “What are we doing?”

“My grandfather just threw me out of the deli and ordered me to call you to get dressed up and go out.”

“Your grandpa is amazing.” She laughs. “And since he ordered you to, that means we have to.”

“Exactly.”

I met Cassie on my first day of classes freshman year of college. She came breezing in five minutes late and took the empty seat beside me, ignoring the look the professor was giving her. Instead, she whispered hi to me and took a sip of her iced coffee that I later found out was the reason she was late. That’s when I knew we would be good friends.

“I’ve been dying to go to Royals, the club inside The Aces Casino, since I turned 21. These girls in class last week were talking way too loud about it, bragging about how amazing it was.”

I roll my eyes. “Of course they were. Want to come over and get ready together? I’m leaving the deli now.”

“Yes, I’m looking through my closet as we speak. Oh!” she gasps. “I’m bringing this for you to wear. It’s going to look amazing and show off everything that needs showing off!”

“I have clothes, Cass.”

“But not this dress. See you soon!” She hangs up before I can say anything else and I shake my head, already knowing it’s going to be an adventurous night.

It’s only a five-minute drive to my apartment, and once inside, I clean up a little, pull out takeout menus for options while we get ready, and pour the rest of my open bottle of wine into a glass to down before Cassie gets here.

I haven’t gone out dancing or drinking since before my nonno’s fall, and now that he’s forced it on me, I’m actually pretty excited. That doesn’t mean I won’t step out at some point to call him to make sure he’s okay, though.

Her knock at the door comes a half hour later, and when I open it, she bursts in like the ball of human energy she is.

“I’m so glad you called me today,” she says in a rush. “I’ve been dying to go out, but I know you’re busy and it hasn’t really been on your radar.”

“Sorry, I–”

“No, I’m sorry,” she says over me. “I didn’t mean it negatively. I totally understand why. I’ve just missed you is all.”

“Cassie,” I croon, pulling her in for a hug. “I’ve missed you, too. I only have my grandfather and my mom now, and I just can’t fathom losing him yet.”

“You won’t,” she assures me. “He’s doing well since the surgery, yes?”

“Yeah, which is why I should worry a little less, I guess.”

“Exactly. And especially tonight. Tonight is about letting loose and having fun.”

“I can get behind that.” I smile.

“Then let’s do a shot to seal the deal!” Cassie claps her hands together and goes to my freezer, knowing I always have a bottle of vodka at the ready.

She pulls out two short tumbler glasses from my cabinet and pours a good amount in each.

“That’s more than a shot.”

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