Page 64 of Caesar DeLuca
But I could hear the frown in her voice. “That’s all? You’re too young to be so boring, sweetie. Take a chance for once.”
Normally, I wouldn’t care what Ms. Beverly or anyone else had to say about how I spend my time. I’ve savored every moment I’ve been reclusive. I haven’t missed my old life or what I had with Freddie.
That wasn’t why Ms. Bev’s words stuck with me.
I hung up from our phone call with my head full of thoughts about one person and one person only.
Caesar DeLuca.
The man I saved from the side of the road, then nursed back to health; the same man who made me feel things I’m still not sure how to explain.
He was an enigma wrapped up in hard stares and deep scowls. Danger and passion blended together. Intense yet real in every way.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him.
Even though I’ve pushed him away and told him never to return, he’s been on my mind. Our short time together still feels fresh. What fool ever said you get over feelings easily?
It’s been months, and I’m still just as hung up on him.
Will I see him tonight? What will he do when he sees me? How will he feel if I turn up on his casino floor?
Every possible scenario plays out in my head over the next hour I’m driving. Caesar enthusiastic to see me. Caesar angry I’ve turned up. Caesar as confused as I am about what I’m doing and why I’m there.
Atlantic City’s twinkling lights shine from the highway. The Crown casino most of all—it’s a tall wall of glittering gold, a huge lit-up crown perched at the very top of the building. I smile to myself driving by.
Caesar’s operation is thriving. It meant so much to him that it makes me happy to see.
He’s been flourishing and doing so well. He probably doesn’t even think back to our time together.
A last-minute bolt of insecurity strikes me and has me second-guessing myself. I’ve already pulled off the highway and gotten in the turn lane to make a left into the Crown’s parking garage. My blinker’s on, the clicking noise echoing in my otherwise silent car.
You can turn back, Ari. You don’t have to do this.
“Shut up,” I mutter under my breath. “I’ve just driven three hours.”
The light turns green. I press my foot on the gas and hang the left turn. Overnight parking is a whole twenty dollars.
“I see you’re ripping people off, Caesar.”
I smile to myself as I press my car alarm and make a mental note to tease him about his exorbitant prices later.
If I even see him tonight. If he even wants to see me…
I continue flip flopping between this moment being a mistake and it being a fun, spontaneous adventure. As I enter the revolving glass doors into the casino and a blast of shivering cold air conditioning hits me, I realize it’s both.
That’s how conflicted I am.
I breathe in and out, steadying my nerves. Then I set off through the dense casino, trying to exude even half the confidence I hoped to have.
The Crown is like every other casino I’ve ever been to. Just shinier.
It practically gleams as I peer around at all the touches of gold. The marble flooring feels polished and smooth as my heels tap with every step I take. The entire place has been decorated like some kind of extravagant palace.
The casino really is royal.
I wander by the crowded game tables and slot machines with no real destination in mind. I end up stopping by one of the many bars and ordering myself a drink.
“An amaretto sour. Thanks.”
