Page 3 of Reckless Chance
Justin interrupts my thoughts, saying, “We’ll be pulling up to the VIP entrance in a few minutes.”
“Thanks,” I reply, looking out the window as the Grand Athena Resort and Casino comes into view. Spectacular white and blue buildings are the backdrop for a crystal blue lake that mimics the Aegean Sea. It’s as if someone plucked the structures straight from the Greek islands. Fuchsia bougainvillea flowers drape over the lapis balconies. They create a breathtaking contrast with the bright white walls of the Mykonos Tower where Sean and I shared a long weekend of steamy nights in his penthouse apartment.
Now that I’m back, I can’t help wondering what Vegas has in store for me this time.
Will there be magical moments, mysterious men, or more mayhem? It’s time to find out.
3
LOWRI
The exterior of the Grand Athena is eye-catching, but it dims in comparison to the interior. Even though I’ve been here before, walking into the lobby still takes my breath away. I’ve magically stepped onto a Greek island. It’s bright and airy with electric blue and dazzling white décor. Flowers cascade from every pillar surrounding the giant statue of Athena in the center of the lobby, and individual, white-washed reception desks dot the far side, watched over by statues of other Greek gods and goddesses.
Not to mention, the lobby is literally an indoor island. Yes, it’s surrounded by water, and the glass wall behind the reception desks reveals an outdoor Greek-themed village with shops, cafes, and abundant flowers on the far side of the swimming pools. Small water taxis transport guests between the lobby and either the shops, the casino, or the Mykonos and Santorini guest towers. Other visitors hurry across walking bridges that connect all the areas.
As I’m heading toward the check-in line, a familiar man approaches, hand outstretched. “Ms. Upton, I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Christian Laurent, the VIP concierge.”
“Of course, I remember you. How are you doing?”
“Very well. Thank you for asking. Welcome back.”
“I didn’t expect to be back this soon, but there’s a party to plan.”
“That’s what I’m told. Let me walk you to your room while I go over the schedule with you.”
“Don’t you need my credit card first?”
“That’s not necessary. Your room and expenses have already been taken care of.”
I squint in confusion. “What do you mean? Prince Evan is only paying forpartof my stay. I’m still responsible for the rest.”
“I don’t know the details, but your room accommodations are set. Follow me this way. You’re staying in the Lapis Suite in the Mykonos Tower. Your luggage has already been sent up. We’ll make a quick stop to scan your palm print, so you can use it to open your door. Then we’ll head upstairs.”
“That’s great. Wait a second. Did you say suite? I didn’t reserve a suite.”
“Due to security and other logistics, Mr. Cartwright and Prince Evan have made specific requests for your accommodations.”
I follow him. “That makes sense, I guess. I keep forgetting the implications of my best friend dating a prince. Evan must always be worried about security.”
“It’s normal for us too. We have celebrities stay with us on a regular basis. Security is a constant concern.”
“I can only imagine. What’s next on the agenda?”
“Since the party is only three days away, Mr. Cartwright requests that you meet him in the Adonis Lounge at 6:00 p.m. tonight to work on the plans. Will that work for you? If so, I’ll let him know.”
“Yes. I’ll be there. Do you know if the party invitations have gone out yet?”
“Given the extremely short notice, they went out by email and text today. At Prince Evan’s request, we’ve invited the people he and Ms. Edwards met during their last visit, along with others Mr. Cartwright wanted to include.”
After an express elevator ride, we arrive at double doors with a sign designating it as “The Lapis Suite.” I start to ask a question, but when Christian swings the doors open, I lose my train of thought, gasping at the sight in front of me. This place is bigger than my condo in San Diego. We walk into an enormous living and dining room with glistening marble floors and white leather sofas covered in mounds of lapis, turquoise, and navy pillows. Glass and chrome tables, crystal chandeliers, and fuzzy blue and white rugs add to the suite’s theme. My attention quickly turns to the twenty-foot width of frameless glass doors, opening onto a large balcony with a hot tub, overlooking the Las Vegas strip. Wow.
Christian says, “As you can see, you have a full bar to my left. It’s stocked with drinks. The door at the left end of the bar leads to the bedroom. To our far right is a small kitchen where you will find various snacks. If you need anything else, Jenny will be at your service.”
“Who’s Jenny?” I ask.
“That would be me, Miss Upton,” a fortyish woman wearing a black suit says as she emerges from the bedroom and bows slightly. “I’m your butler.”
Doing a double take, I cover my shock with a cough, remembering Sean has a male butler, who interrupted us once during my last visit. His timing was unfortunate, to say the least. Oh well.
