Page 74 of Carnal

He grunts. "Try it. Thousand dollars says you love it."

"Thousand bucks?" I double-check.

"Yep. But you have to be honest. I'm ready to take your money," he booms.

"Fat chance," I state, then clink his bottle and take a large mouthful.

Tristano does the same then stares at me, waiting for my reaction.

I take another sip then wince. "Crap."

Tristano chuckles. "You love it, don't you?"

I put my hand over my face and moan. "This is why I don't gamble."

"Ha! Told you!"

"Don't rub it in," I say, taking another sip of the faintly sweet and very cold drink.

"Gulliver!" Tristano shouts.

"Jeez," I say, but I also laugh.

Gulliver races out of the closet. "Yes, sir?"

"What time are you off?" Tristano asks.

Gulliver answers, "As soon as I return, sir. You're my last drop-off tonight."

Tristano nods. "You like beer?"

"Yes, sir."

Tristano grabs two beers out of the fridge, steps forward, then slides them into Gulliver's pockets. "Great. Have a few drinks when you get home."

"Sir. This isn't necessary," Gulliver states.

Tristano leans closer to him. "Bro, you need to relax. I insist you take the beer. Now, I know you want to help me, so I'll tell you how you can assist me."

"Please do, sir."

Tristano points at me. "See this woman?"

"Yes."

Tristano wraps his arm around Gulliver's shoulders. "You've been awesome, but you need to leave so I can show her what's up. You know what I'm saying?"

Heat flies into my cheeks. I cover my mouth, trying to stop my laugh from escaping.

In a serious voice, Gulliver replies, "Understand, sir."

Tristano walks him to the door. "Thanks. Now get your ass back on the golf cart. I'll see you tomorrow."

13

Tristano

Gulliver leaves.I lock the door and return to the main room. Pina stands in front of the window, staring out into the darkness and drinking her Red Stripe. I step behind her, circle my arm around her waist, and lean into her ear, admitting, "I thought he'd never leave."

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