Page 67 of One Night in Vegas

“I can’t wait to kick your ass at whatever games you have planned.”

I threw my head back and laughed. “Too bad I don’t lose. Ever.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

I went back to my office feeling better than ever. I couldn’t wait for Friday. Whether I won or lost, I won. She’d see that.

After the day was over, I headed out to my mom’s house for dinner. I tried to see her as often as I could. She was alone, which I hated. Peter and I both did what we could to visit her. With his constantly growing family, it wasn’t always easy. I tried to make her a priority.

“I’ll make you a drink,” Mom said and ushered me into the sitting room.

She made one of her classic cocktails and handed it over. She sat down on the chair opposite from me. “How are you?” she asked.

“Good,” I said. “I just announced Office Olympics at work this afternoon.”

She smiled. “That’s great! How did the staff take it?”

“I think they liked it,” I said. “They were pretty pumped up.”

“When?”

“Friday,” I replied. “We’re going to close the office and meet at the beach.”

“And the winners get?” she asked with her brow raised.

“A trip to Vegas,” I said. “With a little walking-around money.”

“Your father would be very proud,” she said. “He always believed in taking care of his people. I’m so glad you are following in his footsteps.”

“He set a good example,” I said. “It’s effective. It works. That’s what I want to keep doing. I’m glad I’ve been able to retain a lot of the staff he hired.”

“How is the new line?” she asked.

“Good,” I said. “We’re already working on the next line. Tech is developing a really cool product. The watch will do everything. It’s going to set us apart from the rest. Rolex isn’t going to be able to touch me for years.”

“You have really done a great job with staying ahead of the game. Good for you. How are you doing without Mabel?”

I had not had a chance to tell her about the surprise hire. “I’m doing very well,” I said. “I have a new assistant.”

“Great! I’ll have to come by and meet her.”

“Before you do that, I should probably tell you who she is,” I said.

“Do I know her?”

“No, but you knowofher,” I answered.

“Oh?”

I knew she would have some questions. “Macy.”

“Who’s that?”

“Macy. The woman from Vegas.”

“You hired her!”

“I didn’t, but HR did,” I explained. “I didn’t think it was going to work. When I gave them the greenlight to hire her, it was kind of a joke. She took me up on the offer, and as it turns out, she’s damn good at her job. We’ve only had a couple days together, but she’s competent.”

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