They followed the others inside, Eric’s hand resting on the small of her back.
The interior was more opulent than Vic had imagined, with wooden parquet floors, luxurious oriental carpets, a grand staircase with polished wooden balustrades, crystal chandeliers, colorful stained glass windows, brass fixtures, and antique-looking furniture upholstered in deep red velvet brocades.
They all “oooed” and “ahhhed” about the place, except for Moretti.
“Paid for by people who don’t understand the laws of probability,” he said.
“I’m going to run to the restroom,” Eric said to Austin.
Austin gave him a nod, then walked up to the front desk, where two men in black tuxedos welcomed them. “I’m—”
Vic cut him off. “I’m Victoria Woodley. The Taylor-Jewell party is here. We’ve got a reservation for eight in the VIP Club.”
“Yes, Ms. Woodley. Right this way.”
Lexi and Austin gaped at her.
She smiled. “This is my treat. It’s part of my wedding gift to you. Just enjoy yourselves tonight. I’ve taken care of everything.”
She would have paid by phone if she hadn’t come with them, but she was glad she had changed her mind. Now she could enjoy their reactions.
She started to follow their host, but Austin caught her arm and drew her aside. “The VIP Club? Are you serious? The deposit for that ishuge.”
“This is so sweet of you, Vic, but we can’t let you do this.”
“It’s already done. Besides, it’s not that much.” She took Lexi’s hand. “You’re my best friend, the only person who has stuck by me through thick and thin. Let me do this for you. You know I can afford it.”
Lexi got tears in her eyes. “You are the best friend ever.”
“Stop that before you ruin your mascara. Besides,youare the best friend ever.”
And so the matter was settled.
Eric caught up with her just as they reached a beautiful elevator with polished brass panels on the doors. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Are you kidding me? The VIP Club? Those two must have spent a fortune on this. Jesus!”
“It’s exciting, isn’t it?”
* * *
Eric heldVictoria’s hand as they walked with Taylor and Lexi toward the blackjack tables. Moretti was locked in a grudge match with the slot machines, while Winona and Belcourt were playing poker, Britta watching over Belcourt’s shoulder.
“Every man in this room is looking at Lexi and Vic,” Austin said to Eric in a quiet voice. “They’ve been staring all night.”
“Can’t say I blame them.” As long as they kept a respectful distance and didn’t make the women uncomfortable, Eric wouldn’t have to punch anyone.
Lexi giggled. “You’re just imagining it.”
No, they weren’t.
Taylor wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “You’re tipsy.”
Hell, they were all buzzed. They’d had wine with their prime rib dinner, the men topping that off with cognac. Now the champagne flowed freely.
How much had this cost Taylor and Lexi anyway? Eric was afraid to ask.
They sat down at the blackjack table.
The dealer, a young woman with short dark hair and a friendly face, greeted them. “Are you all playing, or is it just the gentlemen?”