“Because you are not a responsible person,” Penelope snapped. “No, you are not responsible at all.”
“Responsible for what, Mother?” he asked, controlling the rage he felt toward this woman who would not give him what was rightfully his—or at least it would be when she was dead.
Dead. The word had a satisfying ring to it.…
“You are not responsible for anything, Henry,” Penelope said, sniffing her disapproval. “Look at you—you’ve made nothing of yourself. You sit in your room in front of your computer all day long. It pains me that you have never shown any interest in joining your father’s business. We’re both on the board of directors and you’ve never so much as bothered to attend one meeting.”
“Father’s business doesn’t interest me,” he muttered.
“What does interest you, Henry? I would be intrigued to know.”
“Acting, Mother. I wanted to be an actor, but neither you nor Father encouraged me to follow my dream.”
“Your dream!” Penelope scoffed. “How ridiculous! Actors have to be handsome with a personality. Look in the mirror, Henry—with your face you had no chance of succeeding, none at all. That’s the reason we discouraged you.”
“I am talented, Mother,” he said, knowing full well it was impossible to convince her.
“At what, Henry? Sitting alone in your room? You’ve never brought a girl home, you are not involved in any social or charity activities.” She paused, giving him a penetrating stare. “Are you gay, Henry?”
He found the word gay coming out of his mother’s pursed lips quite disturbing.
“No, Mother,” he answered, swallowing his rage at the way she spoke to him. “I am not gay. And you will be pleased to know that recently I met a girl I like.”
“Well, that’s news,” Penelope said, her long thin face expressing surprise. “Do I know her? Is she from a good family?”
“She’s from an … interesting family.”
“Affluent?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Of our stature and social standing?”
“Yes, Mother. Therefore I wish to treat her in a proper fashion.” He paused for a long moment, allowing her to digest the information. “She has an event coming up I need to attend.”
“What kind of event?”
“She’s an architect, she’s designed an apartment building in Nevada, and I wish to go there for the opening. I cannot make the trip unless I have money, otherwise her father will conclude that I am not a suitable match for her.”
“How much money are you requesting, Henry?”
“Fifty thousand dollars.”
“Surely you jest?” Penelope said, unamused.
“I do not jest, Mother. One day it will all be mine, as I keep on reminding you.”
“Unless I decide to change my will,” Penelope said.
Henry experienced a cold chill. Why would his mother say such a thing? Why would she even think it?
“It is imperative I impress this girl,” he said, choking back a response to her comment.
“Impress her?”
“I’m considering buying her an engagement ring.”
“Nonsense!”
“Excuse me?”
“An engagement is out of the question until I have met this girl and her family. You must bring them here before I even think about granting my approval.”
“Very well, Mother,” he said, his voice constricted. “You’ll arrange for the money?”
“No, Henry, I’ll arrange for five thousand dollars, which is a great deal of money. One stipulation: you cannot buy this girl a ring, not until I have met and approved of her. Only then will we discuss the purchase of a ring.”
“Yes, Mother,” he said, thinking that five thousand was a paltry amount, and he needed more to look after Maria, to take her away where nobody could find them. What he needed was his entire inheritance.
He stared at his mother, loathing her. Penelope Whitfield-Simmons was a tightfisted, mean woman, and he hated her with a deep and lasting passion. She’d never shown him any motherly love, never cared about him like a mother should. All she’d ever done was deride him in front of her friends and told him how useless and untalented and ugly he was.
It occurred to him that if she wasn’t around, everything would be his and his days of begging would be over.
Now she was talking about changing her will, and that wasn’t right.
He had to do something about it. And he had to do something about it fast.
Dead … The word had an interesting ring to it.
CHAPTER SEVENTY
Apart from Philippe, who spent most of his days cleaning silver and taking care of the house, and Greta, Leonardo’s nanny, Max had the Bel-Air house to herself. Greta, who’d been summoned back from her vacation to keep an eye on Max, was a certified TV addict who spent her days glued to daytime soaps and her nights glued to prime time. Max considered neither of them a problem, and since she figured she wasn’t grounded anymore, she acted accordingly. It was great when both her parents were too busy to notice what she was up to. She wished it was always this way.
After talking her dad into allowing her to invite Ace, then getting Lucky to agree, she’d been told by Lennie that there were rooms booked for her and her friends at the Keys. “Your mom says you and Cookie can share a room, while Harry can bunk in with your new friend.”
“His name’s Ace, Dad,” she’d said, thinking what a bonus! She hadn’t been sure if Lucky would even want her at the opening considering her absence from Gino’s party. But not only was she invited, she could bring friends!
Ace was driving to L.A. in his brother’s truck, staying the night in Bel-Air, and the next day they’d head for Vegas.
Max warned Cookie and Harry that they had to be on their best behavior when they met him. “You can’t be like lying around totally stoned,” she said. “I have no clue if he’s into that, and since I’m not, don’t even mention getting high.”
“What’s the plan for later?” Cookie asked as they sat beside the pool.
“I was thinking dinner first,” Max said, “then maybe a club.”
“My I.D. is like so fake,” Cookie complained, rubbing suntan lotion on her stomach. “Besides, all the bouncers know me now, I can’t get in anywhere.”
“I know a club we can hit,” Harry said, sheltering his skinny white body under an umbrella. “Hundred bucks at the door an’ no problem—doesn’t matter how old we are.”
“Perfect,” Max said, thinking she couldn’t wait to show off L.A. to Ace. He’d told her he’d never been there before, which was kind of crazy.
“What’s he like?” Cookie wanted to know.
“A major babe,” Max said, thinking she couldn’t wait for her friends to meet him.
“As cute as Donny?” Cookie asked.
“Donny sucks,” Max said, dismissing her ex. “I’m so over that loser.”
“About time,” Cookie said, dangling her feet in the pool.
They decided on an Italian restaurant for dinner, then the underground club Harry knew about.
“Harry,” Max ordered. “You pick up the check at both places ’cause I’m not sure if Ace has much money. I’ll pay you back our share. And whatever you do, don’t let him split it with you. Okay?”
“How do I know you’ll pay me back?” Harry said, being difficult.
“Oh, pul—eaze!”
“She’s in love,” Cookie giggled. “Our girl’s got a major crush.”
“No way,” Max said, blushing.
“Yeah, way,” Cookie teased. “What you gonna wear?”
“Haven’t thought about it.”
“Liar!”
“I am so not!”
“Are you doin’ the deed?” Harry asked. “I mean, you’ll be all alone in your house.”
“Not alone. Greta’s here, and Philippe.”
“Your house is so big you can get away with anything,” Cookie said.
“Yeah,
” Harry agreed.
“Is Mister New Dude gonna stay in your room tonight?” Cookie asked.
“His name is Ace, and he’s got a girlfriend.”
“Sure, but he’s leaving her and driving to L.A. to see you,” Cookie pointed out.
“He knows I’m only sixteen. I had to tell him.”
“I don’t get it,” Cookie said. “Is sixteen considered underage?”
“Dunno,” Max said, shrugging. “But it doesn’t matter.”
“He might not wanna do it if he thinks you’re underage,” Harry said, throwing in his opinion.
“I think fifteen’s underage,” Cookie said. “Sixteen’s a go.”
“You’re wrong,” Harry said. “The age of sexual consent is eighteen in California.”
“Whatever,” Max said, pretending she hadn’t really thought about it, although the truth was that’s all she could think about.
To have sex with Ace or not to have sex with Ace—that was the question.
They decided to drive up to Vegas in Harry’s new SUV early the next morning. It had a souped-up engine and he was desperate to take it on a long drive.
“I guess it’ll be okay with Ace,” Max said.
“Why are you so bothered by what he thinks?” Harry asked. “It’s totally unlike you to care. You should be telling him what we’re gonna do.”
“You don’t understand,” Max said. “He’s not the kind of guy I tell what to do.”
“What kind of guy is he?” Cookie questioned, adjusting her Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses.
“Cool,” Max replied with a dreamy smile. “Amazingly cool.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE
Waiting for Lennie to join her in Vegas, Lucky could hardly believe that in less than twenty-four hours she would be opening her third hotel in the shimmering city. The Keys was a more exciting project than any of the others. It was bigger and better and more extravagant—a true oasis of calm and beauty in a city known for its sometimes flashy showmanship. The Keys was not another theme hotel pretending to be Venice or Paris or Rome. It was simply there, making a statement. White and stylish—modern architecture combined with old-fashioned warmth and luxury. Even the casino was different, lighter and more welcoming, with a friendly lineup of pit bosses, dealers, croupiers, and attractive casino hosts of both sexes. The grounds were lush and lovely, filled with exotic plants and flowers. There were three swimming pools—one for adults, one for children, and one for the in-betweens. All of them surrounded by swaying palm trees. The children’s pool backed up against a glass-enclosed aquarium where exotic fish proliferated. The adults’ pool featured a fully stocked bar. And the in-between pool supplied underwater iPods and a choice of sounds.
Lucky realized she could happily move into her penthouse permanently. She didn’t miss L.A. at all, and if it wasn’t for Max, Gino Junior, and Leonardo, she would take up residence in a flash. But having kids tied a person down, and until they all went off to college, she and Lennie were stuck in one place. Well, not really stuck—soon their Malibu house would be finished and they could move out of stuffy Bel-Air and back to the beach, which they both loved. But she also loved Vegas. There was something about the place—it reminded her of Gino and the early days. Oh God! So many memories. Building the Magiriano and the problems involved—graft, union walkouts, and threats—but she’d built one hell of a hotel. And Marco—oh Marco, how she’d loved him, and when he’d been shot and killed, Vegas had lost its thrill. But now she was back and the Keys was all hers. And now she had Lennie, her husband, her rock. Yes, Vegas was still an exciting city with so much going on.
Venus called to announce that they’d just arrived and that they were totally impressed with everything.
“Our suite is beyond gorgeous,” she enthused. “How clever are you?”
“Look who’s calling me clever,” Lucky responded, looking forward to showing off her new hotel to her best friend. “Was the drive up fun?”
“Oh yes,” Venus said, sounding like she really meant it. “We spent most of it in my bed! Gives a whole new meaning to the mile-high club. Guess we just started the mile-long club!”
“You’re incorrigible,” Lucky said, laughing.
“Hey, when you’ve got a young lover, you gotta keep him occupied.”
“Seems you do.”
“Oh, news flash,” Venus announced. “Alex and Billy are on speaking terms, there’ll be no more fights.”
“That’s a relief. I hate it when two grown men beat the shit out of each other.”
“Me too. It’s the last thing any of us need.”
“Okay, so settle in,” Lucky said. “Then I thought we’d have drinks at our place around eight. I’ll send someone to escort you.”
“Are we on the same floor as you?”
“No. You’re in one of the hotel penthouses, we’re in the apartments.”
“Drinks at eight sounds perfect, and after dinner Billy wants to gamble.”
“Not at my hotel. I’d feel bad if he lost. Besides, the casino doesn’t officially open until tomorrow night.”
“Okay, then where?”
“How about dinner here, then we’ll go over to the Cavendish? Nothing like checking out the competition.”
“No rivalry amongst hotel owners?”
“Not as far as I’m concerned.”
Later Lennie arrived, they took a shower, made love, then lay on the bed staring up at the skylight she’d designed above the bed with blackout blinds that could be closed at the press of a button. The blinds were open, revealing a startling expanse of sky and stars. It was beautiful and romantic.
“Man,” Lennie observed. “I gotta admit, when you do something…”
“You’d better stop telling me that,” Lucky said, smiling. “It’ll go to my head, and I’ll become impossible.”
“Not you, sweetheart. When’s Gino arriving?”
“Everybody’s coming in the morning.”
“Excited?”
“Of course I am.”
“What time’s the party tomorrow?”
“The reception starts at six, then everyone heads to the theater for Lina’s event, followed by Venus’s show. After that it’s outside for the fireworks display. Did I tell you I was able to get these silver fantasy fireworks from Italy? They are so fucking beautiful.”
“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Lennie said, stroking her hair. “Man, did I luck out finding you.”
“Right back atcha.”
* * *
Billy and Venus showed up on time.
“Oh my God!” Venus said, checking everything out. “This place is amazing! I need to buy me a penthouse immediately. It’s too damn fabulous. What do you think, Billy?”
“It’s pretty great,” he agreed, wandering around from room to room, especially loving Lennie’s den. “You want me to buy one of these apartments for you?”
“How’s your career going?” she teased.
“Very funny.”
“I’ve got a great idea,” Venus said. “Let’s buy an apartment together, put both our names on it.”
“Not good,” Lennie said, handing out martinis.
“Why not?” Venus asked, blond and stunning in a simple Roberto Cavalli short silver dress.
“He’s right,” Lucky agreed, equally stunning in a soft black leather pantsuit that fit her like a second skin. “If the two of you ever split up, who gets the apartment?”
“That would be one hell of a fight,” Lennie remarked.
“Thanks, my friends,” Venus said, bristling slightly. “What makes you think we’re going to split up?”
“I can solve this,” Billy said, quickly jumping in. “Either I buy it, or she does, or I buy it for her.”
“Maybe I should mention there are only two penthouses left,” Lucky said. “Brigette’s thinking of buying one, and Bobby’s got his eye on the other.”
“I’m your best friend,” Venus pointed out. “I should get first dibs.”
??
?I’ve been telling you about them forever,” Lucky reminded her. “If you’d come in at the construction stage, you could’ve had the shell designed exactly to your specifications.”
“I didn’t realize they were this fabulous.”
“Anyway, the two available penthouses are not quite finished, so whoever gets them can choose their own kitchens, bathrooms—”
“Tell you what,” Billy said magnanimously. “I’ll buy it for Venus as a present.”
“Nice gesture, Billy,” Lucky said. “But I think I should tell you that the asking price is twelve million dollars.”
“Holy shit!” he exclaimed. “Are you kidding me?”
“Totally serious.”
“Guess I’m not getting a present,” Venus said ruefully. “My boyfriend is a cheapo.”
“Come on,” Billy said. “Even you have to admit that’s freakin’ outrageous.”
“How much did you make on your last movie?” Venus asked, winking at Lucky.
“Not enough,” he said, thinking that she couldn’t possibly be serious.
“Now, now, you two,” Lucky said. “No fighting over millions, it’s time for dinner. Let’s go.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO
After Luis left, Irma slept peacefully. She was no longer concerned about Oliver Stanton. Sleeping with him had been a mistake, but now he’d stopped calling and gone away. She was sure it was pure coincidence that they’d sat next to each other on the plane, that she’d ended up having dinner with him, and that he’d turned out to be a drug enforcement agent. She regretted it, but at the time she’d thought she was leaving Anthony. The new Anthony was certainly worth giving another chance to. He was acting like a different man, and she was impressed.
She wondered what had happened to change him. Being thoughtful and generous was so unlike Anthony. Maybe his mistresses had started to misbehave, and he’d remembered he had a wife at home. That could explain it.
Anyway, they were merely mistresses, while she was Mrs. Anthony Bonar. That had to mean something, and it obviously did, because she was the one getting the diamond earrings.
Idly she wondered if she could persuade him to vary his lovemaking technique. Anthony was so rough, and now, for the first time, she understood what making love could be like.