Gambling
I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose.
I checked the time on my computer.
10:27 pm.
How could it be?!
Time passes way too slowly here at work.
I still had a lot of paper work to finish up tonight before I could go home.
But, then again, I could just pass the work to someone else. That thought really appealed to me.
Just one of the perks to owning the place: I didn't have to do all this paperwork.
That's why I hired assistants and managers and CEOs and whoever else.
Ahh… but I didn't want to be a slacker. I had to set a good precedent for my employees.
There was no way I could live up to the reputation my father had as owner.
But, he decided it was time to retire, so he left me in charge.
And yet he is still co-owner without actually doing the work.
I looked out the window.
Well, the wall, really. It was made entirely of glass.
My view was quite spectacular.
The lights flashed beneath me. It would all have been lovely if I could actually see the stars every now and then through this brightness, and if I wasn't in Vegas.
I was owner of the MGM Hotel & Casino. I loved having the Lion as our emblem.
My headache grew worse from watching the flashing lights. Thank goodness it was quiet. But if I were to go down to the casino portion of my building, I'm sure I would die of a brain hemorrhage. All that drunken chatter, and the repulsive smell of cigarettes… I shuddered at the thought of having to go down there.
"Angela, bring me a bottle of Vodka. Now." I spoke into the intercom for my assistant, Angela.
In a heartbeat she was already in my office with the bottle and shot glass.
I couldn't have asked for a better assistant. She always did what I asked. She was probably the only capable person around here. That's why she was the only employee who saw my nicer, less grumpy side. Exactly the reason why I gave her a raise every Christmas.
I didn't wait for her to set the tray down. I grabbed the bottle and began gulping down its contents until it was empty.
Angela stared at me, wide-eyed.
"M-m-m- Mr. Cullen, are you alright sir? Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No. Thank you, though, Angela. Go take the rest of the night off. You already know you are free to help yourself to anything from my personal stash."
"Thank you, Mr. Cullen." And then she scurried out if the room.
I had a shot of whiskey before I stepped out of my large office.
God only knows how much I'll be needing alcohol to get through the rest of the night.
I took the elevator down to the first floor, where the casino was at, and made my way to the more secluded area, where smoking wasn't permitted.
I got out my wallet and was ready for a game of poker. Finally, I could enjoy myself! Or at least be distracted enough. Or drunk enough to be able to deal with this lifeless job.
Mom was right. I need to find a girl. Well, a more permanent one, if you catch my drift.
If I lost the game, I'd still be getting the money anyway.
I found a table with only two players. Perfect. They looked easy to beat.
I looked over to the dealer. Maybe it was one of my employees I was familiar with.
And then…
I saw her…
Dealing the cards, wearing my employee uniform…
Can you figure out who Edward saw that was the dealer at the poker table? Any guesses? Any at all? Place your bids and bets!
I got this idea while I was in Las Vegas.
This is what happens when you mix bright lights, cigarette smoke, sleep deprivation, and a starbucks buzz (seriously, never drink a grande and then a venti all by yourself, both within ten minutes) with an eccentric person (me!) or you'll end up with this.