Chapter 2

Ray Kowalski stood in front of the kitchen sink washing up the ware from breakfast it became a habit living with Ben. Ben just thinking of him made him smile and warm all over. Ben was in the bathroom getting ready for the work day ahead.

Ray was so lost in his thoughts of Ben that something slipped from his wet soapy hands. When he looked to what, he watched in horror as Fraser's favourite cup and saucer crashed and broke on the ground.

Shouting, "Oh fuck, shit, shit, shit Ben is going to kill me. Why, why did it have't ta be his grandmothers cup and saucer"?

Ben on hearing the crash and Ray's sprouting profanity he came running out toothbrush still in his mouth to see what had happened. He saw Ray on the ground picking up broken china. Ben could see tears in Rays eyes and when saw his grandmothers china he knew why.

Kneeling down next to Ray, Ben took the broken bits from Ray's hand with a finger he raised Ray's chin so Ray met his eyes.

Ray's voice was shaky, "I'm so, so sorry Ben I broke it, I broke the last thing that you had of use from your family. I'm so, so sorry can you ever forgive me"?

Smiling softly, "Ray, Ray, Ray it's just a cup and saucer"

Ray frowned, "But you love them and you only use them when you need a happy childhood memory"

Standing back up taking Ray with him and the broken pieces, "I can still do that Ray"

Now Ray really looked confused scratching his head, "Am Ben how it's shattered"

Placing the pieces on the kitchen table, "Ray we can make them into art, you remember the frames that I bought. You remember the box one we can use a spare tile from when we redid the bathroom and place them in a pattern on it seal it place it in the box frame and hang it up. We can look at it all the time and smile my grandmother will be with us always that way.

Ray smiled, "Really we can do that and that would make you happy"?

Taking Ray in his arms and placing a soft kiss on his temple, "Very much so Ray"

They decided that they would do it together after work so they headed out.

After dropping Ben off at the consulate Ray headed to the Art and Hobby shop to pick some things up. If they were going to do this at least Ray could make sure that Ben had noting but the best to do it.

Back in Las Vegas Victoria prepared for her interview with Armando Langoustini. What should she wear should she go down the slutty look or should she go conservative or perhaps try and mix both.

She had observed the other workers in the hotel and casino they all had heir own style, so in the end she went a toned down not over the top in your face look but enough to grab attention.

Mara Rose waited for Victoria by the coffee shop to brief her for the meeting the dos and don'ts of the meeting.

Sitting there with Mara, Victoria was drinking her coffee listening to her sprout off everything. It was really getting on Victoria's nerves, because as far as Victoria was concerned she answered to no one this was just a stepping stone to much bigger and better things.

Mara kept on talking, "Do not look him in the eye unless he wants you to. Speak only when spoken to and do not touch him unless he indicates a hand shake. He will tell you what you are to call him so don't jump in and call him something fist alright. Do I make myself clear I don't mean to be so harsh but it is important that you know this if you want the job"

Vitoria showed a tight smug smile, "Yes perfectly clear he sounds like a tough boss to work for"

Shaking her head, "Mr Langoustini is tough to work for but very fair. I love working here thanks to him my kids are in good schools fed clothed and can go on their class trips that they want to. Looks like it time I'll walk you over to the waiting area"

Victoria stood, "I'm ready"

Ray Vecchio AKA Armando Langoustini got behind his big desk. Today was interview day for new employees and he loved to interview them himself. One girl he saw that day he suggested that she try the Palms hotel much more what she was looking for.

Now it was the last one of the day reading the file he saw that it was a Victoria Mason from Ohio she was 33 and single. Qualification read barmaid, childminder and part time PA. Strange mixer he thought to himself as he read it.

That name Victoria still struck a raw nerve with him he couldn't help but flash on that BITCH who ripped out his Benny's heart and almost destroyed them both.

Pushing down that anger and the desire to do something about her as Armando but the thought of Fraser hating him and never forgiving him for pushed that thought aside.

He signalled for his men to show in this Victoria Mason.

Victoria made her way into the huge room followed by two big body guards. Doing as she was told she did her best not to make eye contact but from what she saw he look eerily familiar.

As soon as Vecchio saw Victoria walk through that door he wanted to lung across the desk and snap her neck. But he knew since he hadn't had complete eye contact she'd no full clue to who was sitting across from her.

Vecchio spoke, "You can wait outside I'll call you when I'm ready for you I'd love to speak with Miss Mason alone"

Leaving them alone they went to stand their posts outside the door.

Grinning, "You can look up Miss Mason"

The shock in her eyes was well worth it when she finally made eye contact with him.

Knowing she couldn't say anything he carried on, "VICTORIA can I call you VICTORIA"? He said with venoms in his voice.

She nodded not saying a word.

Clasping his hands together, "Well VICTORIA what brings you to Las Vegas"?

Swallowing hard, "Moving on starting fresh"

What could only be described as an evil grin, "Well I'd say you chose the perfect place to start fresh VICTORIA?"

Her voice had a slight edge to it, "I am yes I'd say so Mr am sir"

Leaning forward enjoying that fact that HE was making her nervous, "Sir is fine and I think I'll enjoy working with you. I think I'll make you my personal waitress. Do you think that you can handle that and taking orders from me VICTORIA"

As she left shaking just a bit she made her way to collect her stuff and move it into the employees section living quarters of the hotel. Victoria was sure that, that was Ray Vecchio but there was something about him that was different and instead of running she was going to find out.

Ray Vecchio stood once more at that impossibly large window drinking his drink. He enjoyed making her squirm as he was going to enjoy shredding her to pieces. He was going to turn her oh yes he was but he was going to have a bit of fun first.

Ray and Ben stood looking at their handy work on the wall the art that came from the pieces of broken china. And in the middle were tiny dried flowers that were Ben's grandmothers favourite and two tiny flags one American and the other Canadian contained in a love heart.

Ben gently kissed Ray, "It looks wonderful Ray thank you my grandmother would be so proud of you for it I love it and I love you"

Ray retuned the kiss just as softly, "Love ya two sweet cheeks"

Ben cocked an eyebrow, "Sweet cheeks"

Ray blushed, "Well ya"

Ben patted Ray behind, "Then I suggest that you get your sweet cheeks into bed"

Ray ran pulling Ben along with him, "Hell ya"

Ben laughed all the way chanting, "Ray, Ray, Ray"

All Ray did was shut the door leaving Diefenbaker to fend for himself as he laughed along with Ben.

Diefenbaker rolled his eyes as he ate his food thinking, 'Humans'