Chapter 140

Happiness is…

Giovanni Black's POV

I've always been interested in the 'feel good' stories in the news. I do what I can to help people in need and, having the connections I do, I'm able to do a lot more than most people. Some of the most selfless people are those who cannot give much, yet they still give what they can. Maybe that's because they know what it's like to struggle, both financially and emotionally.

I would like to see more wealthy people willing to let go of their possessions and give to those who have well below the necessities. Too many people are in need through no fault of their own. Even if it was their choice that doesn't mean that they should be discarded like garbage.

Society puts too much importance on materialistic things and become so detached because they have more than everything they need. If it doesn't affect them directly they don't care. I care because I worked hard for my success. After all, I came from nothing. While I'm comfortable now, I've never forgotten where I came from. I still do whatever I can to help others. So when I heard about someone doing random things around the Strip, I was interested in learning as much as I could about the whole situation.

Devin did a lot of searching for information around the Strip and online and the only thing he could find were pictures and videos of her doing things. There haven't been any answers about why. I'm aware of the hunt for her information that People Magazine started. They're trying to identify her so they can interview her for more information. So far, no personal information has been revealed. Thousands of people have commented that they're more interested in what she's doing than knowing who she is. I've even seen some comments that no amount of money would make them give that information if they even knew who she was because it's an invasion of privacy. Even though I know her first name and, from the sound of it, it's just a nickname. While I truly want to know, I'm not going to ask for any further information. Not yet anyway.

The minute I laid eyes on Rhi I was taken by her. I'm intrigued by her and I want to get to know her and why she does the things she has been doing. She has this presence that seems to affect everyone who interacts with her, both in person and from afar. I've watched her on social media as much as I can, trying to figure her out, but all I've done is become obsessed with her. The desire to learn about her and why she does things is a pull that I can't deny or fight.

She has this presence that seems to affect everyone. Maybe it's the way she's friendly with people she encounters. She seems to do things that make her happy and that makes other people happy watching what she's doing.

She's carefree, caring, and selfless. I think back to what she did with that homeless man. I've never seen someone do something like that for anyone without wanting attention or something in return. That was a completely selfless display of caring that is rare in most places and nearly unheard of here on the Strip. I wish I could have been there for that conversation. It must have been emotional. I know it was for those of us who witnessed it. Especially when she kissed her hand and touched his face. Even Devin was touched and it's hard to get him to show any real emotion. He's so impassive. He reminds me of one of Grey's CPOs that's sitting upstairs. He hasn't acted like he even cares to be there yet he refuses to leave.

Oh yes, I've done my research and I'm quite aware they are his CPOs. I'm sure they were able to get the reservation through some connection he or one of his other guys has. Possibly even one of my guys. Military men turned CPO or security tend to stick together no matter what. Semper Fi Do or Die. That's Marines but I'm pretty sure the sentiment traverses through all military branches. It's impressive and admirable, which is why I hired them.

You can imagine my surprise when Devin found her waiting to get in. I was excited because I'm so close to meeting her and getting to talk to her so I can get my answers. In due time. Devin and his initial comment, 'She's hot,' while it may be true, she's beautiful inside and out. It's the inside I'm interested in the most, the outside is just a bonus.

The crazy things she does and the things she gets away with blow my mind. Case and point, allowing this stranger to come into my club and do almost anything she wants. First, being OK with her behind my bar showing Chuck how to make some drink he's never heard of. She's a natural too, which makes me wonder if she's a bartender somewhere. She seems so against having anything done for her, like drinks on the house. She still tipped for both drinks before anyone could stop her. There's definitely a stubborn streak in her.

Second, when she asked how much I would charge her for using the club for one hour, then wanting to bring in 'props' and failing to tell me there were hundreds of socks to be brought in. I don't even let VIPs bring things into the club, no one's ever really asked to. We get the occasional request but not very often.

When she needed to pass out the socks to all the women in the club, letting my curiosity get the best of me, I allowed it. Luckily, we were able to do it quickly and orderly, without shutting down the club. Hundreds of socks. SOCKS. What the hell for? However, the cherry on top was the gifts of socks for all of us. She has a knack for reading people and, from what I can tell, has people's best interests at heart. Her choice for herself, cows, was unexpected. The guy, what's his name, Reynolds? He was certainly on point with her tiny feet. Everything about her is tiny, except for her personality. She certainly knows how to make her presence known.

Standing in the back room with everyone, I step back and watch the interaction between Rhi and her friends. I guess that's what they are but sometimes I wonder. They get along for the most part but there are times that the tension is thick between the three of them and, from the looks she's giving them along with the tone of her voice, it's obvious that something happened. Maybe it's because they revealed why she has a cast on her hand.

The whole story behind it is a bit hard to believe and I can see that Devin is thinking the same thing. However, I don't see why they would make up a story like that. She doesn't seem like the type to cause drama or seek attention and I can tell by the way they speak and carry themselves that the men wouldn't like. After all, they do work for Christian Grey and his reputation leaves no room or tolerance for lies. I'll have to talk to Devin about it later.

She must be used to getting hit on all the time because the way my guys were looking at her, if I'm not mistaken, seemed to anger her. Either that or it just annoyed her. I can't say I blame her for that. Having people throw themselves at you can get old after a while. Believe me, I know the feeling. Most women, and men too, want status, money, power and bragging rights to say, 'Hey, I'm the one that caught this one.' No one's caught me yet and from the sound of things, no one has caught her either. She seems to have erected a lot of walls to prevent that, though with her flirting it's hard to tell.

The nickname thing, being a princess, was quite amusing. She's called that around social media and, while sometimes it fits her, other times she's not a princess. She's independent and stubborn and doesn't accept help very graciously, if she ever will. Though I do agree, Tink seems to fit her because of her attitude and size. She is quite small and we all tower over her but I don't think any of us can beat her personality. She seems to beat everyone by miles.

Back to her getting away with things, when she asked me to take her to my DJ I was thrown off. However, my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to allow her that request as well. As we leave the men in the room behind, I lead her to the DJ booth, her arm in mine, numerous patrons watch as we head up the stairs. Passing by the table she was at originally, her friends watch intently. Well, I wouldn't necessarily call them 'friends', considering they didn't join her downstairs. The way she talked about the guy named Luke, I could tell there was bitterness in her tone. Not to mention the fact that she blatantly ignores them as we walk by.

If my memory serves me right, the big guy is the one she hit. The evidence on his face is there and the cast on her hand, but she's so tiny and he massive compared to her that it just seems unbelievable. The way his eyes follow her as we walk by along with the tension in his jaw when he sees us together make it quite obvious that there's something more than friendship going on.

When we reach the DJ booth, I introduce her to DJ Carlisle. "Carlisle? This here is Rhi. She wants to do something special tonight at the club in a few minutes. I'm not sure what she has planned but she requested to meet with you." I glance down at her for a moment before continuing, "I've given her permission and told her we'd accommodate her wishes, if possible." A thought pops into my head briefly. I wonder if she's ever been told 'No' before? It certainly seems like she gets her way, most of the time, and the comment of having the 'World wrapped around her finger' seems to be pretty accurate. "Rhi? Go ahead and let him know what you need from him."

"Thank you, Gio! Are you excited? You're about to find out what my idea is!" Her excitement is overwhelming as she does a happy dance and squeals with delight, attempting to clap her hands excitedly. I can't help but laugh at the image. We're all a bunch of softies. She's caught us all hook, line and sinker.

"Hi! So, yes, I'm Rhi and I have an idea that is already in the works but you're the most important piece of this puzzle." Glancing back at me with that beautiful smile of hers, "We're going to turn Blaque's into a sock hop!"

My breath catches and I shake my head. How could I not figure that out when she brought all those socks in? Good grief, I must be losing my touch, though I must say that I'm actually quite impressed at how much thought she's put into these plans and how quickly it's come together.

Carlisle looks at me and all I can do is shrug. "I had no idea."

"We're going to need music from the Fifties by the original artists. Do you have any or can you find some?" She's bouncing to whatever she has going on in her head. Her eyes are gleaming with excitement as she looks at Carlisle.

Chuckling, I ask, "What are you bouncing to in your head?"

She giggles, "Just bee-bopping' to the music from the Fifties running through my head. It's such happy music!"

Yep, hearing that giggle and I'm done for. Just like I can see it in the guys' back in the room. We're a bunch of goners. It's so cute and innocent and addictive. It makes me want to keep her happy. If not to see her happy but to make others happy too with the things she does.

I can't help but laugh at her enthusiasm. She's finally revealed her idea and I'm thankful that it's simple and we can accommodate her wishes. I'm debating about how to handle the music part but it shouldn't be too hard. I already have legal issues covered with the proper licensing so the hardest part would be to find the music she wants.

"Carlisle? Do you have any of the music she's requesting on hand?"

With excitement, he nods, "Sure do! Let me pull out what I have and we can go from there."

Extending my hand, I indicate for the two of them to continue and decide to sit back and watch as she takes a seat next to him as they go through the music and create a playlist. I can't help but think that it's almost like watching a genius at work the way her mind is incredibly quick and precise in planning things in an instant. The creativity she has had since she's been here is mind-blowing and I'm quite impressed. She's up there with some entertainers with her creativity and energy. Ha, energy is an understatement. I don't think she's stopped since she was discovered on day one at the fountain and the block party she started, sort of like a flash mob, wore me out just watching it.

I don't know if it's her energy, her beauty, her pure heart, her charisma, or what but she's wormed her way into my mind. I can see why there are so many people smitten with her, both males and females of all ages. For example, that little boy she danced with who kissed her. That was sweet and amusing at the same time. He'll definitely be a ladies man when he gets older.

She's one of the most complex and surprising people I've ever met, not to mention full of spice and vinegar. Her strong will is surprising because she seems so gentle and kind. I never would have guessed that she would be capable of doing any physical damage to anyone, not to mention getting hurt in the process. It goes to show that she won't let anyone walk all over her or get away with anything.

After some time, she and Carlisle finish up and she hugs him and starts to head toward the door. "I can't believe you came up with this idea and everything is set to go in less than an hour." Pausing with a smile that's pretty much been on my face since she's arrived, I continue, "You are amazing. No wonder the world is captivated. You surprise people at every turn. It's refreshing. That's why I'm willing, and able, to accommodate your shenanigans, as you call them. I enjoy the element of surprise and mystery. Not to mention the fun that I'm sure everyone will have." There is no doubt in my mind that, if she can pull off teaching kids how to dance and throw a block party, she'll be able to teach the old dances from the Fifties.

Turning to me, "Thank you but the only thing I'm trying to do is break up the monotony of things and make people realize that having fun and laughing and doing whatever makes them happy is OK. As long as no one gets hurt." She smiles, "Besides, I like to see people happy and having a good time. This sock hop idea is for a couple of reasons. One, dancing is fun and positive energy. The old songs are sampled all the time and it's good to remind people who the original songs came from. Two, it's happy music and not negative or filled with darkness. There's enough darkness in the world and despite all the lights in Vegas, they aren't focused on normal and healthy happiness that's free. Third? Well, music makes me happy and I love sharing my happiness. I've been thinking of this all day ever since the block party earlier today so you've brought my image to life. I should be thanking you." Smiling, she wraps her arms around me in a hug again, then leans back and looks up at me. "Ready?! Let's head back down and get this party started!"

Laughing again at her excitement, "I'm curious. What's the first song you're going to play?" I ask as we exit the DJ booth and head back downstairs. I haven't laughed this much in a long time and she just keeps bringing the laughter coming.

Standing up proudly, "At The Hop! It's perfect and explains it all. It's a great song and a great way to announce it."

She does have a point. The song is pretty self-explanatory. Heading back into the back room, I watch her go to her friends and I assume she's telling them the plan. The other patrons, well, hopefully they'll get the idea.