Eight

After strawberry crepes, black coffee, and a short drive, I followed Ron into the parking lot of the Players Choice. I noticed he drove a rental car—a real nice Lexus. I parked in the outer fringe of the hotel parking lot, as far from the building as I could. Meanwhile, Ron dropped his car off at valet parking. I snatched a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap from my back seat and pulled it low on my head.

Using a side entrance, I kept my head low and my eyes peeled. I made it to the main elevator lobby just as Ron did.

“Hi, Honey. I got here as quickly as I could.” He flashed his room key to the security person manning the elevator lobby. “My wife,” he said as he took my hand. We exchanged phony smiles and the security guy nodded.

We exited the elevator at the sixth floor and I followed Ron to his room, my single piece of luggage in tow. I offered a mental thank you to the person who decided it was  good idea to put wheels on the various sorts of travel baggage. A quick swipe of his key card through the slot opened the door. I followed him in.

The two-room unit consisted of a bedroom with two queen beds and a living area with a small kitchenette along one wall. A large bathroom and short hallway separated the two areas. Better than a lot of studio apartments I’d seen. “Nice.”

“It’s the suite I always get when it’s available.” Ron was a very successful personal wealth manager. He never settled for second best.

He paused for a beat. “This is kind of personal, but with all the money you have, why didn’t you just get a luxury suite somewhere? I can’t believe there isn’t at least one available in Las Vegas, conferences or not.”

“I obviously can’t get one here. I’m barred from the premises, you know. Ceasar’s Palace had two units, one for seven thousand a night and another for fifteen grand. Ain’t no way I’m putting out that kind of dough for one night. I might be rich but I ain’t stupid.” I plopped my butt onto the sofa and leaned back. “But the bigger issue is that Caesar’s Palace is too far away from where I need to be. It would be a total waste.”

Ron sat beside me. “Well, whatever. You have a place to stay as long as I’m here.”

I laid my hand on top of his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thanks. I really appreciate this.”

“Anytime.”

With no warning, I burst into tears. Uncontrollable shaking wracked my body.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay.” Ron folded his arms around me and pulled me close. I heard his heart beat as my cheek lay against his chest.

I missed Alice. God—I missed her so damned much. We were attached at the heart. Hers no longer beat and mine was broken. I raised my head from his chest and looked into his emerald-hued eyes. “Thank you again.”

I placed my hand on his neck and pulled him closer—close enough for our lips to touch. I knew I was vulnerable—but in a good way. As the tip of his tongue teased mine, I guided his hand to my breast.

He pulled back from the kiss but I held his hand in place. “You know we don’t have to do this. I didn’t invite you to stay with me expecting anything. I just wanted to help.”

“Ya know, I think I understand why our dates never had that special spark.” My whisper-soft words were barely audible.

“I’m listening.”

“Sometimes you talk too damned much.” I unbuttoned my blouse. “I don’t see a need to mess up two beds.”

My eyes fluttered open as the morning sun filtered through the curtains and slats of the wooden blinds. Ron lay on his side, several inches to my left, head propped up by his cupped hand under his chin. His bent elbow was buried in the pillow.

“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty.” He raked an errant strand of hair from my cheek and tucked it behind my ear.

“Like a baby.” I continued to lie flat on my back, looking up at him. I knew I looked a total wreck, as I always do in the morning. But he looked as fine as the cover of a GQ magazine. “And you?”

“Good, real good.” He pulled his mouth into a gentle smile. “You okay? You know, last night …”

I felt my cheeks warm. I’m not sure why I was embarrassed. Maybe it was the way he looked at me with that innocent, dreamy gleam in his eye. Or maybe it was because it ended a long dry spell for me. “I’m fine.”

I was way more than fine. In the years I’d known Ron, I’d clearly underestimated him. The man has serious skills.

“Good.” His smile was warm and reassuring.

Thank God he let it go at that. Those morning-after conversations are usually pretty damned awkward. I mean, what does a girl say? Woo-hoo! Great job! You da man! My eyes wondered around the room before focusing on him again. “I have a problem.”

“I’m almost afraid to ask, but tell me.”

I tucked the sheet securely under my chin. “If I get out and about in the hotel and casino, security will eventually recognize me. And I’m not real interested in going to jail for trespassing. Besides, orange jumpsuits aren’t particularly fashionable, ya know.”

“I see.” Ron got lost in deep thought for a short while, after which he flashed a big grin. “Problem, solved.”

I propped several pillows against the headboard and fell back against them. He had my undivided attention. “Tell me.”

I repositioned myself as I waited for his reply. I snatched the edge of the sheet and pulled it up when it fell away, exposing my breasts. My nudity didn’t bother me when the mood was romantic, but embarrassed me afterwards.

Ron jumped out of bed, completely indifferent to his nudity. “I’ll be right back. I’m gonna get a quick shower. Wanna join me?”

“No thanks. But I’d like to hear your answer to my problem.”

“Be patient, my dear.”

I noticed he checked the clothes I wore yesterday and last night before he stepped into the shower. What’s that was all about?

As he showered, I eased out of bed and slipped into a cotton robe I’d pulled from my luggage, along with a change of clothes. I settled on a pair of denim shorts and a black button-up blouse.

Ron exited the shower fifteen minutes later, a towel around his waist.

“So, tell me about your idea for solving my problem.”

“You are so impatient, my dear. Like I said, I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.” He head-gestured in the direction of the shower. “Your turn.”

I took my turn, thankful for the comfort of hot water. But I was a little miffed with the way he’d dismissed my questions about his plan to solve my problem. Dismissing the thought, I finished my shower, toweled off, and slipped into the clothes I’d pulled from my luggage.

I checked the living room—no Ron. I shrugged my shoulders and then pulled out my notes about Bishop and reviewed them again as I sat at the small desk.

Twenty minutes later, he came through the door and tossed two bags and a square box onto the couch. “Problem solved.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What in the hell is all that?”

“Everything you need to assuage your identity concerns.”

I rose from my chair and took a seat on the couch, the bags and box at my side. “This better be good—real good.”

He smiled.

Hesitant, I pulled the lid off the box and peeked inside. My eyes cut a path straight to his. “Are you serious?”

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A Good Chance For Bad Luck  - Main Character List

I will add to the list as the story progresses. Don’t want to

give away too much too early!

Olivia Michelle Grace ------- Rookie PI and millionaire

Alice Milner: -------------- Olivia’s best friend and murder victim

Patsy -------------------- Olivia's fire engine red 1959 Cadillac convertible

Robert Milner: ------------ Alice’s ex and primary suspect in her death

Andy Bishop: -------------- Sabotage suspect at Butler Farms

Ron Matthews: ------------ Olivia’s friend and possible love interest

Linda Sears: -------------- Olivia’s friend and housekeeper

Max Grace: --------------- Olivia’s brother and Kern County Deputy Sheriff

© Copyright 2025 Sideman. All rights reserved.