After a few moments, the reservation clerk came back and apologized. She told us that we were put into a suite over at the Emerald Hotel and Casino. I instantly felt sick.

“Jackpot! Not only do we get to stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in Vegas, but we get a suite, and the Hard Rock is taking care of the additional expense!” she exclaimed. “This trip is getting better and better.”

G looked at me. “What’s wrong, Gabby?”

“That’s Simon’s hotel.”

“The same one you stayed at with him?”

“Yep.”

She hooked her arm around me. “It’ll be okay. I promise.”

We took our bags and walked down to the hotel. The minute I stepped in, memories of our stay here invaded my mind. After getting settled in our suite, we put on our bathing suits, went down to the pool, and drank one too many cocktails. Later that night, I went down to the casino and played some cards, while G and Lana pulled some slots, and went back to the room with a substantial amount of money.

****

The next morning, the three of us had spa appointments. We bathed in mud, had our bodies wrapped in cellophane, and then had the most amazing massages by the hottest guys in the hotel. I couldn’t get that picture of Simon out of my mind and it saddened me. I didn’t even want to think about him with her and the things they did, but I couldn’t help it. Later that day, we did some shopping, and then I went back down to the casino by myself while they went to a show. I told them I wasn’t feeling well from drinking all day, so I was just going to stay back in the room. I hit the blackjack table first and was careful. But as the waitress kept coming by with drinks, I would have one and, as soon as that was gone, I’d grab another. Before I knew it, I was flying high and moving from table to table, winning and winning big. All my rules were now consumed by alcohol and I knew I was being watched. Get a grip, Gabby. Slow down. Before I knew it, I had a crowd around me at the poker table and I was up almost fifty thousand dollars. The drinks kept coming and I kept drinking, trying to drown my sorrows. A man came up to me and asked me if I was interested in playing in the high roller room. I knew that was their trick to get their money back.

“No, I’m good.” I smiled.

He left and I continued to win, with a crowd cheering me on. As I sipped my martini, a man in a security uniform walked up to me and lightly took hold of my arm.

“Ma’am, you need to come with me, please.”

Shit. Shit. Shit. I got caught.