His actual birthday was Thursday. What in the world was going through her head? What planet was she from? She was all set to deny Tyler a birthday party with his friends when every single child in his class had a party. But Tyler should celebrate four days late with her parents? I was furious. There was nothing I could do. Nothing. Except, I told my bees.

Chapter 19: Leslie and Cher

“There’s no fourth floor in the Nobu Hotel,” Charlie said.

“Why not?” I said.

“Because in Asia the number four is bad luck, and in this town they don’t tempt luck!”

Chapter Nineteen

Leslie and Cher

I am telling you that when I got off the plane in Las Vegas I thought I would die from the spectacle of it all. There were slot machines all over the airport and a kind of excitement in the air I’d never felt before. You could see the anticipation in the faces of arriving passengers that they were about to have the vacation of their lives. And win a fortune. And others waiting at gates filled with disappointment.

I spent a little time talking to a guy next to me on the plane, and he said he came to Las Vegas all the time. He said every night he’d see a show, have a big dinner, and then go to the casinos. Every night would be different entertainment, a different restaurant, and another casino. He was meeting his brother there, who was coming from just north of San Francisco. They did this every year without their wives, just the two of them. I thought, Well, why not? But Las Vegas didn’t really hold a lot of appeal for me. Okay, I’d never been there, but gambling wasn’t my thing. I was doing this for Charlie. My sweet Charlie.

And Charlie was excited. He met me in baggage claim and was talking nonstop.

“Kiss kiss!” He kissed my cheeks and continued. “How was your flight? Don’t you look wonderful! Do you have luggage?”

“No, just this roller,” I said.

“Well, did you eat? Are you starving? The Mexican food in this town is AH-mazing! Or would you like sushi? I could always eat sushi.”

“I’m fine, Charlie. I ate.”

“Okay, well then, let’s get a move on!”

He took my roller and I followed him through the terminal and out to the parking garage. He was walking so fast I could hardly keep up with him.

“Charlie! Slow down!”

“Oh, sorry, Leslie. I guess I’m excited to show you everything.”

“Well, so far, even the airport is pretty colorful!”

Charlie stopped at an unfamiliar car, a bright red Toyota RAV4, unlocked it, and raised the hatch door. He put my suitcase in and slammed it shut.

“New car?” I said. Charlie usually drove a luxury car, so I was a little surprised.

“Yeah, a new car for the new me.”