If nothing else, it would tip off fucking Drago.
I shudder. Could Drago have sent him?
I tell Poppy, “Seeing Giovani here was a shock. The reason I came to an O’Malley casino was so I wouldn’t run into any of the family. I’m still shaky.”
And immediately I’m thinking about the guy again. “He could still be in the casino looking for me right now. My random mob guy.”
“Is he hot?”
“Molten steel.”
Who is he working for and what is his plan?
I tell Poppy, “I’ll get a cab or a limo home. Come back for the car another day.”
“Aww. It’s sweet that you call this place ‘home,’ and after just a few days. I wish it was, you know? I’ve loved having you around.”
“You’ve really been good to me, Poppy.”
“Bullshit. You’re great. It’s been terrific working with you. You’ve really put the life back into my business.”
“Well, thank you, poppy. I appreciate you saying that.”
“No need to get a cab. I’ll come and get you.”
“No need. Really.”
“I want to. I’m desperate to get out of here. We can get something to eat on the way back.”
Chapter Five
Mia
Billy is our restaurant server. He’s big and jolly and he’s happy to get us whatever we desire. Except they don’t have anything that will remotely suit Poppy’s taste. He makes it sound like she’s ordering a fad diet that’s out of style.
I let him see how easy it would be for the chef to give her what she needs. And how grateful I will be when Billy brings it to us, the conquering hero.
Poppy giggles as he leaves. “You’re so great at charming those guys.”
“Only the ones I don’t care about, unfortunately.” I wish I’d ordered a beer now. I wave to Billy and he comes running.
As he bounces away, I tell Poppy, “It could work as a test. If they’re taken in by it, they’re no good to me.”
She smiles. “Trials of Hercules, twenty-first century edition.”
Poppy asks for a sip of my beer. I tell her it’s too big anyway, and and I’m happy to share.
She says, “But I want to know how you do that. I mean, you’re gorgeous, of course. They’re all sloppy-eyed and drooly as soon as they see you. But once you start to talk to them, it’s like they catch fire. Their tongues loll and they turn into gawky teenagers.”
“Oh, it’s so simple. I’m kind of afraid to tell you. I’m afraid I’ll take a fall in your opinion when you see me for the shallow bitch I really am.”
She laughs, then takes another pull and hands the beer back. “Trust me. I want to know so I can do it.”
“I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“Tell me.”
“Okay. It’s just two things. One thing, really, but in two parts.” She leans forward and I lower my voice. “When he starts to talk, you look in his eyes. You look deep into his eyes and you sweep anything else out of your mind. Except, think of your favorite kind of cake. And don’t smile.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s most of it.” I shrug. “Don’t move. Except to nod, but only one or two times. Mostly keep still. You can tilt your head to the side if you want. But otherwise, stay still.”
“That works? that’s what you do?”
“You can refine it. As you talk to them, slowly lower your voice, so they have to lean forward to hear you. Then give them a little frown.”
“Does it work on all men?”
“All the ones I’ve come across.”
“But, how do you tell them what you want?”
“You don’t. They’ll tell you. Eventually. Do it right and they’ll fall over their feet trying to guess. When they say the thing you want, that’s when you give them a little smile.”
Poppy says, “It seems a little…”
“Fake? It is, It’s totally fake. That’s why I said you can use it as a test. If they fall for it—frog.”
“And if they don’t, prince? Or have you got another test to give them?”
“I don’t know. None of them have got past the frog level yet.”
“It sounds like a way to get dates, though. Even if it’s a bit… I don’t know…”
“Superficial? Manipulative? You don’t think they do all that? You don’t think guys dedicate their lives to learning push-pull, dangling carrot, swishing stick, all those other mind games?” I shake my head. “The dating scene in the wild is an arms race. When you get someone from an app…”
“You’ve done that?”
“You haven’t?”
Poppy’s eyes are wide and her head shakes.
I laugh. “Don’t. All you’re missing is hours of stomach churning awkwardness and embarrassment. Either they can’t admit why they’re there, why they’re doing it, and the whole thing is a cringe-making charade. Or you get the ones who tell you straight out what they want, and you either want to laugh or puke. Often both at the same time.”