“Yeah. Even that,” she says.
And I believe she means it. She’s not judging me. Though she doesn’t know all the facts of my rise to success.
“I work hard,” I say. “I went without when I was a kid. Decided I wasn’t gonna go without any longer.”
The streetlights skim her features as we move through the streets of Portland and I can’t help but focus on how her eyes look at me. I could lose myself in them as she looks at me like that. With empathy. She’s got innocence and vulnerability. And something else that feels an awful lot like trust.
There’s something happening between us. Something that might’ve happened three years ago. And maybe I shouldn’t shrug it off just to protect her. Maybe I should see what’ll happen.
A little voice tells me that after she’s survived Iadanza’s bullshit, she deserves better than what I’ve got to offer. Should I really bring her fully into my world after she’s endured him and his fucking bullshit? Would I be able to have everything I want with this girl? I decided a long time ago that I was done going without. Whatever I wanted would be mine no matter the cost. But my conscience has me wondering if she’s better off without me. And I also feel like maybe I’d have to protect her in a way that she’d never fully know the real me. Do I want half a relationship? No, I really don’t. But is Violet right for me? Am I right for her?
We’re at the club.
My driver opens the door and I step out, then reach in to catch her hand.
She gracefully gets out of the SUV despite the cameras, lights, and mayhem.
And then I’m holding her hand and leading her through the throng, feeling focused fully on her and everything she is instead of what’s happening around me.
She’s graceful, poised, and I’m proud to have her on my arm. A photographer calls my name and so Violet stops and is about to move away so my picture can be taken. I keep firm hold of her hand and we pose. She does this naturally, doesn’t freeze or go shy.
We pose a few more times and then by the time we’re inside and greeted by my team, Guy pushes his way ahead of the crowd and claims us.
He still works at the other club but is here to oversee opening week and ensure the staff are operating at my standards. If all goes well this week, I’ve already decided I’m promoting him and having him oversee all concierges at all locations. The team here is less formal than my Law and Genesis locations because of the clientele we’re catering to here being a lot more casual, but he’s always shown himself to be an impeccable professional. Other than when he’s fake-flirting with the women I’m dating.
He greets Violet and tells her she’s beautiful. She thanks him, and is warm but appropriate in how she reacts. He shows us the space, explaining to Violet how it blends the fun of an adult gaming complex with some elements of a casino and an off-track betting sports bar.
We’ve got a bowling alley and billiards areas as well as a competitive axe throwing space and our basement is a war games/laser tag level. Numbers will be open to the public but also caters to corporate events as well as bachelor and bachelorette parties and group nights out.
Guy explains everything to her as he walks us through the space, then taking us up one level from the arcade floor to the sports bar. He seats us at my reserved table, of which I have one in each of my clubs. No one sits at my table, ever. Guy hands us player badges with lanyards, loaded for the night for all-you-can-play. He explains to Violet that there’s a reward redemptions area in the gift shop at the edge of the arcade area where guests redeem points. Instead of little tchotchkes like you’d get at a kids’ party zone, we’ve got more adult gifts. Clothes. Gift cards. Gag gifts. Branded merchandise.
Violet looks suitably impressed. And I am, too. The place looks great. It’s crawling with people, too. It’s a VIP and press night by invite only. Things look perfect. My team are getting bonuses for pulling this off so beautifully.
Alana and Craig make their approach once we’ve sat down and it’s only to tell me everything is smooth-sailing. This is good. I know that the press that are here are watching to see if I’m pulled aside, if I’m cool and collected, or if I appear pissed or frazzled. All of this will play into how we’re received in our write-ups and early reviews. I’ve got good people on my payroll and a solid feeling about tonight based on everything inside the walls of my 200,000 square foot entertainment complex.