The Little Black Dress (Love in Las Vegas)

I take a step back and shake my head. “Likes me? Are you nuts? The man can’t stand the sight of me.”

“Are you sure about that?” he counters.

“Positive.”

“Then answer this––why are you still here? I’ve known that man for a long time, and I can tell you, if he didn’t like you, he would’ve fired you the second you walked into that restaurant in those adorable slippers.”

“He needs me here until he finds someone else. That’s all,” I argue.

“Whatever you say,” he says, walking backwards toward the blackjack tables. “It was nice to meet you, Sophie. See you around.”

And with a little salute, he spins and heads back to work. I shake my head and continue on to the coffee shop. I know he said he’s Jared’s best friend and has known him a long time, but there’s no way he’s right about this. Jared hates me. Of that, I’m sure.

As I wait for the coffees, I look down at my red shoes. Maybe they’re working. Maybe I was lucky, running into Sam like that and making him laugh. Maybe he’ll convince Jared not to fire me today, and I’ll have more time to find a suitable job.

Or maybe he was right, and if Jared planned to fire me, he would’ve done it last night. That would be the best luck.

The barista places the three coffees––I ordered one for Scotty, too––in a carrier and hands them over with a smile. I return it and make my way to the elevators. Sam catches my eye from his podium in the pit and gives me a little wave. I jerk my head in response because my hands are full, and see him lift a radio to his mouth and speak into it.

As I approach the elevator that leads up to the executive suite, a security guard appears beside me.

“Allow me, Miss Jameson,” he says, swiping his card to access the private car.

“Oh, perfect timing,” I say gratefully. “Thank you.”

“Sam called me over the radio and said you might need some help,” he says with a nod.

“Oh, tell him I said thank you,” I say as I step inside.

He leans in to press the button for me. “Will do. Have a nice day.”

As the doors swish closed, I smile at my reflection in the mirrored wall. I think I will have a nice day.

“Thank you, shoes,” I mumble as the car glides to a stop and the doors slide open.

I think my luck is finally turning around.