Chapter 14: Dangerous Play
Orely
Needing to go to the toilet, and with my tokens depleted, I take the opportunity to leave my machine for a few minutes. As I pass by a poker table, the scent of perfume and tobacco wafts through the air. The players display concentrated expressions, some confidently bluffing and others scrutinizing their opponents.
Every corner of the casino is a spectacle in itself, a dance of luck and strategy, laughter and suspense, where every moment can lead to stunning victory or unexpected failure. It is a place where time seems suspended, full of promise and excitement.
Leaving the bathroom a few minutes later, to get some fresh air, I see a group of men of different ages chatting, dressed in tuxedos and wearing luxury watches on their wrists, chatting and joking, glasses of champagne in hand. Among them is Santiago talking with a man in his forties. He appears relaxed, sipping his champagne and placing one of his hands carelessly in his pocket. So there he is, simply busy elsewhere like every other director at a project inauguration. I let my gaze rest on him for a moment, enjoying the view, which is not at all unpleasant. His bespoke suit is perfectly tailored and his bouncy ass is to my liking, and just as I'm about to return to my mother's side, our eyes meet.
Santiago
After my speech, as I step down from the stage, I spot Orely and we exchange a quick glance. She looks stunning, and I must say she has good taste. Of all the dresses I've offered her to wear, she's perfectly chosen the one that suits her best. In front of all these people, I had to show my seriousness and coolness, especially as my father had appointed me manager of this casino that I had to run in order to continue our business. Therefore, I had to act in a rhythm as if nothing had happened. I was both annoyed and disappointed that I couldn't go and see her, while at the same time playing the game of being a perfect businessman in everyone's eyes. I appreciated her gesture of responding to my little note when I sent her twenty or so dresses, shoes and accessories, since I didn't know her tastes.
\[Thank you for your kind attention, but you didn't have to. I'll see you soon. Orely\]
The waiters, in constant motion, navigate their way through the crowd, offering colorful cocktails and tasty little bites, which I took the opportunity to nibble on to calm my nerves. A real treat. Everything was perfectly planned and executed. Before passing through a small corridor that takes me to the rear of the building, my attention is drawn to the giant screens broadcasting live sporting events, attracting the attention of punters who passionately follow the scores, while bright video game screens offer interactive competitions.
I am with my colleagues to discuss business and we head for a secluded spot by a pool, enjoying a glass of champagne to toast tonight's success. Turning around, I see Orely and interrupt my conversation to say hello.
"At last the opportunity presents itself," I muttered as I set off in her direction.
"Good evening, Orely. How nice to see you here. I caught a glimpse of you at the end of the speech, but then got caught up in my duties. When I had five minutes to myself, I couldn't find you at your table. I didn't know whether you'd left or not. And since you're here, my driver will take you home.” I point out and she nods.
"We have followed the guest wave."
She has this direct but polite way of responding, as in the little note she wrote me, and I love it.
"You have done well. Did you enjoy the games?"
"We played the slot machines, but my luck wasn't on my side and I lost every turn. That's not the case with my mom, who's always in the game."
"It is too bad, but luck comes and goes. As far as I'm concerned, I'm relatively lucky tonight."
"Did you win something?"
"No, surprisingly, I'm a casino director who doesn't gamble much, but I'm taking this chance because I have the opportunity to see you again.
"You invited me, I could not refuse. Thank you once again for the gifts."
Why am I gloating like a moron when she's right in front of me?
I nod and take a long look at her, letting my gaze slide over her body with appreciative eyes.
"You look stunning. That dress suits you perfectly, a very good choice. A style all your own," I complimented.
"It is just a dress, you know? Besides, there are so many beautiful women here tonight, but thanks for the compliment," she retorts with a slight smile.
"I am sure there are some beautiful women out there, but I didn't notice them because all I could see was you."
I think I have hit the nail on the head. She stares at me, blinking a few times, her mouth ajar. This made me laugh inside, because I knew then that she was blushing.