Page 32 of Smoke

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” I catch his gaze. It’s hot, intense and has been there constantly except for when we’ve had company at the table. I’ve done my best to keep eye contact, but at times, I’ve had to break the connection simply so I don’t fall headfirst into those intoxicating green pools that seem to promise lustful sex, heat and mind-blowing orgasms.

“Not too drunk,” he winks back at me. “I’ll get the bill, and then we can hit the casino.”

We spentan hour or two in the casino. Paddy plays the tables while I sit back and watch after insisting that it’s not right to take money from him after he’d spent somuch on dinner. Truth is that taking money from him would make me feel dirty.

The thing with these places is if you’re playing the tables, the drinks are never ending and free. With every shot of whiskey Paddy orders, he orders me one too. Little does he know that while his attention is taken, watching the dealers and the cards on the table, I’m pouring the majority into his glass. Alas, it doesn’t seem to take much effect other than him becoming vocal and affable with those around the poker table.

The chips are still piled high in front of him, but in the last two hands, he’s lost a substantial amount. What was an early winning streak appears to have ended.

“Paddy,” I tap him on the shoulder to get his attention, but he doesn’t respond. On my third attempt, it works.

“Tenley,” he swings around in his seat to face me.

“It’s time to cash out. I got an early start in the morning, so we need to get going.”

“Jesus,” he hisses when he checks his watch and sees that it’s after twelve. “Now you know why they don’t have clocks in these places.” He waves to one of the guys standing by the table who, by the way he’s dressed, must work for the casino. “Can you get this cashed up for me?” Paddy plucks out an orange chip and hands it to the guy who slips it into his pocket.

“I’ll get that sorted for you right away, sir.” his smile is big enough to tell me that the chip he’s received in gratis is worth a substantial amount. “Would you like to wait, or should I put it against your room to collect on your departure?”

“Room will be fine,” he responds. “It’s 2010.”

“Of course, sir. Good evening to you both and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here at the Alexandra.” With that, he’s gone, and I’m stood open-mouthed and seething.

Paddy Dunne has booked a room. How fucking presumptuous of him.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Maybe he can see the steam that’s metaphorically blowing out of my ears. “And before you say anything. Yes, I did book a room here on the pretense of having you sleep with me, but…” He jumps up off the seat, and if it wasn’t for my quick action, stepping forward and wrapping my arms around him to support his weight, he would have hit the floor.

Looks like the alcohol has taken hold after all. He’s hammered.

“Fuck,” he mumbles when he staggers again. “I’ll be right in a second or two.”

“Paddy, I don’t think this is a good idea. I should go.” I need to go.

“Tell you what,” he slurs. “Be a darling and help me to my room. The key card is in my pocket.” When the hell had he managed to pick that up? Did he do a detour when visiting the bathroom? “Then if you want to leave, I’ll call you a cab to take you home.”

Shit! This is not a pleasant situation. He’s a big man, a strong one at that. I really don’t want to be in a room with him alone. But then again, he’s about thirty minutes from being comatose. Could this be my chance to get him to talk? Loose lips sink ships, so they say, and they don’t get any looser than when someone is tanked.

“Okay, let’s get you to the elevator and up to your room.”

By the time we’ve hit the twentieth floor and room 2010, Paddy has come around somewhat, still staggering but walking with little aid.

“You are really beautiful,” he mumbles while I try to get the keycard to work. He leans in and sweeps the hair back from my face with his hand. “Your eyes remind me of the blue sea at Benone Beach.”

“And exactly where is that?” I ask as the door clicks open, and I step inside.

“Home. The north coast of Ireland,” he explains as he wavers in behind me. “I’ll take you there one day. You’ll love it.” He stops still as if he’s suddenly remembered something. “Can’t do that,” he mumbles before walking further into the room and sitting on the edge of the California king bed that dominates the large space.

“What made you move to Nevada, when you still seem to associate Ireland as being your home?” I slowly walk towards the bed and stand in front of him.

“Carrickfergus, North of Belfast. That’s where my heart is. Work brought me here.”

“Do you miss it?” I ask, trying not to go with a natural progression of questions without being too obvious.

“Every day.” He lets out a deep, heavy sigh. “For now, I do what I’m required to do, and that’s how it has got to be.”

“Sounds like you have little say in the matter. Why not get a job back home?”

“If only it was that simple.” He reaches out, grabs mywrist, and pulls me onto his lap. “Less about me, you’ve yet to tell me what you do that has you rushing off for an early start?”

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