Page 48 of Mechanic

“I tried to take care of Gram alone. She got to be too much for me, so she was admitted to a nursing home. It broke my heart to do it, but at least she had people around twenty-four hours a day. The home was the best that we could afford, which isn’t saying much.

“Waitressing didn’t bother me, but I realized that I could make more dealing. I enrolled in classes to get my license. Because of my schedule, my visits dropped off. I was working as much overtime as possible to support both of us.

“Gram gave so much for me. I was trying to do the best for her.” Tears run unchecked down my face as my story continues.

“Since I didn’t have my phone, Shawna took the call from the home where Gram died. When I showed up at the nursing home to clean her room, they handed me a box and basically pushed me out the door. They already had someone move into her room.

“Shawna suggested that I move here, get a change of scenery, and put Las Vegas behind me.”

Lifting my cup to my mouth, my face puckers at the now ice-cold coffee. Dumping the cold liquid down the drain, taking my time to pour a fresh cup. Returning to the table, I cradle the hot cup in both hands, pulling it into my chest once I sit back down. Staring at the swirling liquid, I take a sip as Roderick speaks.

“I am sorry for your loss. My parents are also gone. They died in a plane crash,” he says softly.

Speaking softly, I repeat the phrase back at him, which seems lame, but what else can I say? Neither of us say anything forseveral minutes. Setting my mug down on the table, I fold my hands together, letting them rest on the surface of the table.

“There’s my story,” I say, keeping my tone even. “I think you can go now.”

“I will go. Before I do, there’s something that I need to know,” Roderick says, making eye contact with me in order to convey his sincerity.

When I simply stare at him, he continues speaking.

“Why does Shawna call you Toni? Yet you have everyone here calling you Antonia?”

Roderick’s tone is not accusatory but more inquisitive. He patiently waits for my answer as my hands start to shake. Clenching my hands into fists, trying to hide my anxiety, his eyes widen at my reaction.

“One, there,” I start, my thoughts jumbled. Clearing my throat, I try again. “One of the pit bosses in Vegas is Tony. It was stressed to me that I needed to use my full name in order to avoid confusion on the floor.”

Roderick’s eyes widen further at my statement.

“Are we done now? I have things to do,” I ask, waving my hand around the apartment.

“Yeah, for now,” Roderick says as he rises to his feet reluctantly. His body language indicates that the last thing he wants to do is walk out that door. So much has happened in the past twenty-four hours, and both of us need time to think.

Pausing with his hand on the doorknob, he speaks over his shoulder.

“For the record, you did really well last night. Each of the players has requested you as the regular dealer.”

Long after Roderick leaves, I stay frozen in place. Our budding relationship was easy. The nights we spent together comprised of easy conversation. The only time it was awkward between us was when we had an early dinner at The Whiskey Genie. Hecame looking for me, made more of an effort than any guy I ever dated. The tension that is currently wedged between us is not something I ever expected.

Chapter 27

Roderick

The past week has been rough. I have lost count of the number of times I have thought about calling, texting, or just stopping by Antonia’s apartment.

We didn’t spend much time together, Antonia and me. The time that we did spend together was special. Now that I know she works here, half the time I walk the casino floor, my eyes automatically check the tables in search of the girl who captured my heart. I feel like a damn stalker.

Stepping off the elevator, Rhodee’s eyes meet mine briefly before returning to the note she is writing.

“Yes, sir…I will discuss your request with Mr. Sereno when he returns to the office,” Rhodee says to whoever she is on the phone with, grabbing my attention at my name.

Stopping in front of her desk, Rhodee tenses slightly as I listen to the rest of her conversation.

“Yes, I will relay the request for Antonia as well… Yes, sir… Yes, sir… Do you have any special food requests?”

Based on what I am hearing, someone must want the Poker Room. Moving into my office, I leave Rhodee to her conversation.

Twenty minutes later, there is a knock on my door. Looking up from my computer screen I see Rhodee standing there, notebook in hand. Waving her in, I point to a chair across the desk from me.

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