Everyone filed into the conference room and took their seats. My father stood at the head of the table, with my mother at his side. “The time has come to pass the torch. Rose and I have decided to leave Mystique to travel.”
Grumbles echoed around the room. I couldn’t blame them. My parents were great to work for and change was disconcerting, especially after decades of predictability.
My father held up his hands. “I know this is unexpected, but we’re not completely disconnecting. While we travel, we’ll be checking on our other properties, bringing back ideas, and keeping us competitive. Vegas is our home and Mystique is our flagship, so were not abandoning it, however we won’t be as present or involved in day-to-day operations.”
My mother bumped him with her hip and took over. “But fear not, we’re leaving you in very capable hands. Trent and his beautiful wife, Gia, will be taking over for us.”
That’s right…wife. It didn’t take me long to realize I needed to put a ring on it. Things were a little tense when she returned to Vegas. Our tech guy was able to get the video taken down, although it was a little late since everyone had already seen it. I walked around for weeks glaring at everyone, daring them to say two words to Gia. No one was bold or rude enough to go there. They all loved her, and I couldn’t blame them. She was completely lovable. If anything, the staff was appalled the video was sent to them. They secretly applauded Hunter’s removal from Mystique. Gia wasn’t the first person he’d offended with his arrogance and brash behavior. No one said anything to me personally, but I heard the whispers.
I’d mellowed since Gia entered my life. My permanent scowl was replaced with what my mom called my dopey, love-struck face. I wasn’t super fond of the name, but I couldn’t deny I was in love with the redheaded temptress that swept me off my feet the moment I met her.
When we got married, it was in front of the fountains at the Bellagio, which my father initially objected to, but even he couldn’t say no to Gia. All our friends and family joined us and not a single Elvis was present. Gia planned a spectacular reception at Mystique, pulling out all the bells and whistles.
I’ll never forget what she looked like in her strapless wedding gown. It hugged her in all the right places and showed off her phenomenal figure. It took everything I had not to whisk her away to my office for a quick romp, but we learned our lesson the hard way. Turned out Hunter had put a hidden camera by the pictures on the shelf in my office. The weasel had been watching us the entire time. Gia and I agreed to no more sex in public places, no matter how private they appeared. The video of us could have been so much worse and neither of us was willing to risk the consequences.
My father cleared his throat, bringing me back to the here and now. I stepped to the head of the table and held my hand out for Gia to join me. I wrapped my arm around her waist as a show of affection and solidarity. “Taking over Mystique is both an honor and a privilege. I assure you we have no intentions of changing what works but only want to make things better.”
“I do have one pet project I’ve been working on,” Gia said. “Starting next month, we’ll be offering free in-house childcare for all employees.” A round of whoops came from the women and a few of the men too.
“I’m gonna be a grandma!” my mom blurted, then quickly covered her mouth. “Sorry.”
Gia laughed. “It’s fine, Rose. I couldn’t hide it much longer anyway.” She rubbed her barely-there bump. “We’re having a baby.”
“Boy or girl?” Genevieve asked.
“We don’t know yet,” I answered. My hope was for a boy, because the thought of having a mini Gia running around as a teenager gave me heart palpitations.
“Could be one of each,” Gia said. “Twins run on my mom’s side of the family.”
I’m pretty sure my heart stopped completely. “What? How come I’m just learning this now?”
She shrugged. “Guess it never really came up.”
Everyone laughed at my expense. I was barely ready for one, let alone two. “But we’d know by now, right?” Seemed like a conversation that should have been had alone instead of in front of the staff.
My mom hugged Gia. “Doesn’t matter. As long as the baby or babies are healthy. I’m so excited!”
I pulled my shit together and addressed the room again. “Because I’ll be taking the position as CEO, Gia will become COO and head of public relations and marketing.” I motioned for Penny to stand up. “Our new director of entertainment and events has more than earned the position.”
Penny gave everyone a little wave with one hand and placed the other on her very obvious protruding belly. She and Brett snuck off and eloped to Hawaii two months before our wedding without a word to anyone.
But we could hardly be mad. Everyone was entitled to their secrets. That’s part of what made Sin City so alluring.
And ours was the biggest secret of all. Two devilishly handsome guys, one beautiful redheaded temptress, and a crazy twist of fate.
Who would have thought one night could change everything?
