Chapter Three
By the time she drove her distinctive red Ferrari down Pico Boulevard and along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, Lucky had forgotten about Venus and her man-related issues. Her mind was more focused on Max and her imminent departure. Lucky was wise enough to realize that there was no holding her smart, gorgeous, green-eyed daughter back. Max was going out on her own whether she and Lennie liked it or not. And truth was she didn’t like it, but there was nothing she could do. As everyone was quick to point out, she herself had been running wild at sixteen. After ditching her strict Swiss boarding school and taking off to the South of France, her father Gino had tracked her down and hurriedly married her off to the irritating and boring Craven Richmond – Senator Peter Richmond’s son. Craven was a weak loser she hadn’t loved, and even worse, had no respect for. But she’d refused to be trapped. She’d bided her time, and when Gino left the country as a tax exile, she’d broken all ties with the Richmond family and swiftly moved in to take over Gino’s lucrative hotel business. She’d gotten a divorce, and never looked back.
Now Max was ready to fly, but did her only daughter possess the street smarts to survive all the sharks who’d be circling such a major catch? And if Max chose to move to New York, how was Lucky supposed to protect her?
‘You’re not,’ Lennie had informed her, always the voice of reason. ‘You gotta let Max go. She’s ready to make her own mistakes and learn from them.’
Even Gino agreed. ‘Let her loose, kid,’ he’d said. ‘She’ll find her feet just like you did.’
So be it.
Even though it was past midnight, Max was not home.
Determined not to worry, Lucky picked up the phone and called Lennie who was on location in Utah. They talked for a while; he soothed her fears about Max, told her not to obsess, and that he’d see her in Vegas for the birthday party.
Lucky decided that for once she’d listen.
One big Vegas party coming up. And after that she’d send Max on her way with her blessings and hope that everything worked out.
* * *
‘Frankie?’ Max yelled, making a wild dash toward the guy emerging from a Grand Sport convertible Corvette. ‘Is it really you?’
Frankie Romano stopped mid-stride, slowly lowering his mirrored Ray-Bans – an unnecessary accessory because it was dark out and the shades were merely an affectation.
‘Jesus!’ he exclaimed, after scrutinizing her up and down. ‘Little Max?’
‘Not so little any more,’ she answered boldly, remembering the last time she’d seen her brother’s friend, the irascible Frankie Romano. He was thinner than she remembered but his outfit was cool – all leather, retro shades covering his eyes, his dark hair pulled back into a tight pony-tail. Very L.A.
She gestured toward the entrance of the new club where a restless gathering of girls dressed to seduce, and a rowdy bunch of guys hoping to get laid, attempted to talk their way past three burly security doormen. ‘Can you get me and my friends in?’ she asked, throwing Frankie a winning smile.
‘Hey,’ Frankie said, with a nod of his head. ‘If I can’t, nobody can. Follow me.’
Max grabbed Cookie and Harry’s arms, and without hesitation they marched in behind Frankie.
The doorman gave him a respectful salute.
‘Wow!’ Max exclaimed, suitably impressed. ‘They’re acting as if you own the place or something.’
‘I do,’ Frankie boasted, although not truthfully. ‘It’s mine, all mine.’
Max widened her eyes. The last she’d heard of Frankie, he’d been dumped by Annabelle Maestro, his longtime girlfriend, and was looking for a job. Now he claimed to own this happening new L.A. club. She wondered if Bobby was aware of it, because as far as she could recall, the two of them had fallen out due to Frankie’s over-the-top drug habit. Too bad. She’d always sort of liked Frankie in a weird way, even though he’d tried to letch after her when she was sixteen and staying with Bobby in New York.
‘Does Bobby know you’re in the club business?’ she asked, as Frankie guided them straight to a booth.
‘You think Bobby has dibs on running clubs?’ Frankie responded, his left eye twitching beneath his shades. ‘I was dee-jaying before he ever got into the whole club scene. I would’ve given him a chance to invest in River, but we’ve been out of touch. His loss.’
‘Guess he missed out,’ Max said vaguely, checking out the club, which resembled a poor rip-off of Mood.
‘Since your brother hooked up with that lawyer bitch, you gotta know he’s totally pussy-whipped,’ Frankie said gruffly. ‘We no longer connect.’
‘Denver’s not a lawyer, she’s a Deputy D.A.,’ Max pointed out.
‘Even worse,’ Frankie snorted. ‘She’s got his balls in a clench. Came between us big time.’
‘I thought it was—’
‘What?’ Frankie said, shooting her a sharp look.
‘Nothing,’ she mumbled, biting down on her bottom lip. Bobby had told her that Frankie’s addiction to coke was not something he could deal with any more, especially as Denver was a Deputy D.A.
‘So . . . little Max, all grown up,’ Frankie said, moving close, his thigh pressing up against her leg. ‘Haven’t seen you in a while. How’ve you been?’
‘Amazing,’ Max replied, edging away because the last thing she needed was Frankie coming onto her.
‘You’re looking hot,’ he continued. ‘Smokin’ hot.’
‘Thanks,’ she said, feeling uncomfortable. Was he stoned? Probably.
‘Wow!’ Cookie exclaimed. ‘This place is totally bangin’.’
Frankie turned his attention to her. ‘You like?’ he said. ‘I designed the place myself.’ Another lie.
‘We like,’ Cookie answered, nudging Harry while wondering how old Frankie was, and if he was too old for her. ‘Can we score a drink?’
‘You got it,’ Frankie said, snapping his fingers, grabbing the attention of a half-naked waitress with long talon-like nails and a fixed smile. ‘You all have your fake I.D.s on you, I hope.’
‘Wouldn’t be without them,’ Cookie replied, licking her generous lips and fluttering her purple-tipped eyelashes.
‘That’s what I like to hear,’ Frankie said, thinking that this one might be young, but she was certainly ready.
And what the hell – young was his flavour of the night.
* * *
Pizza and a movie turned out to be sushi at Matsuhisa, a favourite of Denver’s.
‘I love this restaurant,’ she said, helping herself to a California roll.
‘Why do you think I chose it?’ Bobby said, reaching for her hand across the table.
‘’Cause you wanted to surprise me?’
‘Ah, but she’s so smart,’ he said, dazzling her with one of his special smiles.
‘And she’s dressed for pizza and a movie,’ Denver said ruefully.
‘And she looks gorgeous,’ he assured her.
‘Thanks, Bobby,’ she said, taking a sip of warm Sake.
‘For what?’
‘For always making me feel good.’
‘That’s easy.’
‘It is?’
‘You know it is.’
‘Well, don’t you always know the right thing to say.’
‘And speaking of the right thing – you are coming to Vegas with me next weekend for Max’s party. Yes?’
‘I . . . I’m going to try,’ she said, still hesitant.
‘Whaddya mean, try?’
‘Well, y’know, work . . .’
‘I told you,’ he said insistently, ‘we’ll go Friday, come back Sunday. You won’t miss a thing.’
‘You have to understand, Bobby, transferring to the Drug Unit is kind of a big deal. I want to be fully prepared.’
‘Like I said – you’ll bring your laptop. We’ll have plenty of downtime.’
‘Can I think about it?’ she asked tentatively.
‘She’ll think about it,’ he said, quite exasperate
d. ‘Have I ever told you you’re one stubborn woman?’
‘Simply because I don’t say yes to you all the time . . .’
‘No, you don’t, do you?’ he said, giving her a long intent look. ‘Is that why I like you?’
‘Hmm . . .’ she said thoughtfully, ‘I guess you’re so used to women saying yes at all times.’
Bobby started to laugh. ‘What women did you have in mind?’
‘Remember high school? You and M.J. had it all going on. Girls falling out of trees.’
‘Oh c’mon, Denver,’ he said with a quizzical expression. ‘Now we’re reverting to high school? How come you’re remembering that now?’
‘’Cause watching Mister Football Star scoring was the main entertainment of the day.’
‘Then aren’t I glad it’s all behind me, an’ now I’ve got you.’
‘Really?’ she teased. ‘You’ve got me, have you?’
‘I do, don’t I?’ he said, grinning. ‘We’ve been together how long?’
‘I dunno,’ she said, knowing exactly how long. ‘Three months maybe.’
Bobby shook his head. ‘Maybe, she says! You’re supposed to tell me to the minute.’
‘I am, huh?’
‘Yes, you am.’
They smiled at each other, savouring the moment.
One of the reasons she enjoyed spending time with Bobby was because they always had so much to talk about. He often regaled her with stories about his deceased father’s family who all resided in Greece, apart from his niece, Brigette. Brigette lived in New York and had once been a top model. Along with Bobby, she had inherited most of the Stanislopoulos fortune. Although uncomfortable talking about money, Bobby had informed Denver that he’d chosen not to touch his inheritance, preferring to make his own money from the success of his clubs.
She admired him for his desire to make it on his own. Only occasionally did he indulge in any kind of extravagance – such as using the Stanislopoulos plane.
Sometimes she filled him in on some of her family stories, a family he still hadn’t met. She was reticent about introducing him to her parents – Mom, a political activist – and Dad, a maverick lawyer. Not to mention her three brothers. They’d all been very fond of her ex, Josh, and she didn’t think she should introduce Bobby into the mix until she was sure they’d stay together for longer than a few months.
Bobby laughed about it. ‘Not good enough to meet your family, huh?’ he teased.
‘You will,’ she assured him.
And yes, one day she would definitely bring him to meet them. But not yet. It was too soon.
‘Bobby!’ An exceptionally pretty model type exclaimed, stopping by their table. ‘Oh my God! I haven’t seen you since Graydon’s party in New York. How are you? What are you doing in L.A.?’
‘Uh . . . hey,’ Bobby managed. He didn’t have a clue who she was and he didn’t much care. ‘Do you two know each other?’ he asked, gesturing toward Denver.
The girl threw Denver a cursory glance, then proceeded to ignore her. ‘We must get together,’ she purred, leaning toward Bobby. ‘I miss you. Call me, I’m at the Mondrian.’
Then she tottered off on six-inch heels looking pleased with herself.
‘Nice,’ Denver remarked.
‘I swear I don’t know who she is,’ Bobby insisted.
‘That’s okay.’ Denver was determined not to throw a jealous fit over nothing. ‘I have exes too.’
‘She’s not an ex,’ he said firmly. ‘No idea who she is.’
‘It doesn’t matter, Bobby.’
‘No, it doesn’t,’ he agreed. ‘All that matters is that I’m sitting here with you.’
The thing about Bobby Santangelo Stanislopoulos was that he always knew the right thing to say.
* * *
Max was ready to go, so was Harry, but Cookie was putting up a fight. ‘I wanna stay,’ she said stubbornly. ‘Frankie’ll look out for me.’
‘You can’t stay,’ Max argued. ‘We’re in Harry’s car.’
‘I’ll get a ride,’ Cookie said.
‘Oh, like who you gonna get a ride from?’ Max snapped.
Cookie shrugged. ‘I’m sure Frankie’ll drive me home.’
‘For shit’s sake!’ Max exclaimed. ‘Don’t you know that all Frankie wants is to get into your pants?’
‘So?’ answered Cookie with a slightly tipsy smile. ‘Is that such a bad thing?’
They were arguing in the booth several Mojitos later. Frankie was off meeting and greeting, playing Mister Genial Host, and Max wasn’t feeling it. She wanted out. So did Harry.
‘We can’t leave you here by yourself,’ Max said, looking to Harry for some support.
‘I told you – Frankie’ll look after me,’ Cookie said, leaning back in the booth.
‘Frankie’s a cokehead an’ he’s old,’ Harry sneered. ‘You don’t wanna hit that.’
‘He’s so not old an’ he’s hot,’ Cookie insisted. ‘You two better get the fuck outta here, ’cause I’m stayin’.’
Max decided not to argue; she knew what Frankie was like, and if Cookie was intent on taking that road there was nothing she could do about it. Cookie was hardly a virgin, she’d been around Hollywood all her young life.
‘Whatever you do, don’t screw him,’ Max warned. ‘He’s not someone you wanna hang with. Believe me, I know.’
‘Thanks for the advice,’ Cookie responded sarcastically. ‘I’ll call you guys later.’
‘You do that,’ Max said, checking her watch. It was already two a.m. ‘An’ don’t do anything you’ll regret,’ she added.
‘Goodbye,’ Cookie giggled. ‘Shift your asses outta here.’
Max grabbed Harry’s arm. ‘You cool to drive?’ He nodded. ‘Then let’s go.’
Sometimes one had to quit on an argument one wasn’t about to win, something her dad, Lennie, had taught her when she was five.
She’d learned a lot from both her parents, and there were times she appreciated their wisdom. But still, she couldn’t wait to get out on her own.
Soon. Very, very soon.
Chapter Four
Freedom suited Billy Melina just fine. Being married to a superstar was a major kick for about fifteen minutes, but after a few months of everyone worshipping at her feet, the thrill was gone. He was a huge movie star, but when he was out with Venus nobody gave a crap. This was not a big ego-booster. Oh no, not at all.
When Billy wasn’t with Venus the attention came fast and furious. Girls galore. Fans everywhere. Respect from agents, managers and lawyers who realized his potential. After all, he had only just hit thirty, his entire career lay ahead of him, and his latest release was already breaking box-office records.
Billy was over six feet tall, with bleached-by-the-sun hair, and a surfer’s tan all over his ripped and taut body. Abs were his thing. He worked out two hours a day to make sure they were rippling perfection. He liked seeing himself in the magazines under the heading BEST BODY ON THE BEACH. Eat your heart out, Matthew McConaughey. Go crap yourself, The Situation. Billy Melina was King of the Abs. And with his upcoming divorce from Queen of the Divas, he – along with his soon-to-be ex was currently on the cover of every magazine.
Covers were satisfying. Covers validated his existence. Covers gave him a positive vibe.
So did blow-jobs. There was nothing like a polished blowjob to put a smile on his face. Lately, now that he was free, his big kick was picking up some random girl, taking her back to his rented house, and having her blow him out by the pool. There was something about strange lips enclosing his cock, with the shimmering blue of the swimming pool in the background, and the sun beating down on his body, that really got him off.
Venus was under the impression that he’d hooked up with his recent co-star, Willow Price – a bodacious young blonde with pillowy lips and a burgeoning career. But that was not the case. Willow was good to be seen with at parties and award shows, but they were no way involved. Willow preferred her sex served lesbian-st
yle, and he did not fancy her, so being seen together suited them both.
Feeling horny, Billy hopped on his Harley and set off on a hunt.
It didn’t take him long to find exactly what he was looking for. The girl he spotted was walking along Melrose wearing a denim skirt that barely covered c-level, a skimpy tee – with I like it fast and sweet emblazoned across the front – and wedge-heeled sandals.
‘Yo,’ he greeted, pulling up alongside her on his bike. ‘Didn’t I see you last night at SoHo House?’
She stopped, checked him out, recognized him, couldn’t believe her luck, and twenty minutes later she was in front of him, on her knees beside his pool, servicing him as best she could.
When it was done he called her a cab and sent her on her way.
Billy never had any trouble finding girls.
* * *
Breakfast in Malibu was Lucky’s favourite time of day. She loved to sit out on the deck overlooking the ocean with a glass of fresh orange juice and a dish of cut-up papayas, figs and mangoes. Since she was an early riser, and always up before the rest of her family, she took advantage of the solitude. Early mornings was her time for making plans, deciding what she wanted to do next. Right now everything about The Keys satisfied her. Even Gino was impressed with what she had managed to achieve. She’d built the ultimate prize, the most magnificent complex in Vegas, encompassing everything from a major casino to a one-of-a-kind hotel and luxury condominiums. ‘Put in a racetrack an’ you’re all set,’ Gino had joked.
She’d smiled. Not such a bad idea. But then Gino always thought big.
She decided that her next project would be persuading Lennie to take a well-needed break. He was such a workaholic, skipping from one movie to the next. They had a fantastic marriage, but spending more time together would not be a bad thing. There were days and nights she really missed him.
Her cell rang. It was her New York attorney, Jeffrey Lonsdale.
‘Yes, Jeffrey, what’s up?’ she asked, wondering why he was calling her so early.
‘Have you been putting out the word that you want to sell The Keys?’ Jeffrey inquired.
‘What?’ she said, frowning. ‘Why would you say that?’
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