Unwanted Fate (35 page)

“You said…”

“My leg and my hand are both fine.”

“Oh.” She giggles.

The rest of the flight is smooth and we’re landing before I realize how long we’ve been in the air. Emily oohs and aahs as we fly over the heart of Las Vegas before landing at Atlantic Aviation in Las Vegas.

“Vegas looks so different up in the air than on the ground.”

“That it does.”

We exit the plane and I see a black SUV waiting close at the tarmac for us to get into. Our luggage is loaded into the rear as we get into the front of the vehicle.

“Are you telling me where you’re taking me or do I have to wait until we get there?”

“Darling, you’ll find out in fifteen or so minutes,” her mom says as she places her hand on Emily’s.

“You’re killing me with the secrecy.”

“It’s all part of the surprise.”

“If you say,” Emily says, trying to act mad but you can tell that she barely able to contain her excitement.

The SUV pulls in front of the Caesar’s Palace and comes to a stop, and Emily freaks out from all the unknowns, from the lack her not planning everything.

“We are staying here?” Kenneth nods at her. “Oh my God. Thank you.”

“I notice some cameras around, just be polite and smile,” he reminds everyone.

The valet opens the doors for everyone and Kenneth helps Cassandra exit the SUV, and I walk around to help Emily and Addison, letting the ladies walk in front of me as we enter the white stone ancient Roman architecture style building.

As we make our way in the glass doors, Kenneth speaks with the concierge and comes back to hand us our room key and Addison one as well. We walk to the elevators to take us to our rooms.

“This is way too much,” Emily murmurs to herself as the doors close to the elevator.

“Gorgeous, nothing is too much for you.”

“I’m still trying to come to terms with everything you gave me and did in my name, but all of this… I don’t know if I’m ever going to get used to being Kenneth’s daughter.”

“That is what makes you different from all the other rich and famous’ children. You don’t expect this every single day. You’re humble. Just say thank you and be yourself.”

“Easier said than done,” she says as we get off the elevator and make our way to the room. Addison’s room is in the opposite direction, which is good. I don’t have to worry about Addison hearing Emily moan out my name when I have her tangled up in the sheets later on.

“I know. You like to work for what you have and I’m sure you’re feeling like it’s a handout.”

“That’s exactly how I feel. I felt that way with you at first, but you squelched that feeling when you told me you loved me.”

“I do love you, very much. I understand where you’re coming from. I felt the same when the Carlino’s helped me, but I realized they weren’t doing it to just because they felt bad for me, they did it because they loved me and wanted me to better myself.”

“They sound like amazing people.”

“They are. I need to take you to meet them.

“You do.” She smiles at me.

“I’ll put that on my list to do.” I smile at her as I slide the key card in the reader and open the door.

“Wow… This room is unlike anything I’ve been in before…” she trails off while looking around and walks to the window that overlooks the magnificent pool.

I watch her as she turns back around, walking around the room, taking in everything around her. The white and gold décor, the multiple rooms, especially the large king size bed with satin sheets, and the large tub in the bathroom.

She looks gorgeous, even after working all day and flying. I can’t wait to see what she looks like in what I picked for her to wear to bed tonight. Even though she looks stunning in nothing, a little satin and lace would be a bow on her gorgeousness.

Emily’s phone ringing pulls me from my thoughts and I look at her as she talks to her mom while she walks around the room. She puts the phone down, and looks at me in incredulity.

“Dinner at Nobu in thirty minutes with everyone.”

“Sounds good.”

“Please tell me I’m not dreaming.” She looks overwhelmed

“You’re not gorgeous.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her forehead, and she rests her head on my chest.

“I love you Patrick.”

“I love you too, Emily.” She lets out a soft sigh.

“I’d better go clean up. Where’s our luggage?”

“Umm. I thought it would be here by—”

“Luggage,” accompanies a knock on the door.

“Your luggage is right there,” I smirk and open the door.

I pull out a fifty to tip the bellhop and he doesn’t take it. “Mr. Reeves took care of everything, sir. Thank you and enjoy your stay at Caesars Palace,” the bellhop says as he shuts the door behind him.

Two can play at this game, Kenneth.

P
atrick places our suitcases on the bed and I look through what he’d packed. I come across a pale yellow satin and lace negligee and wonder where it came from. I hold the provocative garment up to show him.

“I don’t remember owning anything that looks like this.”

“You didn’t. I bought it today.” He grins mischievously.

“Hmm. What makes you think I’d wear something like this?” I try to look appalled.

“I’m sure if I ask nicely you will.” Patrick stands beside me, looking sweet and innocent.

“You’re probably right. Thank you, it’s very sexy.” I almost blush.

“No, thank you. I can’t wait to see it on you.” He pulls me in, kissing me, leaving me weak at the knees.

“I need to freshen up,” I say as I step out of his hold. I pick up the clothes I laid on the bed, walk to the bathroom, and get ready.

Twenty minutes later, I walk out of the bathroom and into the bedroom and notice that Patrick has changed into a casual suit, sans a tie. He has the top buttons open, giving a hint of what’s hidden behind his suit.

“Mmm. You look spectacular.”

“You look pretty handsome yourself.” I walk up to him and kiss him on the cheek.

“Addison should be here—”
Knock, knock, knock.
“There she is.”

He walks over to the door and Addison’s standing there in a red dress that fits her perfectly. She walks in after Patrick moves out of the way.

“Wow, big bro, you clean up nicely.” She smiles, teasing. “Ems, I love that dress on you. Blue is your color.”

“Thank you. I love your dress. Isn’t that the one we got when we went out at lunch a few weeks ago?”

“Yes. I’m glad I finally had somewhere I could wear it without feeling overdressed.”

“Are you ready, Emily?” Patrick interrupts our conversation, politely.

“Yes,” Addison and I say in unison.

“Good. Your parents are waiting for us.” He opens the door and waves us out.

We meet my parents down in the lobby and walk to the restaurant. We are led to a private dining area in Nobu restaurant, which I am glad. I felt as if everyone’s eyes were on us as we walked through the restaurant to the semi private area close to the bar, and I would hate to have people watch me while we ate. I’m normal like them, and I wish people would realize that celebrities are people just like them.

“Is this okay, Emily?” Mom asks.

“Yes, it’s perfect,” I say as Patrick pulls out a chair for me to sit in. Everyone else sits down around me, Mom and Kenneth to my right and Patrick and Addison to my left.

Since everyone likes sushi, we order several different flavors to share. We make small talk as we watch the sushi chef create the dishes we ordered. One by one, the dishes are placed in front of us to eat. The flavors of the sushi are like nothing I’ve had before. I eat a lot of sushi at home, but these flavors and textures will make me a sushi snob.

After our quiet dinner conversation, our drinks are refilled when they remove our empty plates. I honestly think this is almost the best birthday I’ve had, but my heart feels a little heavy that Nate can’t be here to enjoy this too. I know he’s here, though. I can feel him, and earlier I thought I smelled his cologne when we walked into the elevator.

A man comes to the table to talk to Kenneth privately. The man leaves and comes back a few minutes later carrying a box and bags. Another man is following behind him and he pulls a chair up to the table so the first man can set down everything in his hands.

“Thank you, Lee,” Kenneth says as he shakes the man’s hand, tipping him. “What’s a birthday celebration without gifts?”

My eyes go wide. “I wasn’t expecting anything.”

“That’s what makes this fun,” my mom says. “Patrick, darling, do you want to go first?”

“Sure. As you know, I donated to the center in your name. Additionally, I’m donating to Veterans Homebound Inc. in honor of your brother.” My jaw drops open and I hug Patrick tightly.

“We are also matching the donation,” Kenneth says across the table, grabbing my mom’s hand.

“I…I don’t even know what to say.” The tears spill from my eyes. “This will help so many soldiers and their families. Thank you, all of you.” I smile.

“Happy birthday, Emily,” Addison says as she picks up a box wrapped in blue and white striped paper.

“Thank you.” I smile. Carefully, I unwrap the gift, and underneath the wrapping paper is a box. I lift the lid off the box and pull the tissue paper off the gift, a beautiful wooden photo frame. “This is exquisite! I love it, thank you.”

“I thought you needed something that would make my brother look a little better.” She winks.

“You’re funny tonight, Addison.”

“Payback, Patrick.” She smirks at him.

“Kenneth, darling, can you hand me the bags, please.” He nods and hands her the bags. “You know how I am with wrapping, Emily. Happy birthday, dear,” she says as she hands me three gift bags.

I set them on the table in front of me and proceed to remove the tissue paper from the big bag. Looking in, I see a larger blue box. Grabbing the box, I slowly open it and sitting in the black velvet is a breathtaking ruby and diamond necklace. I love it. I move to the other bags and find the matching earrings and bracelet. I’m so spoiled.

“Mom, I love the set. Thank you,” I say as I reach over and hug her.

“You’re so welcome, darling,” she says as she hugs me back.

“I guess I’m up next,” Kenneth says as he pulls out an envelope from his inside jacket pocket and hands it to me. “You may open it now.”

I carefully open the envelope and pull out the tri-folded piece of paper.

Ms. Emily Kenae Reed Janes,

This notification is to inform you that a trust has been set up in your name for the amount of five (5) million dollars. The full amount is available at your disposal immediately.

If you have any questions, please contact the bank.

Sincerely,

Herbert Dull

President, Reno Bank and Trust

What the hell?

“Um. I don’t understand.” What the hell does this mean?