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“Hey, I’m just glad you’re a big guy!” I glance at his nametag. “Thanks, Tony. Is there any chance you can pick us up in a few hours?”
“Just give me a call when you are ready, Mr. Addison.” He hands me a card.
“Great… call me Trey.” I shake his hand before he turns and heads back outside.
“Welcome to Gramercy Park, Mr. Addison,” a young woman immediately greets me. “I’ll take you to your guests. They are expecting you at the Rose Bar.”
“You have obviously met Liv and Mandy,” I comment as the elevator ushers us to the rooftop. “Is that why the paparazzi attacked me?”
“Ah yes. The blonde has told everyone who would listen that she is your guest and we have all been flashed by your Black Card.” She giggles. “Unfortunately, I failed to memorize the last few digits.”
“That sounds like Liv.” I close my eyes and shake my head wondering when and where to do the deed. “At least if I notice any strange charges I’ll know who to blame.” She smiles and giggles. I notice her nametag and add, “Sumiko… you seem like a very smart girl.”
“You know Japanese?” She gives me a shocked look.
“No, why?” I simply read her name as it was spelled on her nametag.
“That’s the meaning of my name. Smart girl.”
“That’s just sheer luck,” I assure her. “At least you are living up to your name.”
The elevator doors open to a roomful of self-important, well-dressed strangers who glance to see if anyone of prominence has arrived. It’s a far different greeting than the one I received from the paparazzi; no one seems to care. “Thank God,” I mutter to myself.
“Follow me, Sir,” Sumiko says. “If you need anything during your stay, just call the front desk and ask for me.”
“I will. Thank you!” What a nice girl.
Chapter 10
Mandy
I know exactly why Trey is shaking his head as he approaches the bar to join Liv and I. She has been acting like an attention starved socialite since the moment we arrived and it’s obvious that Trey is onto her.
“Turn over the Black Card,” he says in a hushed tone, holding out his hand as soon as he sits down.
“Oh, hi baby,” she bubbles. “Mandy and I have been having the best time! Everyone is so nice here.”
“I’m sure they are.” He smirks, still holding out his hand.
“Fine.” She slaps it into his hand. “You should get an extra one of those with my name on it.” She gives him a big gin infused smile.
“What are you drinking?” he asks arching an eyebrow.
“It’s a Rose Lychee Martini,” she holds up the pink concoction with rose petals floating on top. “It’s their signature cocktail.”
“It’s pretty. Is that your third or fourth one?” Trey teases.
“Only my third,” she clarifies, narrowing her eyes.
“I’m just giving you shit. Have as many as you want, but no more talking to the paparazzi. They were totally fucking rude when I pulled up.” His eyes instantly turn dark.
“What happened?” I ask, since Liv seems genuinely disinterested.
“They shoved their cameras in my face and a couple of them were questioning whether Tyler and I had something to do with Dad’s murder,” he gasps, seeming floored by the notion.
“The media always speculates about those things. Statistically, it usually is someone who has a strong financial motive and unfortunately that is most often a family member.” My law school knowledge temporarily overrides my sensitivity.
“Et tu, Brute?” He raises his hand and orders a dirty martini with blue cheese stuffed olives.
“I wasn’t insinuating anything, just stating a fact.” I caress his arm. “I know you had absolutely nothing to do with it.”
“How can you be so sure?” Liv counters with a slight slur. “He hated Victor with a passion!”
“Shhh…” Trey scolds her. “Could you use a little discretion? We are in a very public place. Besides, just because Dad and I didn’t see eye-to-eye doesn’t mean I could do anything like that. It’s not exactly in my nature.”
“I know, I was just saying.” She rolls her eyes and turns her attention back to the guy she had been staring at. “Who is that guy with the two girls?”
“I’ll be damned,” Trey lights up. “Brandon!” He waves him over. “He was a year behind us in school. He’s a good shit! I haven’t seen him in years.”
