Goddess of Vengeance - Jackie Collins [101]
What to do? It was a difficult decision.
‘Who’s this dude Cookie’s hooked up with?’ Ace asked in a low disapproving voice. ‘I’ve seen him somewhere before.’
‘He’s an . . . uh . . . ex-friend of Bobby’s,’ Max replied. ‘You probably ran into him at the opening of The Keys. He used to go out with Annabelle Maestro.’
‘Who?’
‘It’s not important.’
‘I’m not getting a good vibe from him,’ Ace said.
‘You’re not?’
‘He’s got that rich dude sleaze factor goin’ on. Not to mention that he’s too old for her.’
‘Whatever,’ Max sighed. ‘You know Cookie, it won’t last.’
‘After the concert we’re taking off on our own, yes?’
Saved by the announcer who planted himself centre-stage and instructed everyone to turn off their cell phones, which reminded Max that she had yet to turn hers on since the plane ride.
Then, to thunderous applause and plenty of screaming fans, Gerald M. sauntered on stage, resplendent in tight purple leather pants and a blowsy white shirt unbuttoned to his waist, diamond medallions jiggling for space on his exposed chest. More Tom Jones than Usher, he immediately launched into a medley of his many hits – albeit most of them a decade or two old.
The mostly female audience erupted into hysterical sighs of joy as they leapt to their feet. Soon the panties would start flying.
Cookie shot Max a look that said – kill me now! while Ace groaned, and Max giggled.
Frankie wondered if he could sell Gerald M. a supply of pharmaceuticals. Why not? Had to invite him to River. Make him a regular customer. Get him to hang out there with some of the gorgeous girls he was always photographed with. Cookie could arrange it, it was about time she made herself useful. Sometimes a man required more than just an enthusiastic blow-job.
‘You didn’t tell me we were gonna have this much fun,’ Ace whispered in Max’s ear. ‘This dude’s got one foot firmly planted in the eighties. Does he know he’s a relic?’
‘Shh . . .’ Max scolded. ‘He’s Cookie’s dad, be nice.’
Ace squeezed her hand. ‘You really are a loyal friend, aren’t you?’
Suddenly Max remembered why she liked Ace. He always had her back, and he was always kind. The last thing Ace was into was being Mister Hollywood. He would never dump a girl after taking her virginity. No way.
She squeezed his hand back. ‘Glad you’re here,’ she whispered. ‘Wouldn’t want to go through this slow torture without you.’
‘Right back atcha, birthday girl.’
* * *
‘Holy shit!’ Kev exclaimed, sitting bolt upright at the table he shared with Billy in the Asian Fusion restaurant at The Cavendish Hotel. ‘You are not gonna believe who just jiggled her ass in here.’
Billy started to turn around.
‘Don’t do that!’ Kev warned. ‘It’s your friggin’ ex with that director you were always bitchin’ about.’
‘Alex Woods?’ Billy said, forcing himself not to turn and stare.
‘The very same.’
‘Just the two of them?’
‘Some other young dude is taggin’ along.’
‘That’s just fuckin’ great,’ Billy said grimly. He was pissed off enough that he couldn’t reach Max, and now his annoying ex was in town. Why was she in Vegas? And why was she with the sadistic Alex Woods, the motherfucker who’d forced him to do every stunt known to man on the movie they’d made together? Alex had almost killed him with his insane demands.
‘My luck,’ he muttered. ‘Can they see us?’
‘No,’ Kev answered, busily watching. ‘They’re being seated in a booth across the room.’
‘Then let’s get the fuck outta here while we can,’ Billy said, starting to stand up.
‘We just ordered,’ Kev pointed out. ‘An’ I don’t know ’bout you, but I’m starvin’. Reminder – we never had lunch.’
‘Jeez! Is your stomach more important than my comfort zone?’
‘Guess so.’
‘S’long as you’re sure they can’t see us,’ Billy grumbled, slouching back into his seat.
‘No way, man,’ Kev assured him. ‘We’re invisible.’
* * *
‘Hmm . . . you give great homecoming,’ Lennie said, lazily stroking Lucky’s thigh as they lay on the bed post lovemaking, sated and at peace after a passionate two hours. Having been involved with a