ATHENA
I stand before Ruby’s gate and press the intercom.
I’m dropping by unannounced, with no real purpose except to see her before I head to The Olympus.
Last night plays on loop in my mind: Ruby trembling beneath my touch, the way she surrendered so beautifully, how vulnerable she looked afterward.
She left after a long hug, but something felt unfinished between us.
Sleep eluded me. I tossed and turned, replaying every moment, every sound she made until I finally dozed off in the early hours.
Zeus abandoned my bed in protest of my restlessness.
I need to see her, to make sure she’s okay.
First-timers can sometimes experience subdrop—that crash after the endorphin high—and I don’t want her to go through that alone.
“Hello?” a young woman answers, catching me off guard. Not Ruby.
“Hi. I’m looking for Ruby,” I say, keeping my tone neutral despite my surprise.
“Oh, come on in!” The electronic lock releases with a buzz, and the gates swing open.
I hesitate, confused by the easy admission. Ruby has company—that’s a first.
Still, I’m already here, and the gates are open. I drive up to the house and park beside a car I don’t recognize. As I approach the front door, it swings open before I can knock, revealing a pretty, young blonde.
“Hi!” She greets me with a bright smile, and I’m struck by a vague resemblance to someone I can’t quite place. She looks beyond me and her eyes widen appreciatively. “Wow, cool car! Is that an Aston Martin?”
“Yes,” I reply, extending my hand. “I’m Athena Stavros, Ruby’s neighbor. I don’t normally drive here, I was just dropping in on my way to work.”
“I’m Sarah,” she says, shaking my hand. “Claire’s niece.”
Claire’s niece. Of course. Ruby told me she was coming during our long talk by the pool, but I forgot. I see the resemblance. She has Claire’s smile—I recognize it from the pictures. I realize I’m intruding on something personal, something familial.
“I’m sorry,” I say quickly, already backing away. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll come back another time.”
“Don’t be silly!” Sarah grabs my arm before I can retreat. “We’re just having lunch—come join us.”
I open my mouth to refuse again, but Sarah is already pulling me into the house. “Ruby made lasagna,” she chatters. “I swear, I had no idea she could cook.”
“Neither did I,” I reply, trying to formulate an exit strategy as we approach the patio doors.
Ruby sits at a table with a tall man who must be Sarah’s boyfriend.
They’re both laughing at something, wine glasses in hand, plates of half-eaten lasagna before them.
Ruby looks relaxed, wearing a khaki linen shirtdress that reveals just enough skin to remind me of what lies beneath.
Her smile freezes when she spots me, eyes widening in surprise.
“I found your neighbor! The one with the cool car,” Sarah announces. “She was at the gate when I answered the intercom on my way back from the restroom.”
Ruby’s composure returns quickly, though I catch the flash of panic in her eyes. “Athena,” she says. “What a surprise.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” I say again. “I just came to ehm…” I pause until an excuse hits me. “I actually came to see if I left my shoes here yesterday. I can’t seem to find them anywhere at home.”
Ruby’s eyebrows rise slightly. “Yes, your shoes are in the hallway. I was going to bring them over later.”
Sarah laughs, settling back into her chair beside Erik. “How on earth did you forget your shoes?”
I feel heat creeping up my neck. “I had a few drinks,” I lie. “Ruby makes a mean Martini.”
“More hidden talents?” Sarah remarks, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Were you guys having a girls’ night or something?”
“Just catching up,” Ruby interjects before I can respond.
Her fingers tap nervously against her wine glass.
“Athena moved in about eighteen months ago, but we’ve only recently gotten to know each other.
” She smiles, but it feels a little forced.
“Have a drink with us, Athena. Have you eaten? There’s plenty of food. ”
The man across from Ruby stands and extends his hand. “Erik,” he introduces himself. “Sarah’s boyfriend. Nice to meet you.”
I shake his hand. “Pleasure,” I reply. “I’m not staying, and I’ve already had lunch, thank you. I was just dropping in on my way to work to pick up my shoes, that’s all.”
“Where do you work?” Sarah asks before I get the chance to escape.
“The Olympus. You know it? It’s one of the casinos on the Strip.”
Erik laughs. “Of course we know it! It’s super famous. I went there with a few friends years ago—it was amazing.” He leans forward, curious. “What do you do there?”
I’m mildly uncomfortable, not used to explaining my position in casual social settings. Most people in Vegas already know who I am. “I own it,” I say, shifting from one foot to the other.
Erik and Sarah laugh in unison, then their expressions shift as they realize I’m not joking.
“That’s…Fuck!” Erik exclaims, clearly impressed. “I had no idea we were in the presence of Vegas royalty.”
Ruby sips her wine, watching our exchange with an unreadable expression. I notice her twirling the stem of her glass between her fingers—a nervous habit I’ve come to recognize.
“It’s just a business,” I say, downplaying it. “Like any other.”
“So you two are friends?” Sarah asks, looking from me to Ruby and back. “That’s nice. It must be wonderful to get on so well with your neighbor. Erik and I live next to this grumpy old lady who keeps bashing her walking stick against the wall if our TV is too loud.”
I laugh, grateful for the change of subject. “Ruby’s complained about noise, actually. I had some sound system issues that were disturbing her peace.”
Ruby’s eyes meet mine and finally her lips pull into a genuine smile. She looks amused as she shrugs. “It wasn’t a big deal. Athena fixed it.”
“You’re quite the party animal, huh?” Erik asks.
I shake my head with a grin. “Far from, Erik. Anyway, I should go. I have a meeting.”
“Shoot. I was just about to ask you if you could arrange a discount on a room at the Olympus,” Sarah jokes.
“You’re both welcome to have a room on the house,” I say without hesitation. “I don’t give out my number, but if you arrange it through Ruby, I’ll make sure you’re comfortable.”
Sarah and Erik exchange excited glances.
“Are you serious?” Erik asks. “That would be incredible!”
“Thank you!” Sarah beams. “That’s so generous.”
I smile, enjoying their enthusiasm. “My pleasure. Enjoy your time in Vegas.” Then I turn to Ruby. “Ruby, would you mind showing me where my shoes are?”
“Of course.” Ruby rises immediately. “I’ll be right back,” she tells Sarah and Erik, who are now whispering to each other.
I follow Ruby through the house, careful not to walk too close. The moment we’re out of sight, I notice her shoulders relax slightly. “How are you?” I ask.
“I’m fine,” she says, then hesitates. “Though I feel…it’s hard to describe. It feels surreal, I suppose. Like it never happened.” She looks away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “But I don’t regret anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“We should probably talk about it,” I say, relieved she has no regrets. “But my mother and sister are arriving in two days, so between your visitors, work, and me prepping for their arrival, there won’t be much time. It might have to wait, if that’s okay with you.”
"Oh, your family's coming? That's wonderful!" Ruby's eyes light up. "How long has it been since you've seen them? They must be thrilled to spend time with you."
“Yes, but I’m also panicking because they insist on staying at my house and that’s not an option because of the club.
” I take off my hat and ruffle a hand through my hair.
“I’m looking at one of the houses farther down the street later today.
I’m thinking of buying it. They’ve never been to my house, but they know I live in The Ridges, so it could work if I can arrange furniture and styling in time.
It’s a lot to pull off in two days and it will be a nightmare with Zeus, but—”
“Seriously, Athena?” Ruby interrupts me. “Come on, that’s ridiculous. Can’t you just close the club?”
“No. It wouldn’t be fair, and even if I did close it, not everyone reads their messages and emails. Some might show up anyway, and then I’d have an even bigger problem.”
Ruby nods, but she’s still looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. “But…buying a house? Even with a whole team, I doubt you could pull that off by Tuesday.” She frowns. “They’re here for a week, you said?” She continues when I nod. “How about we just swap?”