The waiter shrugs. “It’s normally the rule, but the owners bend it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Over the years, the owners have been very lax on the requirement. We can serve anyone free drinks.”
“I see.” This explains why they’re losing so much money. Liquor sales, combined with gambling are what keep the casino afloat. The more people drink, the more they spend at the tables and slots. “I’m going to sit over there.” I point behind me to the Wheel of Fortune machine. “I’ll take a vodka sprint, please.”
He smiles and tells me he’ll be right back. I do as I told him and sit down at the machine. I’ve never been one to gamble, but today seems like a good day to let off some steam by punching the buttons as hard as I can. I feed the machine a twenty and start playing. Every few turns I win a dollar or two. It’s enough to keep me in my seat, and before I know it, I’ve put more money into the machine and am on my third or fourth drink.
The more I drink, the louder I get when I hit the smallest of victories. I have no doubt my antics are the highlight of the security team watching me because when I lose, I all but fall out of my chair and flail about like a fish without water.
“No whammies,” I yell, pushing the button down. I figure if I hold it longer my electronic spin will be more powerful.
“Ma’am, the no whammies machine is over there. I can show you if you want.”
I look at the waiter, who is smiling brightly. Everything about him is perfect from his teeth, nose, lips, jaw and even his hair. I stand abruptly and lean into him, inhaling as deeply as I can. “Nope, you don’t smell like Roman.”
“No, ma’am. I’m the vampire known as Gregory. I don’t know Roman.”
“Do you know all the vampires?”
He shakes his head. “There are many.”
“But you’re all related?”
“In a way, I suppose. Do you need me to call this Roman for you? Are you his consort?”
I’m sipping my drink when he says this, causing me to almost choke. “His what?”
“His mate or as some of the women here call it, his juice hustler.”
My mouth drops open, and I snicker. “I’m not Roman's consort or a juice hustler.”
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“Okay, ma’am.”
“Did you really say, juice hustler? What is that?”
"We call them donors, but some people like to mock us."
"I see."
“Ma’am, your machine is beeping. You need to play before it zeros out your funds, and you have to start all over.”
Blindly I reach for the button and press it. I’m not done with this conversation, but also feel I shouldn’t have it in the middle of a casino. I feel bad for asking Gregory all these questions, but now I’m curious. There are things I need to know. I pat the seat beside me, motioning for him to sit down.
“I really shouldn’t.”
“You should.” I raise my eyebrow, fully expecting him to do as I’ve asked. After he looks around, he finally relents and takes the seat next to me. “I have questions. You will answer them, right?” I look deep into his eyes, waiting for an answer.
“A human cannot compel a vampire.”
“I know.”
“Please stop looking into my eyes, you’re creeping me out.”
I blanch at this statement. Shouldn’t I be the one creeped out by him? He’s dead for God sake. His heart doesn’t beat… but everything else works! The words of Lana replay loudly in my mind. I find myself looking at his crotch while thinking about what she said.