The red carpet is rolled out at Las Vegas' newest rub joint. The black satin ropes hold back starstruck onlookers as the silver screen's brightest stars all are here for the grand opening. The events of the evening weren't to be outdone by the high profile hollywood types, Benny Goodman's Orchestra had been booked to provide the music, with a special guest of none other than Duke Ellington sitting in with them for a session. The lovely talents of Billie Holliday were also to be displayed, to round out the evening.Rockwell stepped out of the car and instantly was engulfed in the bright flash of cameras, and all his fans began to press security for the chance to touch any part of him. A few lucky fans were permitted close enough to the ropes for quick autographs. He never stopped being amazed at the things that got whispered in those moments, from lude offers to biblical references of redemption. He never took the fans for granted, remembering how long it took him to get back into the business after that damn dog almost ruined his career before it got started..

Rockwell and Joey were just riding up the driveway to the house when Rockwell's mother appeared on the front porch, waving toward the boys with something white in her hand. Rockwell's heart skipped a beat as his long legs began to pump hard on the pedals. He had waited all summer to hear back from the auditions, but three days before school started, he had began to wonder if they had decided to go in another direction. Joey, being shorter and not nearly as athletic as Rock, puffed and strained to keep pace with Rockwell. His legs burned already from the long trip to town, and this increase in pace wasn't going to go unpunished. He refused to let Rockwell see him struggle though, and he willed himself to pass Rockwell as they rounded the last curve of the gravel drive. Both boys were out of breath by the time they reached the porch, but Rockwell's mother didn't give them time to recover before springing the news...."The producers of "Lappy" wish to us to meet with them in a week Rockwell, and they plan to start shooting at the end of the month."

Time dragged on, but as it always does, the day of the meeting arrived. The Kennedy family arrived at the studio offices promptly, not wishing to appear eager. Young Rockwell was dressed in his best Sunday attire, and generous amounts of hair tonic had been used to keep his cow lick in place. They were escorted directly to the office of Mister Meyers, of Metro Golden Meyers studios, and came face to face for the first time with Rockwell's arch enemy, "Lappy", "little hitler jr" wasRockwell's name for him. A salt and pepper minature schnauzer with a horrible disposition, Lappy had all the screen appeal a director could ever hope for. His long beard and bushy eyebrows gave him a very expressive face, and the breed is known to be highly intelligent. On screen, the boy and dog were oil and water, and the critics ate directors alive for the casting, and off screen Lappy tried more than once to eat Rockwell alive. The final reviews were polite to young Rockwell, but the movie lost money and wasn't widely seen. It had taken Rockwell over 10 years to get back into the business, and Lappy was never see from again.

A reporter's shout can be made out over the crowd, "Mister Rockwell, with success of your new movie, why did you choose to come alone tonight?" With a smile and poilte wave Rockwell turned and headed down the carpet towards the enterance to the new casino. As he made his way slowly down the runway, he wondered what Sterling would have said ....

Alexandra was used to playing many roles in her day to day; a shrewd businesswoman, a diplomat of sorts, and con artist. The last one wasn't much of a stretch as most women, in their own way, were naturally adept at pulling the long con. But tonight she played the part she excelled at, that of a socialite draped on the arm of one of Vegas' rich and infamous.

The casino opening was a must-attend, and as Jimmy Napoli had handpicked the construction crew responsible for it's erection, he was expected to show face at the function. "I hate these events," he'd grumbled in the car as she straightened his tie.

"You're just expected to be there, take a picture with the owner of the casino, and then disappear," Alex offered. "Probably best for you to stay out of the fanfare anyway."

Jimmy looked out of the window as they approached the casino. A crowd had gathered and the usual local upper crust were stepping out of their cars and making their way into the decadently opulent lobby. "Not bad," Alex said, grinning to Jimmy as the car rolled to a stop. Two valets approached, one for Alexandra's door and one for Jimmy while their driver stayed seated. Jimmy rounded the car and waited as Alex adjusted her dress and stepped out of the vehicle.

She lived for nights like tonight when names didn't matter, and the label on clothes denoted one's place in the pecking order. The fact that she was accompanying Jimmy Napoli also meant that she'd have to step up her already honed mastery of fashion. Far too often, women made the mistake of bluffing their way through with bold colors on tight fitting garments and gaudy diamonds clinging to their skin like barnacles on a pier. But Alexandra knew the way to be noticed was to avoid the garish and bawdy.

The peach colored sleeveless gown draped her body, with a pearlescent belt pulling in the top and giving her a waist. Alex was more lithe than curvacious, but the higher cowl neck in front and plunge in the back created a look of modest sophistication with just a garnish of sensuality. After all, what was the point of being a woman, if it had to be covered up?

He held out his arm and Alex took it up, her other hand closed around a shell clutch, the mother of pearl matching her belt without looking contrived and overly coordinated. Together they walked into the lobby, mindful of a smattering of camera flashes and a small crowd gathering around the east entrance. Reporters most likely.

Once they'd reached the lobby, Jimmy dropped his arm and fiddled with his tie, while Alex smiled politely. "Leave it be," she whispered. "It looks fine." He raised his eyebrow and she smirked back at him but said no more.

"You go on in and enjoy the hurrah. I've gotta find a drink and see about a private table."

Alex laughed and put a hand on her hip. "I won't see you for the rest of the evening will I?"

Jimmy just winked, adjusted his tie once more, and head off toward a quiet and dimly lit lounge off the casino floor.

The grand opening of the newest casino on the strip attracted a big crowd. It was a night for Las Vegas to shine brighter than ever. Nonstop flashes from cameras lit up the scene as photographers captured the arrivals of movie stars and mobsters. The excitement on the red carpet was an excellent distraction while Silk picked a few pockets. In less than an hour she had enough money to play with the high rollers.

Inside the casino Silk accepted a glass of champagne from a waitress then mingled with a friends and associates. She put a few coins in a slot machine and wished she was there with a date. Unfortunately the person she wanted to spend the evening with wasn’t there.

“Hey Shayne, this is Silk.” She said on the phone a week earlier. “There’s a big casino opening next week.” She rambled on about all the big names that would be at the grand opening then asked, “Will you go with me?”

“Of course!” Shayne answered with enthusiasm. “What time should I pick you up?”

“Umm, actually a fella is going to take me.” Silk replied because she didn’t want her family and friends to see her arrive at the big social event with a date who was a woman. “We can meet in the casino. I‘ll ditch the fella then you and I can have fun together.”

“Ah, I’m kinda busy.” Shayne said with a quieter tone to her voice than before. “I can’t go. Business, you know?”

While waiting for another glass of champagne in the casino Silk thought about Shayne’s polite yet subtle rejection. It bothered Silk, but she knew she deserved it. She felt like an ass for suggesting she arrive at the grand opening with someone else. Since that phone call she wanted to go to Chicago and apologize to Shayne, but one thing or another kept coming up with work, delaying a trip to the windy city.

With her purse full of the money she pick pocketed Silk walked towards the blackjack tables and hoped for a lucky streak to get her mind off her troubles.

Shayne stood at a large store window just a block away from the casino. Straightening her tie, she patted down her vest and buttoned up her suit jacket. Her hair like usually was a little messy. She tousled her hair around a bit more. Leaned in a checked her teeth. Alright...I'm good. Once last glance she started to her destination. The casino. It was lit up so much. Las Vegas, always lit up like a Christmas tree.

As she got to the crowds in front, she took a deep breath and made her way through. As she walked in she noticed some women stare at her, smile than wink. Shayne was taken back, but than she remember that she looked a lot like the men there. Would they ever be hit with a brick once they really knew she was a woman. She slipped through the crowds easily and made her way into the casino.

Scanning the gaint room, Shayne had only one person in mind. Silk. She knew that she wouldn't be expecting her since the phone just the other night. At first Shayne didn't want too. She had a change of heart. I'll surprise her. Silk would never really be able to spot her out of the crowd since she wasn't wearing her leather jacket. As she walked past slot machines and craps tables, she continued her journey around. Just than she saw her. Beautiful. She recognized the purse as she sat at the blackjack table. Dusting her suit off she hurried towards Silk.

"Excuse me ma'am. Is this seat taken?"

The Sterling Rose Casino and Resort was in full bloom for the grand opening. The guest list included anyone that was anyone and they were mingling amidst her splendor like so many worker bees gathering for the hive. Her design and location on the strip had all been carefully selected for maxium visual impact. The Casino portion of the property made it's home in a beehive shaped complex, with clear plumbing exposed at set intervals along the walls. These were backlit with amber colored bulbs, giving the passing water a rich honey tone. These all led to a central  fountain, that was adorned with a large silver beehive. A small inscription on the beehive reads..Luck is where hard work and preparation cross paths.

The restaurant was tucked inside a slowly rotating rosebud of silver infused glass. This allowed for a  perfect view of the strip and surrounding areas, while still providing the privacy that is customary with enjoying the talents of world class chefs. A small elevator, of the same silver glass, carried the patrons along the stem of the rose. The whole of the experience being carefully designed to showcase the stunning skyline that is Las Vegas......

I entered the Rose and spent the better part of the night glad handing with all the right people, right being defined by the size of the wallet naturally. I learned the hard way after lappy's failure, that it's more about who knows you, than the other way around.

“Shayne!” Silk said with surprise. Unable to hide her excitement she leapt off her chair and welcomed her friend with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I‘m so glad you‘re here. I missed you.”

“Look at this place.” Silk encouraged and gestured around the crowded casino. “Isn’t it fabulous?” She pointed to a few friends and told Shayne who they were then asked, “Do you like to play blackjack? This is a no limit table.” 

Smiling as Silk turned around surprise written all over her face. Shayne laughed and gave her a hug. She blushed as she gave her a kiss on the cheek. Silk was so shocked her questions where all over the place that she couldn't get in an answer. "Yes this place is fabulous. I don't think I want to leave now."

When Silk asked about the blackjack, Shayne knew she couldn't resist. "I love blackjack. I have a bit of a problem with it." She laughed and pulled out a wad of cash. "Let's play!"

She watched Jimmy walk off and disappear in the lounge while most everyone else seemed to be heading toward the elevators in the center of the floors large rotunda. Alexandra opened her purse, pulled out a small compact, and assured her reflection that every hair was in place. Turning her head, she watched her reflection do the same, and checked to make sure that her small pearl drop earrings dangled in a straight line. Satisfied that she looked the part to mingle with usual suspects and an even more prestigious guest list, Alex snapped shut her compact and put it back in her clutch.

"Champagne, miss?"

Alex turned to see a young waiter holding a tray of fluted glasses. She took one, and nodded in thanks as she continued to scan the lobby for what to do. She didn't want to hang out in a private lounge and miss out on an opportunity to mingle, nor did she want to try her hand at the tables too soon. As the waiter left, offering his wares to other invited guests, she decided to join the swarming masses to the restaurant for the welcoming opening night reception.

After the short elevator trip, she stepped out on the floor of the restaurant, and for a moment stood with champagne in hand and admired the hotel's theme, carried out beautifully in construction. Jimmy had done well with 'promoting' his boys for the construction gig; she'd have to tell him later.

Her attention moved to the sea of people in the room. She recognized half and the rest she could tell clearly belonged or could fake it exceptionally well. Scanning the room, she saw a face she hadn't in a while and decided to start the evening off with an old... acquaintance.

"Pearce Binion. I'm surprised to see you out tonight. Is your wife here or did you hire a stand in to take her place tonight?"

The impeccably dressed nephew of Las Vegas legend Benny Binion turned around with a smile. "Alexandra Keene." He eyed her up and down, and she waited for the appraisal. "Looking radiant as usual." He kissed her cheek before returning his lips to the glass of scotch in his hand. "I'm here by myself tonight. April filed for divorce this past Christmas, nearly took me to the poorhouse. I guess she couldn't keep up with this part of my life."

Alex smirked. "Perhaps she just lost count of all the women keeping her husband warm at night."

A mischievous smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he leaned in, his lips at her ear. "You didn't seem to mind the ring on my hand back when you were the one keeping me warm."

She raised her eyebrow and took a sip of champagne. "Well I guess April and I have at least one thing in common. We got what we wanted and got out." Pearce laughed heartily, slipping his arm around her waist. "Well, when you're done playing around with your boy Paxton, you know where to find me. It gets cold here at night in the desert."

At the mention of Andrew's name, she went rigid but regained her composure quickly, pushing their last conversation in New Orleans out of her mind. She disentangled herself from Pearce's grasp and curled her lips up in a perceptively fake smile.

"It's a shame you have such great taste in evening wear, Pearce. I don't have the heart to ruin that suit with the rest of this champagne."

If the word 'bitch' could be translated into a laugh, Pearce was chuckling his insults now. "Give my regards to Andrew, dear. I'll buy him a drink when you drain him dry."

"Je t'emmerde," she said, with a face that to any onlooker would seem they were having a pleasant conversation and catching up on old times. "Brule en enfer."

She turned away, while he watched her go. "Naughty naughty, Alex. Such a pretty mouth for such dirty talk."

He sat in the back of the car anxiously looking at his watch.  It wasn't more than 2 minutes passes the last time he looked, but that didn't help. He'd been called to the casino.  He didn't know why, only that it was important.  The car finally pulled up to the front of the building and Drew rushed from the car up the steps.  He pushed through the doors and looked around for the lounge. 

"Where is that damn place?"

"He scanned the entire crowd until he saw her.  Then time didn't matter anymore. She wore a peach colored gown, and it fit her perfectly.  He couldn't yet see her face, but it was etched in his memory and he knew she was beautiful as always.  She was talking to Binion, an acquaintance that Drew hadn't seen in months.  And she looked as if she was straining to be nice.  And he knew that only because everybody had to strain to be nice to Binion."

As he slowly walked her way, he wondered what he would say. He wasn't sure it mattered. And when she wsa within reach, he reached one arm around her waist and kssed her on the cheek.

"Good evening, Alex.  You look amazing as usual."

He whispered while holding her close.

She closed her eyes and turned into him, while he took her cue and held her close. Her heart raced at the smell of his cologne, and skipped when his lips touched her face. For a brief moment she forgot about New Orleans and just enjoyed his embrace, but their last meeting was not so easy to push out of mind. Neither had liked the way the conversation had gone, or the inevitable road their relationship was on.

He was the only one who could stop her with a touch, crumple her with a word, burn her with a look.

And he was the only one who could ever hurt her. The first and last she'd ever give that power.

When she finally looked up at him, she saw him smiling down at her.

"Good evening, Drew. You," she paused, taking a moment to truly see him. "You look like Christmas morning." The corners of her mouth turned up but her eyes showed the genuine smile. "I didn't expect to see you here tonight. It seems my birthday has come early."

"I had no idea I'd see you tonigh, either, Alex, but what a marvelous surprise."

His gaze remained fixed on hers, a genuine happiness to see her inside him, despite their last conversation. 

"But I got a call from Jimmy.  He's here somewhere."

He, again, scanned the crowd, but did not find Jimmy. 

"Have you seen him?"

He wasn't as concerned as he should have been, but instead felt like he was where he was supposed to be, and he could only continue to smile.

"It really is quite wonderful to see you Alex.  I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Andrew." She could have said more, but she didn't have to. The honesty in her words showed how transparent she truly was. Alexandra may have looked made up, elegant and composed, but Andrew could see her clearly; exposed, vulnerable, and fragile.

"Jimmy's here, but he left me right as we arrived. He's down on the main floor, probably in some lounge knocking them back and complaining about his tie. You know how he hates these big to dos."

The restaurant was large enough to accommodate the throngs of people still joining the opening reception. Music played while people mingled or dined. Alex put her arms around Drew's shoulders and swayed. It may be their last dance, she thought as he took her lead and then took over, gliding through the room like a few other revelers, but she'd take everything she could get.

"I'm surprised he came, and more surprised he asked me to accompany him," Alex started as Andrew gently and effortlessly took hold and swept her to the ballroom with the other dancers. "Usually he sends you or Kriminal to these events. He was rather odd tonight though. We arrived, he escorted me in, and then he left. I don't know why he even bothered com-"

She blushed, let her head fall, and laughed softly. Dear Jimmy. He always had a plan.

He laughed along with her before leaning in and offering a kiss just as the music was ending. 

"I guess you were Jimmy's important meeting.  Remind me to thank him when I see him."

He held her tight and smiled.  The smile remained genuine and would not leave his lips.  It was as if they were the only two in the room regarless of the fact it was full.  He could not see anybody else. 

"Isn't this place great?"

He took her in his arms again and began twirling her about the room to a new song that the band had begun to play.

"and the band is wonderful, don't you think?"

"The band is wonderful. But I don't think Jimmy brought us here to have us talk about Duke Ellington." Alex let herself be spun once more. He was, and always had been, an incredible dancer, she thought. "I think he's been noticing the tension around lately. I think he's not the only one."

She pulled herself close, resting her head on Andrew's shoulder, slowing their tempo down despite the energy of the band. They danced to their own tune, and marked their space on the dancefloor.

"I'm selling Twelve Myrtles," she confessed.

Not many people had seen Wade enter the building.Indeed while everyone else had been strolling the red carpet he had already been long in position,having entered through the back door of the kitchens.Not being one for formal functions he could only assume his more regular services would be required at some point in the night but as yet he had recieved no word.He had seen Mr Paxton but he seemed to be otherwise engaged and although he had caught a brief glimpse of Jimmy he had not seen him since.

Wade knew when his services were required he would be told,so he was quite content to watch from his vantage point as the night unfolded.

He couldn't come up with anymore small talk, as much as he tried, but then Alex hit him with the news and his smile was gone.

"What?  Wait?"

He didn't really know how to reply, but he did know when Alex made up her mind,there was no changing it.  But always one to try, Drew continued.

"Why are you selling it?  Because of me?" 

He shook his head.

"If this is your dream, Alex, you need to follow it.  We'll find a way to make this work.   I can't let you do that."

"Drew, when have you ever let me do anything?" She emphasized the word 'let' with a smile. Alex rarely did things at the insistence or nudging of others, though if anyone would have that power over her, it was the man holding her close now and stepping lightly over the dance floor.

"I need stability, Drew. I saw that place with its quiet charm and it took me back to France. That time off from this life when I was dealing with Grandpapa and taking over the vineyards... I found peace in that place, but it was incomplete, and I was searching for it back here. I saw Twelve Myrtles in New Orleans and thought I could fabricate what I found in Loire. But the problem was, both in France and New Orleans, that I wouldn't have everything I wanted."

He had to know what was coming, and so she put her head on his shoulder once more.

"Neither place had you. You're my peace, Drew. I don't need France and I don't need New Orleans."

He held her close, stroking her hair as they continued to glide across the dancefloor.  Her words pierced him.  He sighed a quiet sigh, taking in every word.  And when the music stopped, he held her hand, and they walked toward the waiter. 

The decision was bitersweet.  But ultimately Drew knew he was only happy when he wsa with her.  So her words lifted him whether he wanted them to or not.  He looked at her, and handed her a glass of champage.

"I want stability too, Alex.  And togeter we'll find it.  Whether it's in Chicago, or here in Vegas." 

He sipped the champagne then placed it on a nearby table. 

"I have plans for you and me.  We will have that stability.  And soon."

Jimmy had slipped in the back exit of the casino, guided by a few guards to a seat next the exit as Jimmy did not plan to stay much longer, he had been downstairs having a few drinks and playing some cards.. nodding his head to Wade as he sat down he could see Andrew and Alex both on the dance floor when the music stopped and they both started to walk away..standing up he walks over and grabs Andrew by the shoulder

My friends, so good to see both of you.. and Alex you look beautiful tonight and you even got Alex to dress up huh?

You told me you were going to get him to wear a dress..

Jimmy smiled and winks at Alex

Alex I might have to steal her! Jimmy laughed and then extended his hand towards Andrew and hugged Alex

I think I need a drink, I just got finished playing a few hands downstairs where you know as usual.. now if I could find Gracie or hell even any woman after a few more drinks..

Jimmy leans over and whispers to Andrew 'Just dont tell Grace I said that!!'

The music was starting again in the backround as Jimmy walked over to a big bowl filled with punch and ice as Jimmy poured himself a glass, pulling out a small flask from his jacket and pouring it into the glass of punch he had just poured.. offering a drink to Alex and Andrew, laughing a bit

Alex laughed with Jimmy, glad to see he'd come out from his poker to have a bit of fun with the public. She hugged him genuinely but politely refused his punch, as he was sure she would.

"The night's still young, Jimmy," she said, her fingers tracing Andrew's lapel tenderly. "I'll see what I can do to get him into that dress." When Andrew looked at her sharply, she tilted her head back and laughed gaily.

It felt so good to laugh in Andrew's company. It always had.

"Just a little agreement that Jimmy and I struck, Andrew. No need to worry just yet. A girl's gotta do all she can to make her bones in this business."

He continued his look, but she could see in his eyes that he was happy, whether at her teasing or the promise the night held, she didn't know. Looking back at him, she reciprocated the gaze, though the happiness in her eyes was much clearer. She'd needed tonight, to see him, to know the right course of action. Alex didn't know where her relationship with Andrew might lead, but she knew that if she stayed in New Orleans, she'd never feel the joy of his hand on the small of her back, or the smell of his cologne as he held her close and whisked her across the dance floor.