1 Chapter 1 - Escaping the dinner date

[KHALI]

"Monkey!" Jey shouted for the nth time. I laughed at her as she was trying to call for a winning card. Well, unfortunately, she lost several times and now is her last chance. I have 8, she got soft 17 and I only need 9 or 10 to beat or just get a push. I flipped the card and smiled triumphantly when I saw the Queen of spades.

"Oh man!" She groaned and slumped her head against the table.

"I told you, you have to always keep the running count. You shouldn't have doubled down in that round. You're not going to win if you're just going to rely on your luck", I scolded her as I started shuffling the cards.

Jey is my best friend. She's a professional gamer but she doesn't like to play cards in Casino. She's lazy most of the time and is in love with chicken. She's weird and funny but anyone who sees her can tell that she's like a goddess. Her visual is ethereal. Many fell for that long, dark-haired girl with perfect heart-shaped lips. She's just oblivious to see that many girls and guys really admire her. But guess what? I won't hit on her. She's like my sister from a different mother.

Today, I am teaching her how to beat the dealer in Blackjack, which is me. We've been doing this for the whole week. I'm teaching her the Hi-Lo card counting strategy. Basically, in Blackjack, you just have to beat the dealer, not the players. Your cards should be nearer to 21, but you'll get busted if you get higher than 21. If you get lower than the dealer, you also lose. So, you have to have the cards higher than the dealer but never exceeds 21.

2-9 count as their numbers; 10 to King count as 10; A's can be counted either 1 or 11 depending on the situation. In counting cards, every card has a point value and you have to count all the cards that had been used throughout the game, from the beginning to end. 2-6 are low-valued cards and you have to count them as 1; 7-9 count as 0; 10 to A are high-valued cards and count as -1. You just have to sum up all the values of each card. Negative counts means there are more low valued cards remaining in the deck. That's a sort of disadvantage for the player. Positive counts means there are more high valued cards remaining in the deck. That will help you decide how much bet you'll place and what basic strategy you will use.

Card counting allows players to bet more when the count gives an advantage as well as minimize losses during an unfavorable count. That's why, I always remind my best friend not to lose the running count while doing the basic strategy at the same time. Never ever let anyone distract her from counting, and that's the thing she always fails to do.

"You got to practice more, buddy", I chuckled and tapped her shoulder. She sighed in frustration and pouted.

"You'll be hanging around the casino again later?" She asked, leaning her back and putting her both hands at the back of her head.

"As usual", I shrugged and smiled before stretching my body after I finished organizing the cards back to the table. My body felt stiff after a long day of teaching my best friend.

"Another round?" I asked, ignoring the stiffness of my shoulders. She groaned and rolled her eyes, losing her enthusiasm in the game.

"Let's take a break first. Really, I wouldn't even do this if it weren't for the girls", she said while lifting her hands up.

"The girls in the casino?" I asked, pretending that I didn't know what she means. Although I'm fully aware of that, but she needs to stop pushing me to have a girlfriend.

"Yeah. Those girls are so mesmerized by you. Dude, you're the famous Khali Luciano - the professional and most attractive dealer 'slash' floorman 'slash' the pit boss of L Hotels and Casino. You're the gem of that Casino. You don't know how many girls came to me just to ask about you. I fucking envy you, dude. They were like 'Oh my god! Look at Khali! Look at those eyes and those long fingers! God! I really want her'. What do I need to sacrifice to be you?", she said which sounds exaggerated for me.

I scoffed, almost cringing at how she describes me. Honestly, there's a truth in that. I don't even know why girls always come running after me. Like, what's so fun about me? I'm so mysterious and not a single girl could make me spill who I am. That's how classified my profile is, and the workers in Casino can't spill that information as well. Let's just say, I am a very important person. Some says I have a barbie-like features, a boyish barbie. I'd like to cut my hair in shoulder length - like a wolf cut hair. I just think it's cool.

"Trust me, you don't want to be in my situation. But, hey! You're being oblivious. Many girls wants you, too. You're just focusing on the wrong people", I said, raising my brows twice and pressing my lips on a thin line.

"Pfft! You're kidding right? Nah, I always envy you. Imagine, how many the girls would come at the casino just to see you. Hell, they don't even know how to play!" She shrugged her shoulders, then lifted her hands in the air.

"It's good for the business. I'm an asset", I boasted while winking at her, causing her to laugh at me.

"And so you have to teach me how to get those girls. Even if I don't really play this game, it will be a turn off if I would lose in that card game", she insisted even if I still think she doesn't need to those things. She's doesn't listen.

"Very well then, another round?" I muttered as I flash a smirk on her.

[JANE]

"Sam, what's my next appointment?" I spoke after pressing the intercom.

"Ma'am you have a business meeting with Mr. Park at 3pm and dinner with Mr. Nicholas Terranova at 8pm", my secretary said.

I silently groaned when I remembered the dinner I have to attend this evening. I don't even want to go there but my father insisted that I should meet the son of our business partner. Funny, how we're not even related yet we're both Terranova. I wish we're related so that my father won't push me to date that guy. I have so much pressure at work and I was expecting that my dad could at least lessen my burden yet there he is, pushing me to someone I don't even like. What a life!

Being a young CEO is not that easy. I was imagining myself traveling and pursuing the things that I love to do in my life, but my father had already decided for my future. Isn't it unfair? It's ridiculous, how people would always think that rich people always have a choice but sadly, that's a total lie. I don't have a choice but to inherit the company that my father built because unfortunately, I am his only daughter. Sucks to be the only child.

My phone suddenly rang and I sighed in relief seeing the caller ID.

"Let me guess", she spoke before I could even say hello.

"What?" I asked.

I heard her snorts and she muttered, "Well, I know you don't want to attend that dinner."

I raised my brows in surprise, although I shouldn't be. My best friend has her own way to know my whereabouts.

"Wow! Are you a fortune teller or a psychic? Because I don't remember that my best friend is some kind of clairvoyant", I smirked.

"You forgot that your secretary is my sister's girl. Duh!" She exclaimed and I just laughed in response.

"Of course I know that!" I said, totally aware of her sister and my secretary's relationship. Well, their love story started here in my office, when Alice visited me here when I asked for a legal advice 2 years ago. It was love at first sight, they said. Sounds cheesy for me, but who am I to stop those two being in love?

"Jane, you need my help", it's not even a question.

"Would you help me, my cute little chipmunk?" I muttered, trying to sound cute as I call her with the nickname I gave her, and she just groans in return.

"Ugh! You don't need to compliment me like that! Of course, I'll help you. I'm your best friend." She said confidently.

I look at my watch and it's time for me to go since I have a meeting with Mr. Park.

"Alright, tell me your plans later. I just need to attend a meeting. I'll call you after", I stood up and approached the door.

"Okay! Take it easy, bye." She ended the call and I smiled silently, feeling grateful that I have the most reliable person with me. My best friend is really an angel and my savior. She's always there to rescue me. Her name is Reese Fatico, I call her Reese or sometimes Reese Posie.

Unlike me, she has a choice in what to do in her life. She's a food critic and even though she eats a lot, it never fails to amaze me how she could maintain her Victoria Secret model body. It's still a mystery for me. Her long blonde hair makes her look like Elsa in the Disney movie - Frozen. I call her chipmunk because her cheeks always get fluffy whenever she eats food. She loves food as much as she loves me, but I'm not complaining.

"So what's your plan?" I asked Reese who's sitting across my desk. She came here to my office and I was expecting a clear plan from her.

"Let's go to casino", she said.

"What? That's your plan?" my tone indicates that I am against with her idea.

"Before you complain, let me explain", she held up her hand to shut me up. I gestured for her to continue.

"So I need to go there tonight for my job, I have to try and make some reviews about the food there. And I'm so excited because they said the food and the drinks in casino are heavenly", she muttered while clapping her hands together excitedly and I just flashed a sarcastic grin.

"No! Because firstly, playing in casino is not good. You can never win, it's gambling. You'll just make the casino owner richer", I explained to her and held up my index finger as she's about to retort.

"Second, I don't even know how to play those card games, I might just get bored and lose my money while waiting for you", I shrugged my shoulders.

"Look, I don't have a clear plan, and this is the only way to save your ass because apparently, what else would you reason out for not attending that dinner? At least you have a reason if you come with me because Jane Terranova, you are an introvert and you just prefer to just stay in your office or inside your room", she said without a pause.

"Wow, really? Wow", I acted offended but I already expected this from her, and she's right, partly. I sighed, thinking for a second.

"Jane, you're a multi-millionaire, a night in a casino won't hurt your wealth. Seriously!" She said, interrupting my thoughts.

"Okay! Okay! You win!" I was forced to agree, not wanting to further argue with her because she's my only savior.

"Alright! Now, dress up appropriately", she said. I rolled my eyes and just decided to agree with her. I don't have much a choice.

After Reese left my office, I had at least two meetings after. I slumped on my swiveled chair, finding comfort after a very busy day. Although my body can rest, but my mind couldn't, so I decided to check my phone to read emails and messages. I rolled my eyes when I saw Nicholas' message. How can he pretend to be nice, when he's an actual monster?

"Hi Jane, I can't wait to see you at our dinner date later. I'm expecting to see you more often" - Nicholas Terranova

I just turned my phone off, and thought of going home early. I need to escape that dinner date, and a night in a Casino won't hurt. I guess, I need to loosen up and have fun, too. I lied when I told my best friend that I don't know how to play cards. I know the basics especially in Blackjack. But I just don't like to have conversation with a lot of people, that's why I'm avoiding crowded places like Casino.

I'm here in front of the mirror, checking my outfit. I'm wearing Roland Mouret sheer-panel fine knit dress, and I smiled, feeling satisfied with how the dress fits perfectly on me. I pulled up my hair into a ponytail and applied some light make up. I don't want to be the center of attraction in that place, but who am I kidding? I'm Jane Terranova, the CEO of JT Telecom and a model of Chanel. However, I still believe that people won't recognize me that easily since only few had actually seen me in person.

I never even imagined myself going to the Casino, although I heard that my dad went there several times to meet some of the investors whom are so fond of that place –The L Hotels and Casino. That place is so glamorous, if you can imagine the Casinos in Vegas, well, you can compare it there. I can only see the twinkling lights from the outside of the Casino whenever I drive around, but I never dared to go inside. So it's my first time stepping a foot there.

I'm a CEO but I'm an introvert. My position had pushed me to do things I always hate. I hate having long conversation with someone, I hate to be out of my comfort zone. Being a CEO, you have to meet different kinds of people, different characters. Of course, I have to attend meetings with the shareholders and stakeholders. I even met some reporters who would ask some things about me and the company. That's a lot to take in. It's quite overwhelming for me at first but I have to get used to it.

My dad can never understand how I feel. He always looks after the company. Everything is for the sake of the company. He never even asked me what I really want, whether I really want to inherit his company, or not. He never asked me the things that could make me happy. My mom passed away when I was 16, a tragic part of my life. I knew she's not going to live that long because she had a cancer, but I've always wished she could live longer. She was the only person who can understand me. Aside from my best friend Reese, my mom was my best friend. She knew what I want to be in the future. I want to be a photographer and take pictures of places and people. I feel like photography is my escape from my cruel reality. I feel like I can express my feelings, my emotions, everything.

"Wow, look at you!" Reese squealed as she checks my outfit like as if it's the first time she saw me wearing a dress.

I rolled my eyes but eventually smiled and chuckled afterwards.

"Don't be so over dramatic, I always wear dresses", I muttered.

"Yeah, of course I know that. You just really look hotter today", she said, flashing a smug smile at me.

"You look lovely yourself too", I returned the compliment. She's wearing white Khaite The felicia dress that looks so lovely on her, and a pair of Tiffany & Co. link earings, which gave more emphasize to her classiness and pretty face.

"Thank you! Now come on, we should hurry up because your dad might come here anytime soon", she grabbed my arm and we went out of my apartment and down to the elevator.

That's right, I have my own apartment because I don't want to live with my dad. I just reasoned out that I need my personal space but he always comes by here without even telling me. That's one of the things that irritates me. Invading my privacy. We finally got to Reese's car and hurriedly went inside.

"Oh my god! I just know this night will be very exciting!" She squealed again and I just laughed as I lean back on the shotgun seat.

"You're just excited to taste the food. I really envy you because you can do anything you want", I sadly sighed, causing her to turn her attention on me.

"Well, if I am the only child too, I might be a lawyer right now and I will be forced to inherit our law firm. I'm just thankful that my sister Alice has the same principles and dreams with my parents. Don't worry. I always got your back." She squeezed my hand, assuring me that she will always be there for me, and that's enough to make me feel okay. I smiled softly and nodded at her.

"Thanks. Now I think you should really start driving because my dad is now calling me", I showed her my phone and she rolls her eyes, seeing my dad's caller ID on the screen.

"Damn, your dad is such a pain in the ass", she commented and I laughed in agreement.

"L Hotels and Casino! Here we come!" She shouted before hitting the engine.