#122 “Kyle Vennillia is My Cousin.”
Evelyn, Sandro, and Sophia were headed to the VIP lounge when suddenly Evelyn couldn’t contain her amusement. Laughter bubbled up from within her, and she couldn’t help but share her thoughts.
“What’s wrong?” Sophia inquired, a playful smile on her lips.
Evelyn, still chuckling, replied, “Excuse me, but I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve been saved not once but twice by a man named Alexander. I just couldn’t resist making the connection.”
Sophia shook her head, joining in the laughter. “That was just my luck.”
Sandro, who had been casually walking alongside them, decided to join the banter. “I’m actually half Italian, so my name is spelled with two S’s. That way, it’ll be easier for you to distinguish between us.”
Sophia and Evelyn burst into laughter again, the unexpected twist adding to the already vibrant evening. Sandro, with a twinkle in his eye, enjoyed the lighthearted exchange.
As they reached the entrance of the VIP lounge, they found themselves standing in front of a rope, a symbolic barrier between the ordinary and the exclusive. Sandro nodded to the imposing guards stationed there, a silent signal of approval. The guards, recognizing the owner of the casino hotel, swiftly lifted the rope, granting them access to the VIP haven.
With a casual yet confident demeanor, Sandro led the way, and they stepped into the VIP lounge, leaving behind the bustling casino floor. The transition was palpable, the noise fading into the background as they entered a world of plush seating, soft lighting, and an elevated sense of refinement.
Sandro, with an easygoing charm, ordered a round of drinks for the trio. As the glasses arrived, they clinked together in a casual toast.
“Cheers to unexpected encounters,” Sandro said, lifting his glass.
“Cheers!” Sophia and Evelyn echoed, sipping their drinks.
The conversation flowed effortlessly. Sophia and Evelyn shared tales of their adventures, sparing no detail. Laughter erupted as they recounted some of their more comical escapades, adding a touch of humor to the cozy corner of the lounge.
Evelyn, feeling the warmth of the moment, decided to tell her side of the story. “You know, this whole trip was a bit of a rebellion for me. I came to Vegas to spite my boyfriend, Kyle.”
Sandro raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin forming. “Tell me, Evelyn. What did Kyle do to deserve the wrath of a trip to Vegas?”
Evelyn chuckled, “To tell you the truth, the mystery surrounding him pissed me off. He never tells me anything about his past, his work, or his family. That’s why I thought, ‘Well I’ll take myself on a trip to give him the so- called space he needs’ And here I am, living my best life.”
Sophia burst into laughter, clapping her hands. “I love it! The best revenge is a life well-lived. Take note, Sandro. Spiteful trips are the way to go.”
Sandro leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. “Noted. And speaking of Kyle, I actually know Kyle. Small world, isn’t it?”
“Apparently,” Evelyn laughs. “I just can’t understand this boyfriend of mine. Why is he surrounded by this mystery?”
Sandro takes a swig of his drink. “What can I tell you, men are like that. And why are you with him when he makes you so angry?”
“Well, yes, it’s true that it pisses me off, but he’s funny, kind, and that shaggy black hair I just can’t resist.”
“Sounds like a good boy. Maybe there’s a good reason he’s not introducing you to his parents.”
“I can only hope. Because his intentions seem serious. He always tells me: If you love something enough, you have to give it unreserved trust. But I think it’s just a way of hiding more secrets.”
Sandro frowns at Evelyn’s words. He puts down his glass and turns fully to her.
“Tell me a little more about him,” he prompts, but his expression still looks thoughtful. “How he looks?”
“Oh, well, he’s quite tall, at least 6’7, always wears suits, has brown warm eyes, and a small scar on his shoulder. He didn’t even tell me anything about how he got this scar.”
“Scar, you say?” replies Sandro thoughtfully. Sophia watched their conversation confused; she did not understand why Sandro suddenly became silent.
“Is his favorite movie by any chance…” Sandro prompted.
“Die Hard,” Evelyn says without hesitation. Sandro laughs. He laughs so hard that Sophia and Evelyn exchange confused looks.
“And his favorite song is ‘ Californication,”” Sandro finishes with a laugh. Sophia, unable to contain her curiosity, chimes in, “Wait, how do you know about Kyle’s favorite song?”
Sandro, still grinning, pulls out his phone and taps a few times. He turns the screen toward them, revealing a picture of a younger Sandro and Kyle at a concert, singing along to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
“Kyle and I were huge fans back in the day. We practically lived for their music, “Sandro explains, nostalgia evident in his voice.
Evelyn, amazed by the revelation, says, “That’s incredible. That is exactly him.”
Sophia, realizing the connection runs deeper, ties things up and joins Sandro’s laughter. She can’t believe their luck. Apparently, Vegas was their place.
“Kyle Vennillia,” Sandro says.
“How do you know him?” Evelyn questions with a smile.
Sandro’s eyes had a spark of nostalgia in them. “Kyle Vennillia is my cousin. We practically grew up together, shared secrets, and, oh boy, we fought like siblings. You know, the whole deal.
Evelyn, leaning in with intrigue, couldn’t help but question, “Wait, you introduced yourself as Alessandro Vitali. How does that connect you to Vennillia?”
Sandro, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, explained, “The thing is, Kyle’s parents entrusted my parents with raising him. We raised him like our child and he was like my little brother. It’s a wild story, but everything for the family, you know?”
Sophia, processing the revelation, couldn’t contain her grin. “Kyle never mentioned you. What’s the deal? Why did his parents entrust him to your family?”
Sandro’s expression shifted a subtle air of mystery surrounding him. “Truth be told, I’m not entirely sure. Kyle and I never delved too deep into the ‘whys.’ They just asked for our help, and we said yes. Simple as that. Maybe someday I’ll get the full story.”
Sandro’s revelation about his connection with Kyle left Sophia and Evelyn intrigued. The dim glow of the city outside painted an air of mystery, mirroring the enigma surrounding Kyle’s upbringing. Evelyn, always the curious one, couldn’t resist probing further.
“But why your family? There must be a reason,” she inquired, her eyes reflecting the inquisitive spark within.
Sandro, leaning back in his chair, maintained his casual demeanor. “I was a kid then too, I have no idea, but I was glad to have a brother. I have never asked too many questions. Kyle turned out alright, didn’t he?”
Sophia and Evelyn exchanged a meaningful glance, realizing that Sandro’s easygoing exterior hid a wealth of untold stories, especially about Kyle’s past.
“Well, ladies, enough about my cousin, “Sandro declared, steering the conversation away from the mysterious topic. “Tell me what you two plan to do in Vegas?”
Sophia, breaking the contemplative silence, flashed a smile. “Oh, you know, the usual Vegas things. Explore the hidden gems, maybe catch a live show, and, of course, continue our winning streak at the casino.”
Evelyn added, “And who knows, maybe we’ll uncover a few more heroes along the way. Vegas seems to be full of surprises.”
Sandro laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. “I like your style. Vegas is a city of endless possibilities, and I’m here to make sure you experience them all. I can show you around.”
Evelyn, without missing a beat, took the lead. “Absolutely! We’re in.”
Sophia, caught off guard by Evelyn’s quick acceptance, playfully protested, ” Wait, I didn’t agree to this.”
Evelyn winked at her, “Oh, come on, Sophia. We can’t pass up a chance to explore Vegas with a local. Who knows what kind of things we can find.”
Sophia caught Evelyn hinting that she wanted to spend more time with Sandro to find out Kyle’s secrets. She nods in agreement.
“Alright, Mr. Vegas tour guide, show us what you’ve got.”
“You won’t be disappointed,” replies Sandro.
