Vegas Fanfic: A Perfect Night at the Sands

YoEleven imagines the perfect night at the Sands…

It’s 1961. My wife and I are about to check-in to the Sands Hotel. Normally a modest couple, but this trip is different. After a ridiculously lucky 40 minutes holding the dice two months ago, the bosses have offered me a luxury suite – complimentary, of course. The convertible Cadillac limousine waiting for us at McCarran was unexpected and we are glad we dressed the part, wanting to fit in with the high-class folks who ride to Las Vegas in a tri-tail Lockheed Constellation. I, in my best jacket, tie, spit-polished shoes, and jet-black fedora. She, in a form fitting but classy cream colored one-shoulder gown with elbow length gloves, pillbox hat, and heels, hoping to perhaps catch the eye of one, maybe two celebrities hanging out in the Sands lounge.

The concierge informs us that our room is ready, and a bellman has already taken our cases from the limousine directly to our suite. I hear the sounds of a piano being played in the lounge as she hands us our keys and gives us directions to the bar and asks us if we would like a table in the steakhouse for dinner. I warmly accept and ask for a bottle of champagne to be delivered to our suite.

My wife takes my arm as we stroll past the dice tables, the dealers recognizing me saying, “Welcome back, Mr. G!” My host, Jimmy, hearing the dealers greet me turns around, takes off his hat and walks up to us asking if I would like a marker and points to an open spot at the table. I tell him, “Give me about an hour, and I’ll be back, we haven’t yet seen our room.” He takes my wife’s hand and bows his head slightly as he replies, “As you wish, Mr. G. If anything in your room is not to your liking, you know I will be right here. Just let me know and I’ll take care of it.” He puts his hat back on and tilts his head back toward the dice already in mid-air. Ahhhh… this is how Vegas should be!

After settling into our room, we pop open the champagne, chilled to just the right temperature, and we relax for a few moments. I am itching to hit the tables, and my wife is just as eager to settle in under an umbrella at the pool. As I head into the casino, a jazz quartet is playing “Come Fly With Me” in the lounge. Of course, that’s what they’d be playing!

Just as I squeeze into an open spot at a dice table, Jimmy is right there instructing the dealers, “Marker, $200 for Mr. G. Send the dice.” I give him a wink and a nod, knowing that I’m truly appreciated, and we are in for one great weekend. Just as I throw the dice for the first time, my wife passes by on her way to the pool and says “Good luck, honey! Win lots!” Jimmy tips his hat to her as she passes. I only hold the dice for 3 more throws, definitely a far cry from my glory 2 months prior. Jimmy comes by and says, “You just need some time to warm up, Mr. G. Here, these should help…” and he slips an envelope into my jacket pocket. I say, “What’s this?” He says, “Front row for Sammy, Dean, and Frankie tonight. Dinner’s at 8:00, you’re already set up, right?” I smile again, “Thanks, Jimmy, you really know how to handle things.” “Of course, Mr. G.” He barks an order to the cocktail waitress, “A single malt for Mr. G. Make it a double, neat!” He even remembers how I like my scotch. The casino is enveloped with a soft haze of smoke, players dressed in their Sunday best at the tables, and you can hear the slot machine bells dinging away in the background and every so often, a high-pitched scream. No doubt, a player’s wife probably just won $5 in nickels. Waitresses and tobacco girls circle the gambling pits like honeybees.

With the dice staying cold I grab a cigar and give 21 a try. I stay about even as I see my wife heading back from the pool. She’s looking for me at the dice tables but spots me playing cards. “Didn’t go well, huh?” I hand her the envelope of tickets for tonight’s show and say, “This outta help. Be ready for dinner at 8:00.” She looks inside the envelope, and her face brightens, “Really?! You got these?” I said, “Jimmy’s taking care of us this weekend. Do you want another bottle of champagne with dinner?”

And so begins our first day of the weekend at the Sands… experiencing Las Vegas how only some can, did, or ever will.

[Photos: UNLV Archival Dept]

Vegas Bright