The drive from Providence to the Connecticut casino was only about an hour, but Joan Kendrick had a tendency to work herself into a ball of anxiety when anybody in the family stepped outside their usual daily routine. Going to a casino was definitely out of the norm for a Kendrick.As expected, Del got a flurry of text messages in return. Her mom started with don’t talk to strange men and moved on to not writing her room number on her key card and more, finally ending with not leaving her drinks unattended. Then, after a few seconds, a have fun, honey.The heels of her boots clicking on polished marble floors, Del made her way to the check-in desk, feeling as though she’d stepped onto a holiday movie set. It was the weekend before Christmas and the casino had spared no expense in decorating. Trees and garland and life-sized Nutcracker soldiers were everywhere, and the music being piped into the lobby was jazzy instrumental Christmas music. The massive lobby marked the junction of hotel and casino, and in the center was the biggest white tree she’d ever seen, with colorful lights twinkling in time to the music and magically lifting her mood.She was ready to celebrate.“Good afternoon.”
