Page 77 of Forgotten Deal

“Place your chips in the circle,” I tell her firmly.

She huffs, tossing the chips. They bounce, landing outside of the circle.

“Excuse me, but this table is for active players,” Katerina says frostily. “I’m going to kindly ask you both?—”

“Katerina, my favorite dealer,” an older, albeit good-looking man joins us, sliding his chips into the betting circle.

“You say that to all the dealers,” Katerina tells him with a genuine smile.

“I do, but when I say it to you, beautiful, I mean it.” He winks at her.

I have to unclench my fists as I lean over and whisper to my date in an authoritative tone, “Move your chips to the circle.”

She huffs again, but moves her chips like I told her.

Katerina goes through the elaborate process of shuffling six decks of cards, making it look easy.

“Such skilled hands,” the man muses, and I have to restrain myself from slamming his head against the table.

“Flattery won’t increase your odds,” Katerina tells the man with laughter in her eyes.

“But it can’t hurt.” He winks again, and it seems all of my restraint is being tested.

Katerina smiles as she stacks the cards neatly. “Shuffle,” she calls loudly.

The pit boss walks over and greets us. “Mr. Mazza, so nice to see you this evening.”

“Thank you.” I smile politely, watching Katerina out of the corner of my eye. Her cool facade nearly slips—her lips turning down ever so slightly—but she quickly plasters on her game face.

The pit boss addresses the guy trying to fuck up my game plan. “Good to see you, as always.”

“You know the only reason I come back to The Diamond is the best dealer in town, Ms. Katerina.” I try not to roll my eyes. We get it, you want in Katerina’s pants. Not that I doubt she is the best dealer; she has a stellar professional reputation.

“Glad to hear it,” the pit boss says. He inspects the table before giving the green light to proceed.

Katerina waves her hand over the table. “No more bets,” she announces before she pitches the cards.

My date goes to pick up her cards, but Katerina says, “Miss, you have to leave your cards face up on the table.”

She rolls her eyes, pulling out her phone.

“Miss, you can’t have an electronic device out at the table. The game cannot proceed until you put it away,” Katerina says.

“God, lady, you’ve been freaking on my case since we got here,” she grumbles.

“There’s a flashy little slot machine right down that way; it’d be better suited for you two.” The man jerks his head.

“We’re good right where we are,” I say coolly. “Hit,” I say, examining my five and two.

“I need a hand signal,” Katerina tells me, and the man mutters something under his breath. “Scratch like this for a hit.” She demonstrates with her finger. “Wave your hand like this to stand, meaning you don’t want another card. To double down, place your additional bet down and point with your index finger. To split a bet, make a V with your index and middle finger. To surrender, make a cut motion left to right,” she explains patiently. Clearly, I need more lessons.

“Oh my God, I surrender,” my date announces. “I’ll be at the bar.” With that, she stands and walks off.

“Smart choice. You joining your lady friend?” The man asks me.

“Hit,” I say, scratching the table like Katerina just demonstrated. She deals me a Jack. “Stand.” I wave my hand.

“Seventeen. Not bad, my boy,” the man tells me, and I envision the best place to bury his corpse.

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