Page 110 of Shortcake
Note to self: Don’t invite Warren to the next game.
Other than Warren, though, I had to admit it was kind of a fun night.
Surprisingly. I never really considered myself a guy’s guy. I guess spending the majority of your life solely with your mother and daughter will do that to you. Other than Jim? I didn’t really see the need for a ton of friends.
Hell, even if I had wanted them, I wouldn’t have had the time for them.
Simon hosted the night at his apartment. Apparently, the large dining table we all sat at was typically used for Dungeons and Dragons. He worked in IT for some tech company and his apartment reflected that aesthetic. Modern. Sleek. Clean, white finishes that looked like they came right from Sweden.
Even his nerdy decor,his words, not mine, was classy and well organized on chrome and black floating shelves through the house. Dragons carved out of wax. Crystals. Weird little miniatures of a tavern. Small, metal figurines that looked hand painted.
It was impressive even though I knew next to nothing about the game.
“I’m out,” Finn said, tossing his cards down in front of him.
“Me, too,” Simon echoed him.
“Too rich for my blood,” Warren shrugged.
Then, it was just me and Elijah. I kept my face totally even. It would behoove me for him to keep bidding. There were no aces or kings showing on the table.
And the chances of him having three of either of those in hand was pretty unlikely. Mathematically speaking, him having a flush was evenlesslikely.
Elijah narrowed his eyes at me, seeming to examine my stoic features.
“Dude, he’s a cop,” Finn said, leaning his chair back on two legs. “He’s got that stoic poker face thing down. It’s like his job.”
“Hey,” Warren said. “I’ma cop, too.”
“Yeah, your poker face is about as good as Barney Fife’s.” Finn rolled his eyes, the legs of the chair banging back down on the floor as he brought all four back down.
“Hey!” Simon barked and I nearly jumped. It was the loudest I’d ever heard him speak. He pointed at the floor by Finn’s chair. “Watch the floors. They werejustrefinished and Enzo will kill us both if they get scratched.”
“You need to get those little pads on the chairs,” Finn said. “Haylee uses them. They’re helpful.”
“The rubber ones?” Simon asked.
“Nah, the felt.”
“Hey ladies,” I grunted. “Can we finish this hand before we share baking recipes?”
Adjusting his glasses, Elijah picked up two coupons, holding them out. “I see your five. And I raise you $2.50…”
I searched through what was left of my coupons. “I only have one for $2.75… but let’s call it even yeah?” When he gave his nod of approval, I tossed it in the middle.
“Call,” I said.
Elijah put his cards down flat on the table and revealed three tens.
I gave a low whistle and nodded. “Pretty good. But not as good as three queens.” I set my cards down.
“Daaaaaamn,” Simon sang. “You got the girls!”
I winked at him across the table. “Ialwaysget the girl.”
“Easy there,” Finn snarled. “That’s my sister you’re insinuating.”
Elijah blinked, seeming genuinely surprised. “You and Addy?”
