Page 6 of The Gamble (The Players 3)

“We’ve met before, at the casino.” She turned toward me and I knew she meant to remindme.

I frowned. “Wow. I must’ve been really drunk. You’re pretty unforgettable, and yet, I have no memory ofyou.”

This time, she smiled. “Don’t worry. We’ll have plenty of time to catch up. I’m your date for theweekend.”

“My date?” I glanced at Jackie. “Is this a service you provide all your VIP clients?” I waggled my brow at her. “Nicely done. Out of a catalog of a million women, this is the one I would’ve chosentoo.”

Jackie rolled her eyes. “You aren’t a VIP. We don’t have VIPs here. And I didn’t find her for you. Mr. Georgedid.”

My eyes widened as I stared at Ty. “Wow. I almost want to shake your hand. Oh, but you’ve known my type forever, haven’t you?” I grinned. “So, what’s the plan? I can be packed and ready to go in less than tenminutes.”

“You’re still leaving tomorrow. That’s the plan,” Jackie remindedme.

“Is twenty-four hours going to make that much difference? Really?” I gave her my best pleadinglook.

“Rules. You have to learn to follow some rules.” Jackie leaned forward and nodded at me with a frown on herface.

I leaned toward her. “Rules. They’re meant to be broken.” I winked at Talia. “What’s say we blow this joint,pussycat?”

“I say, I’ll pick you up tomorrow, when the facility releases you.” Sheshrugged.

“So, why bring me a date today, Ty?” Ifrowned.

“This was more of a meet and greet session. Talia will be there for you during the wedding. She’ll even see to it you make it home.” He clapped his hands together, which always meant he’d made his decision and it was set instone.

“Awesome. This must be some special kind of hooker.” I chuckled. “Sorry, I had no idea you were on the payroll.” I watched in fascination as she licked herlips.

“Oh, I’m on the payroll, but I’m not a hooker.” Her brow shot up inchallenge.

“I’m sorry. Do you girls prefer being called escorts?” I grinnedplayfully.

Her nostrils flared. “Actually, I prefer being referred to as your sobriety coach, but you can still call meTalia.”

Now it was my turn to be angry. I fumed at the guy I thought was my friend. “What the absolute fuck, Ty? I don’t need a sobriety coach. So, like…she’s going to make the wedding a more painful experience than it already will be? I won’t even be able to toast?” I stomped my foot and stood. “Not happening. I don’t need ababysitter.”

“You’re a grown man. If you need a babysitter, I’m not your girl.” Talia opened her mouth to continue, but I cut heroff.

“You’re not my girl to begin with. I don’t need some goddam killjoy ruining what’s left of my miserable life.” I glared at Ty. “You tricked me. I thought we werefriends.”

“We are, Drew.” Hesighed.

“Really? A friend wouldn’t pawn me off on some stranger so he could enjoy a wedding without having to deal with me.” I gestured angrily. “You’ve been doing it for years. First it was Harry, now it’s some sobriety Nazi. I fucking hate you for doing this. This is some bullshit, man.” I strode over to the door and prepared to open it. My fingers had closed around the handle, when Ty grabbed my shoulder and whipped me around to facehim.

“You want to talk about some bullshit? How about the fact that you’ve lost fifteen years of your life to your demons?” He growled at me. “You better figure out how to get rid of them, or you won’t last another fifteen.” He raked his hands through his hair and I could’ve sworn I saw some tears in hiseyes.

“What the hell are you talking about?” I crossed my arms over my body. “I’m fine. I’m fuckingawesome.”

“No, you aren’t. And you’re hurting everyone who cares about you. Harry wears a shroud of guilt. I have a worried brow. At least, that’s what Kate calls it.Lines. At my age.” Ty inhaled sharply. “I want you to be better. I need you to be healthy and safe. I worry all the time whether you’re going to kill yourself with drugs and alcohol, or if you’re going to kill someone else while you’re under the influence.” He leaned heavily against the wall before speaking more quietly. “I’m gonna be a father, Drew. Kate’s having a baby. I want you to be a part of our life. Harry wants it too. Only, you can’t be around unless you’resober.”

I stiffened. “What does that mean? You don’t want me around? You’re cutting me off? I don’tunderstand.”

“Yeah. We’ve been through two other rounds of rehab with you, Drew. Nothing changed. Not for you, anyway. Meanwhile, we’re tense, miserable, and aging faster than we should.” He pointed to his forehead. “Lines.”

“You mentioned them before. Sorry to ruin your face,” I muttered. “This is stupid. I thought you two were myfriends.”

“I thought so too. Only friendship is a two-way street and if you were our friend, you wouldn’t care more about getting drunk than you care about hanging out with us.” Ty shook his head sadly. “Be a friend,Drew.”

I stood quietly, my side pressed against the door. His words had struck a chord. I couldn’t imagine the rest of my life without them in it. I could handle sharing them with wives, but I couldn’t survive losing them forever. After some thought, I finally spoke. “What do I have todo?”

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