with three queens. I look more closely at the remaining combinations. “I know that's a straight,” I say, gesturing. The hand consists of five cards of consecutive increasing values, ranging from five to nine.
“That's the hand that I won you with,” David remarks, giving me a sharp look.
“That’s why I remember it.” My mouth suddenly feels dry.
He stands up, towering over me. I can smell the musk of his cologne—faded since he applied it that morning, but still present. It’s faintly woodsy, giving him an oddly rugged aroma that seems to clash with the fancy suits and shiny shoes he wears every day.
“Do you wish I’d played differently? That I’d lost and Deanna had won?” He stares down at me intensely. “Answer me, Lilly.”
“I don’t know,” I tell him honestly. At first I was terrified to be here but there’s something about the excitement of this world that lights a fire inside of me. Or maybe it’s the excitement of David. I’m not sure. I look up at him, half expecting him to kiss me and fully hoping that he will. But he doesn’t. He sits down abruptly and returns his attention to the cards. I’m surprised by the pang of disappointment I feel.
“Well, you’re here now,” he says abruptly. The edge has returned to his voice and the friendliness is gone. Have I offended him? But what could he expect me to say? It’s not like this is the dream holiday I was planning—hanging around a casino by myself for most of the day. Being watched constantly. Being a captive.
“What would have happened if you’d lost?” I ask.
“I would have been down a good chunk of change.” He’s nonchalant. “But I knew I wasn’t going to lose. I knew I would win.”
“How could you know? It’s gambling. Nothing’s certain.”
“An intelligent, experienced player doesn’t ever quite gamble.”
“You mean you cheated?”
He turns on me swiftly, his eyes ablaze. “Of course not. I do not cheat.”
I shrink away from him. I know I should stop talking but I can’t let it go. “But what do you mean?”
“Just that a good player has knowledge and skills they can use to their advantage. Your sister Deanna wasn’t awful but she wasn’t the best either. She was overly confident. And she had obvious tells.”
I give him a questioning look.
“A tell is like a physical tick,” he goes on. “Something a person does when they’re bluffing. I watched Deanna those first rounds to learn her tells. Every time she was full of it, she’d scratch her wrist. Right above that damn tattoo.”
“The rose,” I murmur. “Mom cried when she found out Deanna had gotten a tattoo.” I don’t know why I let that detail slip out now. Maybe I’m feeling homesick after this long, lonely day. I felt better in David’s company until just now, when I made him angry.
“I think that’s enough cards for today,” he says, suddenly. “Next time, I’ll show you how to spot a cheater. You should always be able to spot the difference between a skilled player and a fraud.” He gives me a sharp look, his eyes dark and stormy. I’ve clearly offended him and now I’m feeling awkward and afraid all over again. I can’t ignore my growling stomach though. I’ve been trying to pay attention to David’s lesson but I’ve mostly been thinking about food, as usual. I check the clock on the oven. It’s almost 7:00 p.m.
“Maybe we could order some room service?” I suggest. “Would that be okay?”
“I told you, anything you want,” he replies with a sigh, sounding slightly irritated. “You don’t have to ask every time. Sometimes you just have to take things, Lilly. Seize what you’re owed.” He pauses, his eyes boring into me as he says, “That’s another lesson you need to learn.”
The comment stings because it’s true. “What do you want?” I ask, feigning a casual attitude. “I’m in the mood for a burger and fries.”
He responds with a low, rumbling laugh, his posture loosening slightly. “I’m sure one of our chefs can manage that.”
***
Thirty minutes later, I’m chowing down on the best hamburger I’ve ever had in my life. David likewise has a burger in hand and seems just as ravenous. He’s taking huge bites.
“I can’t remember the last time I ate a burger,” he says.
“Well, this one is amazing. It could use some relish though,” I add.
“You do realize you just critiqued a Michelin-starred chef?”
I’m so happy with my food and relieved that David’s mood has improved, I don’t