find it strange except for the fact that I now know exactly what he’s up to. Just as he did with Deanna, he’s sizing up Tony and Bobby, taking the time to learn their tells and, in this case, identify whatever means they might be cheating by.
I watch as hand after hand is played, finding the game more interesting now that I have a—albeit vaguely—better understanding of what’s going on. Two-pair. Straight. Full house. Four-of-a-kind. Trips. The game is moving quickly and I become so immersed, I forget all about my duties. Until David reminds me.
“I’ll take a scotch, neat,” he turns to the bartender to place the order. As he does, he lets his eyes rest briefly on my face. The corner of his lip twitches ever so slightly, the tiniest reminder that I’m supposed to bring him his drink. I take a sip of the drink in my hand, summoning courage. I’m less steady in these heels than I’d like to be and playing the part of femme fatale is not in my repertoire. But that’s exactly what you’re doing, Lilly. Playing a part. Just like David said.
As soon as the bartender places David’s scotch on the bar, I stand and take it in my hand. I notice that Tessa doesn’t even make a move towards the bar. So she’s also aware that I’m the one meant to bring David his drinks.
A fresh hand is being dealt as I make my way slowly to David, careful to keep my footing while trying to sway my hips slightly. Standing behind him to one side, I lean over and place the glass on the black coaster already set out and waiting.
“Thank you.” He doesn’t even look up at me as he says the words. That same can’t be said for the rest of the table. Bobby looks about ready to climb across the table and into my cleavage and even Maurice lets his eyes flicker quickly over my exposed chest. Tony observes quietly. He gives me the creeps, to be honest. And then he speaks up.
“That’s a nice…necklace.” Finally, he looks up and makes eye contact with me, the first time he’s done so all night. I immediately feel a chill run through me. Bobby seems harmless enough, like a buffoon. But with his eerie quietness, Tony scares me.
“Yeah, Tony, the necklace is what’s nice, buddy,” Bobby lets out a laugh.
“Check yer fuckin’ hole cards so we can get movin’,” Tony reprimands Bobby, who is by now holding up the game by ogling my boobs.
“Ah shaddup, you’re no fun sometimes, Tony. Just payin’ the pretty lady a compliment.”
I suppress a smile and straighten up, walking slowly back towards my chair. I feel more comfortable in my stilettos already and I’m keenly aware that the men’s eyes are on me. I swing my hips slightly, wiggling my ass just a little bit. Maybe I’m going to enjoy playing this part.
Perched back on my chair, I continue to watch. I keep an eye on Tony and Bobby myself, curious if I’d be able to catch the signs of collusion that David described earlier. At one point, I catch Tony sneaking a peek at me. Without hesitation, I carefully allow my leg to peek out from the slit and run my hand gently up my thigh, toying with the delicate material. He licks his lips once, slowly, then looks back at his cards. Again, he fails to even look me in the face. What a jackass. But it’s exactly what I want. Or rather, what David wants.
I finish my first gin and tonic, and signal silently to Tessa for a second one. This time I toy with the straw using my tongue, taking it delicately between my teeth as I wrap my lips around it. I keep my eyes on the cards, as if I’m not even paying any attention to the men at the table. Bobby makes a low whistling sound and I peek in his direction. He’s looking at me as if he were a cartoon character with hearts in his eyes. I give him a slow, sweet smile and then return my attention to the cards.
I feel bold and beautiful, perhaps for the first time in my entire life. It’s an adrenaline rush. But I remind myself to focus on the cards. David hasn’t looked in my direction even once since ordering his scotch. At one point, I notice Tony clicks one chip on top of another one in a