“What?” I asked incredulously. “No. If I were going to be in the entertainment industry, I wouldn’t be a pole dancer, first of all. I’ve got mad respect for bitches who do the pole. The physical athleticism required for that…insane.”
“Then I’m confused. Are you an ER doctor down there?”
“How about this? Instead of guessing, I just tell you.”
“Alright.”
“I play poker. I have a match tonight.”
That consternated expression came back, deeper than it was before. “Like, a high-stakes game?”
“Yep. The clinic doesn’t pay the most competitive salary in the world, and Manhattan is expensive, so…girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do. I grew up with a distinct lifestyle since my parents are billionaires, so there are things I just like to have, like designer clothes, a penthouse, stuff like that. No, I’m not materialistic. I just like nice things. Don’t judge me.”
“No judgments.”
“Anyway, I’ve got a game tonight and tomorrow, so I’m headed out. Shelly is covering my patients while I’m away.”
He nodded. “Good luck.”
“Thanks. But I don’t need it. I don’t need chance either.”
He grinned. “You count cards?”
“I can neither confirm nor deny.”
“That’s pretty impressive. People can’t just do that in their head.”
“Well, I can. And I’m pretty good at it. They totally know I do it, but since there’s no definitive way to prove it without reading my mind, there’s nothing they can do. You would think that opponents wouldn’t join the game, but since they’re all men, they’ve got their fat egos on the table and they’re determined to beat me. Yeah…good luck. This bitch is here to stay.”
“Is this televised?”
“Why? You gonna watch me?”
He gave a slight smile. “I might.”
“You aren’t going out on the town this weekend? Breaking beds and breaking hearts?”
The smile faded, and he looked caught in a compromising position. “I’ll probably be working.”
“God, you’re worse than me. I usually hit the town with my girls on the weekend.”
He shrugged and stepped toward the entrance to the clinic. “See you on Monday.”
“Byyyyyeeee.”
“You’re in Atlantic City this weekend?” Derek asked over the phone.
“Yep.” I held the phone to my ear, watching us approach the terminal. “Just landed.”
“You know Sunday is Father’s Day.”
“Uh, yes. Like I’d forget. I’ll be back.”
“What did you get him?”
“I’m not telling you. You’ll copy me.”
Derek sighed. “Get over yourself. I already have something for him.”
“What?”
“What if you copy me?” he said with a mocking voice.
“I just said I already have a gift.” I looked out the window and felt the plane vibrate when the stairs were secured to the exit of the plane. “Come on, what is it?”
“Alright. You can’t tell him.”
“Like I ever would.”
“Well, I recently finished the new Rover that’s going to Mars…and I named it after him.”
“Aw!” My voice rose above the rest of the sounds on the plane. “That is the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever heard in my goddamn life.”
“Shh, aren’t you on the plane?”
“Whatever. I don’t care. I’m in first class, and there’re no kids around. Derek, that is so sweet. He’ll love it.”
“Yeah, I think so. So now are you going to tell me what you got?”
“Well, it’s not as good as yours.”
“Obviously.”
I gave a sarcastic laugh. “Wow…jerk.”
“Come on, I’m kidding. He’ll love it.”
“Well, he loves Bear so much that I got him some toys and a special collar.” God, it was lame compared to Derek’s.
“He’ll love that.”
“You have to let me go first.”
He chuckled. “Okay, I will.”
“Well, we’re getting off, so I’ll talk to you when I get back.”
“Okay. Be careful, alright?”
“Psh, I’ll be fine.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know you are, big brother.”
8
Atlas
My couch was covered with folders and papers, and my laptop was in my lap. My third beer was on the end table beside me, and in the silence, I caught up on all my paperwork.
This was the least enjoyable part of my job, but it had to be done.
When the beer started to kick in and my mind began to wander, I went to the pay-per-view channel and found the poker tournament Daisy had mentioned. My curiosity couldn’t be sheathed, so I paid the fee and watched the poker match appear on the screen.
Five men.
And Daisy.
The sound of chips was audible in the casino behind them, and each player quickly took their turn, throwing chips into the pile, drawing more cards, taking a drink from their glass, all moving rapidly as if they knew their move far before they made it.
Daisy had a cigar in her mouth, and like she was one of the boys, she pushed her chips into the pile.
She smoked cigars?
She was the most laid-back player in the group, relaxed in her chair, sealing her lips around the butt of the cigar and puffing before she released the smoke in clouds from her mouth. Then she reached for her glass and took a drink, waiting for her opponents to make their moves.