tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56850024723075284322023-11-15T05:52:01.008-08:00Tricia's StoryBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-39947651134144884992007-11-12T10:41:00.000-08:002008-10-08T17:23:52.299-07:00Chapter 55<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>A little past eight on Tuesday evening found Tricia and Mary Beth approaching the sign up desk in the poker room. The afternoon had been a mixed bag for Tricia. She’d had fun hanging out with Mary Beth but had tried three single table satellites and lost them all. It didn’t appear that Mary Beth’s earlier prediction of good luck was going to hold up, at least as it pertained to Tricia. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>While Tricia had been beating her head against the wall that was single table satellites Mary Beth had returned to her slot machine and had gained, over the time she played it, another $50 or so. Consequently Mary Beth was in a much better mood than Tricia although Tricia was trying hard not to be grumpy. It was hard to be too grumpy around Mary Beth anyway when she was in such a good mood, it was infectious.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That afternoon after Tricia had made a joking comment about how Mary Beth’s low cut blouse might help her at the poker table Mary Beth had dragged Tricia shopping. She’d gotten the location of the nearest mall and off they went with Tricia mentally, if not quite physically, dragging her heels.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That shopping trip had been an experience. As a consequence Tricia was now dressed in a blouse cut lower than any she had owned. That wasn’t hard since most of her wardrobe was pretty conservative. When Tricia had pointed out that it wasn’t going to work on her the same way because her boobs were lots smaller than Mary Beth’s Mary Beth had countered by dragging Tricia along to Victoria’s Secret where Tricia had been subjected to a fairly embarrassing bra fitting and frank discussion of her body by Mary Beth and the sales lady. Even Tricia privately admitted that the results were fairly spectacular. The image Tricia saw when she looked in the mirror was kind of sexy without being over the edge into being slutty which was what Tricia had feared was going to happen. She wasn’t ready to admit it to Mary Beth yet but she liked the look and would have thought it was impossible for her to achieve.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So what’s the plan here?” Mary Beth asked as they waited at the sign up desk.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia brought her thoughts back to the here and now and said, “Well I promised Kevin that I’d give some seven card stud a try so if they’ve got a game of seven card high only I’m going to do that. You should play some hold’em I think. You’re on a roll. You’ll do fine.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I want to watch you for a while first,” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You didn’t like seven card stud when I tried to teach you, why would you want to watch?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Because my friend is playing and I want to watch her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Awww that’s sweet,” Tricia said. “Silly but sweet. You’re a big girl. If that’s what you want to do it’s fine with me. You should play some tonight though. You seem to enjoy it and you have to admit your luck is there today.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah, if I didn’t use it all up.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“There is that,” Tricia conceded as they moved up to the front of the line. Then to the woman taking sign ups she asked, “Do you have any seven card stud high only games spread?”</P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They had a game and Tricia was directed to that table. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As they made their way there Mary Beth said, “You sound so official when you talk like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Talk like what?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know, all that poker talk.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Well we’re in a poker room.”</P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know but it has a language all it’s own sort of. Anyway it’s impressive that you know your way around so well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled thinking how scared she’d been her first time. She had come a long way. She had a long way to go though, she knew.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>She took her seat at the table and looked around. It was the only game of it’s type going so there had been no point in checking them out to see which might be the better game. There was another female player but save one young guy probably in his late 20’s Tricia was the youngest player by a good margin except for one guy who was probably in his 40’s. The rest were all over 60, some of them way over, Tricia thought.</P>
<P><FONT size=4>She just told herself that she’d held her own playing with her father and his cronies and had even gotten lately where she could beat them just as Kevin had predicted. It was a fact that she knew irked her father some but he also seemed proud of her which was something she wasn’t used to coming from him.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>Tricia snorted with laughter when she’d been playing a few minutes. When Mary Beth asked what was so funny Tricia had told her, “I don’t think this get up you got me to wear is going to have much effect on these guys and I think the woman over there thinks I’m a slut for wearing it.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“You never know, some of these old guys may put the moves on you. You’d better watch out for them. As for the lady over there I think those looks are for me not for you.” Mary Beth said with a smile. “Either way who cares. You said you feel good in it right?”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“Right.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“And it’s not that revealing. Hell Tricia there is nothing wrong with dressing like a girl. You are a girl you know. I don’t even think Matt would mind.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. No Matt was going to love this shirt she thought. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>She had started out playing very conservatively while she assessed the players and the game itself. Gradually she began opening up her game and playing more. She won a nice pot or two and then lost a big one when somebody had turned out to have two more kings in the hole and his quads beat her aces full. The fact that none of the other aces had shown up had slowed the guy down a little at least since Tricia could have had quad aces. Alas though she hadn’t, just Aces full of sevens which she’d thought would beat his likely kings full. She’d known she was beaten when he re-raised on the final street.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“I’m glad Kevin got me to learn to play this,” Tricia told Mary Beth while she sat watching a hand play out after she’d folded. “I’m having a lot of fun with it.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“Just hold’em is complicated enough for me thank you,” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“I hate hold’em,” the guy to Tricia’s right said. “I’m glad to see a young person learning to play stud. It’s a bit of a dying art with everybody wanting to play no-limit hold’em all the time.”</FONT></P>
<P>FONT size=4>“Well a friend encouraged me to give it a try. He told me it would even be good for my no-limit game. I have to confess that I started out that way and I’m still primarily a hold’em player. This is only like the third time I’ve played stud in a casino. It’s hard to find a game in the casinos that are close to home.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“That’s my point exactly,” the guy said. “Hold’em is killing off stuff and Omaha. The only hope is the HORSE tournament and other mixed game tournaments that are starting to get a little popularity.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“Yeah. I think that is what my friend has in mind down the line, that I give those a try.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“Well your friend is a pretty good teacher. I don’t know about your hold’em game but you seem to be a fast learner at stud.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“Actually,” Tricia said. “My friend didn’t teach me to play. He was visiting and we got into a game with my father and his usual poker buddies and he got my dad to teach me. First woman to ever play in their game I think.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“Their loss,” the guy said. “My usual bunch would love to have a pair of good looking young girls like you two in our game.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“I think I’m in love,” Mary Beth said. “Young girls like us! What a sweetie! What’s your name cutie?”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>He was not bad looking, especially for being around her father’s age, but Tricia suspected that Mary Beth was mostly being nice.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>The guy chuckled. “My name is Frank. Be gentle with me. I’m old and you wouldn’t want to over excite me and give me a heart attack. Although it would be a hell of a way to die. At least I’d go out with a smile on my face.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>Mary Beth laughed. “I’m Mary Beth and this is Tricia. I bet you could handle both of us.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at Mary Beth in amazement. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>Frank laughed. “There was a day I’d have liked to try. Even if it would have meant running therisk of my wife killing me. You’d lose that bet now. I couldn’t handle either of you but I thank you for humoring an old man.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“My pleasure,” Mary Beth said. “You aren’t that old you know and experience does count for something.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>“True, good thing for you I’m still married then or you might be in trouble.” Frank said with a grin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“My kind of trouble,” Mary Beth laughed.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t believe that,” Frank said. “You are just being friendly. I see that wedding ring. I’ve had mine for 40 years. I bet you’ll have yours that long or longer.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Wow,” Mary Beth said. “I hope so. Congratulations.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“The one good thing I’ve done with my life,” Frank said, looking at his hold cards for the next hand and tossing the hand in the muck. “So you’re here for the tournaments Tricia?”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded as her hand followed Franks into the muck.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“You must have some good poker experience,” Frank said. “I know you said you were new to stud but you play too well to have just picked it up.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“This is only my second real tournament series,” Tricia told him. “I learned to play online like most people these days. Then I got a chance to go play the WSOP circuit event in Indiana a few months back.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“How’d you do?” </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“She won!” Mary Beth said excitedly, startling Frank.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t win,” Tricia said, giving Mary Beth an indulgent smile. “I was second in the ladies event and cashed in another of the events.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“That sounds good to me,” Frank said. “Where is home if you don’t mind my asking. This is nowhere near Indiana.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Tell me about it,” Mary Beth grumbled, recalling the long drive.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “Cincinnati is home and yes we drove all the way here which is what Mary Beth is being a grump about.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s a good trek,” Frank agreed. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>He began to talk to Tricia about her experience there and they drifted into talking about poker in general. Mary Beth was following the conversation less and less until she finally said, “Tricia I think I’m going to go find a game like we played last night. I just go to that desk and tell them what I want right?’</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Right as for 4/8 limit hold’em. 3/6 or 2/4 is ok but I doubt they have it. Don’t let them talk you into a bigger game and don’t try no-limit yet, even a 1/2 no-limit is something I’m not sure you’re ready for yet.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Yes boss,” Mary Beth said with a smile. “4/8 is what we played last night and I was fine with that.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia settled back into the game after watching Mary Beth get seated in a game of her own. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“You girls are here by yourselves?” Frank asked. “Not that it’s any of my business.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Yes we are. I won’t get to do this very often but my husband was willing to let me do it again after I won as much as I did the last time and am going to pay for a family trip to Disney in Florida this year with some of it.” Tricia answered. “I hope you didn’t mind the way Mary Beth was flirting with you.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Frank chuckled. “You’ve got to be kidding. At my age to have somebody like either of you pay me any mind at all is great. Don’t worry I’m not under the delusion that she was trying to seduce me. It was just good fun. It made my night as a matter of fact. Now I can go home and tell my wife she has competition.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Won’t that get you a night on the couch?”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Nah,” Frank said. “She knows better. We like to kid each other, keeps us feeling young. She was quite a flirt in her day, still is to some extent I guess. She never meant anything by it, she was always just a naturally friendly fun person like your friend Mary Beth.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“I wish I could be like that sometimes.” Tricia said.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Frank shrugged. “You are what you are. You’re friendly, just in your own way. You’re also a good player. Good luck in the tournaments. I don’t know how the competition stacks up compared to the one you played.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess we’ll see,” Tricia said with a shrug. “I don’t really expect to win one. I’ll be happy to cash high enough to make my expenses.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Well don’t sell yourself short,” Frank told her. “If you cashed in one and got second in the ladies event then I don’t think it was a fluke. Not seeing how you play stud.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Thanks,” Tricia said, feeling a little embarrassed at the praise, “I hope you’re right. I’m going to try my best.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re in the event tomorrow?” Frank asked.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. “Yeah I tried three single table satellites, missed in all of them so I just bought in. Those things are really too much of a crap shoot but I had good luck in them the last time. I promised Kevin I’d play all the events up to and including the main event. We’re driving home Sunday though and won’t play that one. I don’t see why they had an event after the main event.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Does seem screwy but they did it last year. Not many people play.” Frank said.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you playing any of them?”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Me?” Frank asked then laughed. “Not likely. I told you I hate hold’em. I get sucked out on way too much.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh come on it’s not that bad,” Tricia said. “If you just play the right cards you’re halfway there. I know you can read hands and people well enough.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“I know. I play when I can’t find a stud game but I don’t have to like it.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“True, but it’s easier if you do.” Tricia laughed.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Frank laughed with her. “Yeah it would be.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“It can be a bit of a grind I guess. You’ll play very few hands if you do it right but you don’t play that many even in this game if you’re playing right.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Frank shrugged. “Maybe I need lessons.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Well I’m not good enough to give you lessons but I’m going to switch to one of the 1/2 no-limit hold’em games after a little while and you’re welcome to watch if you’d like.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Actually I’d like that,” Frank said.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked surprised. “Well by all means. I have not played much no-limit in cash games. Most of my experience is in tournaments for no-limit. Kevin and another friend wanted me to try some no-limit cash games as well. I promised I would. You could be about to watch a world class disaster in the making.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Frank smiled and patted her on the arm. “I doubt that.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then how about now?” Tricia said as another player got up and left the game. “It looks like this game is going to break up anyway.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah,” Frank said sadly. “I tell you stud is dying.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh come on, have faith,” Tricia said. “And in the meantime you can watch me make a fool out of myself.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“You don’t believe that,” Frank said, “Or you wouldn’t be going to play it. Lets go, and no more of that garbage talk.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“Now you sound like Kevin.”</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>“He must be a smart man then,” Frank said and then laughed.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed with him as they racked their chips and got ready to switch games.</FONT></SPAN></P></FONT></FONT></FONT>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-73081601781470222732007-11-11T16:21:00.000-08:002008-10-08T17:23:52.299-07:00Chapter 54<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia woke when Mary Beth’s phone rang on the bedside table. Mary Beth, grumbling, stretched over to answer it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What?” Mary Beth snapped. “Why are you calling so early?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia got up and went to the bathroom partly out of necessity and partly to miss as much of the phone call as she could. She didn’t want to start the morning hearing Mary Beth fighting with Dutch and that had to be who was calling her for her to have answered that way.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>It was not, Tricia noted looking at her cell phone which was charging in the bathroom, all that early. It was right around 9:30. That was the latest she’d slept since the last time she’d been at a poker tournament.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She heard Mary Beth wrap up her call with Dutch and went back out when she was done. It hadn’t been a long call and it hadn’t gone as badly as she thought it might considering the way it started. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When she walked out of the bathroom Mary Beth was wrapped in a sheet.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why did I wake up in your bed dressed in this night gown?” Mary Beth asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled at her. “You’d have to tell me. You’re the one who put that one on last night while I was in changing into this granny mode sleep shirt. You’re the one who crawled into my bed while we were talking and then fell asleep.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I did?” Mary Beth asked. “I didn’t do or say anything I’m going to regret did I?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I don’t think so,” Tricia said deciding to try to have some fun with Mary Beth. “I’d never even thought of making love to another woman but you were pretty persistent. It wasn’t too bad.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth turned beet red. “Please tell me you’re putting me on. I wouldn’t have done that. Not to you. I hope I wouldn’t have. I know I was horny last night. I remember that but I don’t think I’d do a thing like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth looked so shaken that Tricia had to have mercy on her. “I am kidding. You did put that nightie on all on your own and you did crawl into my bed while we were talking but you fell asleep and shortly after you did so did I. I don’t know about you but I slept like a rock until your phone went off.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth looked relieved. “Thank God. You know I’m going to get you back for scaring me like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No, I owed you that for letting you drag me to have drinks with Ben and his buddies last night.” Tricia countered.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh come on,” Mary Beth said. “You had fun. You looked like you were having fun. You were the one behaving yourself. All you were doing was talking about poker with Josh and Chuck. I was the one acting like a slut I guess.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh you were not!” Tricia said. “You were having fun. Hell I envy the way you do it. It’s something I’ll never be able to do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You do it in your own way. Everybody is different,” Mary Beth said, then she changed the subject. “I’m hungry. Are you up for some breakfast somewhere?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sure, do you want the first shower or what?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth let the sheet slide off from around her and smiled, “We could take one together. I’d wash your back and you could wash mine.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>It was Tricia’s turn to blush. Flustered she wasn’t sure what to say. Then Mary Beth picked up the sheet, wrapped it around her again and laughed out loud. “Ok now we’re even. You should have seen the look on your face. I’m not sure I ever saw anybody turn that red. I’ll take the first shower if you don’t mind. I need to pee anyway. You already did.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Then she went to pick out her clothes for the day, dodging as Tricia threw a pillow at her. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4></FONT> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"> </P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>After breakfast Mary Beth wanted to play a slot machine. Tricia was willing to watch but wasn’t going to contribute to the casino that way. Shortly after Mary Beth started Tricia’s phone rang and she saw it was Matt. She’d tried to call him while Mary Beth had been taking her shower but, as usual, she’d gotten his voice mail. She wasn’t sure what to expect from him now. He’d seemed fine with her going but you never knew.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How are you two doing?” he asked, just making small talk which for Matt, was a little unusual. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We’re fine,” Tricia told him and gave him a brief capsule of the night, leaving out the drinks with the guys and just saying that after they played they had a couple of drinks in one of the bars to unwind before bed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And is Mary Beth behaving herself?” Matt asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Afraid she’s going to lead me astray?” Tricia asked playfully. Yes Mary Beth flirted but as far as Tricia knew she’d never been unfaithful to Dutch. “Or are you afraid I’ll lead her astray?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Very funny Tricia,” Matt said, obviously not thinking it was funny at all. “You know I trust you or I wouldn’t have been so willing to have you go. You know how Mary Beth flirts though. Considering the way she and Dutch aren’t getting along that well lately I just think she could get herself into trouble flirting like she does.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s just fun for her,” Tricia said, wondering why he even cared. It wasn’t like he and Mary Beth had ever even gotten along all that well. On the other hand they had worked together ok putting Tricia’s surprise together while she was at the first tournament. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know she means it that way Tricia but I think you should keep an eye on her. Those things can start out innocent but the guy may not take it that way and she is a little vulnerable right now don’t you think?” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “Have you been watching Oprah or Dr. Phil, Matt?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Cute Tricia,” Matt said with a chuckle that sounded forced to Tricia. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why are you so worried about her?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You should be too,” Matt told her. “She’s your friend. I know Dutch is being a bit of an asshole lately but he and Mary Beth are our friends and it seems to me we owe it to them to help where we can.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well that’s why she’s here with me, to kind of recharge so that maybe things will be better when she gets back.” Tricia pointed out. “Or did you really want her here to keep an eye on me? Maybe you don’t trust me as much as I thought.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t deserve that,” Matt said, sounding genuinely hurt to Tricia’s thinking. “I think I’ve shown a great deal of trust.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re right honey,” Tricia said contritely. “I’m sorry. I’m worried about Mary Beth too. I want her and Dutch to work things out. I promise I’ll do my best to keep her on the straight and narrow here ok?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe you could have dinner or something with Dutch. Sort of have some guy talk. Hell I don’t see why you didn’t plan a fishing trip for this weekend coming up. It’s not too late.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I tried. Dutch said his business is shit and he can’t take time off,” Matt said. “Frankly I don’t see how it can be that bad. I know he’s got plenty of work. He’s fed me enough. He didn’t want to talk about it last time I tried.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mary Beth says he’s been hitting some bar most nights for a couple of hours before he finally comes home. Maybe you can find out which one and have a couple of drinks with him some night.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Probably some dive, you know Dutch, northern redneck through and through.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well give it some thought honey. If you’re really worried about him and Mary Beth it’s worth a shot. He’s your fishing buddy after all.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I know. Ok, I’ll see what I can do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Listen Tricia I’ve got another call and I have to take it. I’ll talk to you later. Have fun and good luck. Love you.” Matt said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He had hung up before he even heard Tricia’s “Love you too.” All in all a strange conversation Tricia thought as she went back to where Mary Beth was still playing her slot machine. It seemed to her that he’d sounded funny when she’d been out of town the last time. She’d since chalked that up to him working on her sun porch with very little time to get it done. Now she wondered. Surely he wasn’t planning another surprise. If it turned out that he was then she was definitely going to have to go to more tournaments. That didn’t feel right to her. She couldn’t put a finger on what seemed off.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Matt?” Mary Beth asked, seeing Tricia come back.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. “Yeah and he was acting weird. He didn’t seem worried about me at all. He was mostly worried about you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth didn’t turn from the slot machine, she just said, “That is weird.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah,” Tricia said. “And I don’t think Dutch put him up to it either.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He probably did,” Mary Beth said quickly. “I know they’re not best friends but when you hang out camping and hunting and fishing and doing all that guy crap they do I’m sure they cover each other’s backs.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Did Dutch ask about me?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth shook her head. “Nope, just checking on me. I just told him we had drinks, not who with. You didn’t tell Matt about Ben and his buddies did you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nah, not that it would hurt but I didn’t see any reason to open that can of worms.” Tricia said. “Besides he didn’t push once I said we had drinks. Mostly he just worried you’d get in trouble flirting.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Matt said that?” Mary Beth asked, with a look mostly of surprise on her face as she turned around.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah, weird huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah,” Mary Beth said distractedly, turning back to her slot machine.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Before Tricia could pursue it further the machine began to bing, bonk and flash wildly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Holy shit!” Mary Beth said. “I think I hit the jackpot!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at it. “Well you hit a jackpot! Good job!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think it’s $4,000!” Mary Beth said, jumping up and grabbing Tricia and doing a kind of happy dance that Tricia was afraid was going to dislocate her shoulders.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t kill me!” Tricia said with a laugh. And don’t hate me but that is a nickel machine. I think you just won 4,000 nickels.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How much is 4,000 nickels?” Mary Beth, not the greatest of math whizzes, asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia thought briefly and said, “$200.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in"><FONT size=4>“Well cool!” Mary Beth said. “It’s not as much as you won at poker last night but it’s not bad!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not bad at all,” Tricia agreed, smiling at a giddy Mary Beth.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How do I get the money?” Mary Beth asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re going to quit?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hell yeah! If I keep playing it’ll take it all back. I’m going to take the money and run sister!” Mary Beth said emphatically.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They looked at the machine, found the cash out button and pressed it. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What the hell?” Mary Beth said taking the ticket that came out of a slot. “You don’t get real money?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You really wanted 4,000 nickels?” Tricia asked with a smile.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I remember way back going to a casino and that’s what you got. You put them in those buckets and took them to a cashier. I liked hearing them come out of the machine and liked scooping them into the buckets.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well that’s progress I guess,” Tricia said. “I think you take that ticket to one of those machines they have around to get your money.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh well,” Mary Beth said. “The coins did get your hands all nasty and you usually had to stand in line to cash them in.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“True and this will spend just as well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You got that right. Dinner tonight is on me!” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Dinner tonight is on the casino. Don’t you remember we got comps when we left last night?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh yeah!” Mary Beth said. “God I love this. Play a little, win $200, get free food.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed again as she and Mary Beth went off to cash in Mary Beth’s ticket. “Remember though that you can also lose money, so watch it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I know,” Mary Beth said. “That’s why I brought a set amount to play with. But I think my luck is hot. I just think this is gonna be a great week. It will be for you too I bet. You just wait and see!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe,” Tricia said. “I hope so.”</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-45816005659797975812007-11-09T13:30:00.000-08:002008-10-08T17:23:52.300-07:00Chapter 53<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia finally got a very ‘happy’ Mary Beth into the room. Mary Beth immediately flopped onto the bed and lay on her stomach propping up her head with her chin in her hands.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That was a blast!” Mary Beth said. “I mean the whole damn night! I haven’t had that much fun in a long time. Weren’t the guys great?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia gave her an indulgent smile, happy to see her friend feeling good. “It was a lot of fun. I’m not much on flirting like you can though. I enjoyed the poker more.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you did great! You even finished ahead three hundred bucks! I had fun playing even if I lost a little but it was more fun sitting in the bar shooting the bull with the guys. Ben was pretty hot wasn’t he?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “He was pretty good looking. He was also well over a decade younger than I am and probably nearly young enough to be your son.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well hell,” Mary Beth pouted. “Why do you have to remind me? Tonight I felt young again. Young and attractive.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re very attractive Mary Beth.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But not young?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed and shrugged.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh hell I know. And yeah Ben was damn near young enough to be my son but I think he really liked me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think he liked the cleavage you were showing,” Tricia pointed out. “Especially by the time you got to the bar and another button or two ‘accidentally’ came unbuttoned.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh hell! That wasn’t no accident! If you’ve got it flaunt it girl! You should do more of that. You have nice tits, you ought to show off more.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at Mary Beth in amusement. This was a side of her Tricia had not really ever seen. “I’m a married woman. I’m not supposed to show off. I should remind you I guess that you’re married too.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth snorted. “I guess you could call it a marriage. Besides girl it don’t matter. It makes me feel sexy knowing guys are looking at me. It doesn’t mean I am going to do anything about it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you were showing off enough tonight for sure. You’re telling me that if Ben had asked you wouldn’t have done anything?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth curled up in a paroxysm of laughter and when she could talk again looked at Tricia with a grin. “Well I’m here with you aren’t I?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia felt her jaw drop. “Are you telling me he did ask you to fool around?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth, grinning broadly, nodded. “Oh yeah. He had some damn good sounding suggestions too. You were so busy talking to Josh and Chuck about poker. They liked you too you know. Ben told me that Josh thought you were pretty hot.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia wasn’t sure what to say to those two revelations, finally she decided that the first was more important. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You turned Ben down?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why do you sound so surprised?” Mary Beth asked with a grin. “You’re the one who pointed out that not only am I married but that he is a lot younger than I am.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But the way you were acting I thought for sure if one of them made a pass at you that you’d take them up on it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t say it wasn’t tempting,” Mary Beth grinned. “It was flattering as hell. I mean shit, I know he is young and all but he was damn good looking and it might well have been fun. I deserve a little fun I think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It would be flattering,” Tricia said, treading carefully. “I told you that you were attractive. I just don’t want to see you do something you’d regret.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Like you and Jaime?” Mary Beth asked. “Hell at least there is no way I’d get caught here. I know you wouldn’t tell Dutch. Would you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had to think about that for a second but she already knew the answer. She shook her head. “No but please be careful.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth rolled over onto her back and looked back at Tricia upside down. “I’ll be careful honey. I didn’t come here to fool around. I swear. I came here to spend time with you and watch you in the tournaments. It was just flattering to have somebody like Ben interested in me is all. You can understand that can’t you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had to nod. She did understand of course. Ben wasn’t her type and none of the three of them tonight had done that much for her. She thought back though to Indiana and Rick, and how she’d felt seeing Jaime. What right did she have to tell Mary Beth to be careful? Maybe she should tell Mary Beth about Rick and even Jaime and have Mary Beth keep an eye on her. Who knew if another Rick would come along this time too. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Not for the first time she began to wonder if maybe something was wrong with her like Matt had said after the thing with Jaime blew up.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Earth to Tricia!” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked up, startled. Mary Beth was back on her stomach looking at her. “Huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You were gone somewhere girl. Didn’t look like a fun place either from the frown on your face. You ok?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. “Yeah I was just thinking.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sorry I mentioned Jaime. He still hurts you huh? Even after all these years.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “No not really. Not the way you mean I think.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Then, changing the subject Tricia said, “Do you want the bathroom first or should I?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Go ahead,” Mary Beth said, stretching languidly across the bed. “I want to lie here and enjoy my buzz.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you going to take a shower tonight?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth shook her head. “No, in the morning. Don’t want anything to interfere with my buzz. We’re not getting up early are we?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t plan to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Good,” Mary Beth said then pointed to the bathroom, “Go.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia went, snagging her oversized sleep shirt off the foot of the bed on the way.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When she got back out Mary Beth popped up and headed for the bathroom. While Tricia had been in the bathroom Mary Beth had changed as well. What she had changed into made Tricia take another look. Mary Beth didn’t seem to notice as she made her way to the bathroom. Tricia owned some nighties that sexy but hadn’t even contemplated bringing one of them. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia slid under the covers on the other bed. The sheets felt nice and cool and Tricia felt herself relaxing and just about ready to go to sleep. Her mind went back to the bar and how she’d missed what Ben had apparently said to Mary Beth. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth was, Tricia thought, very good looking and not just for her age. Mary Beth was around ten years older than Tricia who, not for the first time, hoped that she’d look at good at that age. Tricia snorted at the thought, hell she didn’t look as good now as Mary Beth did, no telling what she’d look like in ten more years.</FONT></P>
<Pclass=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What’s so funny?” Mary Beth said coming out of the bathroom. She crossed to her bed and slid under the covers. Reaching to turn the light out. Tricia’s was already off so the room was plunged into darkness.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Come on,” Mary Beth repeated when Tricia didn’t answer. “What’s so funny?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head then realized Mary Beth couldn’t see her. “It doesn’t matter.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sure it does. Out with it!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia gave in, knowing Mary Beth was not likely to. “I found myself hoping that I’d look as good as you do when I’m your age, not that you’re old. But then I realized that I don’t look as good as you do now so there is no telling what I’ll look like when I’m ten years older.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh hell! You look great! You look great now and you’ll look great in ten years and in twenty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thanks.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What brought that on?” Mary Beth asked, sounding like she had sobered up pretty much.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia gave a shrug she knew Mary Beth could not see. “Just thinking about tonight I guess.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You mean because neither Josh or Chuck made a pass at you? Or because Ben was paying attention to me?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No. Not that at all, well not really,” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then what?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I can’t say.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh come on,” Mary Beth said. “What can’t you say to <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">me?</I> You can say anything at all to me. You know that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia sighed. “I was just thinking about how much Ben, and every other male who’s eyes worked, was looking at you tonight. And then seeing that nightie you’re wearing, well it never even occurred to me to bring something like that. Hell it’s like I’m an old lady or something.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh hell! Don’t give me that. So you like to dress more conservatively than I do. Does it bother you the way I was dressed tonight? If so I’m sorry,” Mary Beth said. “Maybe I crossed the line later unbuttoning those next two buttons but you really couldn’t see much, maybe it gave the guys a little peek at my bra is all. That’s no different than a bikini top, right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It didn’t bother me,” Tricia said. “I guess if anything I wish I could do it. I don’t know why I don’t. I just don’t.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Honey, I just do it because it makes me feel sexy and when I feel sexy I feel good. I know when I can’t do it and I’m careful but I thought tonight was a good time to try to sort of let my hair down some you know?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know Mary Beth and you’re right.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You really didn’t DO anything on your last trip?” Mary Beth asked, then quickly added, “Hell I didn’t mean that like it came out. I guess you learned your lesson when that whole mess happened with Jaime which is too bad. What I meant was nobody even flirted with you or anything? All those parties and all that drinking and I’d have thought somebody would have. You really are good looking and a lot of fun to talk to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thanks,” Tricia said, then without really thinking, maybe because it <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">was</I> Mary Beth after all, she said, “Well there was one guy…”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh! Now we’re getting somewhere!” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The next thing Tricia knew Mary Beth had plopped down beside her on the bed and in the dim light coming around the curtains Tricia could see Mary Beth eagerly looking at her. “Tell me about this guy.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was not sure she wanted to tell the story about Rick. She wasn’t worried about Mary Beth telling anyone. She knew that wouldn’t happen. She worried more what Mary Beth would think, although it sounded like she’d almost like it if something had happened.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You ask that like you hope I fooled around with somebody.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth shrugged. “Maybe I do. Hell Tricia neither of us are all that thrilled about the way our husbands treat us sometimes, working all hours then coming home and falling asleep in front of the tube. At least yours doesn’t spend a couple hours in a bar most nights after work before coming home half drunk and falling right asleep. Maybe I hoped you got some. I mean what the hell, if you did it didn’t hurt anything. You and Matt seem fine, as good as ever.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess.” Tricia said then going back to what Mary Beth had said about Dutch she said, “I didn’t know he was coming home drunk most nights Mary Beth.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia could feel Mary Beth shrug. “Hell I’m used to it. At least he isn’t a mean drunk. I mean he has never hit me. Good thing for him cuz if he did I’d clean his clock.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled at that, knowing that even with their big size difference Mary Beth probably would indeed clean Dutch’s clock if he ever hit her. “I know we don’t get along and I’m sorry he is spending as little time with you as Matt is with me but he’s not really a bad guy.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth sighed. “No he’s not. I love the idiot. I also hate him sometimes though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well that’s normal.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I guess it is,” Mary Beth said. “But shit when he comes home half drunk he gets all lovey dovey and then most of the time falls asleep after he gets me all riled up, even if he doesn’t he usually can’t get it up. Then he gets all down on himself. Maybe it’s me. Maybe I don’t do it for him anymore.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh bullshit,” Tricia said. “It’s coming home drunk. Even Matt sometimes has trouble if we’ve been drinking. Dutch didn’t tell you it was your fault did he?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh no!” Mary Beth said. “He just gets down on himself. Then he’ll start in on how I’m going to leave him for somebody younger. Hell I don’t want to train another husband at my age. I just got Dutch where he mostly picks up his clothes and usually puts the seat down.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sometimes I envy you though.” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The fling you had with Jaime,” Mary Beth said. “Do you ever wish it had come out different? I mean you told me how you guys always said neither of you wanted to leave your spouses, that you just wanted something more. Can that really work?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Apparently not.” Tricia said with a sigh.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah. I guess not,” Mary Beth said. “Maybe I should have taken Ben up on his very inventive offers. Would you hate me if I had? I don’t want you thinking I’m a slut of something.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t. I couldn’t,” Tricia said. “I’d worry about you. It can really get things messed up. I mean look what happened when Matt found out about Jaime. He didn’t trust me for years. Hell I’m still not sure he really does.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He is letting you go to poker tournaments,” Mary Beth said sleepily. “He must trust you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe he just doesn’t care anymore.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He cares honey. I know he does.” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia lay for a couple of minutes thinking about that and then heard Mary Beth gently snoring and knew she’d fallen asleep. Tricia debated moving to the other bed and then just shrugged and rolled over and was quickly asleep herself.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-13055631005154336142007-11-06T13:53:00.000-08:002008-10-08T17:23:52.300-07:00Chapter 52<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Back at the table Tricia continued to play her solid, grinding style, patiently waiting for good hands and good spots to play. It gave her a lot of time to think, especially since Mary Beth was now sitting behind Ben and talking mostly to him. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>What amazed Tricia when she thought of it was that here she was, in town only a few hours, and she’d already met two new people. Granted neither of them was every going to become a close friend more than likely but it was still more new people than she’d meet in a month at home in her ‘normal’ life.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That started her thinking of what her still young foray into poker had brought her, friends, fun and new found confidence in herself. That, she felt, had carried over into her home life and she knew she’d been a better mom to Matty and probably even a better wife. At least she’d been more tolerant of Matt’s continual late hours and inattention when he was there. She’d tried at least.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>In a blaze of horrible play and a horrible attitude the guy to Tricia’s right who’d been riding her from time to time finally went out. Tricia’s main regret was in not having taken him out herself. It was a new player at the table who’d not even known how bad a player he was who really had just gotten lucky. Tricia could almost feel sorry for her nemesis in a way because for once he really <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">had</I> been sucked out on, starting with the best hand and losing to a very improbable draw. It was, however, justice in a way because of the way the guy had played all night.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When the dealer announced the empty seat to the woman behind the podium she called back that there was no list, meaning that seat was vacant until somebody else came along. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia could not resist needling Mary Beth a little. She was flirting with Ben hot and heavy now and amusing Tricia and most of the rest of the table.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hey Mary Beth. Why don’t you take this seat. I know you know how to play.” Tricia said to her friend with a grin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I told you I just wanted to watch you tonight,” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Before Tricia could say a word Jacob looked at them, grinned and said, “Funny way of watching your friend, sitting there drooling on that poor guy.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth turned red and sputtered, “I’m not drooling on him!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not much anyway,” Tricia said. “Come on Mary Beth. You’ve watched long enough. Get in the game.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah Mary Beth,” Ben said. “It’ll be fun. You’ll see.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Most of the guys at the table began to encourage Mary Beth with humorous jabs. In the end she gave up and agreed. The dealer called, “Player in” to the woman behind the podium who just shrugged and nodded.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth took the seat and bought in for a hundred dollars. Then she looked over at Tricia and glared. “When I go broke it will be all your fault.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not if you play the way I showed you,” Tricia said with a grin. “If you don’t then it’s <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">your</I> fault not mine.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth played somewhat timidly at first but began to warm to the occasion when the first hand she played won without a contest. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>An hour passed and Mary Beth seemed to Tricia to be playing well. She was definitely having fun and being the life of the party at the table which was being a lot louder than any near them. It was the fun kind of table that Tricia loved. It loosened the players up when they were having fun and made things easier for her as a rule.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was starting to get tired though, it was after ten at night and they’d been on the road at six that morning. She began to start to set the stage to try to get Mary Beth ready to leave and go to bed. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth was resisting subtle hints though and Tricia resorted to just telling Mary Beth that she needed to quit soon because she was getting tired. Mary Beth resisted that too and Ben was helping her, encouraging Mary Beth to want to stay. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Then a couple of Ben’s buddies showed up. They were around the same age, under 30 anyway. Apparently they’d been playing single table satellites with little success anyway. Ben introduced them to Mary Beth and Tricia as Josh and Chuck. They zeroed right in on Mary Beth although Josh seemed to like Tricia and was trying to flirt with her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When Tricia once again tried to get the message across to Mary Beth that she wanted to leave the guys started trying to get them to go have some drinks with them first. Mary Beth was all for it of course. Tricia really didn’t want to. Not only was she tired but she didn’t want to start her stint here with a party.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh come on Tricia!” Mary Beth said, pouting. “You got to have a big party for you when you won that WSOP thingy. This may be the only shot I get to have anybody want to have a party for me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“They don’t want to have a party for you,” Tricia pointed out. “They want to have a party with you, more to the point with us and I am tired Mary Beth.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You won a WSOP event?” Ben asked Tricia.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked around most of the guys at the table had zeroed in on that. Damn, she thought, talk about not remaining inconspicuous and failing to appear to be just another fish.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t win,” Tricia said. “I was second in the ladies event in Indiana recently.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well damn,” Ben said. “That’s close to winning, damn close. No wonder you’re cleaning our clocks tonight.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled. She had been doing well. She’d colored up her chips as she went so she didn’t have a huge stack of dollar chips like some people liked. When she added it up though she was around $300 ahead, not bad for a $4/$8 game.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I thought you looked familiar,” Jacob said, smiling at Tricia. “My wife was at your starting table in that tournament. You ended up knocking her out just before the first break but she said you were real nice about it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh geez. I’m sorry.” Tricia said, a little embarrassed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She said you were a good player too,” Jacob said. “And from what I saw later I’d agree. She made me stick around and watch the final table. It was a lot of fun too. You came damn close to winning. I still think Carmen Cruz got lucky.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia felt herself blush a little. “No she is a good player. I didn’t get outplayed as badly as I could have but she definitely outplayed me a bit. She deserved to win.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We saw you later in one of the bars and I was going to congratulate you but Shelly, that’s my wife, didn’t want to bother you. I figured that might have been my only chance to talk to Kevin James in the flesh too. I guess you know him since you two were laughing about something or other and looked like you know each other pretty well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know Kevin James?” Ben asked. “Is he going to be here?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I just met him at that tournament and don’t know him all that well really,” Tricia said. “And no, he’s not going to be here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh come on Tricia,” Mary Beth said. “You must know him pretty well. He came to your house and visited you. He’s the one that told you about this tournament. I was at dinner with you when he did.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you kidding?” Ben’s friend Josh asked. “Man I gotta hear about this. Just come have a couple of drinks with us. Our treat. I want to hear about this.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know,” Tricia said. “I’m really tired. I didn’t come here to party anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Just a couple of drinks,” Ben said. “Mary Beth wants to. Come on Tricia. A couple drinks will help you sleep better.’</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Please Tricia?” Mary Beth asked in a pleading tone, holding onto Tricia’s arm and looking at her with big puppy dog eyes.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia gave a disgusted sigh, knowing she could not deny that to Mary Beth. She was such a sucker for those looks. She hoped to hell Matty didn’t figure it out or she was doomed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok. I give up. I’ll go.” Tricia said. Then she looked at Jacob. “Would you like to go too?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She thought he looked like a nice stabilizing influence on the three younger guys and besides she liked him better than any of them anyway.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thanks but I think I’ll stay here. Now that the table pro is leaving maybe I can make some money.” Jacob said with a grin. “But I’m sure I’ll see you around. I’m here for the tournament too.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well ok,” Tricia said. “Good luck. Is your wife here with you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She’s flying in later in the week, she couldn’t get the time off work.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok well I’m sure I’ll see you again Jacob.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She and Mary Beth and Ben racked their chips and cashed out. Mary Beth had lost a bit but was so happy at the prospect of drinks with the guys that she didn’t seem to care. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Ben, Josh and Chuck led them right to a barinside the casino. When they sat down and ordered Tricia asked, “Are you all locals? You seem to know your way around here pretty well.’</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Josh nodded. “Yeah we’re all from Rome.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Italy?” Mary Beth asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Josh laughed. “Rome, New York. It’s about 15 minutes north east of here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh,” Mary Beth giggled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at her and smiled. She sounded like she’d already had a couple of drinks and while she had taken a big slug of her first one there was no way she was drunk yet. Being tired might account for part of it but mostly it was Mary Beth trying, and succeeding Tricia admitted, to play the dumb blonde. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia saw something that made her quickly look back at Mary Beth and then lean over and whisper in her ear. “I suppose you know that at least one button on your blouse appears to have become accidentally unbuttoned.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Wasn’t no damn accident,” Mary Beth whispered back. “I think Ben liked it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. Of course Ben liked it. Ben was a young guy. Even though Mary Beth was probably 20 years older than he was there was no doubt that Ben, and the other two, were enjoying the show Mary Beth was putting on. Oh well, Tricia thought, if you have it you might as well flaunt it. Tricia had no such plans herself but she wasn’t going to spoil Mary Beth’s fun.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>While Mary Beth flirted with the guys and put on her cute dumb blonde act. Tricia talked poker with them. They got the story of how she met Kevin James out of her. She managed to avoid talking about Jaime although one of the guys mentioned his name. When that happened she had looked over to see if Mary Beth picked up on it. By that time Mary Beth had had enough drinks that she might not have been having to act slightly sloshed and she apparently missed the reference to Jaime completely.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia stopped at two drinks and switched to water but had to admit she did have fun. It was fun watching Mary Beth have fun with the guys. She’d seen Mary Beth like this before at parties but it was nice to know that Dutch wouldn’t be ruining it like he usually did. Typically he’d be doing his own flirting with the ladies at the party, Tricia knew because she’d been the recipient of a couple of undesired passes from him. In the end he’d tire of it and then get mad at Mary Beth for flirting too and would start a tiff and they’d end up leaving. She didn’t know why Dutch couldn’t just get her to leave a party by saying he was ready to go home.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was getting really sleepy and it was almost midnight. This time when she mentioned how tired she was Josh pointed out to Ben that they all had to work in the morning. To Mary Beth’s disappointment they all agreed they needed to get going.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t worry Mary Beth,” Ben said. “We’ll be back. We’re all playing the tournaments, or most of them but they don’t start until Wednesday. We still have to work tomorrow.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>With hugs all around, big hugs for and from Mary Beth and much more restrained hugs from Tricia who tried not to get groped, they parted and Tricia steered Mary Beth toward their room.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-53616441857530035622007-11-05T03:24:00.000-08:002008-10-08T17:23:52.301-07:00Chapter 51<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The first hand that Tricia really played was a suited Ace King from the button. She had a super strong hand, four other players building a pot for her and good position to play from. Unfortunately the flop missed her completely and then the first player to act bet out and was immediately raised by the next player. Another player then cold-called the raise. Tricia liked the size of the pot but based on the flop and the action she didn’t think that an ace or a king even if they hit, would win so she reluctantly folded.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Hopefully, she thought, losing the first hand she played was not going to set a negative tone for the evening. The hand was won by the big blind with the silly kind of hand Tricia knew she could expect to see a lot of in a low limit game, especially a nice loose one like this was showing itself to be.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The guy who won, a guy maybe in his late 20’s, managed at least to look a little sheepish at what he’d played and looked at her, shrugged and said, “sorry about that but I was already half in because of the big blind.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No problem,” Tricia said. “Nice hand.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Big Slick?” the guy asked in a friendly manner.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Suited,” Mary Beth chimed in.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia turned around and gave her a hard look, she hated to give out information about her hands if she didn’t have to.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sorry,” Mary Beth said quietly in her ear. Then she giggled. “He’s kinda cute isn’t he?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You can go sit with him if you’d rather. Then you can tell me what he threw away.” Tricia was not really mad at Mary Beth, more just irked, she knew, at the poker gods.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Aww I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” Mary Beth sounded genuinely sorry.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know you won’t and I’m not mad at you. It’s just frustrating. Part of the game though so you have to get used to it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s what you always tell me,” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Where are you ladies from?” the guy asked a couple of hands later while they were waiting for the dealer.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Cincinnati,” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Here for the tournament?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Tricia here is,” Mary Beth said. Then she leaned past the guy to Tricia’s immediate left and held her hand out. “I’m Mary Beth.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m happy to meet you Mary Beth. You too Tricia. I’m Ben.” He shook Mary Beth’s hand and then held his hand out to Tricia who shook it too.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So Mary Beth are you here for the tournament?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh no! That’s Tricia’s thing. She’s the pro. I’m just along for the ride.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “I’m no pro. Mary Beth plays but is being uncharacteristically shy tonight.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The play continued and as luck would have it the next hand that Tricia got involved with was won by somebody else. Tricia began to wonder if maybe it wasn’t meant to be that evening although she knew it was still way too early to tell.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Ben continued to talk to Tricia and Mary Beth, even sliding over into the seat next to them when the player who had been between them got up. Mostly, Tricia realized, Ben was talking to Mary Beth and they were starting to flirt a fair amount. She felt a tiny flash of jealousy and told herself it was silly. She was there to play poker and not only was Ben kind of young but wasn’t her type anyway. After she had that thought Tricia laughed at herself and thought, <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">just focus on the poker Tricia.</I></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Patience finally paid off when she picked up pocket aces on the button. The bad news was that there were already five players in the pot and pocket aces was not a hand Tricia wanted to play against more than half the table, they were much stronger against only one or two other players.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She raised and to her consternation Ben, who she’d thought was a good player, cold called from the small blind. With so many players in it was inevitable that the big blind would call but he surprised Tricia by raising. The good news was that with aces she knew she was ahead at the moment and that with two bets to call now maybe some of the limpers would fold.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As, one by on, they called the two bets Tricia told herself she had been dreaming. In a low limit game like this once players had any money in a pot at all before the flop they tended to stay with it. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When it got to her she shrugged tossed out her call and the last raise on top and said, “Might as well cap it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Now we’ve got a <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">pot</I>,” Ben said making the call. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The big blind called but didn’t look nearly as happy Tricia thought.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The flop came down with a big beautiful ace in it giving Tricia a set of aces. She hoped Mary Beth would be able to keep cool, if she’d even seen Tricia’s hand since she’d been in mid-flirt with Ben when the action had started on this hand. There was also a ten and two diamonds as part of the flop and the ace of diamonds was one of those so Tricia had no part of any possible diamond draw. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The big blind bet out after Ben checked. A couple of players called and the player to Tricia’s right raised. She looked over at him and he looked back and said, “just fold honey, you’re not going to win this one either.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia grinned at him and threw in the chips to cold call the raise. “Maybe I can run you down.” She knew she wasn’t behind at the moment since her set of aces was the nuts. She was pretty sure that the big blind was going to raise again though, she was almost sure that he had hit a set also. Her bet for the player to her right was that he was raising on a flush draw, probably, she thought, king with some crap kicker like he’d been playing all night.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Ben finally woke up and smelled the roses and tossed his cards in the muck, giving Mary Beth a shrug and getting the sympathy from her that he’d obviously hoped for. Tricia smiled, Mary Beth had not seen her hand and when she whispered that to Tricia, Tricia had whispered back. “Wait for it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The big blind raised just as Tricia thought, the players between him and the guy on Tricia’s right went away. Sure enough the guy to her right did the macho thing and capped the pot. Then he said to Tricia, “Now Honey, don’t throw good money after bad. You have to be beat.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She tossed in the chips trying to look like she had to think about it. “I think I can run you down.” <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The turn card was the deuce of diamonds putting the third diamond out and giving Tricia the nut full house. All that could beat her was if the big blind had the other two deuces and she knew he would not have played the way he did pre-flop with pocket deuces. Predictably he bet out, Tricia was sure he now had a full house with tens full of deuces. Also predictably the player on her right raised making it two bets. She thought about raising now but decided to hold off and try to get one in on the river, knowing that it could cost her money to try to get cute.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The guy in the big blind looked at her curiously. “I’m not worried about him,” the guy said meaning the player to Tricia’s right who she could feel bristling at the words, “I don’t think you’ve got me beat though, there are only two hands that can beat me. Are you on a Royal Flush draw? Well I gotta raise.” He tossed out the chips to raise.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The player to Tricia’s right beat him in the pot with his chips as he announced, “Cap it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That made three rounds capped, a very unusual occurance and making for a huge pot. Tricia actually sat back and thought about her hand a moment. She didn’t have the nuts, that would be four deuces. Could one of the other two have that? If the big blind, who’d been thinking out loud, had not been snowing her he didn’t have it. On the other hand if he did then what he said would have been a good smoke screen. But, Tricia thought, I do have the second nuts now and all that can beat me is the other two deuces. Of course it was possible that the guy to her right had hit the nut flush with a royal draw and could beat her if he made his royal but there was such a slim chance of that it wasn’t worth worrying about. She had to call and she did.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth was now hanging on Tricia’s shoulder with nervousness radiating from her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The river, incredibly, brought the last ace. It was actually a card Tricia was disappointed to see. She knew the big blind was likely to put her on an ace giving her aces full and probably would not bet.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He gave her a disgusted look and tapped the table. The guy to Tricia’s right though, incredibly bet. The guy in the big blind gave him a long look and shook his head as Tricia took one more look at the board, picked up some chips. Then picked up enough for a raise and looked at the guy to her right.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t think you’ve got the ace,” Tricia said. “I raise.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>With a sigh the big blind sailed his hand into the muck saying, “I think I got rivered.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The guy to on Tricia’s right was now looking disgusted. “Shit. You did river that boat didn’t you? Well crap. Ok I can’t raise but I gotta call you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He did so and said, “Show me your ace.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Which one?” Tricia said as she turned them over one by one, “This one or this one.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Goddammit I knew you rivered me,” The guy to her right said, disgustedly turning up a King and five of diamonds for a nut flush. “I had you until the river, damn lucky stupid women players.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia could feel Mary Beth radiating anger behind her and nudged her to get her not to say anything.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The player who had been in the big blind looked over at her and said, “Very nice hand ma’am.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It was shit luck,” The guy to Tricia’s right said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The big blind guy, finally snapped. “You idiot she was ahead before the flop, flopped the nuts, turned the nut full house beating your king, rag nut flush, she didn’t need the river ace and it probably cost her a bet because I had tens full and without that ace I’d have bet out and you probably would have three bet letting her cap with her quads. Stop whining about her getting lucky. You were in third place the entire hand.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That settled the guy to her right down some.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You owe the lady an apology,” The big blind guy told the guy to Tricia’s right.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The guy just snorted.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t let him get to you,” The big blind guy said to Tricia.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok, I’ll try not to.” Tricia said hoping to simmer them both down because the way the guy to her right played the last thing she wanted to do was have him leave.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth was hopping up and down on her chair and slapping Tricia on the shoulders. Tricia turned around and grinned at her. “Ok so I finally won a pot. Try not to kill me huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth laughed and gently patted Tricia where she’d been pounding on her. “That was exciting. I couldn’t help myself. Why didn’t you let me see?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Probably because she knew you would give it away”, the guy to her right said snidely.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia elbowed Mary Beth before she could retort. Then she decided she needed to settle Mary Beth back down and let the table simmer down. She hated to get up after winning a big hand but she really didn’t want the idiot to her right to get mad and leave while he still had money.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She got up and pulled Mary Beth with her. “Deal around me please,” She said to the dealer tossing him an oversized tip because it had been such a big pot.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t let that guy get to you Mary Beth. We don’t want to get him mad and make him leave. He’s got money and he’s not afraid to put it in on weak hands. Remember what I told you about that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah, yeah,” Mary Beth said. “Don’t tap on the aquarium, it scares the fish.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Exactly,”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth talked excitedly about the hand for a minute or two and Tricia could not help but smile at her. She was excited too of course, it had come together perfectly and had been a huge pot but it was still just one hand.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As Mary Beth was winding down the guy who had been in the big blind came up to her. “That was an excellent hand. You played it well. I could not put you on a hand for sure. Then I thought maybe you had ace king. I know you capped pre-flop but lots of people will do that with ace king from the button and the ace on the flop would have hit you. I can’t believe that guy pushed that hard with his nut flush draw.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thank you,” Tricia said. “I can’t believe the way he played it either but I’m glad he did and hope he keeps it up. I was telling Mary Beth to be careful not to piss him off. We don’t want him to leave.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What do you mean?” The guy asked. “He’s a pain in the ass and he was insulting you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “Well that is true. I wouldn’t want to spend time with him anywhere but a poker table. I don’t care much what he says about my play as long as I’m scooping the pots. He’ll do that again you know, overplay some weak ass hand. You might win the next one. That’s why I say we don’t want him gone. Just tune him out.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I have more trouble tuning him out than you do I guess.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You must not be married,” Tricia said with a grin causing Mary Beth to laugh.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Huh?” The guy asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nope, not married,” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m really kidding. I’m sure if you were married you would never just tune out your wife if she whined like that guy has been.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh!” The guy said, laughing. “Well maybe.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We ought to get back,” Tricia said, then she held her hand out. “I’m Tricia by the way. And this is Mary Beth.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Jacob,” The guy said as he shook their hands and they went back to the table.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-87467600114539464522007-11-02T12:33:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.301-07:00Chapter 50<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thank God!” Mary Beth exclaimed causing Tricia who was dozing in the passenger seat to look up. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We’re in Syracuse, we’re almost frigging THERE finally.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It had been a long drive. Too bad it was so expensive to fly.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well both Dutch and Matt said we were nuts and as much as I hate to admit it they may be right. Too bad you couldn’t be sure you were going to win. If you were then you could have paid for us to fly.” Mary Beth grinned.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia snorted. “I’ll be happy to cash. I just hope my results in Indiana were not a fluke.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Now who’s sounding nervous?” Mary Beth asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When they’d started out, after she got over being mad at Dutch, Mary Beth started worrying again about looking foolish and going broke. Tricia had done her best to assure her that she would not look foolish and as for going broke Mary Beth had set aside a fixed amount to play with and if that was gone then she was done so going broke wasn’t all that terrible a thing. None of that had made Mary Beth, who just seemed determined to worry about it, feel better.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The drive, which Tricia thought was mercifully coming to an end, was supposed to be around nine hours. That had given them plenty of time to talk about all sorts of things and it had been nice. They’d swapped off driving so Tricia wasn’t really tired, more like bored stiff of being in the car. They’d even swapped naps since they didn’t plan to go to bed early.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Want me to finish up the drive?” Tricia offered.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nah, probably better for you to read me the directions and watch for our turn off. It shouldn’t be far so there probably isn’t anywhere to pull off and<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>switch anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That was the way they did it and after they rolled into the drop off and valet parking area of the hotel they gave each other a high five. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Dutch can eat shit and die! We didn’t get lost one time. Didn’t even get a ticket. He’d never be able to drive six hundred and some odd miles without managing to get a ticket with his lead foot.” Mary Beth said. “Of course he might have gotten us here faster.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“If we lived,” Tricia said. She’d been in the car with Dutch driving and he’d scared her just about to death. She knew that Matt tried very hard to do the driving the times they’d go with the guys on fishing and hunting trips because although he’d never admit it Dutch’s driving scared him too.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“This is a nice place!” Mary Beth said craning her neck to look around as the bellboy took their bags out of the trunk. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Try not to look TOO much like a total tourist,” Tricia said with a grin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh bite me!” Mary Beth laughed. “I’m not like some people who go all around playing poker and having parties.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ve been on ONE other poker tournament,” Tricia said with a smile holding up one finger.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“One more than me,” Mary Beth said grabbing Tricia’s arm and tugging her toward the front desk. She looked back at he bellman “he’s going to bring that to our room when we get it right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No Mary Beth. He’s on his way to sell our used clothes at the flea market.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth laughed and tugged Tricia harder toward the registration line.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia found herself very amused by Mary Beth’s almost childlike attitude about being here. She and Matt, Tricia found out, got away a lot more, both with and without Matty, than Mary Beth and Dutch ever did. Tricia had also discovered that Mary Beth had never been away anywhere without Dutch. He went on fishing trips and hunting trips with the guys but Mary Beth had always stayed home with the kids. Until the tournament in Indiana though, Tricia had never been anywhere without Matt. Mary Beth had told her that she didn’t think she’ have been able to go all by herself the way Tricia had. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth continued in her childlike enjoyment of their surroundings and Tricia found herself smiling a lot as she watched and listened. The hotel lobby was sumptuous, their room was awesome, the casino was ‘spectacular’. Tricia was starting to think that Mary Beth had swallowed a thesaurus. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The Mary Beth she knew better came out in the restaurant (which was ‘opulent’) when Mary Beth grinned at Tricia after they ordered and said, “Doesn’t that waiter have a fan-damn-tastic ass?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had nearly choked on her drink but she had to admit that she had noticed that the waiter was cute. Then with a glint of amusement she had pointed out that the waiter was also probably not a lot older than Mary Beth’s oldest child.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Now that was just mean!” Mary Beth had said, grinning.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I know but if you can’t be mean to your friends what’s the point?” Tricia had said. “Besides he was looking at me not you anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth gave her the finger and then laughed. “Well it’s good to know you still at least look.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hell yes I do,” Tricia assured her then she sobered and said seriously. “It’s really great getting to do this together. We’ve never done anything like this and we should have way before now. You’re probably my best friend in the whole world. You’re about the only one who didn’t come down on me because of what happened with Jaime.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth’s reaction puzzled Tricia a bit. She looked uncomfortable and to Tricia that looked out of place.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hell Tricia Matt deserved it. I told you that at the time. He wasn’t being much of a husband, spending all his time either working or off fishing and hunting with his buddies. Even Dutch was doing a better job back then.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had not meant to get into that topic and definitely didn’t want to get her started on another rant about Dutch who she admitted was acting like a supreme asshole. But they’d talked that pretty much to death in the car and she didn’t want Mary Beth to lose her good mood and start dwelling on that again.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“When we’re finished here we can go scope out the card room. The first event doesn’t start until day after tomorrow but they are running satellites now and tomorrow so there should be plenty of players here already.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth was agreeable, even eager. They talked about poker, kids, the waiter and any number of other things as they ate. Tricia was again filled with a sense of happiness and wonder at how much she was enjoying having Mary Beth here with her and just getting to spend the time with her. She hoped, that once she began to have to focus on poker and was totally absorbed for hours at a time, that Mary Beth would not feel left out. She could watch of course but Tricia knew that was not easy and Mary Beth was not that dedicated a poker player. Actually, Tricia thought with a smile, Mary Beth was purely a recreational poker player. It was a social thing for her, but then so was everything. Mary Beth was a social animal.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia found herself wondering how it was going to feel without Jaime or Rick or Kevin or Caroline or anybody else she knew there. Then she had to laugh at herself. When she started out, not all that long ago, she hadn’t known a soul other than Jaime in the poker world and she’d been scared to death at the prospect of maybe seeing him again. Now here she was wishing that somebody from her previous tournament experience would be there. But, she told herself, I have Mary Beth. Anybody that has Mary Beth around is never alone.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When they were done eating and Mary Beth was done flirting with the waiter they left the restaurant and went in search of the poker room.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So what are you looking for?” Mary Beth asked. “I know you like to play limit but Kevin had you practicing seven card stud and you said he also told you to try some no-limit games. What are you going to do?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I thought I’d start with a nice small limit game,” Tricia said. “We had a long drive and that doesn’t require a whole lot of concentration. We can play that and just have fun.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We?” Mary Beth asked, surprised.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why not? You’ve got to play sometime.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I want to just watch you tonight. Sort of get the feel of things.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re going to sneak back and get a feel of that waiter’s ass,” Tricia said with a smile.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I wish,” Mary Beth said with a bark of laughter. “You said I could watch you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And you can but you know how to play low-limit hold’em just fine. Why not play yourself? Won’t you be bored?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth shook her head. “Nope. I like to watch you play. Does it bother you when I talk to you while you’re playing?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They’d spent a fair amount of time when they first went to some of the Canadian casinos closer to their home with Mary Beth sitting behind Tricia watching. At first Tricia had actually found Mary Beth’s chatter distracting but she had learned to play through it. She’d figured out that when she needed to focus she just did so and Mary Beth didn’t take offense at the silence. The amazing thing to Tricia was that Mary Beth, even seeing Tricia’s cards had never given away the strength of her hand. There had been people who tried to read Tricia’s hand through whatever Mary Beth had been talking about but they’d either met with dismal failure or if not then it had been luck. Tricia had told Mary Beth that she had a good poker face, and she did. Her emotions were always flashing across it but you couldn’t read them and she could control them when it suited her to do so. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had actually learned to talk a bit more at the table thanks to the time spent with Mary Beth sitting behind her chatting to Tricia and anybody else in range. Tricia had naturally been drawn into many a conversation and, through observing Mary Beth had learned a little about how she so easily started conversations. It came down to the fact though that Mary Beth, unlike Tricia, could and would talk to almost anybody about almost anything. She was also a consummate flirt when she wasn’t with Dutch who didn’t like it when she did it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They found the poker room and Tricia was pleasantly surprised to see a good variety of games already in progress, not bad for a Monday in the early evening two days before the first event kicked off. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The brush at the podium told them there were two seats in a 4/8 game, the lowest limit they were spreading. Tricia briefly and unsuccessfully tried to talk a suddenly shy and insecure Mary Beth into playing instead of just watching. Then she relented seeing that Mary Beth looked genuinely uncomfortable. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She took her seat and looked around not seeing anybody she knew. That wasn’t surprising she was six hundred miles from home in a casino she’d never been to, a STATE she’d never been to there for what was essentially a minor league tournament series she supposed. Still it was new enough to her, even after her previous experience for her to feel a little nervous. Trying to look confident for Mary Beth kept her from saying anything about her nervousness.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia began playing tightly and conservatively as she watched the other playersand tried to get a feel for how they were playing. She whispered comments to Mary Beth at times and listened to Mary Beth whisper a comment to her about a player a time or two. Really Tricia found herself wishing they’d had a list so she’d have had time to walk around and check out the games before just jumping into a game that might or might not be a good one. She could have, and probably should have, not gone right to sign up she thought.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin and Jaime both, in their discussions with her about the game, had told her how they liked to play tightly and try very hard to make the first hand they really played count. Win the first hand you play, they’d said and it could set the tone for the evening. </FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-82430498792870888372007-11-01T06:06:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.302-07:00Chapter 49<P><EM><FONT color=#ff0000>It is November 1, 2007. That means that National Novel Writing Month 2007 has kicked off. I'm participating this year, sort of, by writing more of Tricia's story. I will commit to writing 50,000 words of it this month. It will be a challenge. I'll be on the road a couple of days of the month. I'll also be in Orlando about half the month and Missippippi half the month. I can do this though. I just hope you all like the further adventures of Tricia in it's new home here. Let me know what you think...</FONT></EM></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Monday morning came early for Tricia and she woke before her alarm would have gone off at 5:30. She was excited about going to her second tournament series and a little apprehensive about leaving Matty again. Also sleeping in a strange bed at Mary Beth’s house had something to do with it. She got up, got dressed and on the way to the kitchen picked up the bag she’d brought in by the front door. Then she went into the kitchen and started some coffee. When it was ready she sat at the kitchen table enjoying the quiet and trying not to be nervous. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Thinking about Matty made her smile. He’d seemed fine last night when she’d said goodbye, reminding him it was only for a week this time. Matt had seemed more agitated this time than the last time but she could not tell why. He had made absolutely no cracks about her behaving herself and no references to her indiscretion with Jaime years ago as he had before she had left for the WSOP Circuit Event in Indiana a few months before. She’d mentioned it to her mom who had said that maybe he knew he was going to miss her. Tricia supposed that was possible but it didn’t feel right. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>On the other hand Matt was paying more attention to Matty it seemed like to her. Not as much as she’d like and he still tended to come home from work and ignore both of them much more than she’d like. Still there were some nights that Matt would get home before Matty’s bedtime and would be willing to spend some time with him. In fact Tricia thought guiltily, there had been a few times when she’d been a little jealous. After Matty got Matt’s attention and then went to bed Matt would then go sit in his chair and resume vegging in front of the TV and Tricia was left on her own.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s thoughts were jumping from one place to another. The next thing that popped into her mind was the card that had come a few days ago. It was the same one, or the same kind, that had come before she’d gone to Indiana that had thrown her into such a panic at the time. It was also the same one, the only one, that Jaime had ever sent her so even though it was unsigned she had known who it was from. And before the Indiana trip while she’d had no doubt who it came from she hadn’t been able to figure out why until after she was there. Enclosed with it had been a schedule for the tournament in Indiana. She had wondered if Jaime had broken his vow not to contact her again to tell her he was going to be there and was looking forward to seeing her or if it was to warn her that he would be there and she might want to steer clear.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As it had turned out it had been a little of both. Tricia had been terribly nervous about seeing him again after all those years. As it turned out when she saw him all her feelings came rushing back. She had, she could admit now, made it hard on Jaime who had felt very bad when they’d been caught and Tricia had been made to go through Hell by a justifiably jealous Matt. When she’d told him she needed to cut off all contact Jaime had promised to do just that and until he sent that card he had abided by it scrupulously even though there were many times when Tricia had wished he wouldn’t.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When they met again he made it clear he still felt bad about what happened between Tricia and Matt because of him and that he couldn’t see it happen again. Tricia had somewhat embarrassed herself a time or two testing Jaime. Not that it was a test, the feelings and desires were real. Mostly she was glad that Jaime had stuck to his promise. They’d had a good time as friends at the tournament and through him she’d met Kevin and Caroline and others who she was very glad she had met.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That made Tricia think of Rick and what had happened and almost happened. That, Tricia vowed, was <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">not</I> going to happen this time. She was going to play poker, not to fool around, or almost fool around, or mostly fool around, or whatever exactly you’d call what happened, or maybe didn’t happen between her and Rick. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She was snapped out of her daydreams and into reality when Dutch came into the kitchen dressed for work and looking, Tricia thought, obscenely awake for just past 5:30 in the morning. He’d been making all sorts of snide comments the night before about this trip that Tricia and Mary Beth were making and Tricia braced herself for it to resume.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He started off good though by just saying good morning, looking eagerly and gratefully at the coffee pot and thanking her for making it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Then he sat at the other end of the table with his coffee cup in his hands, sipping slowly, eyes closed. Ok, Tricia thought, maybe he’s not as disgustingly awake as I thought.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Then he opened his eyes and looked at her. “You’re going to make sure Mary Beth behaves herself right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not going as a chaperone Dutch,” Tricia said, trying not to get angry. Lately Dutch had been grating on her nerves like a dull knife. He’d never been that bad before. It had been making her avoid Mary Beth which she hated. She really wanted to get along with him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I figure you learned your lesson so you’ll just go and play poker. I’m not so sure about Mary Beth.” Dutch said with a shrug. “Keep an eye on her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia bristled at the reference to her brief affair with Jaime all those years ago. “She’s a grown woman Dutch. You either trust her to go or you don’t. As far as I know she’s never given you any reason to make you doubt her as you so eloquently pointed out that I did Matt. She hasn’t has she?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Dutch shrugged. “There’s a first time for everything and I still don’t know what this shit with her wanting her own business is about. Maybe she’s got something lined up and is fixing to split.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia opened her mouth to reply angrily about the absurdity of that statement based on no evidence that she was aware of.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Before she could say anything Mary Beth did from behind her. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Dutch for Christ’s sake don’t start on that crap. Tricia is going to play those tournaments and I’m going with her as a friend and for a little vacation. God knows I deserve one. You don’t want me to work, the kids don’t need mom hanging around all the time, what the hell else am I supposed to do? I’m lucky that I can go with my friend and watch her in these tournaments. We’re not going to party all the time or anything. You could have come too. Tricia offered several times.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know I can’t get away,” Dutch said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia hoped this wasn’t going to erupt into another fight. She didn’t want to leave on that note.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know you can’t,” Mary Beth said, “and I’m sorry. It might have been a lot of fun if we’d have gone together. We need to go somewhere together Dutch, and soon. Try to make some time for it. God knows I’ve got plenty of time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth had gone from angry to almost pleading and Dutch visibly softened. “I will MB. You know it’s tough right now the way business is going. I have to ride the wave while it’s here. We both know it’ll slow down and the money I’m making now will help then, and will give us more to take a nice vacation with.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know baby. Just try to see it from my side too please,” Mary Beth said hugging him. “Are you ready to go Tricia? I’m too frigging nervous to eat breakfast right now. Do you mind Dutch?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What are you nervous about?” Tricia asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t want to look like an idiot when I play poker with you. You and the others will all be experienced players. I’ll probably do all sorts of stupid things.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia and Dutch both chuckled at the way she said it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mary Beth you will be fine. You’ve played with the toughest crowd you ever will when my dad and his bunch let you play with them. You survived just fine. You’ve been to casinos with me a few times. You know what to do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess but these are going to be better players right? There for that big tournament?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled. “No. Some will be good, some will be amazingly bad. Also it’s not that big a tournament. The prize pools should be nice but not huge and there are other events going on that the really big names will be playing. That is one reason Kevin, Caroline and … others won’t be there.“ She almost said, “Jaime” but stopped herself just in time and, she thought, lamely substituted others. She still had not told Mary Beth about seeing Jaime at the other tournament.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Dutch stood up and hugged Mary Beth. “Go on baby. You’ll be fine if Tricia says you will.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They kissed and Tricia stood up.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Dutch followed them to the car carrying Mary Beth’s two bags. He put them in Tricia’s trunk and gave Mary Beth one more kiss. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Just before Mary Beth close the car door he said, “Behave yourself and have fun.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth slammed the door and let out a huge sigh. “Get me the Hell out of here! Now! Honestly that man! Behave and have fun! I’m going to frigging have fun. And I’ll behave enough to not get arrested. Anything else is just not his frigging business.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia drove off, letting Mary Beth’s rant die down. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Before long Mary Beth looked over at Tricia, pattedher on the arm, and said, “I’m sorry. Maybe you spending the night at our house last night wasn’t a good idea. You could have avoided a lot of Dutch’s crap. It’s not gonna screw up your playing is it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I’ve got a nine hour drive to get over it as long as you do,” Tricia pointed out. “Besides you are right. You’re a half hour closer to where we have to go than my house is. I’d have had to get up even earlier.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hey! Don’t start on me on that one. You’re the one who wanted to drive it all in one day and get there in time for dinner tonight so you could play some.” Mary Beth said with a smile. “You know it wasn’t <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">my</I> idea to wake up at oh dark thirty and start driving.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed, knowing very well how much Mary Beth was <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">not</I> a morning person. “Believe me I know that. It makes me wonder why you’d want a business of your own. You just got the kids where you don’t have to get up with them early and now you’ll have to get up to go to work.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh no I won’t!” Mary Beth said brightly. “I’m not going to open until 10:00. I won’t have to get up until 9:00.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’ve got it all figured huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You bet your ass I do!” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled. The Mary Beth she knew and loved was back. This was going to be a great trip.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4></FONT> </P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-75164619379493297752007-10-23T12:17:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.302-07:00Chapter 48<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We really should be going,” Kevin said looking over at Caroline who was looking very sleepy. “It’s after one in the morning and we do have a flight out at eleven tomorrow.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia sighed, shuffled the cards one last time and put them down. “We shouldn’t have kept you this late.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nonsense,” Kevin smiled. “I enjoyed every minute of it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They were in Tricia’s parent’s kitchen sitting at the kitchen table. In addition to Tricia, Kevin and Caroline Tricia’s dad and his friend Hank were there still. Her father had called his poker buddies when Tricia had called to borrow his chips and he’d told her to come over and use them. A couple of them had come, only Hank was still holding on. Matt had left a couple of hours before taking Mary Beth home on his way.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We appreciate the chance to learn Hold’em from a pro,” Hank said. “I think I have a decent handle on it. I’m not too stubborn to try to learn more from some of the books you recommended either young feller.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled slightly, wondering if her father would also try reading any of the books that Kevin had recommended. She had already read a couple of them. Several of his friends had totally blown off the idea that they could learn anything about poker from a book, saying that they’d learned what they had through the school of hard knocks and saw no better way than that.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thank you Hank,” Kevin said standing up and stretching. “I love the game and I love to teach it. Personally I think I make a better teacher and coach than a player. The books will help. I promise you that. But in a way your buddies were right, there is no substitute for lots of practice.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think we’ll be practicing Hold’em plenty during our weekly games now,” Hank said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I hope you enjoy it. I also hope that you all will let Tricia play with you some. She can teach you all a lot about hold’em if you let her and I know you all can teach her a lot about seven card stud.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not the ogre she has obviously told you I am,” Tricia’s father said to Kevin. “I don’t know if you convinced any of the others that Hold’em is a good game too but between the three of you I know you convinced the lot of us that women can play good poker.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline smiled at that. “I’m glad to hear you say that Jerry. Your daughter stands to have a very promising future in poker if she chooses. I hope you’ll feel proud of her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I do,” Tricia’s dad said gruffly. “I raised her and her brother as well as I could but I’m willing to admit now that maybe I could have done some things different. Age sometimes brings wisdom. Maybe that’s why I’m having so much fun with my grandson.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia felt her eyes tearing up and moved over and gave her father a hug that visibly embarrassed him. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“See now?” her father said. “That is the problem. You women are do damned emotional all the time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Hank, looking uncomfortable, grunted agreement.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin was just grinning. “You’re right about that Jerry but you know there is nothing us mere mortal men can do about it and I for one don’t know that I want to try.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia let go of her father and he stood up. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin reached over and they shook hands. “It was great meeting you sir. I hope to see you again soon. Maybe you will get a chance to accompany Tricia to one of the tournaments and see her in action.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sure we will,” Tricia’s dad said to Kevin. “It was nice to meet you after hearing her talk about you. I feel better about her running off to play these tournaments now that I’ve met you and Caroline.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Once Kevin, Caroline and Tricia were in the car heading back to Tricia’s house Tricia looked over at Kevin. “Thank you for doing that. I think you actually changed some stubborn old minds tonight.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin smiled and reached over to ruffle Tricia’s hair. “I honestly enjoyed it Tricia. I also do love to teach the game.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And he made not only your husband but your parents feel a bit better about you playing tournament poker and taking trips a few times a year,” Caroline said, smiling. “That was a big part of what he hoped to do. You had to have guessed that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course I did,” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Honestly that was only part of it. Since we had to be in town anyway even if you had decided you could not play any more tournaments I’d have visited you.” Kevin said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know that too,” Tricia said with a smile. “Caroline was teasing, at least a little. I’m learning that you can be teased.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin gave a theatrical sigh. “I knew it would be dangerous to get you two together.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia and Caroline smiled at each other and laughed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Do you think Mary Beth will really go with you to Turning Stone?” Caroline asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well it surprised the hell out of me when she came up with that,” Tricia admitted. “She did seem to like the game. Now maybe she will actually play a couple of the sites I downloaded for her months ago.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Make sure she takes it easy,” Kevin said. “It’s not long until that event and there is no way she is really going to be ready for tournament play even on that level. If you can keep her to small cash games it would be best really.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh come on Kevin,” Caroline said. “I got the feeling that Mary Beth is pretty realistic. She will know she’s not really ready but if she wants to try a tournament it’s not going to break her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. “I think she wants to go to keep me company and to see what it’s like and also to get away from Dutch for a while. I know he’s driving her nuts right now. I’m wondering how much of a stink he will make over this.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not much if he’s smart,” Caroline said. “If you ask me Tricia your friend is near the breaking point. She doesn’t sound like she’s going to take too much more crap from her husband before she snaps.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah. I’m a little surprised that she hasn’t just pretty much said ‘screw you’ and rented the space she’s been looking at for the retail part of her decorating business. I guess it’s too many years of buying into what Dutch is trying to sell her about her place being at home.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s crap!” Caroline said heatedly. “Hell I have all the respect in the world for her staying home to raise her kids. So many women just can’t these days. They are old enough to stand on their own two feet most of the time now though and so is she. Now it’s time for her husband to grow up.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin was smiling. “Calm down Caroline. Nobody in this car is about to argue with you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She turned to glare at him and the smiled and chuckled. “Yeah I know. It just burns my butt the way he treats her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Really?” Kevin asked. “I never would have guessed.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia giggled as Caroline reached over the seat to smack Kevin on the shoulder.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The question is how do you feel about her going Tricia?” Kevin asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think it will be fun,” Tricia said. “I’ve never had a chance to take that kind of trip with a girl friend. You said Jaime won’t be there, right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin shook his head. “He will be in New Orleans at the circuit event there.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why didn’t you suggest that for me?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe I wanted Jaime to be able to focus,” Kevin said with a grin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked in shock at Kevin. “Did I distract him that badly?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline chuckled. “Be careful how you answer that one Kevin. If you say she didn’t distract him then she’s going to have her female pride hurt and if you say she did then she’s going to feel guilty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin laughed. “Oh you distracted him big time Tricia but don’t feel guilty. I honestly don’t think it affected his play. Besides he is going to have to learn to play through all manner of distractions.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So then why did you say I should go to Turning Stone for that tournament? Because it’s smaller, and cheaper and the players will be lower quality?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Those are some of the reasons,” Kevin admitted. “They aren’t the most important ones though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You just got back from a two week trip not all that long ago. It was your first ever experience and it was pretty intense. I think it will be good for you to be a slightly bigger fish in a slightly smaller pond for now.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“More like a shark than a fish,” Caroline muttered.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t swell her head up,” Kevin chuckled. “Seriously Tricia I think you have a good chance to cash in any of the events. I want you to play to win though, not to cash. The buy-ins are relatively small, the total of all of them won’t ding what you brought home from Indiana. If you cash high in even one though you can make enough to pay for the whole trip.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s another part of it,” Caroline said. “If you go to New Orleans you’re going to just about have to fly. Hotels are expensive. Hell the place is just getting put back together from Katrina. You’d probably need a rental car because you won’t get into the main hotel. I think you’ll be very happy with Turning Stone Tricia. Honest.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So you agree with Kevin that this is best for me?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline nodded. “Not that it matters. He’s your coach not me. Hell he’s MY coach. I’m not going to second guess him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin laughed. “The hell you aren’t. You do it all the time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not about how you handle other players.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok good point,” Kevin conceded. “Tricia just go and have fun. Take it seriously but don’t forget that you’re primarily there to enjoy yourself. You’ll have a friend along. Have fun with her. Can I ask you to email me regularly about how you’re doing?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well sure, I guess,” Tricia said. “If I can get internet service anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re resourceful. You’ll manage.” Kevin said. “I’ll swing back through here on my way to Vegas and we’ll have a couple of days to go over some things. I’ll let you know the details of that when I have a better handle on that part of my schedule. Does that sound ok?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course!” Tricia said. “You’re really going to stop by just to see me?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t really understand why you have such a hard time with that,” Kevin said shaking his head. “Yes I will. And if we get a game up with your Dad and his buddies so much the better.I want you to hold them to their word of letting you play. Don’t you dare take it easy on them either. They won’t take it easy on you when they’re teaching you stud I don’t think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You don’t think they will stop inviting me if I keep beating them at Hold’em?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin shook his head. “No, at first they will ascribe it to luck. By the time they figure out you are really good they’ll be hooked on having you play. The real fun will be when you start beating them at seven card stud.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You think I will?” Tricia said, “I found out tonight how much I don’t know about it that I thought I did.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you read through that book and practice a bit online. Think it through like you do hold’em and you’ll be fine. Remember though that they do have years of experience and no formal training. From what I saw they are great on later streets. Learn from that but use your judgment as well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They were just pulling into Tricia’s driveway. She turned to Kevin as the stopped. “Thank you for everything.” She leaned over and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline hugged Tricia after they got out as she was about to get into the front seat that Tricia had just vacated. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Have a good time in New York Tricia. I hope you knock ‘em dead. Take care of Mary Beth too. Make sure she has a good time. She could use a break.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I will do all that,” Tricia said returning Caroline’s hug. “Have a good time in Europe and tell me all about it next time I see you. Thanks for coming.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Wouldn’t have missed it,” Caroline told her climbing into the front seat.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia stood on the front porch with the door open watching them drive back down the driveway. After the lights of the car were gone she stood there for another couple of seconds then gave a contented sigh and went into the house.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-66017181751364074272007-10-23T12:16:00.001-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.302-07:00Chapter 46<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The waitress brought a full pot of coffee to the table and Tricia snatched it up and filled Kevin’s cup.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok, there!” She said glaring at him, “Now you’ve got coffee. No more excuses. Spill it, what are you up to?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin took a sip of coffee. Then he looked at Matt who was looking somewhat amused at Tricia. “You know patience is a great virtue for a poker player. Obviously that is a lesson that your wife will have to learn yet.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt smiled. “Good luck teaching her. I’m pretty sure she regards patience as a four letter word.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Enough you two or you’ll hear some four letter words,” Tricia said. “What are you up to Kevin?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I hope your feelings aren’t hurt,” Kevin said looking at Caroline. “It would seem that visiting a friend is not enough for her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know that’s not true,” Tricia blurted out. “But you’ve as much as admitted that there is something more to your trip here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Kevin I know you are enjoying watching her squirm but you’ve drawn it out long enough.” Caroline said with a smile.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok,” Kevin said putting his cup down and leaning forward slightly, ready to get down to business. “Matt have you and Tricia discussed whether she is going to play any more tournaments?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt nodded. “I’m all for it as long as we can arrange for Matty to be taken care of. It worked out well this last time and I don’t just mean because she won good money.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I can’t believe you let her just go off like that for two weeks,” Dutch said. “All things considered I mean.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia and Mary Beth both turned to glare at Dutch. It was clear he was referring to the thing with Jaime. That made Tricia feel slightly guilty but in the end she had mostly behaved herself she thought.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe Matt is capable of growing a little. He’s learned to trust her again and he loves her enough to let her do something that is important to her that she is good at and that she enjoys. Honestly Dutch your thinking is so Neanderthal at times!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Dutch appeared to be going to retort when Matt spoke up, obviously heading off the coming argument between Dutch and Mary Beth. “That pretty much sums it up Dutch. I see no harm that came out off letting Tricia go to that tournament thing. She does seem to do well at it and obviously enjoys it since she talks about it constantly. I’ve got no problem with her making some extra money either.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When it looked like Dutch was going to respond to that Mary Beth hissed at him to let it lie.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin had been watching the byplay and continued now. “Tricia showed me a lot I liked in her play during the short time I got to spend with her Matt. She’s got a lot of potential and she does obviously enjoy the game. Obviously she can’t do the tournament circuit like many players do but there are also many who just play selected events. “</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I really did come here mostly just to visit her since I had to be in town anyway. Caroline and I was talking about it though and came up with a tentative list of events in the coming year that might be good for you Tricia. We found something every month or so but from what you’ve told me of your home life and all I’d recommend maybe playing 3 or 4 events over the next year. Few of them will have you away from home more than a week at a time. There are also some things scheduled at casinos that you’ve said you and Matt have driven to for a weekend. I’d suggest you supplement your schedule with those.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Really? That sounds great,” Tricia said. “I wondered what I was going to do about figuring out what I should play next. I talked to Matt about maybe getting to Vegas for the WSOP, at least for part of it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin looked at Matt who shrugged. “Neither of us have ever been to Vegas but from what she told me it made sense. That is the biggest event there is.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin nodded. “That it is. Were you thinking about making it a kind of family vacation?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Would that be a problem?” Matt asked. “I mean would it keep her from playing well or something? Are you going to suggest it would be better for her to go alone?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia heard the suspicion creep into Matt’s voice. A glance at Kevin and she knew he’d picked up on it as well.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Actually for her first trip to Vegas I think a family type trip might be good. Matty is old enough to get something out of it I’d think. There is some kid type stuff there too. You might even want to think about having your parents go with you as well Tricia. They’d probably enjoy it and they could watch Matty part of the time and give you two a night or two on the town.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh,” Matt said, obviously surprised by the answer. “The thing is I’ve got a lot on my plate right now and I don’t think I can get away this summer for long enough.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin smiled. “Just as well. I was going to gently try to encourage Tricia to wait until next year. I could see that the circuit event nearly overwhelmed her at times and the main event is an order of magnitude more intimidating. Isn’t that right Caroline?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline nodded. “I still remember my first time there. It was amazing. Heck every year it seems to get bigger now. If you can I’d get a bit more experience under your belt Tricia.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh,” Tricia said not sure if she was feeling relief or maybe a little hurt at being told she wasn’t quite ready.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN:0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Before you start feeling all inadequate and like we think you’re not ready,” Kevin said smiling when the look on Tricia’s face told him that he’d read her reaction right. “I have a suggestion that I think you’ll like.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok, I’m listening.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin pulled out a brochure and slid it over to Tricia and Matt. “There is a tournament series upcoming at Turning Stone Casino in New York. It’s a nice place and the tournaments will be good practice for Tricia. The buy ins are reasonable and the number of entries will guarantee a very nice prize pool. The one thing wrong that I don’t like about it is that I’d have liked to be there but I’ll be in Europe and then have to go right to Vegas after that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin then looked at Matt. “I’m hoping, Matt, that if Tricia is willing you’ll be agreeable to me coaching Tricia a bit. The tournaments I selected with the exception of this one are ones I plan to play at least part of.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s eyes got wide. “You’re serious? Can I afford your coaching?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Since it’s not going to cost you anything up front then yes I think so.” Kevin said. “We can hash out the details but some of the time I’d like to have a piece of your action. The only thing my help will ever cost you is some time and part of some of your winnings the times I buy some of your action. You’ll find I’m not hard to live with. I’m doing this mostly as a friend but you’re familiar with people I’ve got similar deals with. You will have a chance to talk to them more about it if you want. There will be nothing binding. If you decide you want to handle your own action and keep all your profits then so be it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What’s in it for you?” Matt asked somewhat suspiciously. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin shrugged. “Well corny as it may sound, friendship. I know lots of poker players but there are few I really like spending that much time around. Also I do hope that Tricia and I can make a dealthat will be mutually beneficial. I can lower her downside risk without lowering her upside reward all that much. It’s all pretty standard stuff. There are not many tournament pros that pay all of their own buy-ins. I certainly don’t. I’ve also got connections that down the way could mean some sort of sponsorship deal. It’s too early to worry about that though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt looked at the brochure that Tricia was looking at. “Is all that something you think you’d want? I guess you know more about it than I do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know I like playing poker,” Tricia said. “And I know I have a lot to learn yet. These tournaments look good and if we can arrange for Matty to be taken care of then I’d like to do it. I don’t know about the whole sponsorship thing, that seems a bit too serious.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia realized as soon as it was out of her mouth that her last statement had not sounded right. Before anybody could say anything, but not before there were some surprised looks, she quickly spoke up again.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t mean I’m not serious about poker,” She tried to explain. “It’s just that something like a sponsorship deal seems to be a bit much to expect at this point. I just won’t have time to play more than a handful of tournaments at the most for many years to come. I want to learn all I can and be the best I can be but I think I need to take it in small, manageable steps. Heck even doing as well as I did in my first one overwhelmed me a bit. I’m just a wimp I guess.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Both Kevin and Caroline chuckled but it was Caroline who said, “I don’t think it makes you a wimp. I think it makes you honest. You seem to have a good grasp on your limitations but you don’t let that hold you back much. You’re not afraid to stretch it seems to me but you are careful not to stretch too far too fast. I’d say that is a good thing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin nodded. “Definitely it’s a good thing. It’s part of why I was going to dissuade you from attending much, if any, of the WSOP this year. You’ll be far more seasoned and ready next yearif you can work it into your schedule then.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think the waitress is getting anxious to have her table for other customers,” Dutch said earning a dirty look from Mary Beth. It had been a poorly veiled attempt on his part to get to leave.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia thought he had a point though and realized they’d spent a long time talking after dinner. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Dutch is right, we should let them have their table,” Tricia said earning a surprised look from Mary Beth. “Why don’t we all go back to our house. Unless you all have something else you need to do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Dutch looked like he was going to say something but Mary Beth’s elbow stopped him. Matt took one look at Tricia and the protest of work in the morning never made it past his lips. He looked at Kevin and Caroline, obviously in hopes they would say they needed to go.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’d be happy to if it’s not going to be a problem,” Kevin said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course it’s not!” Tricia said. “I thought it might be a late night which is why I agreed for Matty to stay with my parents. I just wish there was a casino close enough we could all go play poker.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline chuckled. “Yeah, no worries about you being serious about it are there?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt laughed as they walked out of the restaurant. “No you have no worries on that score. She tries to talk about it to me all the time only I usually have little clue what she’s talking about. I play a little but I admit she’s gone way beyond me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>In the parking lot Kevin took the keys to the rental car out of his pocket and handed them to Caroline. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why don’t I drive back with Matt. It’ll give us a bit of time for a talk. Tricia can ride with you Caroline and make sure you get back without getting lost.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline stuck her tongue out at Kevin and they both laughed. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She’s only seen the drive once and that was in daylight. You can’t expect her to find her way back in the dark.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline chuckled and looked at Kevin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Her sad secret Tricia, is that while she was a top notch lawyer and is a great poker player she cannot find her way out of a paper sack without getting lost at least once.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh be nice Kevin,” Tricia said. “It can’t be that bad.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline laughed. “I’m afraid it can. I constantly give thanks for the invention of GPS navigation systems and even then I still get lost sometimes.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin steered Matt toward his work truck and was already talking to him as Caroline and Tricia started to get into the rental car. Mary Beth came scurrying over. </FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-71758299994994363052007-10-23T12:16:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.303-07:00Chapter 47<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mind a hitchhiker? Old fuddy duddy putzed out and just doesn’t want to go and frankly I don’t want to go home with him right now.” Mary Beth asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you know it’s fine with me,” Tricia said. “I’ll drive you home later.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thanks!” Mary Beth said piling into the back seat. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As Caroline drove out of the parking lot, following Tricia’s directions Tricia said. “I told Caroline and Kevin how Dutch doesn’t want you to do the decorating thing. I still can’t believe how he’s being about it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ve heard it too many times,” Caroline said. “I hope you will be able to work it out with him. Maybe it’s not my place to say so but you deserve the right to do what fulfills you. He should be proud his wife is good enough at it to open her own decorating business and has enough drive to want to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thanks,” Mary Beth said. “I swear he believes that women should be kept barefoot and pregnant. We had three wonderful children who are for the most part fully grown now. My starting this business full time will not take a thing away from them at this point.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“At least you got the children in,” Caroline said wistfully. “My main regret in my life is being too busy to make time to have children until it was too late.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The mood in the car was feeling very somber until Mary Beth smiled, leaned forward to put her head between Caroline and Tricia and said, “Ok enough of that gloomy stuff. I wanted to ride with you girls to hear about the wild stuff that happens when you go to these tournament things. Tricia hasn’t told me nearly enough. I want dirt and I want it now.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mary Beth!” Tricia shook her head. “You’re terrible. I told you there were a couple of parties but while some of us drank more than we should have as far as I know nothing really terrible happened.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Did she do anything embarrassing Caroline?” Mary Beth asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline chuckled and said, “Well she didn’t do a thing to embarrass me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know what I mean!” Mary Beth said. “I’ve seen her drunk but it was just after something that happened a few years ago and she wasn’t in a mood to do anything fun. I want to know how she is when she’d drunk and happy.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I told her about Jaime,” Tricia said to Mary Beth.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ohhhh ok,” Mary Beth said. “But I still want dirt. Did she kiss anybody?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline chuckled. “I wouldn’t tell if she did. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But you weren’t in Vegas. You were in Indiana.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The principle applies none the less,” Caroline said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nothing worth telling happened Mary Beth.” Tricia. “Not to me anyway. I don’t know who else might have hooked up and spent a night or more with somebody.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth looked at Tricia and said, “I know you pretty well, the way you said that makes me suspicious. Come on. I’m a boring housewife with no frigging life. I need to live vicariously through somebody!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline smiled. “Sometimes boring is not that bad. Tournament poker has been very aptly described as hour upon hour of boredom interspersed with a few moments of sheer terror. When it comes right down to it Mary Beth it really is hard work.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So you go to parties and nothing happens? Why do I not believe that? You don’t play all the time. Surely even poker players need sex.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well of course we do,” Caroline said. “Some of us don’t get much of it but we need it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re good looking, smart and seem fun,” Mary Beth said. “I bet you get plenty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We all have our emotional baggage and sometimes mine gets in the way,” Caroline said. “But just to give you a bit of a thrill I’ll tell you that after the party following Tricia’s performance in the Ladies event I did not go to bed alone.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well good for you!” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was looking at Caroline. She knew very well that it had been Rick that she’d hooked up with and was dying to ask for more details and if they were going to see one another again but didn’t want to in front of Mary Beth in case Caroline didn’t want to talk about it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The conversation came to an end when they pulled into the driveway at Tricia’s house and got out to go into the house. Matt and Kevin pulled up right after and also got out.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So what did you two talk about all the way home?” Tricia asked curiously.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Guy stuff,” both Matt and Kevin said simultaneously. They then looked at each other and laughed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Three sets of female eyes rolled and Caroline said, “I’m not sure it was a good idea to leave your husband alone with him Tricia. He is an evil influence at times.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not at all,” Matt said, then he looked at Mary Beth and said, “Dutch weaseled out of coming?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She nodded and shrugged. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know what’s with him lately,” Matt said. “Well lets not stand out here. Come on in the house.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia followed wondering what Matt and Kevin had talked about that had Matt in a seemingly good mood about having visitors that were not his hunting or fishing buddies. She thought it would have been more in character for him to suddenly remember some forgotten detail at his office he needed to check on and make an exit similar to Dutch’s.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Once inside Kevin turned to Tricia. “I hear you’ve never tried to teach Matt to play poker. Why not? You might enjoy playing together.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t blame me,” Tricia said defensively. “I have tried to get him interested. Some of his buddies play and I even suggested having a game here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Honey,” Matt said quickly. “I know I didn’t used to have much interest but after you went to that tournament thing and I heard so much about it I wouldn’t mind trying to learn to play I think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Fine with me,” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s better,” Kevin said. “So break out your chips and lets see what we can do. Would you like to learn to play too Mary Beth?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sure,” she said, “Why not. Maybe I can get good and Tricia will take me with her when she goes to tournaments.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe,” Kevin said with a grin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“There’s only one problem,” Tricia said. “No chips. Since I could not get Matt interested I’ve never bought any chips, not even the cheap plastic ones. I don’t suppose you just happen to have some with you do you Kevin?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline laughed and Kevin shook his head. “A good chipset is a bit heavy to lug around when you’re traveling. I just assumed you’d have chips.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The closest chips I know of are at my parents. I got my dad a good chip set last Christmas. He and his buddies were using those old cheap plastic things. Dad insisted they were fine but mom has told me that his buddies really like the new chips.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I bet,” Kevin said. “Do you think he’d lend them to you? Is it too far to go?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s only a few minutes away and I have no idea if he’d lend them to me. I’ll call and ask if you’d like.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Unless you don’t feel like playing a bit of poker I’d like you to try.” Kevin said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia pulled out her cell phone and made the call. She hung up smiling and shaking her head.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well?” Matt asked, what’s so funny?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He says we can’t borrow them but we can go over there and use them as long as we include him.” Tricia told him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well that sounds reasonable,” Kevin chuckled then looked at Tricia, “did you have other plans for this evening?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I had no definite plans,” she admitted. “I didn’t know what you and Caroline would want to do or even exactly why you were coming. I’d like to take a shot at teaching Matt and Mary Beth to play.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then lets go,” Kevin said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They piled back out of the house and into Kevin’s car and Tricia’s car. Matt drove Tricia’s car this time with Mary Beth and Caroline riding with him. Kevin had Tricia ride with him to give him directions.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>On the short ride Kevin had a brief chance to talk to Tricia alone.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You and Matt seemed to get along ok,” Tricia said. “I have to tell you I’m surprised. Maybe he is starting to trust me again.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin shrugged. “I did my best to charm him and to appear as harmless as possible. He was a bit suspicious though and was asking about who you’d met there and the parties and things like that. He was definitely fishing for information. I didn’t give him anything useful. I take it you have not told him about Jaime being there?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Good Lord no!” Tricia said. “I’d never get out of the house again if I did.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You may be right,” Kevin said with nod. “He’s being friendly but there was an undercurrent of suspicion and it’s really still there. I think he may be willing to give me the benefit of the doubt but that’s mostly because I think he thinks I’m too young for you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you are,” Tricia said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I bet I could change your mind,” Kevin said softly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at him in shock. “Kevin! You’re joking right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well yes and no but don’t worry. You are safe with me.” Kevin grinned. “Your Matt has almost as much of a macho streak in him as his buddy Dutch does. That guy seems to be a real piece of work.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He’s a jerk.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s what I said,” Kevin chuckled. “I just said it nice.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Is this really what you want to do with your free time?” Tricia said. “Spending it with me like this?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why not?” Kevin asked. “Dinner was good and for the most part the conversation was good. I will admit that I’d not choose Dutch as a dinner companion but I liked Mary Beth. Matt has certainly been civil and really I can’t blame him in some ways for being a bit suspicious.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But now you’re going to my parents to play poker on the kitchen table. How fun can that be for you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Do you know how often I get to do that? To play a totally casual game with friends in a fun, family atmosphere? Being on the road so much gets old. Don’t worry about me, I’m going to love it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And what about Caroline?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She will be fine. She needed a break. She was close to burning out. Don’t let this go to your head but she’s almost as good as you are. She’s easily good enough for what she’s going but she pushes herself very hard, too hard sometimes. I dragged her on this trip to try to get her away from the grind and to try to get some one on one coaching time with her. I’m finding she’s got a great mind and she’s actually given me some good insight on some things.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you two…” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“An item?” Kevin smiled and then shook his head. “No we’re not. This with her is purely business just like with you. Business with a side of friendship. Actually you may not want to hear this but she and Rick seem to have hit it off very well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “I wondered if it was just that one time. I somehow didn’t think so. Don’t tell him but in a way it’s a relief. I don’t regret what happened with him but I think I would have if it continued.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin nodded understanding and the conversation ended as they pulled down the long driveway to Tricia’s parents’ house.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-49889084241505013442007-10-23T12:15:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.304-07:00Chapter 45<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We’ll take our rental. I’ll drive,” Kevin said as they headed for the car as Tricia’s parents with Matty in the back seat drove off.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But you don’t know where you’re going,” Tricia pointed out. “Wouldn’t it be easier if I just drove?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Humor me,” Kevin said opening the doors on the passenger side for Tricia and Caroline. “I’m sure you can direct me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m beginning to see that the man is a bit of a control freak,” Tricia said sliding into the front seat after Caroline slid into the back. “He must be a joy to travel with.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline chuckled. “Actually he’s not bad. He let me have the window seat on the plane and he didn’t snore when he slept. He’s not a control freak exactly he’s just particular when he has a plan and right now I’d say he has a plan although I have to admit I have no idea what it is.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As they drove out of the driveway and onto the road Tricia asked. “So what is the plan you have?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kevin replied, eyes on the road, a faint smile playing over his lips. “I’m here to visit a friend after a day of taking care of business. It’s a shame my friend doesn’t trust me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at him to see if he was serious and when he looked over long enough to smile at her she knew he wasn’t. She also knew she wasn’t going to get any more out of him the way she’d been going so she decided to try something else.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What was that with my dad at the end? I think I told you that he thinks Hold’em is stupid.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t think he thinks its stupid so much as he doesn’t think it’s poker. In part I think that is because it’s different from what he has spent years doing. That is natural.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What was that stuff just before we left though?” Tricia asked. “It sounded like you were trying to get him to ask me to play with him and his buddies.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well it would be good for you.” Kevin said. “How much seven card stud have you played?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well we grew up playing off and on,” Tricia said. “My dad taught my brother and he taught me. Knowing what I know now about Hold’em though I know I don’t know that much about seven card stud strategy. I’m sure I could learn though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sure you could and I think you would probably enjoy it. Eventually you should learn as many different variations as you can. Don’t rush into it though. Until I met your dad I was going to suggest that you learn Omaha and then get into Omaha eight or better. I think though that you might as well work on seven card stud.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline leaned forward. “You’re up to something Kevin. I know the signs.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at Caroline and then at Kevin who smiled. “Well I always like to see old barriers broken so I’d like to see the old guys allow a lady into their game. I think it would be good for you Tricia and I think it would be good for them. I’ll bet you that they will have you teaching them Hold’em in short order.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You think? You don’t think they are all like my dad?” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin chuckled. “Oh I imagine most of them are, or worse. I think though that they really will want to learn because they’ve seen it on TV by now and are curious and probably thinking that it looks so easy that they ought to be able to do well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t see my dad inviting me to play,” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Want to bet?” Kevin asked, smiling.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at him appraisingly. She knew her father but she was also coming to know that Kevin seemed to be able to read people very well so she decided that betting against him would be a bad idea. She just shook her head and concentrated on giving him directions to the restaurant.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When they pulled into the parking lot Tricia said, “Now I know it’s not the fanciest looking place but the food is great and there is plenty of it. It’s also one of Matt’s favorites and I thought that might be best in this case.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It looks interesting,” Kevin said getting out of the car and reading the sign over the front door. “The Friendly Farm, family style dining. What exactly does that mean? That we can argue like we’re related?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline rolled her eyes and Tricia giggled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No silly.” Tricia looked at Kevin and decided that he really didn’t seem to know what it meant. “You really don’t know do you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well here it means you order your entrée and they put that and the sides of the day on the table in bowls, like you’d get if you were eating at home.” Tricia told him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“At home my mom never took orders for our entrée,” Kevin said. “She just said, ‘tonight is meatloaf, or tonight is fish’.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled. “Well I admit the part about ordering individual entrees is not a lot like anybody’s family life I ever knew either but it’s good food at good prices and the atmosphere is nice. I think you’ll like it. They also don’t rush you in and out so if we take some time to talk over dinner you won’t have a waiter trying to get you to leave so he can fill his table with new customers.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sure it will be great,” Kevin said. “It smells very good and that is reminding me that lunch was quite a while ago and was hardly served family style.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline laughed. “That’s for sure, it was scarfed from a busy McDonalds between meetings. I’m ready for some real food.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was looking around for either Mary Beth’s car or Dutch’s but didn’t see either in the fairly crowded parking lot. “Before we go in there is something I didn’t get a chance to tell you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Uh oh,” Kevin said, “That sounds ominous.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled and shook her head, “It’s not that bad. It’s just that I invited my friend Mary Beth and her husband Dutch also. I hope that won’t be a problem. They’re having some problems and I feel sorry for her. She is really into decorating and wants to start her own business now that her kids are old enough not to need her around all the time. Dutch seems to have this Neanderthal attitude that it will look like he can’t support his family if Mary Beth goes to work now. She has really been down and I just hoped getting out would cheer her up.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The more the merrier,” Kevin said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ll even be nice, “ Caroline said with a smile, “And not rip her husband’s face off if he spouts that attitude in front of me. I’ve heard that so much and I’m so sick of it. I hope that your friend knows she’s not the only one dealing with the problem.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah, but it doesn’t help much in this case to know you’re not alone.” Tricia said with a sigh leading them into the restaurant.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>A hostess came up and greeted them warmly. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thank you,” Tricia said. “I have reservations for six people. The name is Bateman.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh yes! Some of your party are already here. I’ll show you to them.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Looking out over the restaurant she saw Mary Beth standing up waving from a back table. Even from that far away she could see Dutch trying to get her to sit down as people were turning to look at her. Mary Beth, of course being Mary Beth, was oblivious to the fact that she was attracting the attention not just of Tricia but of everybody in the restaurant. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had to smile. “I think I can find them on my own. Thank you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The hostess giggled. “I guess you can.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As they moved through the restaurant toward the table Kevin, in an amused voice, said to Tricia. “I think I’m going to like your friend.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I think you are. You’ll be dangerous together because I think you’d do that kind of thing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline chuckled. “She’s got you pegged Kevin.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And your point is?” Kevin asked innocently.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Remember she’s married Kevin,” Tricia said, only half joking. “She’s gonna really like you too and right now I am afraid she’s a bit vulnerable.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I will try to restrain myself,” Kevin said so formally Tricia looked quickly to see if he was angry with her. He grinned down at her and quietly said, “Don’t worry even if she throws herself on me I will turn her down gently. Will that suffice?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t mean you’d try to seduce her or for that matter that she’d try to seduce you, as far as I know she has never cheated on Dutch. It’s just that I think there may be a bit of an attraction there.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think what she is saying Kevin,” Caroline said with a smile, “is that she thinks your hot and knows her friend will think so and is worried about it. Isn’t that about it Tricia?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia found herself gaping at Caroline and then realized that mostly she was having her chain pulled. She shook her head and motioned them toward the table. “Come on you two. I swear it’s a good thing I like you guys.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She heard Kevin chuckling behind her but didn’t turn around so he would not have the satisfaction of seeing her grin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth hugged Tricia and Tricia said hello to Dutch. She then introduced them to Kevin and Caroline. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Excuse my wife for the greeting,” Dutch said. “She seems to like to do embarrassing things.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Honestly Dutch!” Mary Beth said. “I just let them know where we were sitting. It’s no big deal.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nothing to excuse Dutch,” Kevin said. “I like a person who knows what they want and does what they have to in order to get it. We found our way here so it worked out.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked sharply at Kevin, knowing he was taking a dig at Dutch because of what she’d told him. A look at Dutch showed that it went over his head though. Mary Beth had not missed it and was looking at Kevin appraisingly making Tricia wonder if it had been a good thing she’d warned Kevin to behave.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No sign of Matt yet I suppose?” Tricia asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth looked like she was going to answer but then Dutch shook his head and said, “Not yet. He’s been hard to pin down lately. Always says he’s working. Are you two having a problem again or something?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Dutch!” Mary Beth glared at her husband. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Excuse him,” She said, looking at Kevin and Caroline, he sometimes engages his mouth before his brain.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I just meant I haven’t even been able to pin him down for a fishing trip. That’s not like him.” Dutch said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth had a look on her face that Tricia didn’t understand and could not characterize when she said, “He’s just focusing on his business I’m sure. At least he doesn’t mind Tricia following her dream to play poker.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia didn’t think what she said had anything to do with the look she’d had on her face but knew she had to head off what she was afraid was about to be a Dutch and Mary Beth argument.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin apparently had the same idea and was drawing a breath to say something when Tricia spotted Matt coming through the restaurant. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She popped up. “Speak of the devil here comes Matt now!” She took a few steps out to greet him, giving him a hug and kissing him when he bent toward her. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thank you for coming on time sweetie. I know it wasn’t convenient for you.” Tricia said to him quietly. “Come meet Kevin and Caroline.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Shaking hands with Kevin Matt said, “So you’re the man who was such a big help to Tricia at her tournament. She’s told me that she owed a lot of her results to you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m glad to meet you,” Kevin said shaking Matt’s hand, inwardly grinning when Matt squeezed hard while shaking his hand, he could see that testosterone was going to be running deep at the table tonight. “She owes her results to the hard work she put in learning to play poker. I didn’t do much at all really.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt shook hands with Caroline and they all sat down. They made small talk while the food was ordered and they ate. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>After they had finished and were sitting back, comfortably full Kevin held his hand out to Caroline and said, “Let me have that package. I think Tricia may want to share it with her husband and her friends.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline pulled a flat gift wrapped package out of her purse and handed it to Tricia.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia took it curiously and unwrapped it with Mary Beth hanging over to get a good view.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Inside the gift wrap there was an envelope.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s the pictures I took or was given from the time you were there, I got all I could that had you in them Tricia,” Kevin said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia panicked then. Could Kevin have actually included pictures of Jaime as well? Surely he wouldn’t have done that. She couldn’t remember if she had told him that Matt might well recognize Jaime from pictures she’d had back then. She looked at Kevin and the look he gave her assured her that he had been discreet.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They went through the pictures. While there were none of Jaime there were some of Rick and that made Tricia a bit queasy but she knew Matt would not think anything of them. None of the pictures had her draped all over Rick or anybody else. Several from the party after her ladies event finish though made it obvious that she was feeling very happy.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was afraid Matt would not like that but he seemed amused. “Well now I see why you said you had a bit of a hangover. Just from the look of you in these pictures I bet it was a doozy of a hangover. I’m proud of you dear. I thought we were both too old for that. Maybe there is hope for me yet.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m afraid you’re never too old for a hangover,” Caroline said. “I’m also afraid that you’re never old enough to remember that if you party too much you will pay. I woke up the next morning feeling about the same only I had to play a tournament.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I want to point out,” Kevin said, “That there are far more pictures there of people playing poker than partying. It is, believe it or not, hard work though and blowing off steam occasionally is a good thing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I’m sure Tricia appreciates the pictures,” Matt said. “She loves to make scrapbooks of everything and every event. I’m sure she will have one made with these soon.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Surely you didn’t come visit me just to give me these pictures Kevin,” Tricia said. “I’ll buy that you came to visit a friend because you were in town but I know you well enough now to know that you’ve got something else up your sleeve. Spill it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt frowned and looked over at Kevin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin held up his hands. “Ok well there was one more item I wanted to bring up and now is about as good a time as any. As soon as I can flag that waitress down and get some more coffee I’ll tell you all about it.”</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-20499579868392217712007-10-23T12:14:00.001-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.304-07:00Chapter 43<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So who is this guy and why is he coming?” Matt asked that night when Tricia told him about<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Kevin James’ upcoming visit. “Are we going to have your poker buddies traipsing through here all the time now?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Excuse me?” Tricia asked, feeling herself getting angry. “Considering that I spend a good bit of football season cooking and cleaning for you and your buddies I don’t see how it hurts if some of my friends drop by every now and then. I only asked you to be polite. If you don’t want to be bothered then we’ll just stay out of your way.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t mean it like that,” Matt said looking uncomfortable. “It’s not that I don’t want to be bothered. It’s just different is all. You’ve never done that kind of thing, had people come visit like that I mean.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well maybe it’s time I did,” Tricia said. “I can’t see why it should be a problem. Kevin and Carolyn are nice people and were both very kind to me when I had hardly a clue what was going on. If they think enough of me to stop by and visit then I’m tickled pink. I’m sorry you don’t share my enthusiasm.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sorry Tricia,” Matt said, sounding to Tricia like he might actually mean it and not be saying it to avoid a fight. “I’ll be glad to meet your friends.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Good because I was thinking of taking them out to dinner. I called mom and she and dad will come pick Matty up to spend that night with them sometime after I’ve gotten a chance to introduce Matty to Kevin and Carolyn.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’ve really planned this out haven’t you?” Matt asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia knew he was thinking this was not like her. Since she’d gotten back her tournament she’d found herself being much more proactive about some things. She thought that it had been good for her to have to function completely on her own. She was aware that Matt would be unlikely to share that feeling, much like Dutch didn’t like the idea of Mary Beth owning her own business. Why, she wondered, did too much independence on their wives parts seem to scare these guys? She shrugged mentally knowing that it was the way it was and she just had to play the game and try not to look like she was capable of too much independent thought.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I mentioned it to mom and she suggested we might want to go out to dinner and have time for adult conversation and volunteered to take Matty for the night. She pointed out that he will start school in September and they won’t be able to do that as much.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Does that mean you’re not going to go to any tournaments while he’s in school? They’re only a couple miles away, in the same school district. I’m sure a bus could pick him up there if he stayed with them then.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at Matt in surprise. “You’ve been thinking about it. I’m surprised. Does that mean you’re having second thoughts about me going to another one?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt smiled a smile that told Tricia he thought she had totally missed the mark. “You should give me more credit. I have been thinking about it but have been thinking about how it can work even though Matty is starting school in September.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Okay. Well thank you,” Tricia said. “You know Matty could stay here and you could see him off to the bus before you go to work. It would not make you that late, if it made you late at all. He’s only going to be in Kindergarten. It’s going to be tough on him and I worry about it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He’s going to be fine Tricia,” Matt said. “Ask him yourself, he’s looking forward to it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’d rather he got to stay here with you at least most of the time when I go play a tournament. I think he ought to be with one of us as much as possible. You can see what I’m saying can’t you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know I agree,” Matt told her. “Why do you thinkI wanted you to quit work and stay home with him when he was born?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “At first I thought that but lately I’ve been wondering. Talking to Mary Beth and listening to how Dutch is making a fuss because she wants to make her decorating business official and get a storefront and all. I guess I thought you might be feeling like him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Dutch can be a putz at times Tricia. Trust me I am not too proud to have my wife make part of our income. Hell I’m all for you winning some big tournament and making more than I do if that’s what happens. I’ve told Dutch he’s an idiot for not letting Mary Beth do her thing. She’s good at it and I agree Dutch’s attitude ticks her off. I got an earful while she was decorating the sunroom.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “I guess you did. Do you think she was trying to sound you out to find out how you felt about me playing that tournament?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know she was,” Matt grinned. “You gals look out for one another. You should try telling Dutch he needs to realize that this ain’t the old days and his ‘keep ‘em barefoot and pregnant’ attitude isn’t going to fly.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Like I’m going to try to tell Dutch anything,” Tricia snorted. They’d never really gotten along well and Matt knew it. Matt didn’t even always like Dutch that much although he tolerated him because of mutual friends.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know you aren’t. We both know he wouldn’t listen to you anyway. A bunch of us are supposed to go to the lake fishing in a couple weeks. Maybe I’ll try then.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Good luck,” Tricia said. “You were planning to tell me about that weren’t you by the way?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I just did,” Matt said. “I don’t know exactly which weekend yet. I swear it’s getting hard as hell to get people to commit to a date. Used to be you asked guys to go spend a week at the lake hunting or fishing they just said sure thing. Now everybody has so much going on it’s hard to set a date. Feels like working for some corporation, like that Dilbert Cartoon thing. Takes a lot of the fun out of it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Aww you poor thing,” Tricia teased. “Why don’t you just stay home and spend a nice weekend with me then? Or we could go to one of the casinos.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt seemed to miss her point all together. “We will get a date set. Its not that big a deal.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And will we get a weekend together sometime?” Tricia said. “It’s been a while since we had time alone.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We had that night when you came home from the tournament.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That was weeks ago Matt.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Was it that long?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It was,” Tricia said with a sigh. “You used to always want to get time together. You wanted more than I did. Do you know how long it’s been since you took me to a hotel for a romantic weekend? I swear if I didn’t know better I’d think you were getting your sex and romance somewhere else.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia held her breath having said that. She’d been thinking it but knew it was likely to set him off and had not really meant to say it, it had just popped out.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He surprised her by laughing. “You know better than that though. After what you did back a while you don’t think I’m going to do it do you? I’ve just been having lots of work.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Being successful is good isn’t it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m thrilled that your business is going so well Matt,” Tricia said. “But if you can’t take the time to enjoy it then what good is it? You’ve got people working for you now. You’re not having to do all the jobs yourself. Surely you could take a weekend here and there for us to do something as a family or for you and I do have a romantic getaway. Or are you not interested in me that way any more?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Awww honey of course I am,” Matt said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well if you proved it every now and then it would be nice,” Tricia said, biting her tongue before she pointed out that is what had caused her to dally with Jaime in the first place eight years before.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt came over to her and kissed her, then he ran his hand down inside her blouse cupping her breast. She felt herself grow instantly aroused.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“After Matty is asleep how about if I show you how interested I am.” Matt said, nibbling on her neck in just the right way to drive her crazy.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia rolled her eyes, glad he could not see because she didn’t want to spoil the mood. “Matty has been asleep for half an hour sweetie.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then why are your clothes still on?” Matt said, fumbling with the buttons on her blouse. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia giggled and squirmed, wishing it was safe to do it right there in the family room but there was a chance that Matty would wake up. “Not to be a party pooper baby but we better go in the bedroom. I’ll make it worth your while.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She knew his eyes were following her as she began to strip walking slowly out of the room and into their bedroom. When she heard the door close she knew it wasn’t only his eyes that had followed her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>***</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth came by the next morning to drop off something for the sunroom that she and Tricia had talked about.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You seem to be in an exceptionally good mood this morning.” Mary Beth said after she and Tricia had been talking a few minutes.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Lets just say that Matt and I had a very good night last night,” Tricia said, slightly embarrassed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ahh ok,” Mary Beth said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Something about the way she said it made Tricia look at her harder. It hadn’t sounded quite right.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Is something wrong Mary Beth?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course not what could be wrong?” Mary Beth said sounding so cheerful it definitely came out sounding fake.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you and Dutch still having problems? Is he still trying to get you to not do the decorating business as a full fledged business.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh hell yes. He’s not going to change on that one I don’t think. I’m about to the point of just doing it. Screw him. If it embarrasses him to have his wife with her own business then he can just leave me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mary Beth! You don’t mean that. Besides he wouldn’t would he?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He threatened to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s stupid!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth laughed. “Tell me about it. He swore if I disobeyed him and rented that shop on Conner Avenue I’ve been looking at then he’ll leave.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And all this because he thinks it reflects poorly on him if you are making money too?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So he says.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s hard to believe that he can’t see how stupid he’d look, hell how stupid he looks right now to anybody that knows about this.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh he knows he looks stupid. It’s apparently all my fault. If I knew my place then everything would be ok. He says he makes plenty togive us anything we want. I can’t get across to him that I don’t need THINGS. I want a life.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sorry,” Tricia said. “What are you going to do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know,” Mary Beth said looking miserable. “The thing is I think he’s actually stupid enough to do it. I really do love him and like being married to him. Most of the time anyway. Right now I may love him but damn I hate his guts.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia just nodded, not sure what to say.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth wiped a hand across her eyes. “So girl what’s new with you? Tell me something fun and exciting. Make it up if you have to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “I don’t even have to make anything up. Kevin James called and he and Carolyn Snow as going to be in town and wanted to come by and visit.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s the sexy younger guy from the poker game?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled. “Well I guess you might think he was sexy. He is younger. He’s the guy I told you kind of took me under his wing and helped me out.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And now he’s coming to visit you. Is this Carolyn person his girlfriend? That’s a bummer. Maybe you could have snuck away for some fun.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mary Beth!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok then maybe I could have snuck away with him for some fun.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head. “You wouldn’t, besides he’s way younger than you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hell maybe that would be good. Bet he has great stamina.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I wouldn’t know,” Tricia said deciding to get off this subject before she found out if Mary Beth was kidding or not. Tricia suspected she was just really pissed at Dutch. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He and Carolyn are not an item. They have some kind of professional relationship is all. I have no idea why they are coming to visit. Maybe they are just being friendly. He did mention he had other business in town to take care of first. I want him and Carolyn to meet Matty. Then Mom is going to pick Matty up and I am hoping we can all go out to dinner. Would you and Dutch like to go too?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why in the hell would you want to ruin a good evening by inviting him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mary Beth!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth shrugged. “But you don’t even like him. Hell maybe I even understand why now.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t dislike Dutch. We just seem to be oil and vinegar is all.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Still, why would you want us along.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re one of my best friends. Why wouldn’t I want you along?” Tricia asked. She was surprised when Mary Beth’s eyes filled with tears and she started to cry. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia moved over to sit beside Mary Beth and put an arm around her. “Don’t cry. What did I say?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth just shook her head. Finally when she composed herself a little she said. “It’s not anything you said dear. It’s me. It’s all me right now. Are you sure you want me and Dutch to go? I’ll see if he had plans although I can’t imagine he does.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I really do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok well I’ll get back to you. You’re talking tonight?” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I should run. I have an appointment in a bit and now I need to redo my makeup. Shit. I’m looking forwardto meeting your new friends and hearing their take on your behavior at that tournament thing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled thinking that Mary Beth was back to sounding like her old self. Tricia was still worried about her friend as she watched her get in her car and drive down the driveway.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-85143267965986281892007-10-23T12:14:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.305-07:00Chapter 44<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Waiting for Kevin and Caroline to come to the house Tricia was unaccountably nervous. She’s not gotten any more information about why they were visiting out of Kevin beyond “why can’t friends visit friends? We ARE friends aren’t we?” She couldn’t argue with that but even not knowing him even better than she did she knew there was something more. She began to have fears that one of them would let something slip about Jaime even though she’d told Kevin not to bring up that subject and he’d not even teased her when he promised they wouldn’t.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She heard a car winding it’s way along the driveway. Glancing over Tricia saw Matty focused on a building project in one corner of the sun porch. She let him be and went to the front door. Opening it she saw her parents car pull up to the front of the house. She momentarily felt disappointed and then smiled and went to greet them.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So where is this mysterious friend you wanted us to meet? I thought he was supposed to be here by now?” Her dad said as he got out of the car and let her hug him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had not told her parents who it was just that it was friends she’d met at the tournament. She knew her dad followed some poker on TV even if he didn’t view Texas Hold’em as “real” poker. He still maintained that seven card stud was real poker. She thought he might know who Kevin and maybe Caroline were and wanted to see his reaction. Besides if he didn’t know who they were then the names would not have meant anything anyway. She also knew she’d done it the way she did because it would bug him. He liked to have all the information she had right up front. He’d always been like that and growing up it had irritated her and been partly at the root of why her brother had left home when he did.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“They called a bit ago and said they got hung up ina meeting and then got hung up in traffic. They should be here any time.” Tricia told him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s mom hugged her as they walked to the house. “Wasn’t Matt going to be here too?” She asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia rolled her eyes and replied, “He called too. He said he could not get away yet and that he’d meet us at the restaurant. I think he may actually do that. Good thing I didn’t decide to cook though he might not have come home at all then.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Give the man a break Tricia,” Her dad said. “He works hard to give you and Matty a good life. You have everything you want.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Except a husband dad,” Tricia said bitterly. “Things are not what I want most.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her father drew a breath to retort and her mother elbowed him saying, “Don’t start. This is a special time for Tricia. Try not to mess it up.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked over, surprised and then was even more surprised to see her father give in. He didn’t apologize but he did back down. She wasn’t sure if that was the most surprising thing or if it was her mother talking to her father like that. She did it very rarely and it generally, in Tricia’s experience, had little effect.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Once in the house her father said loudly, “So where is my buddy?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matty heard that and came running. “Grampa!” He grabbed his grandfather’s hand and began to drag him toward the sun porch. “I’m building a farm with my blocks and stuff, come see.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia watched her mother watching her father as Matty led him into the other room all the while babbling away about what he was building.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her mom noticed Tricia watching her and smiled. “I wish he’d found it in his heart to be more like that for you kids. I guess it’s better late than never.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He wasn’t so bad really. I mean I think you guys raised us just fine mom.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess. I miss Andy though. It’s too bad he had to inherit your dad’s pig headedness.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know you do,” Tricia said. She felt as sad as always knowing that her mom was suffering as much as she was at the split in the family even after all these years. Tricia still had hopes of healing it one day but had made no more progress than she ever had.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She was saved from trying to deal with the subject at a time when she didn’t feel like dealing with it by the doorbell ringing. She was startled to realize she’d uncharacteristically not heard another car come up the drive. She went to the door with her mom trailing behind.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hi guys!” Tricia said enthusiastically when she saw Kevin and Caroline standing on the front porch. She quickly gave them each a big hug and ushered them into the house. She introduced them to her mom and said. “They were so much help to me when I was so lost in a new place.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Rooks,” Kevin said with a big smile. “Tricia told us how lucky she was to have you and your husband to take care of her son while she was off gallivanting with us in Indiana.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her mom laughed. “She said you were a charmer and she is right. You can call me Addie.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thank you Addie,” Kevin said. “And thank you for giving Tricia the opportunity.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I imagine she told you I had my misgivings. It just didn’t seem the thing for a mother of a young child to be doing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin nodded. “She did tell us. I hope, though, that now that she’s back you have had at least a little bit of a change of heart?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Indeed I have,” Tricia’s mom smiled at Kevin. “And I bet she has told you all about it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Actually she hasn’t,” Kevin said. “We’ve not had much chance to talk yet. So you feel better about your daughter the poker player?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I do. She came back so happy and I always like to see her happy. Having Matty with us was good for my husband and I as well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And am I going to get to meet your father, your husband and your son Tricia?” Kevin asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course!” Tricia said, “follow me.” She led them to the sun porch.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Remember I told you I thought Matt was up to something while I was gone?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin and Caroline nodded.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“This was what he was up to!” Tricia said. “He and his buddies built this for me and my friend Mary Beth decorated it for me. You’ll meet Mary Beth later at the restaurant. Matt will be there too. He could not get away yet but promised to meet us at the restaurant.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia then introduced Kevin and Caroline to her father and Matty. Matty’s main interest, not surprisingly, was showing Caroline and Kevin his latest building project. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin was crouched down with Matty asking questions while Matty happily told him all about what he was doing. Tricia smiled seeing it and said to Caroline, “One day he’s going to make a great father.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yes he is. Now we just need to find him the right girl.” Caroline said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Let two or more women get together and right away they start match making,” Tricia’s dad said with snort. Tricia was surprised to see him smiling though. “My daughter didn’t tell me her new friends were quite such accomplished players. I’ve seen you on a couple of poker programs on television Ms. Snow.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline smiled and said, “Call me Caroline please. In my case I found a second calling that just fits me. I had reached a point where I’d burned out on my law practice and frankly life in general. It wasn’t the best way to start a poker career but thankfully it has worked out fairly well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Dad doesn’t think Hold’em is real poker,” Tricia said. “He is a seven card stud fan.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You can make a case for that,” Kevin said, standing up. “They are different games for sure even if they have their roots in the same place. Maybe sometime we can play a little seven card Mr. Rooks.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You don’t just play that new fangled hold’em like my daughter?” Tricia’s father asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline started to laugh, tried to stop and ended up choking. After Tricia had thumped her on the back and she got her breath back she smiled and said. “He plays a wee bit of stud Mr. Rooks. Go on Kevin. If now is not the time to show it off I don’t know what is.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin shook his arm and pulled the sleeve of his dress shirt up enough to expose a gold bracelet which he took off and handed to Tricia’s father who turned it over looking at it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess I won’t insult you by asking if this is real,” Tricia’s father said to Kevin. “I’m glad you showed this to me before we started playing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia reached over and took it from her father. She saw that she was holding a genuine World Series of Poker bracelet from seven card stud. She looked at Kevin in surprise. “I knew you were good but I confess I didn’t know you’d won a bracelet. You told me you’d won a couple of circuit event rings, why didn’t you tell me about the bracelet?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You didn’t ask,” Kevin said with a shrug.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Is there anything else you haven’t told me?” Tricia asked, shaking her head. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ve only known you for a short time,” Kevin grinned. “There is a lot I haven’t told you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Smart ass,” Tricia muttered, smiling. “Any more of these?” She handed him the bracelet back.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well,” Kevin said. Then took one off the other wrist and handed it to her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“This one is for a $2000 buy in hold’em event,” Tricia said wonderingly. “You’re a two time WSOP bracelet winner, have several circuit event rings and have made three WPT final tables and you are taking time to have dinner with me? Why?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin chuckled. “They are jewelry, that’s all. They show that I got luck a couple of times. You know very well that to win a big tournament you have to get lucky. You’ve done it yourself.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I didn’t win and it wasn’t that big a tournament and you didn’t win those just being lucky. It took a lot of skill.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But they are still jewelry,” Kevin insisted. “I’m just a regular guy. Ok so maybe I’m a bit better at poker than the average guy but in my opinion so are you. That is part of the reason I’m here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And what is the rest of the reason then?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin smiled. “I just happen to like you. Is that a problem? You told me all about your family and since we were going to be in town I wanted to meet them.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know what to say,” Tricia said. “I guess I thought somebody as successful as you are would be too busy to spend time with me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Caroline smiled. “You’re plenty successful in your own way dear. With a young child you could make a case for having no more time than we do. It would have been easy for you to decide you couldn’t spare time for two itinerant poker players who flew into town and wanted to take time away from your family and your responsibilities here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But you were so nice to me. I am glad to spend time with you!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin smiled. “And you were nice to both of us. We are glad to spend time with you. Now are we going to be friends and move on?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia grinned and nodded. “Yeah but it still boggles my mind.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We’re just regular people Tricia,” Kevin said. “And not to rush things but I at least am a regular hungry person.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sorry!” Tricia said. “It is time to get going. We’ll get there just in time for our reservations. Matty you may leave your stuff out. Go get the bag we packed for you to take to Gramma and Grampa’s please.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok mom,” Matty said, running off to his room.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He’s spending the night with them,” Tricia said. “It just seemed like it would be easier.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok, but he seems very well behaved. Why not just bring him to dinner with us?” Kevin asked then looked at Tricia’s parents. “Does that mean you’re not coming?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not this time,” Tricia’s mom said. “We enjoy having Matty with us. Until she went to that poker tournament we had rarely had the opportunity. You youngsters go have a good dinner.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well it was nice to meet you both,” Kevin said. “I hope we get to see you again soon. And Mr. Rooks I still want that seven card stud game sometime. Do you have a home game you play?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s father nodded. “We have a group that gets together once a week usually. We’d love to have you come win all our money.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin chuckled. “Don’t be so sure. You all have been playing a lot longer than I have. Experience counts. I’m sure it’s just a fun game. I’d enjoy playing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s just a bunch of old farts sitting around drinking beer, swapping old war stories and playing a little poker. That’s what the wives call it anyway.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin laughed. “And do you let your daughter play? I’ve not heard her talk about seven card stud.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s father looked a little uncomfortable. “We have never had a woman in the game.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I keep telling him that maybe it’s time they started,” Tricia’s mom said. “But that’s a little progressive for them.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I don’t want to rock the boat,” Kevin said. “But playing seven card stud with experienced players would be good for Tricia’s game. It will also knock some of the cockiness out of her since I’m sure you’ll all clean her clock for a while.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m cocky?” Tricia asked. “Where did that come from?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hold’em is easier than seven card Tricia,” Her dad said. “I keep telling you that. Who knows maybe I can talk the guys into letting you play and you’ll find out your friend is right.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin was grinning and when Tricia looked at her Caroline rolled her eyes. Tricia got the feeling Kevin was up to something but when she started to ask he gave her the briefest of shakes of his head and she kept quiet as her parents left and Tricia, Kevin and Caroline got in the car to head to the restaurant.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-15030540680605421712007-10-23T12:13:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.306-07:00Chapter 42<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The two boys wolfed down their lunch just the way boys always have so that they could get back to the playground. After the boys pelted back to the playground Tricia and Kerrie continued eating at a more sedate pace. During the enforced break from their previous conversation Tricia had been thinking about it and shortly after the boys left she made her decision.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I saw Jaime when I was in Indiana at that tournament.” Tricia blurted out.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie stopped with her sandwich poised to take another bite, obviously processing that statement.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh my God! Is that why you went? Did you have that set up?” Kerrie asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No! I swear it’s not. I went for the reason I said. I went to play poker. I didn’t find out until just before the tournament that Jaime would be there. Even then I wasn’t sure he would be.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How could that be?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia told Kerrie about the card that had come. “It wasn’t signed but it was identical to the only card he ever got to send me. I knew who it was from even with no return address and no signature.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Was he trying to warn you off or invite you to come if you weren’t already?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He swears he was just trying to let me know he would be there,” Tricia told Kerrie. “and I believe him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Wow,” Kerrie said. “So did you guys pick up where you left off? I mean it had been a long time and really you’d only known him a very short time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head. “I swear to you I didn’t sleep with him. It was almost spooky though how the same connection was still there. You have no idea how many times in the past eight years I wondered about how it would be if I met him again.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I can imagine,” Kerrie said. “And if you felt the same way then you deserve a lot of credit for not sleeping with him. I know I would have.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You wouldn’t cheat on Dan,” Tricia protested. “You might have done it before but I can’t believe you would now.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie shook her head. “If there had been anybody that I’d cared for that much and if they’d shown the desire to then I’d have done it. I told you that half of what I got myself into after I left the Dickhead was because I just didn’t have the willpower to say no. Not that I regret much, if any, of it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Jaime didn’t try to get me in bed with him again,” Tricia said. “I know he wanted to. It was me pushing him though. I feel really guilty about that but the feelings were still there and God help me I wanted him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But he wasn’t feeling the same way? I thought you said he was.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I have no doubt he was,” Tricia replied with a sigh. “I made it hard for him but he had decided we should try to be just friends and he stuck to that even though I threw myself on him a couple of times. I’m pretty ashamed of that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie looked at Tricia curiously. “Somehow I just don’t see yourself throwing yourself on a guy.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well believe it,” Tricia said with a bark of laughter. “I found out I have some real slut tendencies. I was feeling really horny I guess. Matt had been pretty much ignoring me for a couple of months. We’d maybe had sex three times in the two months previous to me leaving. It wasn’t even just the sex. I didn’t feel wanted, didn’t feel desireable.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie nodded but didn’t say anything.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Then I got there and Jaime was there. I could tell by looking at him and the way he looked at me that he still felt the same way. I didn’t even wait for him to make a move. I have never acted that way in my life but I just tried to get what I wanted.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And he had other ideas?” Kerrie asked quietly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “Yeah. When it all blew up eight years ago he promised to have no contact with me. He told me then that he wanted to do nothing to come between me and Matt. He stuck to that, except for the card.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He sounds like a great guy,” Kerrie said. “but how did you take that? I think I’d have felt kind of rejected.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess maybe I did in a way,” Tricia admitted. “I mean I knew he wasn’t really rejecting me, not sexually but damn it I guess I didn’t want him deciding what was best for me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie looked appraisingly at Tricia and was about to speak when Tricia went on.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess that is how I ended up fooling around with Rick.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie’s mouth dropped open. “Say what?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia blushed and told Kerrie about Rick. She told him about meeting him at the poker table, the first innocent dinner they shared and how she’d ended up in his room another night and the results of that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Now I see why you like these poker tournaments girl,” Kerrie said lightly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia blushed deeply. “I swear I did go just for the poker. I didn’t intend to do that stuff. I settled down later. Even though I drank too much and partied too much a time or two I pretty much behaved myself.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well damn,” Kerrie said with a smile. “Can you teach me to play poker?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “I could but you don’t mean that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I do and I don’t.” Kerrie said. “I was jealous of you getting to get away like that. Make no mistake I love both Walker and Jason to death and the last thing I want to do is cheat on Dan but damn girl you got to spent two weeks in a whole other world and listen to all the fun you had. And you made a pile of money doing it all. What’s not to be jealous of?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So you don’t think I’m terrible?” Tricia asked. “I kind of thought you might think I was considering I pretty much cheated on Matt again.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie looked at Tricia appraisingly and then leaned over and gave her a big hug. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe I’m rationalizing this Tricia but to me it seems like you kept that world separate from this one. I didn’t hear anything in what you’d said that made me think you love Matt any less or plan to leave him for any of those people or that life. Ok so maybe you’ll take a break from your world here a time or two or a few times a year but you’ll come back. And I think you’ll come back refreshed and ready to handle the challenges and hassles you face every day. Lots of people would love to be able to do that, not many would be able to keep it separate like it seems you can.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at Kerrie and saw she meant it. She took a deep breath. “I have thought about it a lot and that’s sort of how I saw it, a temporary vacation from reality almost. Mostly what I got out of that experience though was pride in my ability to stretch and grow and handle a new environment. I was so scared and intimidated when I got there and by the time I left I felt like I belonged. I think the next time I go to a tournament I may be able to do it and even behave myself and not end up having sex with somebody I just met.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie chuckled. “Well damn, I was hoping to live vicariously through you and here you’re going to behave.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia stared at Kerrie who was grinning at her. “You’re kidding right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie shrugged. “I don’t know. What I do know is that when you talk about the experience your whole being lights up. You obviously found something you loved. You are also obviously good at it too.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “I don’t know about that. Maybe it was beginners luck. Maybe the next time I go I’ll lose my whole bankroll. That’s what I expected this time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll do great again. I have a feeling whichever it is you’ll be glad you were there. And if you go to a few parties and even have a sort of shipboard romance what the hell.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head. “It boggles my mind that you would say that after what your ex did to you Kerrie.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hell if he’d stuck to discreet flings I’d have been ok. I was getting everything I wanted from him. You can’t compare what you did to what he did. He was warped Tricia. It became an obsession to him. He was almost literally screwing anybody by the end, he had no control at all. It was affecting every facet of his life. You would never get like that. Hell I guess I gave it my best shot and I couldn’t get like that even all the shit I tried after I kicked his bony ass out.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie’s eyes were wet and Tricia gave her a hug.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie held on to Tricia and, looking into her eyes, said quietly. “honestly Tricia I don’t think you should feel all that guilty. Yeah you should be careful. Obviously some people can get addicted to sex and he was one of them. I don’t see you ever getting that way. It sounds to me like you got more pleasure from the poker part anyway once you really got rolling. The poker and just the socializing with new and exciting friends sound to me like what really got you going. If something else happens well then just keep what happens in Vegas in Vegas. Isn’t that what they say?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. “I still feel guilty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then just go to play poker and behave yourself. You can do it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know.” Tricia said. “I feel guilty for leaving Matty too though. That doesn’t seem right.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why not?” Kerrie said. “Your job as a parent is to care for him. You did that. You can’t be there every second. Lots of parents travel. Matt could have been there for him. Your parents were there for him. You took care of him by arranging for good loving responsible care for him. I admit I’m disappointed that Matt doesn’t seem to take a more active role. After all you’ve told me it was his idea for you to have kids at all.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. She felt the same way and knew that Kerrie knew it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She was about to comment on that when her cell phone rang. She looked at it and didn’t recognize the number. Answering it she said a cautious hello.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hi Tricia this is Kevin James.” She heard. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>It took a second for her to process the name and then she said, “Kevin! Hi! How are you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m fine,” Kevin said. “Is this a bad time?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not at all. I’m at a park with a friend and our kids so I shouldn’t talk long though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie was watching her, eyebrows raised, a smile on her face. Tricia smiled back and covering the phone said, “I’ll tell you about him in a minute ok?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie nodded.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I won’t take up much of your time Tricia,” Kevin said. “I am going to be in the area the day after tomorrow and wondered if I could swing by and see you. Maybe meet your son and your husband.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Really?” Tricia asked. “Well I guess that would be ok. I told Matt about you. I don’t know what he’ll think of it but I can’t see why he’d mind.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Would you like to check with him first?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No, it’s ok,” Tricia said and then asked, “Are you going to be coming alone or is anybody coming with you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Jaime for instance?” Kevin asked with a chuckle.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He’s not is he?” Tricia asked in a near panic. “That would not be a good idea Kevin.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin chuckled. “Relax. I’m not that insensitive to things. I know better than that. Actually Carolyn Snow will be with me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Carolyn?” Tricia asked curiously. “Will Rick be coming too?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>At the mention of that name Kerrie perked up and looked curiously at Tricia.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin laughed again. “That wouldn’t be a lot better now would it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head, somewhat flustered. Then she remembered Kevin could not see that. “No I am not sure that would be a good idea. Obviously I did not tell Matt that part but I’m not sure if I could handle having Rick there.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not to fear,” Kevin said. “he will be playing a tournament series in California as a warm up to the WSOP. Carolyn are on our way to Europe for some promotions.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And that takes you through Cincinnati?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No you are what takes me through Cincinnati. If you have no objections that is.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course not but I don’t see why you’d waste time on me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe I don’t consider visiting a friend a waste of time.” Kevin said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia felt herself blushing. “Of course not and I’m honored you think of me that way. I’d love to see both of you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We get in mid morning the day after tomorrow and have a stop to make that should leave us free by early to middle afternoon. Can you give me directions to your house? We can just come by when we get free if that will work for you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sure,” Tricia said, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that Kevin and Carolyn were taking the time to visit her. She gave Kevin directions and answered a few questions about them and then hung up.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie was looking at her expectantly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I told you about Kevin James and how he seemed to take an interest in me,” Tricia said. Then seeing Kerrie’s eyebrows go up she added. “And I mean a professional interest I swear!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok!” Kerrie said holding her hands up in surrender but smiling broadly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Honest!” Tricia said. “He and Carolyn Snow are coming to visit the day after tomorrow.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Cool,” Kerrie said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It really is,” Tricia said. “I’ll be glad to see him. I wonder what he wants? He said he and Carolyn are on their way to Europe for some kind of promotions. The WSOP is coming up so I guess they will be hopping over there and coming right back. It must be nice.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie smiled.“I’m jealous of your trips and you’re jealous of theirs. What goes around comes around huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed and began wondering in earnest what was really bringing Kevin and Carolyn to visit her.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-76731812799872861662007-10-23T12:09:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.306-07:00Chapter 41<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>It was such a nice May day that Tricia had to ask herself just why she seemed to be in such a bad mood. She knew that answer but she was wondering if maybe everybody was right and she just had to get over it. Certainly, she thought, Matty didn’t deserve her being gloomy. He’d asked earlier if Tricia would go out and play with him and she’d put him off. She imagined he’d been disappointed although in typical fashion for him he didn’t really show it. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia snorted, thinking that she pouted worse than her six year old son did. A fine state of affairs. The phone rang and she answered it impatiently.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Uh oh, I think I got you at a bad time,” Tricia heard her friend Kerrie say on the other end of the phone.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No I’m just feeling grumpy with the world. It’s no worse a time than any other,” Tricia told her. “And having said that you probably wish you had not called. I’m sorry.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re entitled to be grumpy.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well thank you. Everybody else has just told me to get over it pretty much.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not gonna let you wallow in it,” Kerrie said in her usual perky way. “On the other hand grumpy, like shit, happens. Frequently they happen together. Anything you want to talk about?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Talking about it seems to make it worse,” Tricia said. “Everybody just tells me that I need to accept things.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Everybody doesn’t cuz I haven’t,” Kerrie pointed out.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia could imagine her grin as she said it and smiled in spite of herself. “You’re right and the best way to keep you from telling me that too is to not talk about it probably.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well if you’re that sure you’re wrong then you should just get over it but since you haven’t talked to me about it I wouldn’t know,” Kerrie blurted out in the way she sometimes did. When she had something on her mind she tended to talk fast like that. “I think it would help you to get out. Have you looked outside? It’s gorgeous! Why don’t you and Matty meet me and Walker at the park. I’ll even bring a picnic lunch.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You don’t need to go to that trouble,” Tricia said, hoping to get out of it. She didn’t want to go even though she knew she should. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Too late. I already made it up.” Kerrie said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You already made up a picnic lunch for all of us?” Tricia asked, unable to keep from smiling. Kerrie was a frequent source of amusement to her. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well if you couldn’t make it then I’d have an extra lunch for Walker and me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And where is Jason?” Tricia asked then remembered. “I forget sometimes they are so far apart in ages. Jason is in school.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Actually Jason is on that trip to Philly for the school band.” Kerrie reminded her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh yeah,” Tricia said, now really remembering. “You and Walker have the whole week together alone.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah, next year Walker starts school and I’m going to miss having him around, most of the time anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know what you mean. At least you know what to expect since you’ve done it once before.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’ll be fine,” Kerrie reassured Tricia knowing that Tricia was not necessarily looking forward to having Matty starting school. “And a great way for you to enjoy Matty’s company would we to meet Walker and I at the park.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Ok I surrender.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Wear a bathing suit.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you out of your mind?” Tricia asked. “The lake must be freezing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But the sun is warm and I for one look like I’ve been stuck inside during a long cold winter. It’s time we got some sun girl.” Kerrie said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Didn’t your doctor ever tell you that’s bad for you?” Tricia said half jokingly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The way I see it I have two choices. I can die from the sun and become a ghost or I can stay looking like I do know and I already look like a ghost I’m so pale. I’ll take my chances. Bring sunscreen if you’re worried but I want company sunbathing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia gave in to the inevitable. It was usually hard for her to turn Kerrie down at times like this. She was usually right and Tricia knew she was this time as well. When she went to tell Matty he was quietly coloring on the sun porch. His excited reaction when she asked if he wanted to go to the park with Walker was all she needed to know that Kerrie was right again.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>A short time later the boys were happily playing on the playground equipment<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>along with a horde of other children and Tricia and Kerrie had staked out spots where they could keep an eye on the boys but were far enough from the noise to be able to talk without shouting.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re looking good girl,” Kerrie told her. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had debated which bathing suit to wear and had finally opted for her bikini. She had decided if she was going to get a tan she wanted to get as much of one as she could.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You are too but then you always do. It must be nice to be naturally skinny and always able to wear a bikini.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Scrawny is a more apt description I think. I would kill for real breasts. You look good in that bikini. I don’t think I saw you in it all last summer though. Why not?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Because I looked like a cow.” Tricia said. “I worked hard to lose a little weight and I got back to walking. It works good walking while Matty rides his bike with me. It’s good for both of us and he gets exercise while thinking it’s fun. Hell even I think it’s fun most of the time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you look good now, but you always did. You worry too much.” Kerrie said. “Now tell me what the problem is that everybody says you should get over.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia sighed. She’d known Kerrie wasn’t going to let it go.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Same old shit really,” Tricia said. “For a few days after I got back, maybe a whole week Matt was just the way I would like him to be. He got home from work at a reasonable hour and spent time with both me and Matty. He was involved with Matty and also with me after Matty’s bed time if you get my drift.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I get your drift, you were getting some regularly,” Kerrie said with a smile which then faded. “And now you’re not? Is that it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well in part. Hell it’s been a week now. He’s back to coming home late and saying he’s too tired, telling me it’s all I think about.” Tricia said. “he used to like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie nodded. “He likes it when you want it all the time as long as he does but if he has other plans or doesn’t want to be bothered then you’re a nympho.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Exactly.” Tricia said. “And I could probably live with that. Hell I was for a while with just a toy or two and the shower massage and now I’ve got the hot tub. Sometimes that’s better than a guy anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Toys you know I approve of since we’ve been to the Adult toy store together, even if it did embarrass the hell out of me. I understand the shower massage. But how is a hot tub better than a guy?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia grinned, knowing she was about to get Kerrie blushing. “Well you have to go in naked, that’s the best way anyway as long as little prying eyes are asleep, then you arrange yourself just so and the jets will work wonders.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh,” Kerrie said sounding a tad embarrassed but disappointing Tricia by not blushing. “Well if you ever want me to house sit while you all are gone let me know. I’ll try out your hot tub. You know now I’m not going to be able to go in it with you all without thinking about that and blushing. That was not fair.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You asked,” Tricia pointed out.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well, to get back to a safer subject, for me anyway, if Matt was more attentive when you’d been gone a while on your trip maybe you should do it again soon.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I would like to, at least sort of.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why just sort of? It sounded to me like you had a wonderful time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had told Kerrie all about the trip but had left out the parts about Jaime and Rick.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I had a great time and I did so much better than I thought I would. The thing is I feel bad leaving Matty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Poor kid,” Kerrie said. “He was so deprived. You left him with your nasty mean parents who spent the whole time entertaining the hell out of him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Ok. He was not deprived. Hell I’m still shocked at the way he and my dad got along. Or really I’m surprised that Dad was like that. I wish he’d been more like that when Andy and I were growing up.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe he knows he could have been better why you were growing up and is trying to make up for that with theone grandchild he gets to see. Who knows maybe you can get him and your brother to reconcile, then he can see his other grandchildren.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’d love it but I’ve been afraid to bring it up.” Tricia admitted. “It was good to see Dad with Matty though. Hell it’s how I wish Matt would be with him. It sounds like he did spent some time with Matty while they were building the sun porch. Matty has talked about it a lot. I think he’s confused at why he doesn’t get to do that kind of thing anymore. Sometimes I’m even afraid he’s going to think that as long as I’m around his Dad is always going to ignore him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s silly Tricia.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Is it?” Tricia asked. “I wonder. When I wasn’t here Matt did spent some time with Matty, some good Dad type time. Now I’m back and he doesn’t have time for him. He doesn’t have time for me either so I know how Matty feels but I’m old enough to accept it a bit better I think. Hell Matt is the one who wanted kids. I’ve told you that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie nodded. “Yeah but I know you’re glad you did it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hell yes I am. I admit I was stupid. Matty is the greatest. I could even get over being ignored by Matt because he was spending time with Matty. I could handle playing second fiddle to Matty. I just hate to play second fiddle to Matt’s job, if that’s what I’m really playing second fiddle to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What does that mean?” Kerrie asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know better than me,” Tricia said, “you’re the one who’s first husband was like that.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As they’d gotten to know each other, in part because their kids were the same age, Kerrie had told Tricia about her first husband. He’d been a police officer in Chicago where they lived at the time. Kerrie never referred to him as her Ex but rather as “the father of my oldest son,” or “the dickhead” if she was among friends. Apparently things had started off well but then her husband began to have affairs. They became quite blatant and Kerrie had been about to divorce him when he’d been arrested for having an sex with an underage runaway. That had been the last straw for Kerrie who had divorced him as quickly as she could, in the process getting sole custody of Jason, the son they’d had together.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So you think Matt is having an affair and that is why he’s working late and isn’t interested in sex?” Kerrie asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “I don’t have any evidence but you have to admit it makes sense. Mary Beth says she doesn’t think so. My mom says the same thing. My dad as much as told me I’m trying to justify what I did with Jaime eight years ago.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know what to say Tricia,” Kerrie said quietly. “I hope you’re wrong.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But you don’t think I am?” Tricia said, reading Kerrie’s expression.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie shrugged. “I don’t know. I admit that I thought of that when you were talking about the way he’s acting. I thought about it before this. I wasn’t going to bring it up. After what the Dickhead did to me I am more than a little paranoid. I see shadows just about everywhere. Don is a saint to put up with me. I never ask him to but I know he is always careful to leave me no room to doubt. Most guys would not do that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well silly that’s why you married him. He loves you and takes time to understand you and know what you want and need and he gives it to you. If you ever get tired of him let me know.” Tricia said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie laughed. “Don’t hold your breath. I’m sorry Matt is the way he is but for what it’s worth he’s head and shoulders above the Dickhead.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia sighed. “Well hell at least if he’s doing it he’s discreet. It’s not like you where all your friends knew.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Knew? Half of them were screwing his brains out.” Kerrie snorted.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought it up.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie waved it off. “it was ten years ago. I just hate being paranoid about it and I wonder if I shouldn’t be talking to you about Matt because I’m liable to make you see ghosts where none exist.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But maybe they do exist.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Have you tried asking him?” Kerrie asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh yeah,” Tricia said sarcastically, “Then he will just throw Jaime in my face.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well throw him right back damn it!” Kerrie said heatedly. “point out that if you’d been getting what you’d been telling him you wanted and needed and had every right to expect from a spouse then Jaime never would have happened. I was giving the Dickhead everything and still the asshole wanted more. You’re not like that. You had a need and you met it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You know,” Tricia mused, “It still boggles my mind that you, of all my friends, understand about Jaime like you do. It seems to me you’d be the one to condemn me the easiest.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We’ve been through that. I told you my story. I told you how I was when I found out about him and some of the things I did. You’ll never in a million years hold a candle to any of that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia felt herself coming close to blushing remembering just a few of the things Kerrie had told her and remembered how she marveled that somebody who was basically shy about sex could have done them. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She felt herself debating about telling Kerrie more about the trip, telling her about Jaime and Rick. She was saved for the moment when the kids came running up complaining about wanting lunch.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-5067849161966094542007-10-23T12:08:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.307-07:00Chapter 40<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth was waiting when Tricia pulled up to the restaurant. They exchanged hugs, Mary Beth was big on hugging everybody. Tricia thought maybe it went with the slight southern accent she still had even after all these years of living in Ohio instead of Alabama. Matty put up with being hugged somewhat impatiently. He was obviously antsy to get inside.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I get a milkshake cuz I was good for gramma and grampa!” Matty told Mary Beth as he pulled Tricia by the hand toward the door.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Good for you Matty!” Mary Beth said with a smile. “But you are going to eat all your lunch first right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matty nodded vigorously.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As they stood in line ordering Tricia said, “I can’t believe you suggested McDonalds. We could have gone to a real restaurant.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I was being sneaky,” Mary Beth said with a smile. “I want to hear about your trip and I knew that this is the only way I’ll get time even close to alone with you for a few days at least. Here Matty gets a meal he will eat happily and can go play on the playground while we talk. If we go to a real restaurant he’d pick through his food and be bouncing off the walls with boredom in fifteen minutes.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had to smile, knowing she was right. “Well I guess you learned something raising three kids.” Mary Beth was roughly the same age as Tricia, a few years older at forty five. She had started young though having kids and was probably soon going to be a grandmother even.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You bet your ass I did,” Mary Beth chuckled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>It was their turn in line and they ordered and took their food to a table overlooking the playground. Matty turned his attention right to eating. He knew better than to even ask about going to play until he’d finished eating.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth, watching him, said, “You know I never got any of mine not to whine to go play instead of eating like I wanted them to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think I wore him down,” Tricia giggled. “He’s only six but he’s smart. He also knows his mom is stubborn. Besides you had three kids and they all ganged up on you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ain’t that the truth.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Did you ever leave yours alone with somebody when they were Matty’s age?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth looked at Tricia with a smile. “Would you STOP worrying already? Your parents adore Matty. Even your dad seems to. Does it look like he suffered?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head sheepishly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok so get off the guilt train girl,” Mary Beth said. “Be glad you have only one, at least right now. It gets real hard to find anybody who can or will take three if you want some kind of a getaway. You have been lucky to have your parents close and willing to take Matty so you and Matt could get away for a weekend every now and then.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know,” Tricia said. “But isn’t it natural for a mother to worry?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Natural maybe, sensible no. Your parents raised you just fine and they are still healthy and easily up to taking great care of Matty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok,” Tricia said holding her hands up. “You’re right.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>By now Matty had wolfed down his food and had worked his way through part of his milkshake. “Mom. Can I go play now? I want to save this. I’ll be real hot later and it will be good then.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s first instinct was to tell him to finish everything but then she shrugged telling herself he’d eaten all the real food, such as it was. “It’ll be melted whenyou’re done playing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’ll still be cold won’t it? Please?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok Matty. Play nice.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matty was off like a shot and Tricia and Mary Beth watched him stuff his shoes in one of the little cubbies then climb into the playground.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Now,” Mary Beth said between bites of the salad she was eating. “Tell me all about it. I want all the dirt.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“There is no dirt,” Tricia said, knowing that was not entirely true. “I went to play poker and I played poker. I was nervous as hell at first. It was really intimidating how big it was and how busy. I got amazingly comfortable there though by the end and I was actually sort of sorry to come home in a way. Is that terrible?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why should it be? From what I’ve heard you did great! I can’t believe you won $14,000!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well not all of that I got to keep and the IRS will get their share. I cashed in another event and some satellites and did good in cash games so I’ve definitely got enough to do it again.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth was shaking her head. “That’s great but do you mean you went all that way, spent two weeks away from your family and did no partying? There has to be some dirt!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And you’d have been partying every night? Maybe finding all the wild orgies in town?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m talking about you not me.” Mary Beth laughed. “I am old. Hell I’ll probably be a grandmother before long the way Brian and Dawn are talking. My days to howl are over I think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I’m not that much younger,” Tricia said. “I did party some but not like you think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well tell me and I’ll decide.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I met this guy named Kevin James,” Tricia said, trying to decide how to tell Mary Beth about him without mentioning Jaime. She didn’t think she wanted to go there, even with Mary Beth. It was something she’d been thinking about for a long time and for the time being she had decided nobody would know she’d seen Jaime again, even Mary Beth who knew all about him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That sounds encouraging!” Mary Beth said. “Is he cute?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head and laughed. “Well actually he is. He’s also a decade younger than I am. His interest in me was purely professional. He is one of the pro’s I met. He’s a very good player and a good teacher. I guess, for whatever reason, he sort of took me under his wing. He’s done it for several players. He has sponsorship deals with some of them.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Took you under his wing huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Get your mind out of the gutter,” Tricia grinned. “After one of his guys did real good in a tournament I’d been in he took me and two of his guys out to dinner for sort of a celebration. It was not a party though exactly. It was also sort of an analysis session. It was a real eye opener to see how professionals think about the game.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“God you really did go just for the poker didn’t you?” Mary Beth said shaking her head. “That is so sick.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed at her friend. “Well there were a couple of real parties if that will make you feel better. Kevin threw one after I placed second in the Ladies Event. I found out I’m too old for that. I drank way too much and paid the price for it the next day.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And did you wake up in your own bed the next day?” Mary Beth asked, a teasing look on her face.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not only did I wake up in my own bed but I woke up alone. Sorry to disappoint you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Awww Tricia you know I’m kidding,” Mary Beth said. “A girl can dream though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And you’d cheat on Dutch if you went to a party without him and had the chance?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth shrugged. “Well I never have. You’re living proof that it could happen to anybody. I’d have never in a million years figured you’d have done it eight years ago.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had heard that a lot. She supposed it was a compliment although it sometimes came across sounding like people were saying she was so boring it was amazing she’d ever stepped out of line. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I did. And if I did then yeah you could. Hell maybe if you’d been at one of the parties there you would have. There were some good looking guys there. Good looking women there if you wanted to experiment.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth nearly choked. “Tricia!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you never know,” Tricia said innocently. “You’re the one with who reads all those magazines. I remember that one article you showed me a couple years ago with that survey about whether you’d ever kissed another woman. Maybe you decided to try it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’d be the first to know,” Mary Beth said, sensually in a deep southern accent.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia sputtered at that and then Mary Beth was unable to keep from grinning.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok,” she said, “Now we’re even.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I should know better than to try to tease you. It always bites me in the ass.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yes it does,” Mary Beth said smugly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“On the same subject though the woman who beat me in the Ladies Event, Carmen Cruz, is the one who Matt always drools over if she’s playing when I’m watching poker on TV. I swear he only watches with me when she’d playing. Of course she is good looking and she does dress real sexy. Too bad for him but they told me later that she is a lesbian.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Really?” Mary Beth said. “If it was a guy who told you that he probably just got turned down when he asked her out and that is how he justifies it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “Well maybe but I heard it from at least one woman too.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And did she have direct knowledge of that?” Mary Beth asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I wondered that at the time,” Tricia mused, thinking of Carolyn and the way she’d talked to Carmen and about Carmen after she was alone with Tricia. “I don’t know but I’d rate it as possible. The woman was a lawyer who ended up chucking her former life and taking up poker. I guess her husband ended up getting arrested among other things, I don’t know the details but it sounded like a mess. I take it she kind of went a little wild for a while.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well good for her,” Mary Beth said with a sigh. “There are times I’d like to chuck it all. I’ve been married to Dutch for over half my life. My kids are all grown now. Dutch seems to be spending more and more time being a dickhead. This empty nest thing is kinda sucking.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked up sharply at the bitter tone in Mary Beth’s voice. “I thought you were enjoying trying to get your decorating business going. Are you still thinking about opening a real office or the shop you were talking about?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth shrugged. “Hell I don’t know. Dutch keeps saying I don’t need to work so why should I? I swear it’s like he thinks people will see that I went back to work after all these years as a stay at home mom and think it’s because he’s not doing good.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ve talked to other women whose husbands were like that,” Tricia admitted. “I couldeven see Matt having that attitude. Sometimes I think he wanted to have kids so I could be a stay at home mom and he could be the sole provider.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I swear sometimes I think all men are one step up from cave men.” Mary Beth sighed. “Matt is a lot better than Dutch. Hell if I’d gone somewhere for two weeks he never would have thought to do something nice for me like Matt did. I’d have gotten back and the house would have been a pig sty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He can be sweet sometimes,” Tricia admitted. “I thought the whole time I was gone that he was fooling around or something. Then I get back and he’s build my sun porch. Boy was I wrong.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia then looked at Mary Beth and smiled. “I bet somebody helped him clean the house though. It had to be either you or mom and I don’t think he’d have asked my mom.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why couldn’t he have done it himself?” Mary Beth asked. The look on her face totally gave away to Tricia that it had been her though.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He could have had it fairly neat but not clean like that. Hell parts of it were cleaner than I manage to keep it,” Tricia said. “Just fess up. I’m not jealous. Hell you can clean my house anytime you want.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth laughed. “Screw you! Ok so I cleaned some. He was worried about it and he did try to clean it. Hell he did tons better than Dutch could have. He’s still a guy though and guys can’t clean anything really clean. You know that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “I know. And thank you very much. I was not looking forward to getting home after two weeks and having to clean up a mess. I owe you one.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You don’t owe me anything. What are friends for?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia and Mary Beth exchanged smiles. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was still worried about the wayMary Beth had been talking earlier about her life. “Are you and Dutch having that much trouble? Is there anything more you want to talk about? Maybe it will help to talk about it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth waved her concern aside. “Oh Hell. I was just making noise. We’ve been married this long, we’ll be married forever. It’s not like he hasn’t always loved fishing more than me. Half the time he drags Matt with him for crying out loud. Next time he does we should have a woman’s weekend if you can get your parents to watch Matty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s a great idea,” Tricia said. “We’ll do that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Now tell me more about your trip. I want details. There has to be good stuff you haven’t told me.” Mary Beth said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia spent the next half hour giving a condensed and highly edited version of her trip. She mentioned Rick but not anything other than their first dinner together in his room during the tournament, the innocent one. She came close to mentioning Jaime a couple of times but managed not to and not to, apparently, make Mary Beth suspicious.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They were interrupted by a beeping coming from Mary Beth’s purse. She dug into it and pulled out her Blackberry. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well shoot,” Mary Beth said. “I can’t believe we have been here this long. I hate to do it but I have to go. I’ve got an appointment across town in half an hour.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s ok,” Tricia said. “You should come over sometime we can go in the hot tub.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I will take you up on that,” Mary Beth told her. “It looks great. I bet you and Matt had fun last night didn’t you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia blushed which was all the answer Mary Beth appeared to need. She gave Tricia a quick kiss on the cheek as they said their goodbyes and headed to her car while Tricia went to try to convince Matty it was time to go.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-43272730766890370732007-10-23T12:07:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.308-07:00Chapter 39<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had been surprised that Matt had been willing to sleep in and then wait for her to make breakfast before heading out to work. As a consequence she was far later than she thought she’d be going to pick up Matty from her parents. After two weeks away from him she was acutely aware that he would be starting school next year and she would not have him with her all day every day. In some ways she supposed that would make it easier the few times a year she did go to play a tournament series. She knew it would take some adjustment though, she’d come to rely on having him home all day and knew that seeing her baby going off to school was going to be hard. She had to smile at her attitude because she had been the one who’d not really wanted to have children and here she was as hooked on him as everybody told her she’d be. This was one case, she told herself, where being predictable was a very good thing.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She pulled into her parents front yard and went up to the house, knocking and then entering, calling out to find out where everyone was. Her mother answered from the kitchen and Tricia went to find her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They hugged and her mom smiled at her. “You look like you had a good night. I’m glad you let us take Matty for one more night. It was good for both you and Matt I think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia felt herself blushing. Her mom had always been like that. She had been the one who’d given Tricia any sex talks that she’d had growing up. As nearly as she could figure her father would sooner die than talk about it. She’d seen her mom gently tease her father through mild sexual innuendos all her life. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her father had been firmly on Matt’s side when Tricia’s tryst with Jaime was discovered. He had made it clear how displeased and disappointed he was in her. If it hadn’t been that he’d been hard to please her entire life it might have crushed her but as it was she’d found that for the most part it rolled off of her. Maybe if her brother had been able to have that attitude he wouldn’t have left home and cut off all, or most ties, with the family.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her mom had supported her father on the matter but Tricia always got the impression that she was far more understanding. She’d come to see over the years since it happened that her mom mostly seemed to be disappointed that she had gotten caught more than she was disappointed with what Tricia had done. That had led Tricia, in the past few years, to wonder if her mom may have at sometime done something similar. She had even had visions, after seeing the movie <EM>Bridges of Madison County</EM> of one day, after her mother had passed on of finding similar diaries detailing it all. Tricia had laughed at that though, telling herself that life was life and fiction was fiction.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I had a very good night,” Tricia said. “And that’s all I’m going to say.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well certainly dear,” her mom said, a totally innocent look on her face. “I didn’t expect a blow by blow account. I know you love Matty and must have been missing him something fierce so I’m just glad you gave yourself that one more night.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Me too Mom and thank you for taking him, both last night and for the last two weeks.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It was my pleasure. Your dad enjoyed it too. Don’t you dare tell him I said this but I think he’s trying to make up for the things that happened with your brother with Matty. It’s done my heart good to see them so happy together.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I have to admit that I can’t see Dad having the patience to pal around with Matty.” Tricia admitted.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know but you’ll see,” Her mom said. “They’re out in the workshop now. We’ll go out there after a bit but I want to hear about your trip first without your dad around. He still thinks Matt was off his rocker to let you go and that you were for going off to do something like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I can’t figure out why he seems against me playing poker,” Tricia said. “He has played all his life. He taught Andy and Andy is the one who taught me, even if whatI play now is different.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her mom sighed and then said. “For whatever reason he seemed to be determined to see only the worst in you kids. You know that, you grew up with it. It finally drove your brother away and that broke my heart. After that I got him to take it a little easier on you but it can’t have been easy.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia just shrugged. She didn’t feel like going into that all over, there was nothing to be gained that she could see.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He’s also just a plain old fashioned chauvinist.” Her mom went on. “Poker is something that guys do with their beer and their cigars around the kitchen table. All women are supposed to do is make sure there is enough beer and enough snacks.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I hate to disappoint him but some of the best poker players in the world are women,” Tricia said. “I can see how professional football might be a man’s game. It pays to be big and strong. Poker though? That only takes strength of will, and courage and brains. Women are just as smart as men any day!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her mom chuckled. “Preaching to the converted dear but you know how effective it would be to try to tell that old coot. If you ask me women are smarter than men. Don’t tell your dad I said that though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Tricia grinned. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So how was it? I can’t even imagine doing something like that,” her mom told her. “Going off to some place you’ve never been to risk all that money and stuff. Weren’t you worried you’d just lose your money?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I admit I had some doubts,” Tricia admitted with a shrug. “I didn’t know what to expect. At first it was very intimidating. The tournament room was huge mom! When I first walked in there were more poker tables than I’d ever imagined in one place.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But you got over feeling intimidated I guess?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded eagerly. “I did, very quickly really. Everybody was really pretty friendly. I did very well in the first cash game I played. Then the next day I went looking for satellites to the first event and met a guy, Gary, who told me how it worked and kind of led me through the process a little. He and his wife Sandy are neat people.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Excuse me dear but you sound like you’re talking French or some other foreign language. What is the difference between a cash game and a what did you call it? Satellite?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled. “Sorry mom. A cash game is like what Dad does with the guys. You are sitting around a table playing and if you go broke you can just reach in your pocket and get out more money. You can start and stop when you want.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“A satellite is a form of a tournament. In a tournament each player pays a set fee and then they all start with the same number of chips. Once you’re out of chips you’re out of the tournament. No reaching into your pocket to buy more, not in the tournaments I played anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“A satellite is a tournament that, instead of a cash prize, pays an entry into a bigger tournament. For example a what is called a $50+$5 satellite with ten people pays an entry into a $500 event. The other $5 from each person goes to the casino for running the tournament.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And what is it that you won that you got all that money?” her mom asked. “Did you really win $14,000? That boggles my mind.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled. “I really did. I wasn’t even going to play that event. It was a ladies only event and that kind of bugged me. Gary wanted his wife Sandy to play though and she was nervous. She said she’d play if I’d play and Gary offered to pay my entry into the tournament in return for a percentage of what I won.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So he paid for you to play? Just so his wife would play too?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Nodding, Tricia said, “Yep. It was a no-lose situation for me. It cost me nothing to try and I wasn’t playing the open event that day anyway. He paid $200 for my entry and $200 for Sandy’s entry. The deal we made was for 25% of my winnings which considering he took all the financial risk seemed like a good deal to me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But if you knew you could win then why not put up the $200 yourself and get all the money?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “Well I didn’t think I would win. I thought I could do well. I also wanted to help them out. He wanted Sandy to try it and I could tell she really wanted to but was afraid to. Actually even now I’d do the same deal probably if somebody offered it. Somebody I have come to respect a lot told me that it was not a bad deal for me at that time. And I only got second. I didn’t win.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well that’s pretty close to winning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “Once I got close I really wanted the win though. The cards were not on my side and Carmen Cruz, the woman who won, is a very good player, much better than me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“For now she is maybe, but maybe not for long?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We’ll see mom,” Tricia chuckled. “I can’t play as much as she does so I may not ever improve to that level.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you planning to go to another one of these tournaments?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at her mom, trying to decide what was behind the question. She didn’t see any evidence of disapproval.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I would like to,” Tricia admitted cautiously. “Matt seems to be ok with it. I’d have to see how it really sits with Matty having me gone like that. Most of them are kind of far away so it would be good if I could go for the whole thing. At least I know now I can play on that level and I have enough money socked away to affordit.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Evie McPherson was convinced you were going to lose your house and both cars gambling when you went off there.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Evie McPherson was one of her mom’s friends. Tricia thought of her as a kindly grandmother type but one hopelessly out of touch with the 20th century. Tricia could see Evie worrying about just that, she worried about anything anybody did that was the slightest bit out of the ordinary.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mom I know enough to never gamble with money I could not afford to lose. I learned that much growing up listening to Dad. I remember him saying they cut somebody out of their game because he was losing and could not afford it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her mom nodded. “Ray Rawson. Turned out he was losing their rent money. Poor guy. He drifted away after that. I suspect he just found some place else to lose it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Probably,” Tricia said. “I did see some players while I was there that definitely had gambling problems. You don’t have to worry about me though mom. I promise you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not really,” her mom said. “Not about gambling anyway. I don’t quite see why Matt was so comfortable letting you go off like that. I hope I’m not stirring up trouble dear but didn’t that seem odd to you? After he found out about your affair he was watching you like a hawk. Now he lets you go off on your own for two weeks?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t think I haven’t wondered Mom,” Tricia admitted. “I thought about that a lot and it kind of worried me. But then I got back and he’s built that sun porch just the way I wanted. I felt so bad for doubting him!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That was good. I know you’d been wanting it. He and his buddies got that up really fast. Fast enough he took off fishing that last weekend even. At least you didn’t have to sit home while he did that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia knew that her mom had seen her side of why she’d done what she did with Jaime. She never voiced that around Tricia’s dad, not more than once anyway when it had caused a big ruckus. Tricia knew she’d told Matt how she felt. She’d also told Tricia that no matter the provocation she should have used restraint. Somehow the way she’d said it to Tricia the times they’d talked about it had made Tricia think that her mom was trying to say ‘you shouldn’t have gotten caught’ more than ‘you shouldn’t have done it at all’. But Tricia wondered if that was just her trying to justify herself. She’d never had the nerve to out and out ask her mom if that was what she was saying and she though that she’d have not admitted it out of loyalty to Tricia’s dad if she had.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That discussion was terminated when Matty came bouncing into the room carrying a bird feeder that he proudly and loudly announced he’d made all by himself. Tricia hugged him and told him how nice it looked. Indeed it looked so good that she suspected he’d had more than a little help. When she looked up at her father he just winked, letting Matty take all the credit.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She stood up and hugged her father. “Thank you for being willing to take care of him for me Dad.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I enjoyed it honey,” her father said gruffly. “We had a good time. Matty also helped me make you some shelves for your new sun room. If you’ll pull around to the workshop I’ll load them into the car for you. We put the finishing touches on them this morning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Can I swing by and get them after lunch?” Tricia asked. “I told Mary Beth I’d meet her for lunch.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sure,” her dad said. “Then we can talk. I want to hear about your trip to the big den of iniquity.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That made Tricia look up at him sharply but his grin showed her that at best he was only half serious. She shook her head wondering why playing poker on Friday nights with the guys was ok but playing in a casino was not. She knew better than to even try to argue the subject with him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I want to tell you about it Dad,” Tricia said. “I’ll be back after lunch.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Do you want to leave Matty?” her mom asked. “You could have time with Mary Beth that way.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ve left Matty alone enough I think. I miss him too much to leave him alone again right now.” She gave Matty a big kiss on the cheek. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matty looked at his grandfather and rolled his eyes. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Women will be women Matty,” Tricia’s dad said, a trace of a smile in his voice, “Go on with your momma for now. We’ll have more time later.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok if you say so Grampa,” Matty said. “Can I have a milkshake with my lunch? I been real good! Just ask Gramma and Grampa!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He has been real good,” her mom said with a smile.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Then I see no reason that you shouldn’t get a milkshake Matty,” Tricia chuckled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Lets GO!” Matty said pulling Tricia toward the car by her hand.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess I’m leaving now,” Tricia said wryly. “I’ll swing by after lunch Dad.”</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-7410085042348427212007-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.308-07:00Chapter 38<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime had gotten to his house just a little later than Tricia had gotten to hers. Nobody was waiting for Jaime though. He took his bags out of the taxi and paid the driver then he let himself in the front door. The two cats, Rocky and Bullwinkle, paid him little mind, turning their backs on him as if to remind him that he’d been gone and thus had neglected them. Max, the old Labrador retriever had either not heard him come in or not felt like getting up. Jaime had walked into the family room and found him on the couch. Ritually he shooed Max off the couch and then started to head to the bedroom, then changed his mind and went into the utility room instead. He thought that Thursday was one of the maid’s days but she wasn’t here so he figured he was wrong. He dumped the contents of his bags, separating the clothes and starting a load of laundry. Then he scooped the non-clothing contents up and wandered around the house putting things away where they belonged and putting a wrapped package for his wife on the bar.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He was dozing in front of the television with a glass of wine beside his chair when he heard the garage door open and a car pull in. Then when he heard the door from the garage to the utility room open he called out, “I’m home Kay.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>There was a mumbled reply and a few minutes later she came into the room carrying two glasses of wine. She was a tall willowy blonde wearing a dark business suit. Jaime marveled at how even in conservative clothes he thought she looked great.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Welcome home, dear,” his wife said smiling at him and then seeing the glass beside him she went on. “I guess you don’t need this.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime drained the glass beside him and held his hand out, “The hell I don’t. Give it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay smiled and handed him the glass, bending over to give him a kiss. Jaime kissed her deeply and tried to pull her into the chair with him. She chuckled and pulled back. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Down boy, you pull me down and you’ll be wearing this glass of wine.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I missed you.” Jaime told her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And I missed you,” Kay told him. “Congratulations dear. You did very well.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay took a deep sip from her glass and put it down then slid onto Jaime’s lap. She kissed him again, surprising him by not moving his hand when he slid it inside her blouse cupping her breast.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I’d have thought you’d have had a bevy of poker cuties helping you and Kevin celebrate and you wouldn’t come home wanting to have anything to do with little old me. I see I was wrong.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m too damn old for poker cuties or groupies or whatever. Kevin gets those.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And what do you get?” Kay asked teasingly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“A hangover mostly,” Jaime said with a smile.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay chuckled. “Well for what it’s worth I did miss you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Enough to feel like fooling around later?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You want to wait until later?” Kay asked sliding her hand down. “Maybe you are getting old dear.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime was surprised by Kay’s willingness but wasn’t going to argue. An hour later they were lying curled up together in bed and Jaime was feeling much better.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I meant it Jaime when I said I was proud of you,” Kay told him, kissing his nose.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know,” Jaime murmured, then added. “It looks like I may out earn you this year finally Ms. Big shot corporate lawyer type.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m thrilled for you dear,” Kay said and Jaime knew she meant it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Despite the fact that she seldom matched his desire for sex he never had any doubt that she loved him and would do what she could to support him, she always had.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It feels good,” Jaime said with a sigh.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You spent a lot of time working for this,” Kay said. “I knew if you stuck to it you would get where you wanted to go.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not there yet,” Jaime said. “I’m on my way but I still don’t have a big event win under my belt.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It will come,” Kay assured him. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Kevin has been a big help,” Jaime told her. “He will probably swing by sometime next week. I told him he could stay with us. I didn’t think you’d mind.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Other than the fact that you two will be talking your foreign poker language that I can’t understand I don’t mind a bit. I like Kevin and he’s been a big help to you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ve put up with your lawyer language but makes little sense to me for years, you can stand a day or two of poker language.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay chuckled. “Touché”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Tricia was there at this event Kay.” Jaime said, feeling awkward bringing it up.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You told me that on the phone the first day.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you trying to tell me you two renewed your relationship?” Kay asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime looked at her but saw no jealousy, just concern.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“If so I hope you’ll be careful for both your sakes.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She’s got a little boy now,” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That makes it doubly important then. I’m surprised she was able to get to a poker tournament. Did he come with her?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime shook his head. “No he was staying with her parents.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay just nodded and Jaime went on. “We did not renew anything except a friendship. It wasn’t easy though. I think we both wanted to in some ways.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But she just wanted to be friends?” Kay asked. “Poor baby.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled. “Would you believe that was my idea? I just couldn’t do it. It went so bad the first time and I just couldn’t take a chance on doing that to either of us again. I’m not sure but what I was looking out for me more than her though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t think I’d look to motive,” Kay told him, kissing him lightly. “It sounds like it was the right thing to do. It can’t have been easy for you. I know how strongly you felt for her. You know she’s the only one I’ve ever felt jealous of.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s not like there’s been that many,” Jaime protested weakly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know dear,” Kay said. “I’m starved for some reason. Maybe it’s all the exercise. No time for either of us to cook now so how about you order a pizza while I take a shower. You got me all sweaty.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I thought you got ME all sweaty,” Jaime said. “I think I should take a shower with you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay chuckled. “You really are insatiable. That wasn’t enough?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She saw Jaime’s disappointed look and relented. “Order the pizza and then join me but we have to really take a shower and be done in time for the pizza to be here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime smiled agreement and went out quickly to phone the pizza place. He quickly joined Kay in the shower and was pleasantly surprised when he was able to arouse her again with no protest at all from her. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As they were drying off she shook her head at him. “Dammit Jaime if the guy left because we didn’t hear the doorbell you can go pick it up.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He grinned at her because he could tell from her tone that she was really not angry, just play acting. “I have it under control. I told them to hold off on it for half an hour before they put it in so if the teenybopper who answered the phone can follow directions it should be here in ten minutes.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re learning evil things being a professional gambler. I’m not sure I should continue to allow it. Besides it’s bad for my professional reputation.” Kay said, sounding serious.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime swatted her bare behind and she yelped. “Be careful or you’ll find out other things I know.” He slid his hand up to cup her breast.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She batted it away with a grin. “Ok Ok! I was joking. Enough is enough though. I really am hungry.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime handed her robe to her and put his own on. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The pizza came roughly on time and as they ate Jaime looked at Kay and asked, “What brought you home at such an ungodly early hour tonight?” She’d been home shortly after six and most nights she was much later.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“My psychic lawyerly talents let me know that you would be home this evening. I wasn’t lying about missing you Jaime. I thought I’d proved that. As amatter of fact I think we proved that two or three times.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled. “At least and I thank you. It was just what I needed. As for your psychic abilities I bet Kevin called you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe,” Kay said with a grin. “I never reveal a source.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s reporters. You’re a lawyer. You try to get them to reveal their sources.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh yeah,” Kay giggled, letting Jaime know she was feeling the wine. “He was worried about you dear. He seems to be a good friend.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“A bit meddlesome maybe,” Jaime said with a grin. “But yeah, a good friend.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Jaime?” Kay asked. “Are you ok with having seen Tricia again and nothing happening?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime nodded. “Yeah. It’s made me think about some things though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Once I got used to the fact that we were just going to be friends and nothing sexual was going to happen I actually found I liked it that way. It made a lot of things a lot easier. Maybe I’m too old for that shit Kay.” Jaime said. “You always told me I’d grow out of it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re not too old Jaime,” Kay said. “You proved that to me tonight. Not that you had to. Hell you’ll have a stronger sex drive at 80 than I’ve ever had. We both know that. It’s worked out for almost a decade the way we’re doing things. The way you said that just now though would seem to bode no good for what’s her name in wherever she is.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime smiled. Kay knew the women existed but knew no details at her request. The only reason she knew about Tricia was because it had become impossible for her not to, a fact that Jaime still regretted for Kay’s sake as much as his and Tricia’s.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He shrugged and frowned. “I’m not looking forward to it but yeah. It’s not working. Also I’m playing so much more now. That would have doomed it anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s your decision Jaime,” Kay said softly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I know.” Jaime said, aware that this was far more than was usually discussed on the subject between them. “I just thought you should know.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay nodded acceptance but didn’t say anything, just sat studying Jaime over the piece of pizza she was eating.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Is it working for you?” Jaime asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Is what working for me?” Kay looked confused.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“My increased time away at tournaments.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay shrugged. “I know that a lot of the time, especially the last year or two since my last promotion, that I’ve not been there for you. Hell we both know I haven’t been there as much as you wanted for a much longer time than that. I’m tickled that you have found a way to be happy Jaime. If you come home to me from time to time I’ll be happy. Can you be happy with it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime nodded. “I’ve thought about it a lot since last night. It’s a bit like living in two separate worlds. Maybe it would make some people go insane but I like it. Hell maybe that is because I’m already insane.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“As long as you’re happy I love you, sane or not Jaime Devlin,” Kay said with a smile.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I love you too,” Jaime said. “Have you had enough pizza?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kay nodded. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well now that you’re gotten nourishment and considering it’s nearly your bedtime and you’ve had a shower already why don’t we go to bed.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You mean to sleep right?” Kay asked cautiously.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in6pt"><FONT size=4>“Eventually.” Jaime was grinning.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Are you going to come home this horny every time?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Probably, is that going to be a problem?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oddly enough, not tonight.” Kay said surprising Jaime when she stood up and shed her robe, walking naked out of the dining room toward their bedroom.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When he started to follow her she called over her shoulder. “Put the leftovers in the fridge first please and let Max out. Oh and bring my robe when you come to bed.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Crap! You’ll be asleep before I get that done!” Jaime said only half joking.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe…maybe not. You better hope Max is fast for once.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled putting the pizza box in the fridge and herding Max out the back door. Hoping Max would be fast was a good joke. Max’s days of doing anything fast were long gone. Oh well, Jaime thought to himself, even if she was asleep when he got there he’d had a good evening and was glad to be home for a little while.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-61426404452531420802007-10-15T07:01:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.309-07:00Chapter 37<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia stared at her front yard. At first glance there seemed to be cars all over it. There were also two banners hanging on the front porch. One read “Welcome home” and the other read “Congratulations”. The front porch looked crowded. Tricia saw Matty standing on the porch rail as Matt held him from behind. She had to fight down an automatic urge to frown since she hated when they did that. This time she smiled instead as Matty was waving enthusiastically at her. Her mom and dad were there as was Matt’s dad which surprised her. Mary Beth, one of her best friends and her husband Dutch and their three kids were there. Another of her friends, Kerrie, was there with her two kids as well.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Pulling up to the house Tricia got out and was instantly mobbed. She picked Matty up and they exchanged a big hug then Matt joined them hugging them both. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m glad you’re home Mommy!” Matty said enthusiastically.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Me too,” Matt added, smiling.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Me three!” Tricia said kissing Matty and then Matt.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yuck!” Matty said, watching Tricia kissing<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Matt. “Come see our surprise Mommy!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at Matt. “Isn’t you all greeting me like this the surprise?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Only the tip of the iceberg,” he assured her. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matty was squirming to be put down and when Tricia put him down he grabbed her hand. “Come on Mommy. I’ll show you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Soon sweetie,” Tricia told him, greeting the others there with hugs, kisses and hand shakes.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>There was a swirl of talk with everybody talking all at once. Through it all Matty was tugging on Tricia’s hand and more and more loudly trying to get her to follow him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Finally Mary Beth laughed and said, “People we had better let Matty show her the surprise before Tricia loses an arm because Matty pulled it off.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matty, leading Tricia by the hand, proudly led the way around the house. Tricia began to be a little afraid that Matt had given in and gotten Matty a pony. Matty wanted one and they’d discussed it and decided it was not a good idea.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her fears were quickly laid to rest though when she was led around the corner of the house into the back yard. There in front of her instead of the old deck that had been getting closer and closer to being unsafe she saw a beautiful sun porch built just the way she’d dreamed it. It could have been taken from some of the magazine pictures she had clipped and hung on the fridge, in fact, she decided, it probably had been. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her eyes filled with tears and she looked up at Matt who was beaming. “Oh honey! Is this why you were so eager to have me go play the tournament for so long?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He hugged her and shrugged. “That’s part of it. I think you’ll find it’s just what you had wanted for so long. I finally got around to getting it done.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s wonderful! Thank you!” She threw her arms around Matt and gave him a big hug and a deep kiss.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They were interrupted by an impatient Matty tugging on her hand again. “Mommy! You got to see inside! Come see inside!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia let Matty lead her inside and she stopped, stunned again. Inside it was decorated just like she had dreamed as well. There was even a brand new hot tub bubbling away in one corner.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She turned to Matt in wonder. “You got all this done in two weeks?” Then she also got practical. “Can we afford this?” She began to see her tournament prize going away to pay for it.Still, she thought, it would be worth it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We can afford it,” Matt assured her. “You know I’ve had a lot of new work. I also traded out some work for a couple of the guys and they did the work that I couldn’t do so it only cost me for the materials and I even got a deal on that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But the hot tub!” Tricia said, amazed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt beamed. “You’ll have some extra bookkeeping to do. I have been keeping the cash from some of my smaller jobs that paid cash so I could surprise you with this.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know what to say Matt,” Tricia said. “And here you were acting so strange I thought you were up to something while I was gone.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt shrugged. “I guess I’m not that great at hiding things. I don’t have your poker face.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Well I was totally surprised so you hid it just fine! Hell I wasn’t sure what you were up to but it surely wasn’t this!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You owe Mary Beth some thanks too,” Matt told her. “She did the decorating.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked over at Mary Beth who was watching her with tears running down her cheeks and a big smile on her face. “Thank you so much! It’s just perfect!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They exchanged hugs and Mary Beth said, “I tried to make it look like you’d always talked about. The only difference really is that Matty wanted his toy box out here and we decided that would be fine with you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course it is!” Tricia said then looked down at Matty. “What do you think of it sweetie? Did you help Daddy?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I did!” Matty said, obviously proud of himself. “Daddy said I helped good so I get to have my toy box here as long as I keep my toys picked up like a big boy. Alsohe told me to never mess with the hot tub without Mommy or Daddy with me. Right Daddy?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt chuckled. “Right sprout,” Then he looked at Tricia, knowing what she was thinking. “The cover for the hot tub locks so as long as it’s on he can’t get into it. I just left it off so you’d see it that way.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled at him, happy not only because he had read her mind but because he’d even thought of it. Maybe, she thought, he had been listening even when she didn’t think he had been.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The party began in earnest then and everybody wanted her to tell all about her experiences. She told some, but by no means, all of it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When she mentioned Kevin and how he’d been such a big help to her and Gary and Sandy she had been watching Matt out of the corner of her eye and had been happy not to see him seem to react in jealousy. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kerrie and Mary Beth both told her they were jealous that she’d gotten to go like she had but then had told her they were both proud of her for doing so well. Dutch and Matt had both been interested to hear that she had met Carmen Cruz. She knew that Matt would know who she was from the poker that she’d made him watch with her. She hadn’t known that Dutch would know who she was. In typical Dutch fashion he had made some crude remark about Carmen that had reminded Tricia why he was not one of her favorite people and that had made Mary Beth roll her eyes when she and Tricia exchanged glances.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Through the swirl of talk and merriment, much more sober merriment than she had become accustomed to, Tricia’s thoughts drifted to other things. Primarily she felt that maybe this did settle her doubts about Matt’s acting different. Also she had realized that there had to be some money from jobs that Matt had not been giving her, either that or he was not working nearly as much as he’d said he was.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It would be a pain in the butt catching up she thought, but it would be worth it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She kept walking around looking at her new sun porch as the little party went on. Tricia kept thanking both Matt and Mary Beth, especially Mary Beth. At one point she had had a nearly private moment and had said, “Thank you so much for decorating so wonderfully. It wasn’t too hard on you working with Matt was it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia knew that Matt bugged Mary Beth nearly as much sometimes as Dutch bugged her. Matt and Dutch, while not super close friends were fishing and hunting buddies and when together sometimes drove both women crazy. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Mary Beth had just shrugged. “No actually it wasn’t that bad. It didn’t take me long to convince him that I knew what I was doing and he didn’t. That never would have worked with Dutch, I’ll tell you that!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They had both laughed at that. It amused her that Mary Beth thought Matt was more reasonable than Dutch. She’d always thought that but finding out Mary Beth did was a distinct surprise.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It was actually a lot of fun,” Mary Beth said. “It’s a good thing you don’t have any close neighbors though or they’d all be talking about all the visits I had to make to get it done. God in my neighborhood the neighbors would have had a field day with rumors!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had laughed knowing very well how Mary Beth’s neighbors liked to gossip from years of experience. She knew some of them and knew they were some of the biggest gossips ever.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As Matty’s bed time approached the party began to wind down. Tricia’s mom and dad were the last guests there. Her dad gave her a hug. “It sounds like you did real good honey. I’m proud of you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That had made Tricia’s tears well up. She couldn’t remember the last time her father had said he was proud of her. She could very well remember how ashamed he told her he was of her after Matt found out about Jaime years ago.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“We’ve got one last surprise for you,” her mom said. “We’re going to take Matty with us for one more night. Isn’t that right Matty?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matty nodded vigorously. “Gramma says Mommy and Daddy need time. Gramma says you will kiss all the time and that’s yucky. Gramma says you’ll pick me up in the morning, will you mommy?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia scooped Matty up into her arms and kissed him. “Of course I will sweetheart! Will you be ok for one more night with Gramma and Grampa? I will make it up to you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sure,” Matty said. “They let me sleep in my sleeping bag on the floor. It’s like camping only the cats sleep with me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Ok well be good and I’ll see you in the morning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>After another round of hugs and kisses Tricia was alone with Matt. She turned around looking at the inside of the sun porch. She hugged Matt and kissed him deeply. “Thank you sweetie. You have no idea how much this means to me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt kissed her back and then with an almost embarrassed expression on his face smiled and said. “I’m glad you like it. I know you’ve wanted it for a very long time. I thought it was time. We really can afford it. I’ll give you the paperwork in the morning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Whenever,” Tricia said leaning against Matt, not caring about details at the moment.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How about testing out the hot tub?” Matt said. “You might not like it you know.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Fat chance! I’ll love it. Let me go change into my bathing suit.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t arrange for Matty to spend one more night at your parents so you could go in the hot tub in your bathing suit. We’re here all alone…what’s stopping us?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s looked at Matt in surprise. He was normally very conservative about nudity and sex in general. He was, she had thought at times, a bit of a prude at times. This was a surprise but a pleasant one.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What about the neighbors? Won’t they see in?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt grinned and walked over, letting down roll up bamboo shades, giving them all the privacy they could want. “Any other questions?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nope!” Tricia said with a smile. “Last one in is a rotten egg!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt laughed but Tricia thought he undressed slower than her as much because he was watching her as she did as anything else.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I win!” Tricia said sliding in, “Oh it feels heavenly!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know.” Matt said finishing undressing and then sliding into the warm water with her. “I think it was worth losing in that case. I enjoyed the show.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He reached for her and she slid over to him. Their lips met and his hands began to caress her. She found as she reached for him that he was apparently as ready for her as she was for him.</FONT></P><BR/>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-74103605857695200252007-10-15T06:59:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.309-07:00Chapter 36<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia watched the hotel fade in her rear view mirror, giving that more attention than what was in front of her at the moment. As much as she missed Matty and Matt she felt a curious emptiness now that the tournaments were over and she was on her way back home. She’d come not knowing what to expect and she’d found far more than she had bargained for. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The last few days of the main event had passed quickly. It had been a wonderful time for Tricia and she was still smiling to think about it. She’d been happy as a clam playing cash games and keeping an eye on her new found friends in the main event. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She’d stuck to her guns and played her $4/$8 limit game and had done well. Enough people had heard of her placing second in the ladies event that she got some congratulations and some respect from that. Having Kevin, Jaime, Rick, Carolyn and even Carmen stop by her table on breaks to say hello had earned her some curious looks and some awed looks. Many people had asked and more had probably wondered why she was playing that game if she had any of those players for a mentor or friend, much less all of them.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Over the course of what before she’d come here would have been an awesome number of hours played in just the three days while the main event was going on she’d managed to increase her bankroll nearly another $900 in her little comfortable cash games. She was proud of that.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She’d also spent time watching some of her new friends play and had, she thought, learned a lot. There had not been much time, not enough really, to spend with Jaime but it had been nice when they’d had time and by the time they’d parted after the final party the last night all the awkwardness that had been there between them when they’d first been reunited seemed to Tricia to be gone. She felt like maybe they could just be friends and she could see that Jaime would be a very good friend.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia smiled thinking she’d partied more the past few days than she’d maybe ever partied in her life. These people played hard and they partied hard. She was leaving as late as she was allowed to check out because they’d had a huge party to celebrate Kevin and Jaime both making the final table of the main event and Kevin going on to win it. She’d been thrilled to watch that final table and to see two of her friends doing so well. She’d been pulling for Jaime of course but once he was out she easily switched to being all for Kevin. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They’d both had great results over the series and they’d both been very happy at the end. She’d been thrilled for them and thrilled to be included in their celebration. She’d met even more players she’d only read about or seen on TV and they’d all seemingly accepted her. Most she liked, a few she hadn’t, when she’d mentioned it to Jaime he’d just laughed and told her they had about the same feelings about the same people. She’d had to smile at that, glad the connection they’d seemed to have so strongly was still there all these years later.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When the party had been wrapping up in the wee hours she’d started crying when it came time for goodbyes. She’d tearfully told Jaime, Kevin and Rick that she wanted to say goodbye then and not in the morning. Jaime had been the only one who hadn’t looked uncomfortable with her crying. He’d smiled at her fondly and hugged her, assuring her it was ‘goodbye’ but ‘until we meet again’. Kevin had uncharacteristically shyly agreed and hugged her as well. Rick had done the same taking the time to try to apologize for his new and obvious attachment to Carolyn. Tricia had told him not to be silly and when he’d asked if they could still be friends had assured him they could. She realized now she really meant it and hoped it would be the case. Carolyn had also tried to apologize to her which Tricia thought was sweet. Carolyn had told her how she’d just needed to not be alone that night and explained some of reasons even though Tricia had tried to stop her, assuring her it was ok. Carolyn had quietly told Tricia that she didn’t know if anything long lasting would develop with Rick but she wanted to explore it. Tricia had found herself smiling and wishing her the best and really meaning it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Those thoughts and more occupied Tricia as she drove toward Cincinnati and home. She drifted in and out of reliving the good times and bad from the past couple of weeks but as she got closer to home her thoughts turned more toward home and Matty and Matt.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>There were so many unanswered questions awaiting her at home and facing them was not something she felt like doing. Face them she must though. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Why had Matt been so accommodating about her coming to this? Yes, she’d been hoping that maybe he would begin to trust her again. That thought filled her with guilt because she realized that she didn’t really deserve the trust. Ok so it hadn’t quite worked out but she’d done, or tried to do, just what Matt would have been afraid of. That it had not happened again was more due to Rick than her she knew. If he had asked she would have joined him again she was fairly sure. That he and Carolyn had obviously formed some kind of attachment over the past couple of days had been a surprise to a lot of people, not just her. Tricia had been surprised to find she had felt mostly relief with little or no jealousy.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Also she’d seen Jaime again and had hidden that from Matt. Tricia suspected that had she told Matt that Jaime was there when she was first sure of it things would have been different. Still the way Matt was acting maybe not.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>How could he had turned over a new leaf so suddenly and so totally? What other explanation could there be though? She’d wondered if he wanted her out of the way so he could have an affair. That seemed possible she thought but then told herself that she was just being paranoid. She also realized that Matt was bright enough to figure out he could have managed to have an affair and still keep her close enough to keep an eye on. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Had it been some kind of test? Had he somehow been spying on her? Had he gone to the lengths of hiring a private detective or something bizarre like that to keep an eye on her? Was she driving back only to have him confront her with a list of her transgressions? What would a private detective have seen? They would have seen her with Jaime and on the night of the ladies event Jaime had even been in her room although briefly according to him. They would have seen her go into Rick’s room twice. The first was innocent, just dinner. The second was less innocent. Would Matt believe either was innocent?</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She’d told herself not to waste time imagining the worst. She couldn’t believe that Matt would actually have done something like that anyway. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>What about Matty she wondered. How had he really fared without her for two weeks for the first time in his short life? He’d sounded happy when they talked on the phone and everybody assured Tricia that he was fine. Was he really? Would she get home and find him resentful of her absence? Or would he just be glad to see her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The closer to home Tricia got the more eager she was to see Matty. She even felt a building eagerness to see Matt. For all their differences, for all the neglect she’d felt from him recently she realized she was still very much in love with him and was eager to be with him. She also felt a physical longing to be with him and smiled, at least this time she could assuage that longing with no guilt involved. She hoped he was feeling the same for her. Surely his recent disinterest in the physical side of their relationship would have been turned around however temporarily by a two week absence. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Close to home and in familiar surroundings again Tricia’s excitement built and her patience faded. She had a harder and harder time not speeding too much in order to get home to them. As promised she had called when she was roughly an hour out. Tricia smiled thinking about that call. Matt had been trying to sound like Mr. Cool but she easily picked the eagerness out of his voice. He’d finally actually told her he couldn’t wait to see her. He’d had Matty with him and Matty had told her the same. She’d nearly started crying then.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Now she was just blocks from home and she was feeling like she was going to burst. Normally a conservative driver she drove those last few blocks anything but conservatively. Her luck was still with her, there were no police waiting for her. Then she pulled into their long driveway, snaking up it, wondering if Matt and Matty would be standing on the front porch. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When she got to where she could see the house she stopped the car dead in the middle of the driveway and just stared.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-48115229321810045422007-10-15T06:58:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.310-07:00Chapter 35<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The way Sandy was flirting with Rick was making him increasingly nervous. He was enjoying it of course. Sandy was older than he was by several years, maybe as much as ten years. She was good looking though, he thought, and was a really good flirt, something he knew he was not great at although he didn’t think he was bad. She wasn’t terribly busty and he wondered if she realized that the way she bent over every now and then allowed him a good view down her blouse. He suspected she knew exactly what she was doing. He wished he knew what her goal was. Was she just playing, teasing a little, or was she seriously trying to seduce him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The fact that her husband Gary was at the same party, although not with her a lot of the time, made Rick uneasy. Gary seemed like a nice enough guy but he was a big guy, not real bulky but very tall. Not somebody Rick wanted to antagonize. Besides he’d come to know Gary a little and liked him. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Why, Rick wondered, was it always the married women who seemed to be interested in him. Not that he was opposed. He’d been happy for what had developed between Tricia and him. He wasn’t sure where that was going now. She didn’t seem to regret what had happened. In the past he’d had women who would pretend they didn’t even know him afterwards, or who would be openly hostile as if he’d seduced them against their will which had certainly never been the case.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was pretty unique in his experience. He really liked her and not only because of what had happened that one night. She was an excellent poker player and could hold her own in those kind of discussions, especially now that she had become more comfortable in the environment, which was pretty new to her. He found that he just enjoyed time with her even though she continually sent mixed messages. With some women that aggravated him. It felt like they were playing some kind of game with him. With Tricia he had come to see that the mixed messages she sent out were because she didn’t know what she wanted herself.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She had told him a little about her affair with Jaime Devlin. She’d said that had been the first and only time she’d strayed in her marriage until her time with him. She’d certainly seemed willing enough with that but then afterwards he could tell she felt guilty to some extent at least. He liked her enough not to push. He could be content to just be friends. Besides who knew what might happen down the line? </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The whole thing had him feeling kind of horny though. Generally by this stage of a tournament series he’d either had a fling that had, as he thought of it, scratched the itch, or he was playing enough and was tired enough not to worry about it. This time he was feeling very much like he wanted to get laid. Even thinking about it like that made him uneasy. While he wasn’t looking for a permanent attachment having failed twice he was not a fan of quick one night stands with women he’d never seen before and would never see again. Somehow he’d managed to stay friendly with a lot of women who he’d shared a pleasurable time with and might again someday. None of them were here though and Sandy was seemingly very willing. At least he thought she was. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary left the party after talking briefly to Sandy. After he had gone she had told Rick that Gary wanted to play some more and had gone off to do so. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Sandy and he continued to talk and laugh as well as drink. Rick was watching Tricia and Sandy caught him at it and finally said, “Be careful with her sweetie. She is, I think, a little confused about her life now. I really like her though and would hate to see her hurt.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I have no intention of doing anything to hurt her,” Rick said, not taking offense. “I like her a lot. Everybody seems to like her a lot.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Jealous?” Sandy asked with a grin and a raised eyebrow.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick shrugged. “I have you here with me flirting like mad. What’s to be jealous of?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Am I teasing you too much?” Sandy asked. “I don’t want to lead you on. I’m getting tired and I’m going to stop drinking before I get drunk. It looks like Tricia is already two sheets to the wind.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She does look pretty happy,” Rick agreed. “She’s safe in this crowd though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yes she is,” Sandy said. “I’m not drunk yet but I’ve had enough to drink to be blunt sweetie.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She cuddled up a little closer to Rick. “The reason I asked if I was teasing you too much is that sometimes I do that. I like you a lot and you’re really a sexy man. Tonight is not the night though. It just won’t work for me tonight. Sometime, if you don’t get mad at me for the way I’ve teased you tonight, the time will be right. I hope to see you again sometime at one of these things.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That had left Rick feeling both relieved and disappointed. On the other hand he’d been leaning toward turning her down and this way he didn’t have to. He’d been shut down lots worse by women in the past.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I won’t get mad Sandy. I’ll just bide my time and consider myself lucky when it happens.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You said when not if.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I am an optimist.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Your optimism will be rewarded,” Sandy said. “You’ll just have to wait for it a bit.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ll hold you to that,” Rick said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Sandy leaned her head on his shoulder and said in a quiet sensual voice, “I will look forward to you holding me baby.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Then she sat up straight and smiled at him. “For now though I’m going to go before I can’t. In a way I really don’t want to but I think I should. I’m going to go over and congratulate Tricia one more time than then I’m going to bed…alone.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok,” Rick said simply. “Sleep well.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I will, you too baby,” Sandy said, giving his hand a squeeze. “Sweet dreams…and if some of them are of me so much the better. Some of mine will be of you sexy.’</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He watched her go over and talk to Tricia, watched them hug and then watched Tricia nearly slip and fall when Sandy released her. He could see Tricia giggle as Sandy caught her and she eased back into the booth where she was sitting with Jaime, Kevin and two people he didn’t know.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Want company or would you like to be alone with your thoughts?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick looked up and saw Carolyn Snow standing there. He jumped to his feet, not as steadily as he’d have liked due to the alcohol. “By all means sit down.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn sat across from him. He had seen her before and had even played with her but they had never really talked until this evening. She’d always struck him as a very competent, no-nonsense player. She’d always appeared totally focused and composed at the poker table. Tonight in this social setting she was less focused, much more relaxed but there was something in her eyes or her body language that made him think there was something bothering her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She’s making quite an impression on some people isn’t she?” Carolyn said, looking over to where Tricia was sitting. It was very obvious that it was Tricia she was talking about.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She is. She’s done well for being a relative newbie.” Rick said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn nodded, pausing when a waitress came by to order a drink. Rick did the same.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Lots of that these days with all the internet play,” Carolyn said. “I wasn’t talking about her poker play that much. I can see she’s got you hooked as well as Jaime Devlin and Kevin James at least.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick looked at her trying to see if the comment was born of jealousy. It sounded like it but there was nothing else about her that bore that out.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn smiled at him, “I’m not jealous. That would be silly. Hell I like her too. She is a likeable person. I think even Carmen liked her. Somebody needs to warn her about that.” Carolyn chuckled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick smiled. “I think she has been warned. Carmen could be a good mentor too though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah she has been to me,” Carolyn said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick looked at Carolyn, slightly surprised although he’d seen Carolyn and Carmen Cruz talking enough before and during events to know they were friendly and seemed to have a bit of<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>mentor relationship. He’d never been sure who the mentor was though. Carmen was arguably the more successful player and her flashy style got her a lot more notice at the table and away from it but he knew Carolyn for a very good focused player, destined some said, to the one of the best. He wondered if Carolyn’s relationship went beyond the professional, or had at some time. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She’s really tying one on,” Carolyn smiled, shaking her head. “Jaime and Kevin should be ashamed of themselves.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She’s a big girl,” Rick said. “She can take care of herself. Besides she just exceeded her fondest dreams for her trip here so she deserves to celebrate.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah but oh how she is gonna pay for it in the morning!” Carolyn said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well none of us are going to be great first thing in the morning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn laughed. “True.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The waitress brought their drinks and Carolyn took a deep sip. “I have played with you a few times Rick and seen you around for a while. I’m glad to get the chance to talk to you. I didn’t think I would for a while. I thought that woman was going to haul you off.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick smiled uncomfortably. “She was just being friendly.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I wish I could learn to be friendly like that,” Carolyn said. “They don’t teach that in law school. I was a serious teenager, spent my whole time in my books. Then in college I focused on getting to law school. Then I did that and became a serious focused lawyer. A damn good one if I do say so myself. Then it all went to shit and here I am.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick looked at her in surprise. He’d heard a little about that but not what it was that had caused her to leave what had apparently been a lucrative law practice and become a professional poker player.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn looked at him, reading his surprise. “I’m sorry. This is a tough time for me. Two years ago nearly to the day my divorce was final and the practice was sold and my former life officially ended.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That must have been tough,” Rick said. “I’ve been through two divorces. I also sold my company to play poker but I did that on my own terms. I guess you didn’t sell your practice on your own terms.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The hell I didn’t,” Carolyn said with a smile that looked like a wolf seeing prey. “I took the son of a bitch for all I could and made a hell of a deal with the rest of the partners forour interest in the practice.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh well that’s good.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I miss it at times. Maybe I’ll go back to it someday. I do a little pro bono work. If you ever need a good lawyer just give me a call.” Carolyn said. “Or if you ever need a good time with a lawyer you can call me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick could not keep the surprise off his face at the last comment of Carolyn’s.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Shit,” she laughed. “I can’t believe I said that! Would you like to dance before I embarrass myself like that again.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I kinda liked it but if you’d like to dance I’m willing,” Rick told her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn took him by the hand and they mingled with the few other people who were dancing. At one point they tried to get Tricia to dance too, joining Kevin and Jaime who were trying to talk her into it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn turned out to be a good dancer and Rick had enough drinks in him to not worry about whether he was or not. He thought she didn’t seem to think he wasn’t. When the first slow dance came up he waited, giving her the chance to go sit down instead of dancing a slow dance. The moved right into it though.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>It was pleasant, Rick thought, dancing with her like this. They were holding each other close. Rick was aware that Carolyn was not a small women. For one thing she was his height and he was not short. It was the first time he could recall dancing with somebody his own height. By the second dance he was very aware of her breasts pressing against him. Her hands were also wandering across his back. She felt like she was relaxing some, she’d felt very tense when they first started.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>There was a bit of a commotion and they looked around. Kevin apparently was trying to suggest to Tricia that she had had enough to drink and might want to think about going to bed. Tricia was rather loudlyteasing him of trying to seduce him which actually made him blush a little to Rick’s delight. Carolyn seemed to find it funny as well. Then Tricia began saying she wanted Jaime to tuck her into bed. She said that was the only way she’d go.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn looked Rick in the eyes as they held each other close dancing. “I wonder if she is going to remember this? Look at poor Jaime blush. Do you mind if I try toget her to let me take her up to her room?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick smiled and shook his head. “Any chance you’re coming back?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn stared at him and then giggled. “You didn’t mean that the way I thought you did…sorry. Yes, I was about to say that I’d really like it if you were here when I got back. It shouldn’t take too long.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick watched Carolyn go over and try to persuade Tricia to let her take her to her room. Tricia was not having any part of it and finally Jaime began helping Tricia out of the bar and toward the elevators. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn came back over to stand with Rick. “Well I tried. I wish I knew what the deal was with Devlin though. I wouldn’t have thought he’d be so opposed to taking her to her room. Hell it might be a golden opportunity for him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick half smiled. “It might but he won’t exercise it. They have a history. I shouldn’t say more. She told me about it and probably wouldn’t mind you knowing but I don’t think I should share it without permission. Also I would think Jaime would like a partner who would know what was going on and she was just about out on her feet.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“True,” Carolyn said. “I’m curious to hear that story but I won’t push you. On the other subject I guess you guys do like a partner who can participate huh?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It helps.” Rick grinned.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not too drunk yet although if I stay here much longer I will be.” Carolyn said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick looked at her wondering if she had meant what it sounded like.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn smiled. “That’s as close as I’ll ever come to trying to seduce you. The fact is that I really would rather not be alone tonight. If you’re not interested though I won’t hold it against you. I like you a lot Rick.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And I like you too,” Rick told her. “I would be happy to keep you company tonight.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’ll hold me tight like you were when we were dancing? That felt really good.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He nodded. “For starters.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She smiled. “Are you ready to go then? I think I’m done with this party.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I have to ask,” Rick said. “What about the guy you were with?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ruben?” Carolyn asked. “he’s a sweetie. He’s a friend from my past. I was glad to hear<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>from him and to show him around but tonight was not a good night. He was married to a woman who was one of my best friends. We’re just friends and tonight he brought up too many ghosts.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok,” Rick said. “I just didn’t want to poach.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn smiled at him. “Thank you but don’t worry. Now if you haven’t changed your mind?” She motioned to the entrance to the bar and took his hand.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick saw Kevin watching them and once Kevin saw Rick had noticed he smiled and winked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Your place or mine?” Rick asked, smiling, when they got to the elevator.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I bet you have wanted to use that old line for a long time,” Carolyn laughed. “Or maybe you use it with all the girls. I guess I don’t care. We’ll go to my place. I suspect I sprung for a little better room than you did and besides I want all my girl stuff near me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She punched the button for one of the top floors and then wrapped Rick in a hug. He hugged her back and looked into her face. She was smiling at him and shortly after their eyes met so did their lips.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-78274903092814724132007-10-15T06:57:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.311-07:00Chapter 34<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia put her second cup of coffee down on a table and flopped down on a comfortable couch just outside the coffee bar. She flipped open her cell phone and dialed Matt’s number, wondering if talking on the phone was going to make her head hurt worse. She was starting to feel a little better and didn’t want to relapse.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“There’s my poker pro,” Matt said as he answered. “I was hoping you’d call soon. I have to leave to meet with a new customer in about ten minutes. I didn’t call because I thought maybe you’d had a late night. Have you met anybody there you could celebrate with?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He sounded like he was in a good mood to Tricia but her old instincts clicked in when he asked the question about meeting anybody to celebrate with. She’d spent so long with him being paranoid about anything she did that it had made her paranoid about why he was asking. She no longer really thought that he had somehow been spying on her but old habits died hard. On the other hand she figured she really had done nothing wrong. Then she remembered what Jaime had told her she’d done before bed and blushed all over again. Well she didn’t really remember that so leaving it out couldn’t hurt.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She also thought about telling Matt about Jaime being here as well but was afraid of his reaction. If she left it out though and it came to light later she could see that causing a problem as well. In the end she decided that it would be better to not mention Jaime.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Over the next few minutes she told Matt about Sandy and Gary and Kevin as well as Carmen and Carolyn. She gave a brief edited description of the party Kevin had thrown.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He did this just for you?” Matt asked, still sounding ok but Tricia thought a little of his old suspiciousness crept back into his voice.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not exactly I don’t think,” Tricia said, not really sure if it was true or not. “He is sort of a mentor to several players and many of them have been doing well. You’d probably like Kevin, he’s funny and a good teacher. I’ve learned a lot from him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hmmm,” Matt said in what Tricia thought was full suspicious mode. “I suppose these lessons have been in the privacy of your room?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Actually it was in his room,” Tricia quipped, her hangover causing her anger to flash. “Jesus Matt, give me a break here. For god’s sake he’s way younger than me and besides I think he’s only interested in me for my poker. He’s a businessman just like you. I have a feeling if I get a little better and get a good track record he may back me sometimes which could be a good deal for both of us. He’s no more looking to screw me then you are to screw any of your customers.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m sorry Tricia,” Matt said immediately, sounding genuinely contrite. “I was joking but I can see how you’d take it wrong. Honest though I was joking honey.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was surprised that he apologized that fast and that sincerely. He virtually never did that. Part of the problem they had she thought was that he defended himself even when he knew he was dead wrong. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I believe you Matt. Thank you for apologizing. I guess I should not have jumped on you like that but I do have one hell of a hangover.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Matt chuckled. “Does that mean that the next time I tie one on with the guys maybe you’ll be a little sympathetic?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Depends,” Tricia said, unable not to smile. “If you invite me then maybe. If you just ditch me for the guys then maybe not.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not fair,” Matt said, “You ditched me for this thing.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia rolled her eyes. Why was she discussing this? “Ok Matt, you get a freebie. We’re too old for this shit though you know?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Feeling your age this morning dear?” Matt asked sweetly and Tricia knew he was teasing her and smiling about it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re damn right I am!” She laughed. Then she said, “Matt do you know how long it’s been since we had a conversation like this? Where we didn’t argue and just had fun?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess it’s been a while,” Matt agreed.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It has. Do you think maybe this was good for us somehow?” Tricia asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess. It hasn’t hurt.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How’s Matty? I will call him in a bit but I really miss him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He misses you too but he’s having fun with your folks and they really seem to be enjoying him. I mentioned the idea that you might do this a few times a year and they seemed very receptive.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How was dad?” Tricia asked. He had always been a bit gruff with her and her brother and hard to please. That was what had led to the argument that had caused her brother to move away and have little contact with the rest of the family for so long.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Surprisingly mellow with Matty,” Matt said, the surprise evident in his voice. “He was about the same with me but when Matty was in the room he seemed even more mellow toward me. I know he could be hard to please while you were growing up but even you said he mellowed after Andy left. Hell maybe he figures to try again with Matty. You know I was worried about that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah, you and me both,” Tricia said. “I wonder how he’s acting when you’re not around.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Matty seems happy Tricia. I’d say everything is fine.” Matt said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I think I’m coming home Tuesday anyway.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Tomorrow?” Matt asked, surprised. “I thought you said the main event was going to last until Wednesday and you would be home on Thursday?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It is but I decided not to play it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“As well as you did you wimped out?” Matt asked, disappointing Tricia that he seemed to think immediately that she’d just wimped out.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I did not wimp out Matt,” Tricia said with a little more heat than she really intended. “I thought about it a lot and talked to some experienced players before I decided. It will be better for me to end on a positive note and use the money I’ve won as seed money for my bankroll. It will let me play the next time. I might even be ready to try some bigger cash games by the next time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I really was counting on you coming home on Thursday,” Matt told her. “The house is still a mess and I won’t have time to clean up today. Besides I think your parents had plans with Matty. Why not just stick it out? Even if you don’t play the big event thing you could watch and learn something right? Isn’t that what you told me you planned to do?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I did. But I miss Matty, and you too.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And we miss you but you won’t get a chance to do this again for several months at least right? Wouldn’t it be better to see the big one and know what to expect next time?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well Kevin and Carolyn said that wouldn’t matter that much but I admit I kind of want to.” Tricia said, feeling herself give in even while she wondered why Matt was seeming to push her to stay the whole time. “I sort of want to play some more cash games too. I was having fun and doing well but didn’t get to do much because of the tournaments.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well there you go,” Matt said forcefully. “Stay and do all that. When you get back on Thursday me and Matty will be waiting for you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well ok,” Tricia said, not nearly as reluctantly as she sounded. Now that she’d decided to stay she was liking the idea more. “You will really have Matty there with you waiting for me when I get home?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“If you let me know when you’ll be here I sure will honey.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ll call you when I leave Thursday morning and keep you up to date with my progress.” Tricia told him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ve got to run or I’m going to be late,” Matt said. “Have fun, but not too much fun ok?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe just a little too much fun?” Tricia teased.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Behave yourself, try to sleep in your own bed alone every night and don’t lose all that money you already won. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday. I’ll call you in the morning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia hung up and stared out into the lobby thinking about the call. She could no longer tell if he was sounding strange or not. Why should she complain if he was being reasonable? Surely he wasn’t really trying to keep her away, after all she had said she wanted to stay for the entire thing, even the main event whether she played in it or not. Somewhat guiltily she admitted that a part of her did not want to leave. She’d had less than two weeks in this new world she had found. She liked it very much and despite Matty waiting at home, and Matt too she added somewhat guiltily as an afterthought, she liked this life she’d found.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She punched the button that dialed her parents’ house. Her mom answered and Tricia caught her up on events without mentioning her hangover. Her mom seemed very pleased for her success although Tricia got the impression she still didn’t exactly understand it. She regarded all gambling as the same Tricia knew and while she had not said it she thought it was something her daughter would be better off without. Then Tricia asked about Matty.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He’s been a joy dear,” her mom told her. “Your dad and I have had so much fun with him. He misses you of course but he’s enjoying his time with Gramma and Grampa. Out of the blue your dad decided yesterday that we should all go to the Columbus Zoo tomorrow.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He did?” Tricia asked. That did not sound like her dad much. “It was his idea?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Indeed it was,” her mom confirmed. “Floored me too. He always acted like I was torturing him when I wanted us to take you kids somewhere.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I remember.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well Matty will love it and I will too,” her mom said. “You’re not coming back until Thursday, right? I mean if you’re coming back tomorrow we could cancel it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia chuckled. “I would not dream of depriving you of your trip to the zoo.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s for Matty dear.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Whatever you say mom,” Tricia said. “Matt doesn’t seem to want me to come back before Thursday either.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Now dear,” her mom said. “Don’t be seeing ghosts. He came by on his way back from the lake. He was tired but stopped by for a while and played with Matty and let Matty show him the things Grampa has been helping him build. You wait and see yourself.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok mom,” Tricia said. “It just seems strange why he’s suddenly seeming to like having me gone when he went so long wanting to know what I was doing every minute of every day.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well dear that was kind of your own fault wouldn’t you say?” her mom said. “Maybe he’s forgiven you. You keep telling me how the counselor said he had to learn to trust you again. You’ve been behaving yourself there haven’t you? I have to tell you I wasn’t sure about you going off to spend a couple weeks there in a gambling den.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m fine mom.” Tricia said, knowing it was a bit of a white lie maybe. She had to smile at her mom’s misgivings about her going on this trip. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Hon, I’ve got to run. Your dad, Matty and I are going into town. Your dad is pawing the ground waiting for me to wrap this up.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Ok mom. I can tell I’m not being missed. Have a good time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course we miss you dear. Take care and we’ll see you when you get home. In the meantime stop worrying about Matty.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT size=4>Tricia hung up with a smile. There surely didn’t seem to be a barrier to her staying an extra few days. Might as well enjoy it she told herself. The first order of business, she decided would be to check out the tournament room and see who all she could find to talk to before the Main Event started.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-61341507153680269742007-10-15T06:54:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.311-07:00Chapter 33<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia slowly awoke feeling like her mouth was full of cotton. Her head also felt about three times it’s normal size. She came to the realization that she had one hell of a hangover. Her first thought was that she had just dreamed that she had placed second in the ladies event. Her hangover, though, told her that the party afterward had really happened so that meant that she had not dreamed it. She rolled over and tried to sit up to see the clock. That made her groan and wonder if maybe it would be better if she had dreamed it and didn’t really have the hangover. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her eyes went wide when she saw that it was a little after ten thirty in the morning. She had no recollection of when she went to bed or for that matter of even getting to her room. The trail of clothes that began just inside the door told her that she’d apparently been very eager to get to bed. There was no evidence that she’d dragged anybody in with her though. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>That’s a relief, she thought at first, then wondered if it really was, it might have been fun. She laughed at that thought then groaned when she found laughing made her head hurt. If I’m going to cheat, she told herself, I ought to at least try to remember I did it. If I cheat and can’t remember that I did it is it still cheating she asked herself, nearly laughing again and reminding herself not to try to be funny for several more hours yet.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Her body was telling her that she had apparently come straight to bed when she got to her room. She got up slowly and gingerly padded to the bathroom. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and yelped. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“God Tricia you look like hell,” she said aloud, giggling and then wincing. “Note to self, you are too old for this shit.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As she went through the motions of trying to make herself at least somewhat presentable she tried to remember the events of last night.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She remembered well placing second and getting her winnings.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She recalled the party, or the start of it. Talking to Kevin and being relieved when he agreed that she should not buy into the main event seemed to have really happened. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Things went south fast after that. Tricia remembered Sandy calling her over when she got back from talking with Kevin. She had been drinking enough to where her normally bubbly flirtatious personality was put to shame by the way she was laughing and flirting with Rick when Tricia got to the table. Tricia remembered not minding as much as she thought she would and also remembered thinking she should take notes on how to flirt.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She remembered Gary coming over and joining in the conversation but also saying he wasn’t going to drink much because he still wanted to play some more that night. Then Jaime and Kevin came over and she recalled a rehash of the conversation with Kevin about not playing the main event.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>They’d also asked her what her plans were she thought but things started to get fuzzy there because the drinks had started adding up. At some time she thought she remembered Carolyn coming back without Ruben.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Things just sort of faded out after that. By the time Tricia was dressed she realized that there was just no more to recall. She hoped like hell that she had not embarrassed herself. Even though she had a killer hangover she felt happier than she could remember for a long time. She’d done very well here, better than she’d dreamed. She’d been prepared to lose her bankroll and have to spend the next six months to a year building it back up before trying again.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Belatedly she wondered if she’d arranged to meet anybody for breakfast. These guys sure seemed to like to do things over breakfast. How, when they partied like this, she didn’t know. Well, she thought, if anybody was stupid enough to think was remembering anything last night and would remember a breakfast meeting it was their own fault.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The last thing she wanted right now was breakfast anyway shethought as she went downstairs to see if she could find anyone to tell her if she’d made a fool of herself.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As she came off the elevators and out into the lobby proper she saw Jaime watching the elevators. Upon seeing her he stood up. He looked good wearing his black logo shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots. Sourly she thought he looked entirely too fresh considering he’d partied as long and as hard as she had, or so she thought.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He smiled at her as she came over to where he was standing. “Nice to see you’re still alive. I bet you’ve got one hell of a hangover. I’ve been debating on calling your room to check on you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I feel like hell,” Tricia said. “Talk quieter.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime laughed. “Come on. A cup of coffee will help. Just for the record you look like hell too.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well thank you so much!” Tricia said with a snort.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled. “You’ve no doubt looked in a mirror. Do you want me to lie to you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yes!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“My Tricia you look ravishing this morning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Despite herself Tricia laughed. “Ok. That’s too far. I never look ravishing and I know I sure as hell don’t this morning. Did I embarrass myself last night?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime shook his head. “Not at all. You just celebrated maybe a tad too much.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m too old for this shit. How do you all do it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Practice,” Jaime said. “And I try not to do it to that extent very often.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You look like you didn’t party at all,” Tricia said sourly. “It’s not fair.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled. “Trust me I’ll pay for it. It wasn’t very bright I suppose. I got six hours sleep and got up and went for a run. I felt like crap when I got up and I wanted to just kill myself the whole time I was running but after that and a shower I feel human.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I’m not going running even if that is the cure. I might take a slow walk.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled and nudged her toward the coffee bar.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I am almost afraid to ask but how did I get to bed? I mean I don’t remember going to my room.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I should tease you but you’d believe it.” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh God please tell me I was not too much of a jerk!” Tricia said. “Please tell me the truth!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime smiled at her and then reassured her. “You were at no time a jerk. You were feeling very happy but what the hell you’d just had your best tournament cash ever and had done better than you’d expected for the whole trip. I was very happy to see you so relaxed and having so much fun.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So I didn’t do anything stupid?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No, of course not. You remember dancing with just about everybody in the bar don’t you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s eyes widened. She was not normally a party type, preferring to sit and talk quietly at parties. “I was dancing? I don’t remember that. I don’t remember a lot though. Please tell me I kept all my clothes on.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled. “Other than your shoes you did. And I was teasing about the dancing. Kevin, Rick and Sandy tried to get you to dance but you wouldn’t have any part of it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How about you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I danced some. I’d had enough to drink to make that possible,” Jaime chuckled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I mean did you ask me to dance?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh boy, there is a loaded question,” Jaime said with a smile. “If I say yes then you’ll point out that I know you don’t like to dance. If I say no you’ll ask why not. For what it’s worth I didn’t ask anybody to dance. I only danced when pulled onto the dance floor.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And who pulled you onto the dance floor pray tell?” Tricia asked, wishing she could remember all this.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Sandy was first, then Carolyn. Apparently it’s close to the anniversary of her divorce and it brings back bad memories. She was really putting them away last night. Then there were two people I didn’t even know.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well it sounds like you had yourself a good time,” Tricia asked, feeling a little jealous even while she told herself it was silly. “Did you go to bed alone or did one of them want company there too?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime just looked at Tricia and she knew she’d crossed a line. “I’m sorry Jaime. I’m not myself this morning yet. Maybe the coffee will help.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s ok,” Jaime said, sounding to Tricia like he meant it. “Besides I was the one who put you to bed. You insisted. Carolyn even volunteered but I’m not sure she would have been much help. I’ll be interested to see how much of the evening she remembers.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I insisted you put me to bed?” Tricia said. “Oh god did I make it sound like I was trying to drag you off for sex?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled. “Absolutely not. You kept insisting to anybody around that you were too drunk to have sex but you wanted me to put you to sleep because I was your best friend.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked upat him. “You’re not kidding about that? I really said that?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Several times to several people, including one couple in the elevator.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And you don’t call that making a fool of myself?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well you were pretty drunk. Probably you were too drunk to have sex. I figured you might even mean the best friend thing. Even if you didn’t it didn’t make you look foolish.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Of course I meant it!” Tricia said. “Even if I don’t remember saying it. It’s true I suppose. But to say all that to perfect strangers even. God!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“They seemed amused,” Jaime said. “I also don’t think they believed you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia had to chuckle thinking how it might have looked. “I can’t really blame them. Was I hanging all over you when I said it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yep.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head and drained her coffee cup. “And when we got to my room did I behave myself? I didn’t try to drag you in with me did I?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well not exactly.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What does that mean?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You insisted that if I wanted to be just friends the least I could do was tuck you in.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And did you?” Tricia asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You weren’t going to let me leave until I agreed.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But when I woke up I was naked and there was a trail of clothes from the door to the bed.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I know. I closed the door and you started stripping, then you climbed in bed and I think you were asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re telling me that right there in front of you I took all my clothes off and made you tuck me in bed naked?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime nodded, grinning.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“And you didn’t join me?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Don’t think it wasn’t tempting.” Jaime told her. “I came close. I figured though that if we woke up together in the morning you’d never believe nothing had happened.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not sure I believe it now.” Tricia admitted, shocked. She could tell that he was telling the truth though.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well its true. I really wanted to make love to you in the worst way but I knew that even if you somehow stayed awake for it you would either not remember it or you’d regret it. I’d had a lot to drink but not enough to make me make that big a mistake. Maybe some day it will happen again but I’d like it to be because we both knew what we were doing at the time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah,” Tricia said. “God Jaime I’m sorry. That was a pretty cruel way to treat you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I thought about that,” Jaime said. “I prefer to think that it meant you trusted me as a friend on a lot of different levels. I wouldn’t recommend trying it too much though. I only have so much will power.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So you think it might happen again?” Tricia said, feeling an odd mixture of hope and fear in her belly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime shrugged. “Well I’m no less attracted to you than I ever have been. I can’t say. You still seem willing even after what you went through the first time. Who is to say that one day down the line opportunity and readiness won’t cross again? Does that mean that I should try to stay away from you so it won’t happen again? That’s the only way to guarantee it. I don’t want to put you through what you went through the first time.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“The last thing I want is for you to stay away from me,” Tricia told him. “I’ve enjoyed the time we had this past week or so. We’ll just have to try to be adults about it I guess.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Adults don’t have sex?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “You know what I meant!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I do and I agree. That’s what I told you before when we talked.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I know,” Tricia said. “If you’re waiting for me to say you were right then consider it said.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime smiled. “I’m afraid there is no real right or wrong. We’re just going to have to muddle through. I look forward to seeing you when you get to tournaments. I would think for the time being we should still not have contact between times unless you can assure me that Matt isn’t reading your email or going through your cell phone bills any more.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know,” Tricia said. “he’s acting weird. I can’t figure him out right now so I guess maybe we’d better leave it at that. If I think it’s safe I’ll email you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Last night you gave out your email address and cell number to several people so be warned you may get some mail or calls.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It should be ok,” Tricia said. “I can just tell him it was people I met here which is true. For that matter you could make up a new email address he doesn’t know and use that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime shook his head. “I won’t do that. If you and I are going to have contact outside of these tournaments then I want him to know it. I won’t go behind his back again and take a chance on it backfiring on you when and if he finds out.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia sighed. She knew he was right. She also knew she wasn’t ready to tell Matt she’d seen Jaime again. “I’m not planning to tell him you were here I don’t think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I sort of figured. Do you think he will go through the event results lists? Luckily we never placed close together. He might see my name though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I can’t see him doing that but if he does I’ll deal with it. We behaved ourselves.” Tricia said with a shrug.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well except for a kiss or two and then you stripping last night.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed. “Well I can honestly say I don’t remember last night. I’m really sorry Jaime. That really was inexcusable.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s ok,” Jamie assured her. “Have you decided when you’re leaving? Last night you said you were missing Matty and were going to go home tomorrow morning.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia didn’t remember telling anybody that but it was what she’d been thinking, she nodded. “I told Matt I’d call him first. Why that matters is another thing that bugs me. He says he wants to make sure the house is clean first. I can’t help but wonder if he’s up to something else.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Maybe he’s cooking up some kind of surprise for you.” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah right,” Tricia said. “I believe that he wants to clean the house more than that he is planning some kind of surprise.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime just shrugged. “Well now that I’m sure you’re alive and well and I got enough coffee in you to where you look human again I need to get going.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thanks for everything Jaime,” Tricia said giving him a light friendly hug. “I appreciate you not taking advantage of the situation last night.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure,” Jaime said, then he grinned over his shoulder as he walked away, “Besides it was nice seeing you naked one more time. It kind of refreshed my memory like.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia felt herself blush deeply but she couldn’t help but chuckle. “Go away you dirty old man!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’ll be back.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I hope so!” Tricia said to his retreating back, pulling out her cell phone to call Matt.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-52614974466343291122007-10-15T06:51:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.312-07:00Chapter 32<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn leaned over and gave Jaime a kiss on the cheek then went off in search of Ruben. As he watched her walk away he saw Tricia talking to Kevin and then saw Kevin gesture toward the entrance to the bar. As Jaime wondered what was up and whether he should go find out Gary stopped at the table.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Mind if I sit down?” Gary asked. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime gestured at a chair. “Be my guest.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary sat down looking a little uncomfortable. He looked around and finally said. “I feel sort of like a party crasher. I don’t know that Sandy and I belong here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why not?” Jaime asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You all are the real players. I just do these things for fun and hope to do well sometimes.” Gary said. “I look around and wonder what I’m doing here. I see people I know from TV an people I’ve read about.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well I feel that way myself at times,” Jaime admitted. “It took Kevin a while to drum those kind of thoughts out of my head.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“He’s something else isn’t he? He’s being really nice to Tricia. I like the way I’ve heard him encourage her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Kevin is a great player but he’s probably an even better teacher and coach. He’s helped me along for a while now. He’s great at developing new players.” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Does he ever make deals with you or any of the other players he helps?” Gary asked then before Jaime could answer he went on, “The reason I ask is that I’m feeling a little guilty about the deal I had with Tricia.”</FONT></P><PCLASS=MSOBODYTEXTFIRSTINDENT style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime looked at him quizzically. “Why? The way I heard it you offered to pay her full buy-in for 50% of her action then your wife talked you down to 25% right?”</FONT>
<P></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary nodded. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Tricia is, or was, an unknown quantity really, especially to you. You knew she is a rookie. You must have figured the chances she would cash were not good.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary shrugged, looking sheepish. “Well yeah. To tell you the truth I thought the money was gone. I just wanted Sandy to give the tournament a shot and she said she’d feel better if Tricia played too. Why I’m not sure since I told her they would not be playing together.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime smiled. “I don’t think I’d look too hard for the logic in it. Besides you got what you wanted. Did Sandy have fun? Think she’d do it again?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary nodded. “She seemed to really have fun. She will never like it like I do but I wanted her to try it. I think she will do small buy in tournaments back home some now.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then you got what you wanted and you got some cash on top of that. What are you feeling guilty about?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t plan to take over $2900 from Tricia! I feel like I cheated her somehow.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime laughed. “How do you figure that? You could have taken a true 25% some people would have made her pay them on the gross since it was never specified. It was good of you not to. I see nothing to feel guilty about. I think I know Tricia well enough to know that if she felt cheated you’d know it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I got the impression you two had a history. Did you teach her to play poker?” Gary asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I thought Tricia talked to Sandy about all that. She didn’t tell you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary shook his head. “I guess it was something Sandy felt Tricia didn’t want her to share. I didn’t ask but if it hadn’t been something like that then she’d have just told me. If it’s something I should not be asking about I’m sorry.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime took a deep breath and said. “It’s something Tricia has to tell you about. If you ask her I’m sure she’ll tell you. If she says you have to ask me then tell her I told you to ask her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary laughed. “Maybe I should just drop it. I like her a lot and if she wants to tell me she will in her time. If not then it’s ok too.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Up to you,” Jaime said. “I did not teach her how to play. Until a few days ago I’d not seen her for the past eight years. I knew she played. I’d seen her online although she didn’t know that. I also knew she had a lot of promise.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well she sure seems to,” Gary said. “That was the easiest $2900 I’ve ever made. I love no-limit cash games and I’ve made that much and more and lost that much and more but never made that much with so little risk.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled. “Yeah I know what you mean. I’m glad you made that deal with her though because if you hadn’t then she might not have played and then she wouldn’t have had this success under her belt.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I wonder if she is going to play the main event?” Gary said. “You’re in right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime nodded. “Part of my sponsorship deal. Are you in?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary nodded. “I had lousy luck in satellites but had good luck in cash games so I bought in. I’ve never cashed in a tournament over $500 yet and I’d love to make this my first one.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well good luck.” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So do you know if Tricia is playing?” Gary asked again.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know. I have mixed feelings about her buying in. I know she hasn’t won an entry.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why do you have mixed feelings after the way she played today?” Gary asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m not sure she’s ready and I would like to see her end on a good note. If she busts out too early from the main it would leave a bad taste in her mouth.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why aren’t you sure she’s ready? You’re not trying to tell me she got second in the ladies event on luck are you? That it was a fluke?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime shrugged. “No, it was not a fluke but it was in large part due to good cards that held up. Granted it takes that to win most tournaments but there were spots I saw and others I heard about where her play was a little ragged and her inexperience showed.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary was frowning at Jaime as if he disagreed and didn’t like Jaime saying it.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She’s got a lot of skill and she’s got plenty of heart,” Jaime said. “I saw some great plays. I also saw some that, against a different player, could really hurt her. She’s not reading players that well yet. I saw some plays at the final table that showed me that. She will learn but I don’t think a $5000 buy in event, her first one ever, is the place to try that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well maybe,” Gary said, not looking convinced.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“If she asks me I’ll tell her that she has done phenomenally well in this tournament series both in the tournaments and in cash games. I’m impressed with her limit cash game play as well and look forward to seeing her move up if she is comfortable. On the other hand she needs to study both tournament play and cash game play more. Hell we call can use that. This is practically her first live tournament experience. She can take this and build on it. I’d like to see her watch some of the main and play some more cash games. I’d also like to see her spend some time with Kevin if he is willing going through her game a bit.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary shrugged. “I guess you could be right and you know more about it than I do.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime saw Tricia come back in chatting with Kevin. He thought she looked happier than she had when they’d left and wondered what they’d talked about. Kevin pointed toward Jaime and they began to move that way when Sandy called to her and motioned her over. He was too far away to hear but could tell that she had just told Kevin that she would join him and Jaime later. She went over and slid in next to Sandy in one of the U shaped booths where she was sitting with Rick.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin walked over and sat down and looked at Jaime and Gary. “What’s up Gents. Solve any of the worlds problems while I’ve been gone?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Gary squirmed a little uncomfortably and Jaime answered with a smile, “One or two.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well good job.” Kevin said clapping Jaime on the shoulder with his hand. “And while you were doing that did you two drink up all the booze or is there any left for me?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime, chuckling, caught the eye of a nearby waitress. “Christine, we have a beverage emergency over here.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The waitress came toward their table. She was typical of what Jaime thought of as the prototype cocktail waitress for this casino, young, busty and friendly. “Oh Christ, what did you spill this time?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin laughed out loud and looked at Jaime. “She’s got your number doesn’t she?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime more or less discretely made a rude finger gesture that could have been aimed at either Kevin or the waitress of both. He was smiling though, as were they. “The beverage emergency is that the sponge here is drying out. Would you be so kind as to get him something to wethis whistle so he won’t be so cranky.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The waitress leaned against Kevin looking down at him and said, “Aww he’s too cute to ever be cranky. You should be nice to him.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I thought you were on my side Christine?” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I am the one who tipped her mate. Didn’t I darlin’?” Kevin grinned, looking at Jaime and then up at Christine.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She made a seductive motion that ended in a brief hug and said, “You took care of me very well sweetie. Now what can I get for you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Johnny Black and water again please.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>After Kevin ordered the waitress looked at Jaime and Gary. “Can I get anything for either of you?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m fine,” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I’m fine and I think I should get back to my wife,” Gary said standing up. “If you’ll excuse me?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No need to rush off on my account,” Kevin said. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I really should get back,” Gary said moving over to the table where Sandy, Rick and Tricia were talking.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>When he was gone Kevin looked back from where he’d watched Gary walk to his table. “He seems to maybe be miffed with me. Did I say something while we were taking care of Tricia’s financial business that put him off? I can’t think what.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime smiled and shook his head. “No. I think you intimidate him. He told me when he came over that he feels like he’s crashed this party. It’s all you big rock-star type poker players making him feel like just a rank amateur.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh bullshit!” Kevin said. “I’m not like that. Am I?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No,” Jaime agreed shaking his head. “But he doesn’t know that. I suspect he’s been exposed at one or more table he’s been on to some of our more flamboyant colleagues who ARE like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I hope you set him straight,” Kevin said. “I’ve played a cash game with him a time or two and he’s not a pushover. Besides he was smart enough to back Tricia in that tournament.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“What did she want anyway?” Jaime asked. “She looked like she had something on her mind.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Pretty much what you’d guessed she would ask one of us tonight.” Kevin said. “I convinced her to sit out of the Main.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime nodded. “How did she take it?” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Actually she was greatly relieved although I believe she was trying not to look that way.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She had already thought it through but was thinking about doing it so we would not think she was<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>a wimp.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Told you so.” Jaime smiled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin smiled, nodding. “Indeed you did. You appear to know the lady as well as you said you do. She really likes you, you know. When your name came up her eyes would sort of sparkle. The way yours do with you pick up a big hand.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime, who had been taking a sip of his drink, almost choked. “Bullshit!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No mate she really does like you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I meant the part about you finding that obvious a tell in my play!” Jaime said.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Why do you think I always beat you mate?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime laughed,shaking his head. “You’re really full of it tonight.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Do you really think you can make this just friends thing work?” Kevin asked. “It’s never worked that great for me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then I could ask you the same thing.” Jaime said smiling at Kevin. “You obviously intend to mentor Tricia to some extent. Do you intend to do it just as a friend?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin took a deep breath and nodded. “Yeah. I know it’s failed a time or two in the past. It will be easier with her because as far as I’m concerned she’s yours.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You mean you want me to mentor her?” Jaime asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin rolled his eyes. “Think Devlin…think.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Oh,” Jaime said getting Kevin’s meaning finally. “No. She is not mine. Not any longer and really she never was.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“So it doesn’t bother you that she’s spending time with Mr. Fannin over there?” Kevin said gesturing vaguely toward where Rick was sitting.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Not really.” Jaime told Kevin.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think that’s bullshit,” Kevin said. “Should I cut him loose? Does it make you too uncomfortable having him around?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No Kevin. I don’t want you making business decisions based on what you think my personal situation is. I’m telling you I’ll be fine. Rick is not a bad guy. Ok so I guess I’m a little jealous but it also looks to me like they’ve backed off some.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin shrugged. “She has the makings of a good player Jaime. To be honest she intrigues me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How so?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“She is so damned emotional at times. She sometimes seems like she’s almost always on the verge of crying and other times seems very happy. But not at the table. At the table she seems to set the emotion aside and just play poker. You know how hard that is to teach anybody to do. Hell I’m not sure I’m as good at that as she is.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I noticed that playing with her the other night” Jaime said. “She took some horrendous outdraws. You will in that stupid low limit game. She just shrugged them off. She even told the people that did it to her that it was a good hand. I don’t think she was intentionally playing them. I mean I’ve learned to do that to keep the fish in the game but she just did it naturally.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“How unstable is her home situation? Do you have any idea?” Kevin asked. “Is there anything we can do to help?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime laughed. “Well I have a feeling if her husband knew I was within 500 miles of her you’d never see her at another one of these events so there is nothing I can do but try to stay out of the way. My only knowledge of him is really through her so it’s biased. He seems very controlling. She seems to think he’s acting strangely while she’s gone this time. I actually wondered if he might have followed her here or had her followed but by now if he had the shit would have hit the fan.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I would really like to see her play more events,” Kevin said. “She has the start of a bankroll for it and I’d be willing to do some backing. Do you think it would help if I visited her at home and met her husband? Do you think it would make him more likely to let her do it?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Christ I don’t know Kevin,” Jaime said, surprised. “You really want to see her play more don’t you. You think she could be that good?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin shrugged. “She can be good. How good you know there is no way to tell. I do know that just in the very short time I’ve known her I’ve seen her blossom some. She sure seems happier and more secure now than she did.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I don’t know what to tell you,” Jaime admitted. “I think you’d have to talk to her about it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well then lets do that,” Kevin said standing up.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Here? Now?” Jaime asked, surprised.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“No time like the present and the booze may help all around.” Kevin said, giving Jaime a slight shove in the direction of the table where Tricia was still talking to Sandy, Rick and Gary and they were all laughing about something. “Besides it looks like they’re a lot more fun than you are.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime chuckled and took a slow mock swing at Kevin which he easily ducked, grinning.</FONT> </P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5685002472307528432.post-26663878586998630582007-10-15T06:48:00.000-07:002008-10-08T17:23:52.312-07:00Chapter 31<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia got back to the party to find Gary deep in conversation with Jaime and Kevin. From the looks of it they were rehashing hands they’d played. Sandy was talking to Rick and from the looks of it flirting not just a little bit. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She slid in beside Sandy who looked over at her. “Did you get him? I guess you must have to have taken that long. I bet he was proud of you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I guess,” Tricia shrugged. “It’s hard to tell most of the time. He seemed happy about it though.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Sandy looked at Tricia closely. “What’s wrong? Something is bugging you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Nothing really. Maybe I’m just tired or a little overwhelmed. Maybe I’m starting to get homesick. Don’t get me wrong I wouldn’t have traded this time for anything but it’s been a little intense. I don’t know what I expected really. Certainly not much of anything that has happened.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She caught Rick’s eye when she said that and she could tell he thought maybe he was referring to what had gone on between the two of them. In a way she supposed she did mean that but also much more.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia reached past Sandy to give Rick’s arm a brief squeeze. “Not that silly.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick’s eyebrows shot up at Tricia mentioning it, however indirectly, in front of Sandy and with others potentially in earshot. Tricia just smiled at him.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Sandy looked at her and then at Rick. “Is there something you all would like to tell me?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Rick looked at Tricia inquiringly. She chuckled and then looked at Sandy. “Not especially.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well crap,” Sandy said. “I was afraid of that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia was wondering if the one drink she had had so far was making her take chances she shouldn’t and wondering how she was going to distract Sandy and change the subject when she saw Carolyn Snow walk into the bar with a good looking guy. Tricia was struck by how tall Carolyn was. Tricia was sure she had to be very nearly six feet tall. She looked happy and when she looked around Tricia waved to her.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Scooting out of her seat Tricia went over to Carolyn. “Hi! How’d you make out?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn smiled broadly when she recognized Tricia and gave her a hug. “Not as well as you did, that’s for damn sure!”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You heard?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn nodded. “I saw Carmen a few minutes ago.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah I saw her too. She said she had somebody waiting for her.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Wasn’t me,” Carolyn laughed. “Not my cup of tea.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I didn’t mean I thought it was you,” Tricia said, blushing. The man with Carolyn was looking puzzled.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn noticed and said, “Just some girl humor Ruben.” Then realizing she had not introduced him to Tricia she did so.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>As Tricia and Ruben shook hands Kevin walked up. Carolyn greeted him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. She then introduced Ruben to Kevin. By this time Ruben was looking just a little bit lost.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>After glancing at Ruben Carolyn said, “I’m afraid this may be too much for Ruben. This is the first time he’s ever seen anything like this. He is an old friend from my past. We’ve kept in touch over the years and when he mentioned he would be nearby on business I invited him to stop by if he got free and tonight he got free.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Would you two like to join us Carolyn?” Kevin asked. “We’re having a little party to celebrate Tricia’s success.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Carolyn exchanged looks with Ruben who shrugged and said, “Fine with me. I’d like to meet more of your friends and learn what you’ve gotten yourself into.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin dragged them back to the party with him and began introducing Ruben around. Tricia saw that the party had grown some more. Paul, the young guy she’d seen with Kevin before was there with a cute girl on his arm. He was deep in conversation with Jaime. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>The party got larger and louder as a few more people drifted in, mostly people that Kevin knew but Tricia saw that Jaime seemed to know most of them as well. She found herself retreating to the background and just listening. It was an accustomed role at parties and she liked it, she learned a lot that way.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>In time Kevin stood up and rapped on a glass with a spoon. Once he got everybody to more or less listen to him he began singling out players that were there and congratulating them on their latest achievements. He congratulated Jaime on making another final table that evening and for finishing fourth. Tricia blushed, realizing she’d forgotten all about asking Jaime how he did. When she apologized to him though he just smiled and told her that he understood as she’d had other things on her mind.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin again rapped on his glass and was staring at them, trying to look like a stern school teacher. “Mr. Devlin and Ms. Bateman! Is there something you would like to share with the class?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Jaime laughed and said with a smile, “Screw you.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“This is no time to get into your personal life Mr. Devlin.” Kevin said as seriously as he could while most everybody else was at least giggling if not laughing. “It’s also come to my attention that Ms. Carolyn Snow here not only cashed in the ladies event today but managed to get done with that in time to play the afternoon Mega-Satellite and win a seat in tomorrow’s main event.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Is that good?” Ruben, who was standing next to Tricia asked quietly.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. “It means she paid $500 to play in that satellite and won a $5000 entry into the main event. It’s very good.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“$5000 for one tournament?” Ruben asked, sounding astonished. “Can I ask you how much the one you won tonight was?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I was only second and the Ladies event was only a $200 buy in event.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“But I thought Carolyn said you got $14,000 or something like that. That was for second place?” Ruben asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded. “Trust me that is small change to what some of these tournaments pay. The one that Carolyn will be playing starting tomorrow for example from what I’ve heard is expecting over 300 entries and will pay the winner over half a million dollars.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Amazing,” Ruben said. “I had no idea there was so much money involved. Will you be playing in that one?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia bit her lip, not sure how to answer. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Before she could though she heard Kevin ask from right beside her. “Good question my dear Tricia, will you be playing the Main Event?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“God,” Tricia said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. “I don’t know. I need to talk to you about it Kevin.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Ruben looked from Kevin to Tricia and said, “Would you excuse me? I’m going to go ask Carolyn more about this. I find it fascinating.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin steered Tricia to a quieter spot. “Talk to me sweetheart.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Shit Kevin I don’t know what I want to do!” Tricia said, hating that it came out almost as a moan.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Calm down dear,” Kevin said. “I wasn’t trying to pressure you. I genuinely just wanted to know what you had decided.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I haven’t decided anything,” Tricia said with a sigh. “After tonight I suppose I should play. I can afford it. On the other hand I can’t help the feeling that I’m really not ready to play on that level.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It sounds to me like you’re thinking about it logically, that is good.” Kevin said. “That is better than making a snap judgement.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Do you think I’m ready for it?” Tricia asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin looked at her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Well you asked so I’m going to give you my honest opinion. In part it’s based on incomplete information about you though so if you think I’m off base let me know ok?</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>He was looking her straight in the eyes and she found herself looking up at him and studying his face. She thought she saw concern for her there as well as a little wariness.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok.” </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You came here not expecting what to find and found it a lot different than your previous tournament experience right?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You’ve done very well, both in the tournaments and in cash games. I have the feeling though that you’ve been on the edge of being overwhelmed by the experience though. To me you seem like you’re kind of, for lack of a better way to describe it, over saturated with it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia nodded again. “I am feeling kind of overwhelmed.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“You might not want to hear this but I don’t think you should play tomorrow. If you’d already won a seat than I’d say fine. And I think you’d have a chance to do very well. But if you buy in feeling the way you do I think there is a reasonable chance you will not play your best game. I would be very afraid you’d be playing scared, trying to just play conservative and make enough to win your buy in back. That can work but it means you have no chance to win and every chance to bust out before you reach the money. Does that make sense.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia’s eyes had been filling with tears as he said it and when he finished she was crying fully. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin looked at her in concern. “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings but you asked me for my honest opinion and that is the best one I have.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head and hugged Kevin, resting her head on his chest and then looking up at him. “You didn’t hurt my feelings. I was feeling all that. It’s what I was thinking but I was afraid I was just being a wimp and you and Jaime and everybody would be disappointed in me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin smiled down at her. “Sweet heart two things. First of all nobody is going to be disappointed in you ok? You’ve done fantastic here. Second is that you should never let anybody pressure you into doing something you don’t feel you’re ready for. Just because many people hate limit and will try to talk you into playing no-limit cash games doesn’t mean you should do it. You’ve resisted that and that is good. This is the same thing. You know your limitations. Now if I thought you were wrong and you SHOULD play then I’d tell you. But I’d respect your decision not to.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Thank you,” Tricia said. “You really don’t think I’m a wimp about this?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin laughed. “I really don’t. I was a little afraid I was going to find myself having to talk you out of buying in without crushing your ego. In my opinion you are making the right decision.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia sighed and stepped back. “I got you all wet I think crying on you like that.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last. I’m just glad it’s not because you were mad at me.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well of course not silly.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Will you do something for me?” Kevin asked.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia looked at him and grinned. “I’m almost afraid to ask what. I’ve heard about your reputation.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin laughed. “I thought we discussed that. Maybe one day I will try to seduce you. I’m not promising a thing. But that is not what I was going to ask tonight.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Ok what do you want me to do then?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Take the money you’ve made. Keep most of it in your poker bankroll but go home and spend a couple of thousand on yourself. Reap the rewards. Go home to your family and recharge for the next event whenever you can make it.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I can do that,” Tricia said. “I’d already sort of planned to use some to buy some presents for Matt and Matty and my parents to thank them all for letting me come.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“That’s great but that’s not for you Tricia. Do something for you. Get something you want, a new ring, a necklace, something you’ve wanted for the house.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shrugged. “I’m not much into ‘things’. How about a family vacation? I would love to take Matty to Disney World.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin smiled. “I think that is close enough and has the added benefit of hopefully making your husband see that letting you do this again could be to his advantage.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“I think he already sees that,” Tricia said. “Although I kind of wonder if the main advantage to him wasn’t getting me out of his hair for a while. He surely hasn’t seemed nearly as worried as I thought he would.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Did you tell him about Jaime being here?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia shook her head. </FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Well if you do I bet he will get worried real quick.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>“Yeah,” She said. “I think I will keep that to myself. I was able to come here, be around Jaime and behave myself. Mostly, with him anyway.” By the time she finished she was blushing bright red. “Oh crap.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin held up his hand, stopping her. He was chuckling as he said. “That is enough information and none of my business. Are you ready to go back to the party now?”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>She nodded.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Kevin said, “Then stop blushing or everybody is going to think I did make an improper suggestion.”</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoBodyTextFirstIndent style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 6pt"><FONT size=4>Tricia laughed, and feeling much better went back to the party.</FONT></P>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910410304850501524noreply@blogger.com0