“I don’t see your mama anywhere,” one of the guys cracks. Everybody laughs but me and Driskell, holding our cards casually as if it doesn’t matter what’s on the other side.
This is it.
I should be nervous. I should give a damn. But the truth is, I’ve got nothing in this world left to lose. And whether I walk out that door tonight or get thrown out in a bloody heap, I’ve had it with them all.
I don’t even look at my cards. I couldn’t fold now even if I wanted. I toss the last of my borrowed chips in the middle. “Call.”
Driskell’s mouth curves into a triumphant grin. “Royal flush,” he drawls, laying them out.
There’s whistles and cheering, and Driskell is reaching for the chips even as I set my cards down in a neat line.
“Straight aces.”
I catch the shock on Driskell’s face, but he knows better than to show weakness, not in front of this crowd. He chuckles. “Well, I’ll be damned. Who knew the kid had it in him after all?”
I wait for the crowd to disperse, everyone paying tribute to Driskell before they leave. I slide one chip in my pocket, and then approach him, holding out the bag.
“We’re even now.”
Driskell doesn’t take it. “We’ll talk about this in the morning,” he tells me, in that ice-cool tone that says it’s not a discussion.
But I stand firm. “There’s over eighty here, it’s more than enough.”
“It ain’t just about the money.”
Before I can argue, someone leans in to respectfully whisper in his ear. He’s needed elsewhere. There’s a situation at one of the stash houses.
He nods, then turns back to me with a wide grin. “You should celebrate. Take the night off, have some fun. You can afford her,” he adds, nodding to the girl at the bar. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
He strolls away, heading for the door. His driver, Jimmy follows, but I stop him. “Take this,” I tell him, passing him the bag of winnings. “Driskell wants it in the main safe. Tell him when it’s secure.”
Jimmy nods. “You coming out with the boys? We’re going to hit Diamond Girls after this is all squared away.”
“No thanks.” I pat him on the back. He’s not a friend, but he’s been a friendly face around here. “You take care.”
Jimmy looks puzzled, but he doesn’t ask questions, just heads obediently after Driskell, the way all good dogs do. Usually, I’d be right there at the end of my invisible leash, jumping to command, but not tonight.
Not ever again.
It hits me for real now, as I stand there in the middle of the crowded room.
I’m finally free.
My debt is paid, the slate is wiped clean. No more dirty work, no more broken bones and skeevy clubs, no more back-alley dealings and nights in a shitty apartment watching the ceiling fan spin and wishing I could be anywhere else but here.
The rest of my life starts right now.
I head to the bar, victory singing in my veins. It’s a miracle, but the girl is still alone, so I take it as a sign to slide in next to her.
“No.”
Her voice is cool and firm. She doesn’t even look over.
I smile. “I was just going to offer to buy you a drink.”
“I know,” she replies, turning now. “And I said no.”
I pause, thrown for a moment by those dark, watchful eyes. I know when to take the hint, but there’s something about the way she’s looking at me, like there’s more going on beneath the surface. “Can I ask why not?”
“Because you’re trouble.” The girl doesn’t say it like she’s flirting, she says it like it’s a fact.
“Me? I’m a teddy bear.” I flash her my most charming grin, the one that gets any girl in this town to slip me her hotel key.
She snorts. “Try a grizzly.”
I pause, trying to figure her out. “One beer.”
“I don’t drink.”
“Then you sure picked a strange place to hang out for the night.”
The girl sighs. “I know.” The guarded look slips, just a little. “It’s my birthday,” she adds quietly. “Or rather, it will be in…three minutes.” She checks the clock on the wall. “My brother’s off God knows where with his girlfriend, probably getting married, and I’m…sitting here babbling to a complete stranger.” She rolls her eyes, catching herself.
“A handsome, mysterious stranger,” I grin. “I’m Ryland,” I add, holding out my hand.
She hesitates a moment before taking it. “Tegan,” she says.
Her touch is cool and soft, and I feel a strange sense of regret when she withdraws her hand and looks away, shoulders tense. I wonder who hurt her, who made her sit here all alone counting down to her birthday: away from her family and friends, so quiet in the crowd.
But more than anything, I want to make her forget all that, just for a moment.
“You sure about that drink?” I ask. “I’m sure the bartender can whip you up a Shirley Temple.”
Tegan shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but I meant what I said,” she says quietly. “I’ve had enough of guys like you.”
I move closer, taking her by surprise. She looks up, eyes widening in shock as I lean in closer, drawling low just for her to hear.
“Baby, you’ve never met a man like me.”
I don’t know what comes over me. Maybe it’s the beer buzz, or the contact high from her arm pressing against my side. Maybe it’s the thrill of new beginnings, and the end of my life in this town.