Page 23 of Something More

“I think I’ll manage.” I moved to flip the chair around backward and as I rested my arms on its back, I arranged my cards in my hand. This was gonna be a fun night, I thought as I stared down a full house.

Chapter 12

Dakota

It’d been years since I’d had this much fun sitting around playing cards. We’d been through half a dozen games, and I’d won all but one. I could have won that one, but I wanted Johney to think he was good. “I’ll raise you twenty.” I tossed two white chips in the middle of the table.

“Nope. I’m out.” Bo shook his head as he placed his cards face down in front of him.

“I’m in—” Johney tossed two white chips into the pile, and then added a blue one “—and I’ll raise you $50.” His knee bounced under the table, and he scratched at his jawline. He was bluffing. I knew this, but I tossed the blue chip in.

“Too rich for my blood.” Ben folded his cards. Jeff checked out his hand again and his meager pile of chips.

“What about you? You in?” Johney raised his chin in Hank’s direction.

“Uh un.” He smirked. “I am definitely not in.” He tossed his cards down and leaned back. He knew I had this one, but I think he wanted to let Johney think he had a chance. “You gonna call, or keep flappin’ your gums?”

“Uh uh uh.” I wagged my finger at them. “I’m not done yet. Johney’s smile started to drop and then his eyes grew as big as saucers when I tossed two more blue chips in. “$100 more, boys. What’d ya got?”

“I’m out.” Jeff sighed before tipping back a beer.

“Well?” I eyed Johney.

“Fine.” He tossed his last two blue chips in. This was going to clean him out for the night. “I got two pair.” He laid his cards in front of him.

“Wow.” I sighed. “This sucks.” Johney’s eye grew wide. “For you,” I finished as I laid my cards down. “Royal flush.” Ireached out with my arms and dragged the chips over. “Can I cash these out, Jeff? I’m getting kinda tired.”

“My pleasure.” He smiled as he handed over the wad of cash he’d collected when he passed out chips. I flattened the bills slowly, making a big show of it as I folded the stack in half and stuffed it into my pocket.

Johney watched as I stood up and stretched. “I gotta get back. Jack is in bed, and I don’t want to be away for too long. It was fun, though.” I winked as I stepped back from the table. “Walk me out?” I eyed Hank. He tipped his hat as he stood and followed me out the door.

Once outside, the darkness swallowed us up. I stepped into the tree line and then burst into laughter. “I think he was still in shock when we left.” I turned to face Hank.

“He needed someone to put him in his place. It’s even better that it was you.” He smirked.

“Oh yeah?” I stepped in his direction. I grinned as I draped my arms around his neck. “You liked that, huh?”

“I like seeing you. It’s good you came back. I missed this version of you,” he murmured. “At first I thought we’d lost you.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“I’ve always been me. I just grew up,” I whispered.

“You seemed kinda lost.” He pulled back before leaning down and pressing a kiss to my lips. “Come to the creek tomorrow with me.” His lips brushed against the shell of my ear. “Bring Jack.”

I nodded as I stepped back from his embrace. “Ok.” I turned and started walking the stone path that led to the guesthouse. I glanced back over my shoulder once when I reach the glow of my own porch light. Hank was still standing there just inside the shadow, watching me. He used to do this when we were young. He always wanted to make sure I got home safe, even if it was only a hundred feet or so.

I waved goodnight and went inside, locking the door behind me. The house was quiet. I cracked open Jack’s door to find him sound asleep. I whispered a goodnight before making my way to my own room.

I tossed the money I’d won onto the dresser and slipped out of my clothes before making my way into the bathroom. After turning on the shower, I waited for the room to fill with steam. I was tired and sore from unpacking for days. A hot shower and a good night’s sleep sounded wonderful.

*****

I knew he was there before I even opened my eyes. “Mom!” He poked at my shoulder and whispered, “Are you awake?” My eyes slowly opened and I squinted against the bright morning light. He was mere inches from my face. “Can I go with the guys today? They’re harvesting corn. Grandpa said he’d pay me.” He was grinning and full of energy.

“Sure, buddy. Just listen to Grandpa.” I yawned.

He bounded off, slamming the door behind him as he shouted, “Thanks! Love you!”

I rolled to my back and stared at the ceiling. I was supposed to be meeting my dad to look at the books. He was wanting to purchase some new equipment, and I was going to see if we could actually afford it based on this year’s sales. I guess Mom could let me into the office.

---