“You could put money on it, if you want.” Hugh gave me a rare smile.
“Ten bucks.”
“That’s baby money, but sure.”
“It’s your loss,” Mark said with a shrug. “Come see me if you need to wallow in another beer.”
“You know Texas Hold’em?” he asked.
“I do.”
“Spend a lot of time in bars, don’t ya?”
“That’s also true. Oldest goes first.”
“You’ll regret that.” Hugh was either lucky or knew what he was doing. I knew better than to underestimate a man like him. Clyde always gave me a run for my money too.
Hugh wound up winning the first round. And the second one.
But I was close to winning both times.
“I see I finally have a challenge,” Hugh said. “None of the idiots here play like you do.”
“I was worried no one here would measure up.”
Hugh made a sound that was close to a laugh as he dealt the next round. Eventually, he came out on top again.
“Dammit,” I muttered.
“I shoulda made you bet more.”
“We can have a rematch next time.”
“Come in when there isn’t one of those sissy concerts, and you’re on.”
I laughed and handed him his money.
“So, why are you back?” he asked, eyeing me. “Something here catch your attention?”
“Just good work. I never turn it down.” I thanked every god I knew that my voice sounded normal.
“Really? That’s it? You kept looking at someone last time.”
My shoulders tensed. “I get over those things quickly.”
Hugh hummed, still watching me as I stood to get another drink. “We’ll see about that.”
“Well, that could have gone worse,” Mark said. He handed me a second beer. “He almost tolerated you.”
“At least he’s good at poker.”
“He smokes anyone else who’s dumb enough to play him. Maybe one day you’ll break his streak.”
“He got lucky this time.”
“So, that means there’ll be a next time?” Mark asked. “I can stock more of your beer if so.”
I wanted to say yes. Even if this bar was a bright spot in a town I didn’t like, I’d always be tied to here.