“Now, you see how you have a two of hearts?” The man pulled a card from the girl’s hand. “That makes a pair.”

“I see.”

“And that King, there,” he said. “If there’s a King on this river, that makes two-pair.”

“Okay.”

“But for now you only have a pair.”

“Yes, you’ve said that,” the girl said.

“And if the river is a Queen, I’ll have a three-of-a-kind and you’ll have a full house.”

“Just go already, Nick.” She waited in silence as the man flipped over the next card in the deck. “Hell, I never get a good hand.”

“You’ve got me.”

“What?”

“Me,” the man repeated.

“What are you talking about? And this chair! God, I thought you would fix it before today.”

“I never got around to it, I guess.” He took up the cards and shuffled. “So how are we, then?”

“It is awfully hot, Nick.”

“Pay attention to the game.”

“I am.”

“So now you have a seven and another King, but a spade,” the man said.

“I’m getting the hang of it, I think.”

“Do you want my help this time?”

“I’ll probably end up needing it,” she said.

“Fine, then.”

“Good.” The girl tapped her finger on the table as Nick brought out the flop. “Look, there’s that Queen of hearts.”

“Yes.” His eyes glanced at her. “Just my luck.”

“You have two Queens? Again?” she asked.

“No. I have a two and a seven, off suit.”

“But you told me earlier that’s the worst hand possible.”

“It is,” the man replied. “But I wasn’t talking about the cards.”

“Well what else would you be talking about?”

“So how are we, then?” A pause.

“Next time you play poker with the boys, I want in.”
She smiled. “It’s pretty fun.”

“I still have to teach you about antes and bets.”

“I know more than you give me credit for.”

“Then you know when and when not to go all-in?” he asked.

“I think now’s a good time.” She placed her cards on the table. All she had was a King high.

“Agreed.”