I smiled as he melted into the crowd, and then I turned my attention to the men. “Gentlemen?”
“Have a seat Shirley Temple,” Jimmy said. “We’ll be making our money back, now. We don’t appreciate being hustled.”
“Do your worst.” I smiled, skillfully shuffling the cards and flicking them to each player with precision.
“You have ten minutes,” America whispered.
“I know,” I said.
I sat at sixteen thousand. I tried to block out the time and America’s knee bobbing nervously under the table. The pot was at the night’s all-time high and it was all or nothing.
“I’ve never seen anything like you, kid. You’ve had almost a perfect game. And she’s got no Tell, Winks. You notice?” Pauly said.
Winks nodded, his cheerful demeanor had evaporated a bit more with every hand. “I noticed. Not a rub or a smile , even her eyes stay the same. It’s not natural. Everybody’s got a Tell.”
“Not everybody,” America said, smug.
I felt a familiar pair of hands touch my shoulders. I knew it was Travis, but I didn’t dare turn around, not with three-thousand dollars sitting in the middle of the table.
“Call,” Jimmy said.
Those that had crowded around us applauded when I laid down my hand. Jimmy was the only one close enough to touch me with three-of-a-kind. Nothing my straight couldn’t handle.
“Unbelievable!” Pauly said, throwing his two deuces to the table.
“I’m out,” Joe grumbled, standing up and stomping away from the table.
Jimmy was a bit more gracious. “I can die tonight and feel I’ve played a truly worthy opponent, kiddo. It’s been a pleasure, Abby.”
I froze. “You knew?”
Jimmy smiled, the years of cigar smoke and coffee stained his large teeth. “I’ve played you before. Six years ago. I’ve wanted a re-match for a long time.”
Jimmy extended his hand. “Take care, kid. Tell your dad Jimmy Pescelli says hello.”
America helped gather my winnings, and I turned to Travis, looking at my watch. “I need more time.”
“Wanna try the black jack tables?”
“I can’t lose money, Trav.”
He smiled. “You can’t lose, Pidge.”
America shook her head. “Black Jack’s not her game.”
Travis nodded. “I won a little. I’m up six-hundred. You can have it.”
Shepley handed me his chips. “I only made three. It’s yours.”
I sighed. “Thanks, guys, but I’m still short five grand.”
I looked at my watch again and then looked up to see Jesse approaching. “How did you do?” he asked, smiling.
“I’m five-k short, Jess. I need more time.”
“I’ve done all I can, Abby.”
I nodded, knowing I had already asked too much. “Thanks for letting me stay.”
“Maybe I can get my dad to talk to Benny for you?”
“It’s Mick’s mess. I’m going to ask him for an extension.”
Jesse shook his head. “You know that’s not going to happen, Cookie, no matter how much you come up with. If it’s less than what he owes, Benny’s going to send someone. You stay as far away from him as you can.”
I felt my eyes burn. “I have to try.”
Jesse took a step forward, leaning in to keep his voice low. “Get on a plane, Abby. You hear me?”
“I hear you,” I snapped.
Jesse sighed, and his eyes grew heavy with sympathy. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my hair. “I’m sorry. If it wasn’t my job at stake, you know I’d try to figure something out.”
I nodded, pulling away from him. “I know. You did what you could.”
He lifted my chin with his finger. “I’ll see you tomorrow at five.” He bent down to kiss the corner of my mouth and then walked past me without another word.
I glanced to America, who watched Travis. I didn’t dare meet his eyes; I couldn’t imagine what angry expression was on his face.
“What’s at five?” Travis said, his voice dripping with subdued anger.