a Poker Tourney:
The average poker night will last around three hours. Are you ready for that?
Friday
Jackson reckoned it had been a good night. Better than usual.
First, when Dani had arrived at his apartment at six, she’d handed him half a chocolate cake to bring to Gen. It had smelled so good, he probably would have begged Gen for a bite if she hadn’t shared small slices with the rest of the staff before it got busy.
They’d all sat on the stools around the bar and eaten that cake in near reverent silence. It made him realize that he hadn’t gotten just a good job in Bridgeport, he’d made some good friends here, too.
That warm feeling carried over into the rest of the night. The bar had been exactly how Jackson liked it—busy, but not filled to capacity. There was also a Reds game on, which meant that about half the customers were avidly watching the game.
Jackson was, too.
He’d started playing ball when he was four, and the love of the game had stuck. Right around eighth grade, he’d gotten a growth spurt and come into his own. He’d started pitching well enough to catch the attention of some of the high school coaches in the area. One of them had even come over to the house to see if Jackson would be interested in going to school in the next town over.
For a moment, his dad had even looked like he was going to think about it, but his mother had knocked that idea down flat. Children lived at home. End of story.
He’d ended up playing high school ball and trying not to dream about playing in college … or of skipping college altogether because he got drafted into the big leagues. Those things didn’t happen to kids in Spartan. He’d been right, too.
Even Bobby Thomas, their star batter, hadn’t gotten a ride to college or an invite to try out for a farm team.
All of that was why the game on TV was a good thing for him. He liked watching and rooting for those guys who were able to accomplish something that had only been a faint dream for him.
“We need another round on the porch, Jackson,” Gen said.
“On it.” Glancing out at the men sitting outside, he remembered that they’d ordered pitchers of the draft on tap. He filled two and brought them out.
When he got closer, he realized at least half of them were members of the Bridgeport Social Club, Kurt’s poker group. “Brought y’all two pitchers,” he said as he set the clear plastic pitchers down. “Anyone want a fresh glass?”
Three of the guys handed him their mugs. One of them was peering at him closely. “Hey, you’re part of Kurt Holland’s crew from West Virginia, aren’t you?”
“Yep. Moved here a couple of months back.”
“Good to see you.” He held out a hand and introduced himself. “Corbin Hayes.”
“Good to see you again, too. Name’s Jackson Koch.”
“Ace calls you Cookie.”
“Yep, among other things.” Cookie had been his nickname when he’d been on the Spartan High School baseball team. After shaking the other guys’ hands, he headed back inside for fresh glasses. “I’ll be right back.”
Just as he went inside, one of the Reds hit a double and brought in a runner. As he whistled with everyone else, Gen raised her eyebrows.
“I didn’t know you were a Reds fan.”
“Can’t help but be,” he said as he pulled four mugs out of the freezer. “These guys are awesome.”
“You know baseball?”
“Yep. I played it growing up.” Realizing she was looking at him intently, he said, “Why?”
“Nothing.” She paused. “But maybe I should ask you something.”
“Let me deliver these mugs first.”
“Let Kimmy do it. Kim, run those out, would you?”
“Sure, boss.”
When they were alone, Gen said, “I saw your friend Dani in the parking lot today.”
“Dani, who babysits Kate?” he asked, just to make sure she wasn’t talking about a man named Danny.
“The very one.”
“Ah. Well, that’s good.” He looked at her blankly, trying to figure out what her point was. Though Beth had been a master of making quick friends, that wasn’t Gen’s way. She didn’t chat with friends of friends in the parking lot or try to make connections. From the time he’d started at the Corner Bar, she’d been all business and he’d been perfectly fine with that.
“Has she told you about her son?”
“Told me what?”
“About how he’s really good at baseball and was asked to be on some fancy team,” she said. “A club team.”
“No. I mean, I knew he played baseball, but so do a lot of boys his age.”
After she served a pair of college students a couple of shots after checking their IDs, she turned back to him impatiently, flipping her long blond hair over one shoulder. “You need to ask Dani about her kid and get more information.”
“Because?”
“Because she babysits for you, Jack. And she’s nice.”
“I’ll do that, and she is nice, but I’m not exactly following you. Why are you so interested in Jeremy’s baseball career?”
“Because she needs someone to give a damn. So it might as well be me and you.”
He already did give a damn. He was pretty sure Dani knew that, too. Though, she hadn’t said a word to him about Jeremy and club teams. No, all they’d done was talk about that cake. “I’ll talk to her about it soon.”
“Good.” She relaxed.
“Since we’re talking, how are you? Have you recovered from Seth’s visit?”
“No.”
“Is he still around, or did he go back home?”
Looking weary, she shook her head. “He didn’t say but I know he’s still here. I think he plans to stay here for a while.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Just like that, her usual hard demeanor returned. “There’s nothing to say, Jackson. Plus, I don’t want to start talking about my personal crap at work.”
“Understood. I’ll get back to work.” Just as he turned around, she put a hand on his back.
“Wait.” When he turned back to face her, she grimaced. “I’m sorry. I know I’m all over the place tonight.”
“You were pretty good after that cake.”
She smiled wryly. “Chocolate cake can usually solve just about any problem of mine … except Seth.”
“He was that bad to you?”
“No. It is more like he and I have a long history, and it’s pretty tough to admit to myself that I haven’t dealt with it like I should have.”
Thinking about how he’d lived in a fog for months after Beth died and he lost his job, Jackson reached out and clasped her hand. “That happens to all of us. When you’re ready, let me know if I can help.”
She squeezed his hand before dropping her own. “You know what? I think I need a break.”
“Okay. Kimmy and I can handle things while you take a break.”
“No, I mean, I’ve been thinking about going home for a couple of days. What would you think about being in charge on a Saturday night in a week or two?” She held up a hand. “And don’t go telling me you don’t know how to make a bunch of fancy cocktails. Both Kimmy and Melissa will be working, and they can make most anything.”
“You sure you don’t want either of them to be in charge?”
“Hell, no. Melissa just likes to come and leave and Kimmy? Well, that girl can’t manage to get her laundry done. We can’t put her in charge of a bar.”
“So it will just be the three of us?”
“No. I’ll make sure Trevor and Brad are on, too. I wouldn’t leave you without a lot of help. So, what do you say? It shouldn’t be too hard for you. I mean, you’ve managed people before in your old job.”
He wanted to point out that he had m
anaged men in a mine. But he didn’t. She knew his limitations, and he knew the look she was wearing. She needed a break. “I’ll give it my best shot.”
“Thanks. I’ll give you a bonus.”
“There’s no need.” Now that he thought about it, Jackson knew he’d be fine being in charge. He didn’t mind the responsibility. And, at the end of the day, he could always remind himself that he wasn’t worrying about men getting hurt in a mine but just a lot of people getting a drink. If they messed up without Gen, then they messed up. “When you’re ready, let me know and I’ll fill in. The place will be here when you get back.”
“Thanks. Appreciate it,” she said as she walked over to a group of middle-aged women who’d just sat down.
* * *
Four hours later, when he finally got home, Jackson found Dani sitting at his kitchen table like usual. But this time, she wasn’t wearing headphones and typing on her computer. Instead, she was looking out the window … and was only wearing a thin white tank top. Before he could stop himself, he was staring at her curves, gazing at the creamy expanse of skin across her chest and shoulders that was usually hidden from view. She sat up abruptly as he closed the door behind him.
“Hey,” he said.
“Jackson!” Looking irritated at herself, she grabbed the sweatshirt she must have tossed on the table and awkwardly pulled it on. “Sorry about that. I got a little warm drinking hot tea.”
“You don’t need to apologize for being comfortable.”
For a moment, she looked like she was going to comment on that, but she shook her head instead. “Let’s try this again. How are you? Looks like you got home early tonight.”
He glanced at his phone’s screen. “Not really. It’s a quarter to two.”
“I guess time just went by fast.”
“How was Kate?”
She smiled as she gathered her things together. “She was great. We played with noodles.”
He just noticed that they’d done an art project. Looked like Kate and Dani had make a macaroni picture. “Thanks. That’s real nice.”
She laughed. “It’s supposed to be a dinosaur. See the green?”
Before he thought about how she might take it, he grabbed her hand. “Looks like you got your fair share of being dyed, too.” Flipping it over, he rubbed a finger along her smooth palm.
Goosebumps appeared on the inside of her arm and her lips parted. He stared at them. Noticed that they looked as soft and feminine as the rest of her.
And … there went his attention back to places where it shouldn’t go. He dropped his fingers.
She used that hand to push a chunk of her hair away from her face. “Ahh, green food coloring works great, but it’s a mess. Kate’s not all stained though. I promise.”
“My girl is wash and wear. She’ll be fine.” He followed Dani to the door, half listening as she chatted about the video they watched about a stegosaurus named Pete.
Dani looked so pleased with herself, he almost didn’t mention his conversation with Gen. But then he remembered the expression on her face when he first walked inside. She really was upset about something.
“Hey, before you go, Gen told me that you talked to her about Jeremy’s baseball?”
She froze. “I did, but it wasn’t anything. We just both happened to be in the same parking lot.”
“I heard he’s thinking about playing for another team?”
“Yeah, but I’ll figure it out. It’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“Are you sure? I played for years. I might have some ideas that could help.”
If anything, that news only seemed to make her more upset. She picked up her backpack and slung it over one shoulder. “Thanks, but I’m not up for talking about it now. I’m really tired.”
He reached out a hand and grabbed her backpack. “I’m walking you up to your apartment tonight. No arguments.”
She smiled weakly. “Okay. No arguments tonight.”
For some reason, her compliance didn’t make him worry less about her. Holding her backpack, he led the way out of his apartment, up the flight of stairs, and down the short hallway to her door. “Key?”
Without a word, she handed it to him.
He unlocked her door, then reached for the light switch that was in the same place in both their units and flicked it on. A warm glow spread over her living room. He noticed everything was quiet. “Here you go. Thanks for watching Kate.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled up at him. “I’ll see you later.”
For a moment, he was tempted to kiss her cheek. Maybe wrap her in his arms and give her a long hug. Beth used to say one really good hug had a way of making everything better.
But she wasn’t Beth, and he wasn’t sure what Dani would say if he either hugged her tight or kissed her just once.
Suddenly feeling confused, he held up a hand. “Yeah. Good night, Dan.”
Then he quietly walked back down to his own apartment, let himself back inside, and walked to Kate’s room.
His little girl was sound asleep, mouth open, arms above her head, her sheet and blankets in a messy jumble around her hips.
Carefully, he straightened her sheets and smoothed her hair from her brow. He kissed her forehead, and then closed the door behind him as he left her room.
After showering, he crawled into his bed and attempted to relax. Tried not to remember when Beth used to greet him at their door with a dozen kisses and a home-cooked meal. Tried to forget the way she used to look sexy as hell dressed in one of his old high school T-shirts.
Or the way she used to take his hand after they put their baby to sleep and walk him into their bedroom right before she would slip into their bed and open her arms.
When he couldn’t fight it anymore, he threw on a pair of sweats and walked out to the couch and turned on the TV. Mindless entertainment was always better than memories that burned.
CHAPTER 9
From Les Larke’s
You, Too, Can Host
a Poker Tourney:
Try to prepare for something unexpected to
happen. For example, if you run out of drinks,
do you have a backup plan?
Saturday
“I’m sorry Kate’s already sound asleep,” Jackson said to Dani the next day as he carefully deposited his little girl on her queen-size bed. “She’s had a long day.”
He’d called Dani earlier to offer to take Kate to her place. Saying that she would be glad to have the chance to work at her own place, she’d immediately agreed.
Dani placed a light blanket over Kate. “You had to work earlier, didn’t you?”
“I did. Gen wanted a couple of hours off, so I’ve been in charge for the day.”
“She told me the other day that she was hoping to take a few hours off. How did that go?”
“Good enough. Saturdays involve a lot of deliveries, so I mainly just tried to keep track of everything.”
“That sounds confusing.”
“I’m finally getting the hang of it, so … so far, so good.” Leaning down, he kissed his little girl’s brow. “Missed my girl, though.”
“Who watched Kate today?” Dani asked as she walked him to the living room.
Today Dani had on a pair of worn jeans, a Reds T-shirt, and bare feet. After noticing that she’d painted her toenails a pale pink, he pulled his head back to the conversation. “I got on the phone and asked my buddy Ace if they could watch her for a couple of hours today. Kate loves his son, Finn.”
“Oh, I know. Even I’ve heard about Finn.”
He laughed. “Usually, all Kate wants to do is be in the same room as the kid. But now there’s something even better in that house.”
“Even better than Finn? I can’t even imagine.”
Remembering his daughter’s squeals, he grinn
ed. “They have a brand-new puppy. An Australian shepherd. His name is Touchdown, and he’s cute as all get out.”
Dani’s expression warmed. “Well, I was going to tell you I was sorry I couldn’t watch her earlier today, but I take that back. I can’t beat a puppy.”
He chuckled. “I’m no competition for it either. Usually Kate gets a little clingy when I leave her with someone besides you but she barely waved goodbye to me. Then, when I went back, she was all smiles. Their neighbor girl had come over and was playing Candy Land with her.”
“Sounds like she had a good day.” Studying him carefully, her voice turned hesitant. “What about you? Did you get to relax at all?”
“I took three hours off and ate an early dinner over with Ace, Finn, and Kate. It was good. After I got her home, I gave her a bath. As soon as I got out of the shower and checked on her, she was passed out on the couch. She didn’t even wake up when I carried her up here.”
Dani smiled again. “I remember those days.”
“How was your day?”
“Oh, it was fine. I made some cookies. They’re chocolate chocolate chip.” Turning around, she picked up a plate that was neatly wrapped in plastic wrap. “I thought you might want to take them into work.”
He grinned at her. “I would say that you’re thinking of me, but I think you might be baking for Gen, too.”
“Maybe.” She wrinkled her nose, as if a sudden thought had just occurred to her. “Uh-oh. Is that weird? I don’t know her all that well.”
“Not at all. She loved that cake. We all did. We’ll like the cookies, too. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. And, about Gen … well, when I talked to her out in the parking lot, we started talking about dream days. We both agreed that chocolate was an important component.”
He was curious about what Dani’s dream day might have involved, but something told him that now wasn’t the best time to bring it up. Instead, he tried to look confused, though he wasn’t. He’d been married to a girl who used to act like a Dove Bar was really special. “What is it with women and chocolate?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Since you are a man, I can only tell you that it’s something you’ll probably never understand.”
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