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“Can I contribute anything? I feel like I should, since you’re including me.”
“We’ve got it covered. Luke is bringing a big ice chest and ice. Gentry and Abe are bringing a couple of big pizzas. Justin and Wes will bring something, hopefully some dip or salsa. We’ll have more than enough.”
“Sounds like a party. How often do you guys get together?”
“We used to play poker once a week, but wives, kids, obligations. We shoot for every few weeks, though.”
“Poker, huh?”
“Yeah. Do you play?”
“I’ve played. I’m not very good.”
“We’ll be sure to invite you to the next game, then. A poker table is next on my list.”
“Nice.” Mathias looked around the room. “Do you guys play darts?”
“Yes. We need a dartboard, too.”
“Darts, I’m pretty good at.”
“Thanks for warning me.”
“When will everyone get here?”
“Around eight. Gentry and Abe will try to get out of Rocco’s a little early and leave Maggie to finish up and close down.”
“I guess I’ll go spend some time with Wilda and Caleb before then.”
He headed for the door, then stopped and backed up when Rachel walked in. She smiled. “Hi.”
Milo shook his head. “Rachel?”
She walked past Mathias. “I know. I won’t stay. I just wanted to see this beautiful pool table.” She went over, touched the dark wood, then turned and smiled at Mathias.
“Hello again, Mathias.”
“Hi.”
She turned to Milo. “I don’t suppose.”
Milo sighed, then handed her a cue. “One round.”
She squealed as she took the cue. He racked up the balls, then looked at Mathias. “Do you want to play her?”
“Um…I don’t…”
She laughed. “Come on. I won’t beat you too badly.”
“Oh, okay. I see how it is.” Mathias picked up a cue. “Take the break.”
Rachel started out strong, then Mathias had a good round. As Rachel set up for her turn, Wilda came into the room.
“What’s going on in here?”
Rachel turned to her. “Hi, Wilda.”
Wilda nudged Milo. “Why didn’t you call me in sooner?”
