Page 50 of King of Hearts
“Now that I’m a member of Outback Aces, I’m in too.” Dylan chimed sending Seb and Cooper into peals of laughter.
“Outback Aces – where the fuck did that even come from?” Seb asked, holding his stomach.
“That’s what Mum calls these poker nights. Anytime Dad tries to ring Ando on a Monday, Mum will say, “It’s the first Monday of themonth, love. He has Outback Aces tonight.” The very accurate rendition of my mother’s voice nearly caused me to choke on my beer.
“That impersonation is disturbing, bro.” I said. “Now we going to play, or you blokes just come to talk shit?”
“I came to take your money but tell us about your new bed mate while you deal.” Cooper grinned and Seb slapped him up the back of his head.
“Shut the fuck up, Coop. You’re just jealous because you have no time to get any.” Seb rebutted.
Cooper rubbed the spot where Seb just whacked and whined playfully.
“You try running an entire distillery and seeking out a decent woman. You literally have them at your doorstep every weekend and you still don’t get laid.” We all laughed as Seb ignored the insult, discreetly glancing at his two cards, his face void of any reaction.
“What do you mean he doesn’t get any? I never leave Nexus without company, that place is always pumping with the best of the city.” Jack said, pride written all over his face.
“Sign me up.” Dyl added, gesturing towards Jack with his thumb. “And don’t think I won’t be telling people I’m your brother. I have no shame in the search forloooooove.”
“Clearly.” I mumbled as the boys all laughed.
“Cheers, Andy. That was the easiest cash I’ve made in a while.” Seb collected his winnings, folding it neatly and placing it in his money clip.
“You’re a prick.” I said, my tone holding only a hint of humour.
I hated losing, especially to these knobs because the winner bragged obscenely for the next month, and it was thrown at you as often as possible. But I loved poker night. I didn’t get the opportunity to relax often, especially with any mates who weren’t on the team – so it was always something I looked forward to. When Jack asked to join, I made it clear we kept footy talk to a minimum unless the others specifically asked, because it was a time to pause and just be us again. I could be Andy. Not Andy Gloss, Captain of the Sydney Hearts.
“A dick who just beat your arse.”
I paused to look at him, waiting for him to realise the innuendo in his retort.
“Oh, fuck off. You know what I meant.” He replied as I erupted into laughter.
“I think I do.” I chuckled. “You want another beer?” It was only Seb, Dylan and I remaining as Jack and Coop left earlier after getting sick of having to buy back in.
“Nah, man. Thanks. I’m driving tonight. Drink enough at the club these days anyway between Coop’s never-ending tastings and sampling any new cocktails the staff make.”
“Business is good?”
He picked up a row of the discarded poker chips, before letting them drop, one by one, into a neat pile. “Yeah, man. Surprisingly so. Usually a bit quieter this time of year, with it booming in Summer, but it’s been consistent. Keeping me busy, that’s for sure.”
“It’s a good vibe there. Heard a few of the team saying they rate the atmosphere but like the anonymity more. It’s an impressive thing you have going. Proud of you, brother.” He looked down, focusing on the chips falling through his fingers. He never did take compliments well. “Seriously, Seb. You should be proud of yourself. It’s been a dream of yours forever and you did it on your own. Not many people could say that.” I reached for the cards, ready to pack them away.
Seb harrumphed still staring at the table. “Wasn’t easy, ya know? But once I decided I wanted it, I didn’t give myself any other option. And hard work pays off and all that other philosophical bullshit.” He shrugged and, in that moment, I understood him more than I ever had before. The need for control and regimentation because it eliminated disappointment. The soul deep drive to succeed at all costs, for no one other than yourself.
I stopped packing the rest of the poker stuff, concentrating only on what he was saying.
“When you compete with yourself and no one else, how can you not be the best, right?” He looked up at me and nodded slowly, recognition in his eyes.
“That’s it, bro. My staff make it easy too. The club is a nice place to be most of the time.”
“Come on Micallef, get me a job. I would love to work there too.” Dylan called from the lounge where he was sprawled out watching some action movie after he cockily went all in and lost everything.
“How about you focus on perfecting your poker skills, little bro.” I moved over and ruffled his hair again, noticing he was also scrolling his phone. “Can you give anything your full attention?”
“I’m just reading up on the latest shit being written about you and Arna. Or theCaptain of HISHeartas Gossip Gazette is calling her.”
“Gossip Gazette is for idiots. Nobody reads that shit.” Seb scoffed.
