“There is no way you have such a great hand with what’s on the table,” Kerry challenged.
Andrea simply inclined her head to the right with a teasing smirk on her lips as her cousin stared pointedly at her, trying to determine if she was bluffing. Reaching for her cup of coffee, she sipped it, unbothered.
“You’re the one holding up the game now, Kare Bear,” she threw mockingly at her cousin, her lips once more turned up in what was becoming her signature smirk.
“Remind me why we play poker again?”
It was Julia who had spoken this time, her hand rubbing her rounded belly as she brought the croissant to her lips and took a bite.
“Because it is a family tradition to play poker every Sunday, sweetie. Besides, it’s a healthy dose of clean fun,” Cora expressed to her daughter.
“If you say so. But Aunt Andrea and Kerry look like they’re on the verge of coming to blows,” she returned, bringing the table’s attention back to the two cousins staring unblinkingly at each other from across the table like it’s a showdown.
“You know, we won’t call you a coward if you choose to fold Kerry,” Andrea threw at her cousin.
“You know what?” Kerry squinted in determination. “There’s no way your hand is that great, and I know my hand isn’t shabby either, so I’m calling your bluff.”
Kerry took up the extra chips and threw them into the pile.
Andrea smiled, self-satisfied and turned her attention to Uncle Luke, the only other player still in the game. “What are you going to do, Uncle Luke?”
Luke looked at his hand, then back at the cards on the table. Frown lines creased the corners of his mouth. “Hmm.” He looked at his hand once more. “I’m calling it too,” he finally decided and added his chips to the pile as well.
Andrea smiled triumphantly as she placed her two cards on the table facing up. “Beat that.”
Kerry gaped in disbelief.
Luke stroked his chin contemplatively.
“Come on, Kerry. Let’s see what you have.”
Kerry’s mouth snapped shut as she recovered from her sudden stupor and drew in a thin line as she revealed her own hand. “I guess you win,” she said lowly.
“Ooh, what’s that? I can’t hear you,” Andrea snickered, cupping her hand behind her ear.
“You win, Drea,” Kerry deadpanned.
“Hold on now, sweetheart. Your father hasn’t revealed his hand as yet, so we can’t make that declaration just yet,” Maria but in, smiling over at her husband, who Andrea now realized with dread had a glint in the corner of his blue eyes.
“You’re right, honey, we can’t,” he agreed before revealing his own hand.
This time it wasn’t just Kerry’s mouth that flopped open, but Andrea’s as well, along with a few surprised gasps that rang out around the table.
“I don’t know how you do it, Uncle Luke, but you are hands down the best player I’ve ever known,” Andrea complimented.
“Thank you, dear. You’re not bad yourself,” Luke returned. “If we keep this up, pretty soon you’ll be gunning for the top spot.”
“Hey, what about me?” Kerry interjected, her lower lip jutting out to a pout.
“You’re also exceptional, sweetie,” Luke placated, then gave her a wink.
“There,” Kerry threw back at her cousin, poking her tongue out.
Andrea stuck her tongue back out. The two ended up making funny faces at each other before bursting into laughter. Those at the table joined in.
“Ready for another round?” Cora asked.
“You bet.”
