Janet turned with a smile, "Welcome to your sanctuary. Please, we ask that one of you stay with Liza and Jasmine for a few minutes, so they can bond, and she will feel safe enough to leave. Ladies, please undress and unwind. There are house robes in the change room for you and lunch will be served soon. Today we are having seared chicken breasts with garlic mashed potatoes, and buttered rosemary vegetables. Enjoy yourselves." She said with a smile before waddling out.
Imani grinned from ear to ear, "So I officially want to be adopted. Please." She said with a laugh.
Liza approached Margaret while Miriam stepped forward, "If you don't mind, I would like to spend some time with Jasmine before I join you. Margaret nodded before she handed Jasmine over and Miriam followed Liza towards the play area.
As they entered the dressing room, Cherish touched along Margaret's shoulder, "Quick question. How much did this cost?" She asked in disbelief.
Margaret gained a Cheshire grin shrugging coyly, "I don't know. This was my son's idea, so you'll have to ask him. But, I did tell him to look at Groupon. So, if it costs an arm and a leg on the app, oh boy I don't think I'm ready to have heart palpitations." She expressed.
Imani laughed under her breath as she finished her drink happily, "I'll take the palpitations to go through this. Thank you, boss." She said. She began to undo the buttons on her shirt and glanced back at Margaret and Cherish, "Come on ladies, its paid for. Enjoy it!"
Soon, Jasmine played with Liza while everyone was sprawled out on the massage tables. Trained professionals rubbed out every kink and bit of stress. Cherish's eyes curled in every time the woman's strong thumbs would ride against her back between her shoulder blades. Margaret sighed, Miriam dozed off sporadically, and Imani moaned, "Oh yes. This...this is the life." She groaned with pointed toes.
Cherish nodded slightly against the face guard, "Yeah. A poker game, can't beat this."
Miriam then giggled, "Or golf. Standing around with a bunch of men watching a little ball sail through the sky. They can have it." She expressed as they all fell into silent bliss.
Simon struggled to get the sticky sauce out of the crevices of Jr.’s hands. Once he was finished, they returned to the main room where he was surprised with Jack’s sudden appearance. Standing with a drink in his hand and watching the game with everyone else. Approaching him, he tapped on his back with the same look of surprise, “How did you get here?” he asked.
Jack smiled before he brought Simon and Jr. into a hug. He rubbed through the little boy’s hair and it was clear to see that he was overjoyed to see his grandson, “Leave it to Simon not to tell anyone.” He referred to Simon Sr. Jack wasn’t wrong, Simon Sr. loved surprises unlike his wife.
Simon broke into a grin, “Is Miriam here?” he asked.
Jack nodded, “Oh yeah, she’s getting her toes massaged with the girls.” He replied.
Speaking about the flight, no one else listened to them because they were immersed in the game and waited with bated breath. During an intense moment, the silence, other than Jack and Simon, was apparent. Everyone leaned in when suddenly, they all jumped up and roared out loud cheers as their team scored. Simon was never much of a sports fan, but he liked the energy of others celebrating. Jr., on the other hand, didn’t appreciate the noise at all and began to cry.
Jack pointed to the porch where Simon Sr. and a few others were setting up the poker table. Reaching for his grandson, he picked Jr. up and rubbed along his back as the younger one curled against his chest. The first game was played with Simon Sr., Simon, and a couple others. Once the first game had finished, Jr.’s balled fist loosened, and he was sound asleep. Transferring him to his carrier, Jack pulled up a chair at the table and sat down. Gary began dealing out cards, “Anyone have anything to bet?” he asked cheekily.
Simon shared a look with his father. They didn’t play around when it came to gambling and they both hated the idea of losing money. At least when they splurged it was on themselves or their family.
Jack, the voice of ill reason, spoke up, “I’m in for twenty bucks if you all are. Winner out of ten takes the cake.”
The Gabot men inhaled a deep breath before they both sighed and agreed to put in twenty with everyone else. Soon the cards were dealt out and the host played as banker and dealer. The players looked at their cards. Simon eyed Jack and his father because he knew them best. He searched for any hint of what they may or may not have. All he could think of was how Cherish would get on his case for losing twenty dollars when they could have used the money for a family pack of diapers. His kids’ butts were on the line and relied on him to win.
He didn’t see any difference in Jack’s expression. This man had a great poker face. All the while, his dad looked worried which caused Simon to surge with confidence, “I’m going in ten.” He said. Moving ten of his thirty chips into the betting pile, he held a straight in his hand.
Wetting his lips, his father reluctantly pushed his chips into the middle.
The shorter man groaned, “Ten already? You’re busting my balls here. Someone’s got something.” He insinuated before his gaze landed on Simon.
All were forced to match the bet before they showed their hands. Two of the men had nothing, Jack had one pair, the short man had three of a kind, his partner had two pairs. Simon rested down his Straight to show the
