From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 11

Nanson had been on a losing streak, the dice rolling against him time after time at the craps table. It was his eleventh roll, and the murmurs around him in the crowded casino were all betting on big.

“Eleven times, man! It’s got to be big this time!” the crowd buzzed, throwing their chips onto the ‘big‘ side of the table.

Nanson’s hands shook as he reached into his wallet, pulling out his last three hundred bucks. His forehead was slick with cold sweat as he wrestled with the decision.

“Come on, Nanson! Go big! You’ve been down on your luck for too long, buddy! Follow the crowd, and you can’t go wrong this time!” a voice from the crowd encouraged him.

It had to be big this time.

As Nanson was about to lay his money down, someone gently took the money from his grasp. Anthea’s soft voice cut through the din. “We’re betting small. Let’s go for a three, a one, and a four.”

“Are you messing with me?” Nanson turned to see Anthea, her eyes calm, giving nothing away.

Someone from the crowd added fuel to the fire. “Oh Nanson, you’ll be stripped down to your

boxers after this one!”

“That’s not my bet! I wanted big!” Nanson protested.

croupier said firmly, pressing Nanson’s hand down. “House

hand and shot Anthea a glare. “You’ll pay for this, kid!”

lifted the cover, the dice revealed their numbers. Three, one, and four. Small.

over Nanson. He hadn’t

said,

They had won.

small!” The crowd was a mix of groans

We freaking won!” Nanson couldn’t contain his excitement as

Anthea had some magic

a small smile, she whispered, “Small again. Three,

“You got it!”

felt he was king of the world for the

Chapter 11

cast shadows over his chiseled features and his hands rested on the wooden

peering down at the commotion below. “Holy cow, she’s got a golden arm! She’s hitting the nail on

a young woman

turned to look at

her?” Daniel squinted, trying to make out