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.

bets are locked in, buddy,” the croupier said

back his hand and shot Anthea

croupier lifted the cover, the dice revealed their numbers. Three, one,

surge of disbelief washed over Nanson. He hadn’t

Nanson,” Anthea said,

They had won.

smokes! It’s small!” The crowd was

Nanson couldn’t contain his excitement as he grabbed–Anthea’s hand. “What’s the call for the

finally believed Anthea had

a small smile, she whispered, “Small again.

“You got it!”

winning streak, and he felt he was king of the world for the first

Chapter 11

light cast shadows over

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

young

turned to look

squinted, trying to make