It was just perfect timing when Phillip decided to take a mini-vacation, bringing along Tina and their one-year-old twins to Northwood.

There's something universal about men; for instance, they always seem to have this unspoken agreement about wanting to ditch their kids with someone else to enjoy some couple time. After dinner, Curtis, Phillip, and Austin found themselves sitting around a round table, a fresh deck of cards at the center.

The tension was palpable, like a string pulled taut, making the air thrum with anticipation.

A young club attendant, looking barely out of her teens and obviously nervous, was called over to deal the cards, her eyes darting between the three men's faces.

Curtis, the picture of relaxation with his legs crossed, threw out the challenge, "How about a bet?"

Phillip, never one to indulge in such pastimes, dismissed the idea, "Sounds dull."

"Scared?" Curtis taunted. "You can always back out now, save us some time."

Phillip's response was cool, "I'm just worried you'll throw a fit when you lose."

Curtis smirked, "Brother, your worries are misplaced. I won't lose today."

"Let's not count our chickens before they hatch," Austin chimed in, "unless you're planning to cheat."

"I walk the straight line; I don't need to stoop that low, especially not against you two," Curtis boasted, arrogance oozing from every pore.

Phillip shot back, "We'll see if you're still smiling later."

With a nod from Curtis, the young dealer nervously began dealing the cards, starting with two hole cards for each player.

flipped them back down, and leaned

of spades, and an ace of diamonds, followed by a fourth card, the ace of clubs, and finally, the ten of spades -

their two hole cards with the community cards to make the best five-card hand. The stakes

reveal his hand, a pair

"Three kings," he announced.

revealed his hand, "borrowed a bit of luck

his head in disbelief, "All four aces,

bow out gracefully, "I won't tell Anne

Phillip's newbie luck mixed with a lucky smooch from Tina, really

was a near unbeatable hand. Curtis' chances

hand, Curtis revealed his hole cards - a queen and jack of

flush," he announced,

stood, adopting the posture the

easy neo 22en

If you're unsure

call me.

agree not to see each other for the

silence as Curtis walked

sound of laughter greeted him. Tina, Joy, and

had a drink in ages. Tonight, I'm going for

looked at Phillip, "Bro, where you

caught in Curtis' gaze, quickly looked away, her face a mask

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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