Jeannie found Steve sitting at a video poker machine in the nickel slot section, almost in the exact same seat as the day before. She'd tried going up to his room first, though even then she suspected this was where he would be. He stared intently at the screen, as if he was watching the last minute of a playoff game where his team was tied. She didn't want to disturb him but he had left a voice mail first thing that morning with the most heartfelt apology. One that required a response in person; a phone call or text wouldn't do. Only face to face would she be able tell how sincere he was.
Tapping his shoulder once, she waited until he turned around to wave and grin at him. He sure took his time. And the look on his face didn't at all match the one that had left a message on her phone several hours earlier. Guess she really was a terrible judge of character.
"What do you want?" he asked, facing the screen again.
"Hmm, going after the big money, I see. Wouldn't Blackjack be a little more up your alley? Just like stocks, it's random for most people, but some learn how to cheat and rig things in their favor, huh."
He pushed a button and a King of Spades appeared on the screen. "If you're mad at me about last night, why did you come here?"
"You called and apologized. Until now, I thought you meant it. Guess I am just a naive small-town fool and always will be."
He swiveled his chair around, pulled her onto his lap and kissed her lips. "I did mean it. I was being a jealous idiot who then leapt to all kinds of wild conclusions based on erroneous assumptions, and forgetting that friends' friends aren't necessarily yours. I knew you didn't want to be there and then I left you alone and if there is any way I can possibly make it up to–"
"You can start by shutting up for a second or two." She kissed him back.