Hat and Boots
Image Courtesy
of The Writers Ranch
"Aw come on Lou, if we're stayin' the night here, a little bit of fun ain't gonna hurt me," Cody begged. They were riding slowly down the street looking for the hotel. Cody stopped in front of the Saloon and Gambling Hall that promised the "Loosest Luck and Ladies this side of the Mississippi."
Lou sighed. She was not in the mood. "Cody, I promised Teaspoon I would keep you outta trouble. If you go in there, I can't keep that promise." She and Cody had been riding almost 3 days nonstop on a special run. She just wanted to soak in a hot bath, relax, and try not to think about how much she missed Kid. The last thing she wanted to do was babysit Cody.
"Ever since you and The Kid ain't been together, why does everyone else have to be miserable?" Cody knew he hit a sore spot. The look Lou sent him confirmed it. He knew he was pushing it, but the next words came out anyway. "Kid would let me."
Lou started Lightning walking again and looked back. "Well that's the difference 'tween me and The Kid. I care about what happens to my family."
Cody felt dirtier than the manure on Soda's hoofs. Lou didn't deserve the kind of treatment she was getting. Kid was flaunting his new relationship with Samantha. He was pretty sure that's why Lou had volunteered for this run. Now he'd have to find a way to make it up to her.
Catching up to her, they came to a stop in front of the hotel. "I'll take care of the horses while you get our rooms." Lou nodded. "Go ahead and have your bath sent up, by the time you've finished we can grab somethin' to eat, ok?"
"Sure Cody. Gimme about an hour?" Cody nodded and Lou entered the lobby of the hotel. It was crowded for a Tuesday, but she patiently waited for her turn to check in. "I'd like two rooms please."
"Sorry mister, only got one room left."
"Are you sure?"
"Look, do you want it or not? Storms we been havin' the past few days flooded some of the trails and people for miles around are stayin' put. People who'd pay a lot for the room. It's got two beds in it take it or leave it."
Lou sighed. At least she wouldn't have to share a bed with Cody. "Guess we'll have to take it." Lou signed the register and took the room key. Before going out to let Cody know the change in plans, she turned. "Can you have a hot bath sent up with extra towels?" The clerk nodded. "Thanks."
She found Cody out by the stables brushing down Lightning. He saw her and looked up. "What happened to the bath?"
"Change of plans. Only had one room left, but it has two beds. Was wantin' to let you know." Cody nodded. "Did you want to wash up after me or should we meet an in hour?"
"Take your time Lou. You need some time to relax. I'll walk around town and meet you at the lobby in an hour." Lou smiled and took his pack from him before heading back towards the hotel.
Cody made quick work with the horses and decided to head off to the General Store. Maybe he could find a small present for Lou, something to show how sorry he was for his earlier behavior.
Passing the Gambling Hall, Cody could hear the sounds of laughter coming from inside. He knew he shouldn't but decided to take a peek inside. Immediately three saloon girls approached him. Tipping his hat he grinned. "Evenin' ladies."
"Lookin' for a little entertainment tonight?" The blonde asked.
"No, just lookin'. Thanks anyway." He said as he turned around to leave.
The redhead grabbed his arm with one hand and ran her other hand down his backside. "Just one little ol' game won't hurt you. I'm Georgia." Cody blushed. There was something about southern accents that turned him to mush. And this one's was a smooth as a peach. He knew he shouldn't, but what would one game hurt? He still had some time before he had to meet Lou, and if he won, he'd be able to get her a real nice present. Maybe even a pretty dress.
"Well(,) if it's just one game." He smiled. "Poker?"
The brunette grinned. "Not just any poker. Come on towards the back room and you can play our version." She wiggled her eyebrows and started to lead him towards the back.
Cody was long gone. He'd never had this many beautiful women fawn over him and he was enjoying it. They could rob him, tie him up and leave him for the coyotes and buzzards, and he'd still die a happy man. Once in the back room, they ladies led Cody to a corner table. There were two other men there, both looking like they've seen better days. One looked like he'd lost everything to gambling, including the shirt on his back!
"Gentleman," Cody nodded as the introductions were made and he took his seat.
"Well Gentlemen, we have a new player, so it looks like your luck is about to change." The blonde said with a wink. The man without his shirt looked like he was about to say something when the blonde shot him a look similar to the one Lou shot him earlier. "Five card stud gentleman, Ladies and Deuces are lucky."
"What's the ante?" Cody said as he reached for his money.
"You'll see." The redhead said with a smile.
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Almost two hours later and Lou was fuming. She had been waiting around the lobby for Cody and he still hadn't shown. She even walked down towards the gambling hall and looked in without seeing him anywhere. Now she was sitting on the swing the hotel had on their front porch. She was about to head back up to the room and lock him out when she heard a noise.
"Psst. Psst, Lou?"
"Cody if that's you, you better have a damn good explanation. Where are you?"
"Around here. Could you do me a favor and go get me my pack?"
Lou walked around the side of the hotel and saw Cody hiding behind a cactus. "Stop playin' these games and come on. I'm hungry and tired. If you didn't want to eat with me, all you had to do was say so."
"Lou I'm serious. Please go get my pack. I'll take you out to eat; I'll even pay, just go get me my pack."
Lou walked closer. Cody kept moving around the side of the large cactus. "Damn it Cody, you went to the Gamblin' Hall didn't you. How much trouble did you get in?" Lou stopped dead in her tracks. She tried to hold her laughter back but couldn't.
There standing behind the cactus was Cody. Wearing nothing but his hat and boots.