I've Had a Good Time
Image Courtesy
of The Writers Ranch
Rachel looked around the gambling hall for Roger for the third time. He'd left over an hour ago to check on his young daughter and hadn't been back since. This was supposed to have been their last con, the big break before he went legit for the sake of Daisy.
She had no doubt she could pull the con off by herself, but it would be so much easier with his help. They were to find an unexpected mark, and while she dealt the cards, Roger would communicate via a system they had used in the past. They would bluff the poor man out of his money, and no one would ever know that the dealer in the dark corner wasn't even an employee of the fine establishment.
"Are you waitin' for others or takin' a break?"
Rachel looked at the strange voice and smiled. He might just work, she thought to herself. "I was waitin' for others, but if you don't mind we can play without them."
"I don't mind. Name's Henry, Henry Dunne."
"Rachel Fly..." It was too late, she started to break the number one rule, never give out your real name. "Just Rachel."
"Well just Rachel, ladies choice."
They spent the next few hours playing and talking with each other. Henry seemed to be sweet and there was something about him that made her feel bad about taking advantage of him.
"Well looks like I'm gonna have to go all in," Henry said with a devilish smile. "Which is a shame because if I loose our time together will be over. And I've enjoyed talking with you."
Rachel had enjoyed their time together as well. She had a full house, Kings over fours, and knew Henry most likely didn't have anything that could beat it.
"I've enjoyed it too."
"How about we sweeten the deal some. If you win, you get all my money and I leave. If I win, you can still keep the money, but you have to agree to have dinner with me."
Rachel looked uncomfortable. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"Why not? I already know you're not married, never have been, and that there isn't anyone who'd get mad if I escorted you to a lovely meal. I'm sure that the manager here wouldn't mind if he found out, so why not?"
He flashed Rachel a grin and her resolve melted. She knew she was breaking another rule, but then again, it would be hard to beat her hand. "Ok sure, why not." Rachel revealed her hands, "Full House, Kings over fours."
"Well I'm sorry to say I only have 2 pairs," Henry revealed a pair of Aces and a Queen of Hearts.
Rachel look disappointed but started to collect the money on the table. She knew the bet had been too good to be true.
"Well wait, I have another pair," he said as he revealed his last two cards. "And they also just happen to be a pair of Aces."
Rachel shook her head in disbelief. The Queen of cons got conned herself, she thought. Well at least I'll get to have a nice dinner with him.
"I'm sorry that wasn't fair of me," Henry said smiling. "I won't hold our bet against you; you don't have to accompany me to dinner."
"No, you won and I'll honor it. It was a sneaky way to get me to go out with you, but I admire it. So how about we meet outside the restaurant in about an hour. That'll give me time to freshen up."
Henry nodded and they went their separate ways. Rachel searched through her travel bag and realized she didn't have any clothes that were decent enough to wear on a date with a man like Henry. All her blouses were too low cut or all her skirts were too short. Knowing she didn't have enough time to buy a new outfit, she chose the most conservative outfit she could find, and prayed Henry didn't think she that she belonged at a whorehouse.
There was something different about Henry that intrigued Rachel. For as long as she could remember, she didn't let what others might think dictate her life. Now as she made her way to the restaurant, she couldn't help but think what he's think of her when he saw her dressed like she was.
Henry was waiting outside dressed in his Sunday's finest holding a bouquet of wildflowers and smiled as she approached.
"I would have rather have given you roses, but I couldn't find any on such short notice. I hope you don't mind."
Rachel blushed, "These are lovely, thank you. I think they're much prettier than roses."
"Not as lovely as you are, shall we?" Henry placed his arm around Rachel's as they entered the restaurant.
Several hours later, Rachel was surprised when the owner of the restaurant had kindly thrown the couple out so they could close for the evening. They had spent the time talking and lost track of time. As they exited the restaurant, Rachel realized she still didn't want the night to end.
I've had a good time tonight, Henry. It was wonderful and I'd like to thank you for your company."
"It should be me who's thanking you Rachel. I can't imagine when I've had a more enjoyable time or with such wonderful company. I'd love to see you again if that's possible."
Rachel was at a loss for words. She too would love to see him again, but during the meal, she hadn't been able to tell him that she made her living as a con woman.
"I'd like to Henry really, but I don't think..."
"You don't think what?"
"I don't think we'd be compatible in the long run. I mean I..."
"Of course we are Rachel. I hoped tonight would prove how compatible we really are."
"It's just that the life I lead, I don't think you're the type of man who would understand." Rachel turned her head away before he saw the tears forming in her eyes.
No man had ever made her feel this way. Even though she'd met him only hours before, there was something about Henry that made her pulse race and heart feel as if it were about to beat right out of her chest. She even started to understand why Roger had wanted to give it all up for the sake of someone he loved.
Henry turned her head back towards him with his finger and lightly kissed her lips.
"All I need to understand is life is a gamble and con artist or not, I don't want to bet on it without you."