Chapter 43

Gabe.

Gabe stared at the cards in his hand. Seven two off suit. “Raise.” He slid two chips into the pile and let his cards fall facedown.

Gabe played poker most Wednesday nights with his friends, and the understanding was that if you could win the hand with seven two off suit, presumably the worst hand in poker, everyone at the table owed you five dollars.

It was the only actual money exchanged in their poker games. They played with numbered chips, but no one ever went home richer on Wednesday nights. They’d been playing the same way since high school, and Gabe was thankful. He still hadn’t learned how to win the game.

Measurements, construction, electrical wiring—you name it, and Gabe could figure it out. Poker was a mystery, right along with foreign languages and spreadsheets.

Tyler called, then Dakota followed suit. Ian cracked a rare smile and called.

Sissy stepped up behind Tyler and leaned over his shoulder to kiss his cheek. “We’re off to Celina’s.” Lydia stood beside her