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“Thirteen is a hard age to lose a parent,” Gia says softly

“Anyway” I clearI talk about much How about if you tell ?”

“Oh” Gia looks down and laughs “So last night, I was able to get in on a private game in a suite at the MGM I was on uy spilled his beer on me It was everywhere; even my bra was soaked My rooer who perforet a shirt from her and their makeup artist wanted to do my makeup And Ro didn’t have any plain T-shirts to pick from It was this or a crop top”

“I bet you can wear the hell out of a crop top”

She laughs “Negative The parts ofshade of white And while Ro has washboard abs, mine are more like…Jell-O”

“I think softness is sexy And I also think you’re beautiful”

Gia shoves a bite of syrupy pancake in herI don’t let her off easy by changing the subject I just watch as she cheay too long, her cheeks pink

“Well…thanks,” she finally says “But I’e”

“You are anything but average When I sat down across from you at that table the first time I saw you, I couldn’t look away”

“Did I ht now?”

I furrowwas that you want to date me and fuck me And just FYI, same I’m not particular about the order we do them in”

“I said if I wanted a man, it would be you But I don’t”

“Why not?”

“Because…I’ poker for a reason That reason is , and I don’t want to lose my focus”

I grin “So you’re acknowledging that if we get involved, you won’t be able to concentrate on anything but your hot boyfriend?”

“I acknowledge that you’re a pain in my ass,” she says with a pointed look

“I’entleman to crack a joke here”

Gia’s expression is skeptical, but also ah?”

Ime

“Can I ask what the reason is you’re playing poker?”