Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

Only Tina would come to a Poker night not knowing how to play Poker.

***

Nik spends an hour trying to teach me to play Poker. It all sounds a bit like this “this card is the blah, you use it to blah and blah. Then you blah the blah-dee blah and that’s Poker!”

Let me tell you, it’s not so simple.

I give up with a pout and coax the girls to play Uno with me at the dining table.

After three games of me winning, Nat takes the deck and throws it in the air. Cards fly in every direction. Nat is somewhat of a sore loser. Lola, Mimi, and I burst into laughter at her dramatics; Nat pouts like a little kid.

We move back to the Poker table with the guys who are loud and boisterous. They tease each other, laugh loudly, and whoop when they win a hand. They are so much fun to be around.

Trick has eaten six of my special cupcakes and is currently devouring a seventh. He leans over to me a smacks my cheek with a sloppy chocolaty kiss. He asks, “What are in those cakes, girl?! They are heaven. ”

I wipe my cheek and laugh, “Ewww Trick! Well, the red velvet cupcakes have a chocolate sauce in the middle and the chocolate mud cupcakes have a peanut butter cup in the middle. ”

His eyes roll in bliss; he leans over close and puts his lips to my cheek, “Run away with me. ”

I laugh at his theatrical scene. Nik takes my hand in his, pulls me over to him and says, “Sorry Trick, she already promised me. ”

Trick glowers at him, “You always have to get the girl. Save some for us, buddy. ”

Nik smirks, “Never. ” He pulls me sideways on to his lap and without thinking I put my arms around his neck and settle in, placing my forehead at the side of his chin. I love hugging this man. He’s my teddy bear.

I can feel everyone stare at us but I could care less. I’m so comfortable and don’t want to move.

The girl’s watch the other guys play this round and cheer them on. Nik plays his hands and then strokes my back. We’re all having an awesome time.

“Daddy?” This is slightly distorted and coming from the baby monitor. Max goes to stand but I put a hand on his arm and state, “Let me get it. ”

He looks amazed at my offer. “Uh, okay, if you’re sure. She’s normally thirsty so take a glass of water. It’s the last room down the hall. ”

I smile at him, go to the kitchen for a glass of water and make my way to Ceecee’s room.

She smiles a little smile when she sees me enter her room. I keep the light off but leave the door open slightly for some illumination and sit next to her on the bed. Low and behold, she’s thirsty.

Sitting up, she drinks half the glass and places it on the nightstand. I lower my head to hers and place my lips on her forehead. I ask, “Better, honey?”

She hugs me and whispers, “Yeah, thanks Tina. Goodnight. ”

I tuck her in and make my way back to the others. Max looks at me with a raised brow; I smile at him in a way that says he was right.

I walk over to him, kiss his head and utter, “You’re so lucky. ”

He reaches back and squeezes my shoulder. “Oh, I know. ” He chuckles, “She tells me every day. ”

“Is there a day you bring Ceecee to The White Rabbit?” I ask.

He tells me, “Every Saturday, babe, she gets bored as hell there. I let her bring her games, though. ” And a plan starts forming.

I prod lightly, “What time are you there from?”

He looks up at me, eyes narrowed. “From nine. Why?”

I try to be as blasé as I can. “Just asking some questions, dear. ” And I sit back down.

The guys are so into their game they don’t notice when I motion for the girls to follow me. They all stand making excuses to stretch their legs or get a drink.