This is my first attempt at writing, having been inspired by a small band of authors whose work I immensely admire, and I have attempted to occasionally incorporate a flavour of their imagination in this story in tribute to them.
Having completed the novel, I have learnt so much more than I knew at the outset. Two areas of feedback are welcomed:
1. Comments of encouragement that will inspire me to write more... and constructive criticism that will help me improve.
2. Voting that will help me assess the enjoyment factor.... or otherwise.
CHAPTER FIVE: THE DAY HEATS UP
Daniel's troubled mind was beginning to settle down. He felt strong pangs of guilt over his actions with Katherine at the introductory dinner and he was only too aware of how despicable those were. Despite the relationship problems he and Grace had been suffering recently, he had genuinely thought that the visit to Vegas was the opportunity for a fresh start. Even more, perhaps it could have led to a return to the magical early days when they seemed to have been so much in love.
And yet he had betrayed her on their first day in the city.
There was no doubt that he felt a strong excitement around Katherine. She was such a free spirit and she simply oozed a sexuality that brought out in him a degree of arousal previously unfamiliar to him. Even just thinking of her now, as he stood on the Strip waiting for the bus to take him Downtown, was having an effect. The way she had looked at him, her soft voice, her fabulous body, their lovemaking. The thoughts brought an instant erection. What was wrong with him?
He glanced around at the half dozen others waiting beside him at the bus stop, wondering what secrets they had to hide. A Hispanic woman openly returned his stare and he pulled his tired eyes away. He realised he had behaved badly and that despite their recent issues, he was committed to Grace. He owed it to her to behave in the proper manner, especially as she had been so faithful and supportive to him.
Then why was he thinking of Katherine, he wondered again, standing back slightly from the kerb as the heavy, yellow bus arrived at the stop.
As he boarded, he realised that whatever sensations Katherine was producing in him this morning, for whatever reasons, he needed to focus instead on both Grace and his poker. And that started with today's Final Table. He wearily slumped back in his seat beside a group of excited Japanese tourists, who were jabbering away to each other in their own language.
As he tried to drown the sound, he realised it was not just his thoughts of Grace and Katherine that he had to battle against. It was also the fact that he had had less than four hours sleep last night. To say he was tired from the excitement, adrenalin rush and physical exertions of the previous day was putting it mildly. He felt exhausted, to say the very least, and he wearily closed his eyes in an attempt to block out his thoughts and the noise around him.
Although he catnapped for less than ten minutes, curiously enough it had its effect. Once he alighted and slowly made his way along Fremont Street towards Benny's Bullpen, an invisible hand appeared to lift the tiredness. Whether it was that brief rest, or the fact that he had shaken other thoughts away and was beginning to focus on his poker, a certain jauntiness returned to both his walk and mental attitude.
Even if he was first out today, his winnings would amount to four and a half times his entry fee. And that was a bonus considering the reason he had entered was to gain experience, and to obtain a flavour for what lay ahead. To have achieved what he had done was beyond his wildest expectations.
He decided to set himself a target and as he was currently in fifth chip position, he set his expectations at a top four finish. He appreciated that every other player had vastly more experience than he had, but all he asked for was a fair share of luck. If that came his way, he felt sure he could astound a few people.
And there was one other factor that he had going for him, he realised, as he entered the casino. That was the element of surprise. Others did not know his game, although unbeknown to Daniel, the news of this rookie Brit had started to spread. Before the Final Table commenced, he was both astonished and delighted to be interviewed by none other than Norman Chad, who along with Lon McEachern, co-hosted the television WSOP broadcasts.
Norm was the 'colour man' and Lon the analyst and whilst both of them did excellent jobs of providing insight, Norm had made his reputation with humorous comments on player behaviour, and his ability to find some type of common ground to which the average television fan could relate. It had made him a favourite among the many poker aficionados, including Daniel.
Daniel shook Norm's warm, hairy hand and told him that he had watched him so many times on British television and was a big fan of his. The friendly Chad thanked him and pointed out that the viewers would be fascinated by the story Daniel had to tell. It took a while to record it all on tape, and after completing the recorded telecast, Norm wished Daniel luck. Not only would his progress at today's Final Table be monitored and reported, he said, but so would his efforts in the forthcoming Main Event.
The interview made Daniel feel even better and he laughingly told himself that whilst it seemed he was becoming a celebrity, it would certainly be no more than five minutes of fame. Enjoy it whilst it lasts he told himself, but do not lose your focus.
But that focus was not helped when a Practically Poker representative found him, having only just discovered what was happening with one of their qualifiers. He insisted on talking to Daniel about his achievements, before gently and not so teasingly asking why him why he was not wearing any of their gear. Daniel found himself blushing as he realised he had left his pack in the Hospitality suite before he and Katherine had commenced their tour.
"No problem," announced his new friend. "I'll have another one, with a few extra goodies, delivered to your hotel."
He took details of Daniel's room and hotel, and then produced a black, long sleeved shirt bearing the site name and logo.
"How about wearing this today," he encouraged. "Tell you what, as there's a little television coverage, we'll pay you five thousand dollars if you wear this and finish in the top four."
*
The phone call had taken Grace by surprise, but she was delighted. It was an invitation to lunch, no less. At Samuel Smith's. It appeared that Samuel was as keen to see her again as she was to be with him. Instead of her mid afternoon 'rehearsal', the female on the other end of the line had asked if she could arrive in time for lunch at one o'clock.
Grace dressed in the sexiest lingerie she had brought with her and made a mental note to purchase more tomorrow. It was ten to one when she entered the club and she walked slowly across to the bar area. Her head swung from side to side as her eyes searched among the impressive crowd of patrons, trying to locate Samuel.
Although the bar itself was very busy, a rather attractive young, blonde haired barman at the far end of the counter caught her eye and waved to her. She made her way over to where he was drying a large glass.
His soft eyes followed her as she approached and he gently said, "Hello Grace. You were something else last night."
"Why thank you," she responded, pleased with the compliment.
"Want a drink?" he asked, gesturing to the row of bottles that adorned the bar behind him. "Compliments of the house."
