[This is a nod to one of my favorite stories, Poker Wife. Not My Story is the author of the extended series. I cannot find the author of the original first 4 part series. I hope my remix is allowed.]
Friday, February 7, 2026, hit Brent's office with the crisp hum of a typical noon. The space sprawled across six open-door rooms, a modest real estate hub carved out by his father's decades of hustle. Brent's office, the second largest, sat just shy of his dad's sprawling corner domain--a room now often empty as the old man eased into retirement. Brent leaned back in his chair, the faint clatter of keyboards and phone chatter buzzing around him. His eyes drifted to a framed photo on his desk: Abby on their wedding night, nearly two years back. Her long hair spilled over her shoulders, framing a face radiant with grace--petite yet striking, her 32-D curves hugged by a white dress that clung just right. He traced her outline with his gaze, marveling at her beauty, the way her eyes sparkled with a loyalty he'd reclaimed from their high school days.
From the office next to his, Abby's voice carried clearly through the open door and glass wall. She stood with an older couple, wrapping up a deal on a $900,000 house. Brent caught every word as he admired her photo, her professionalism shining through each one.
"Thank you so much, Abby," the woman said, her tone warm. "You've been an absolute delight. So much better than our last experience."
"Oh, absolutely," her husband chimed in, nodding vigorously. "That Legacy Real Estate bunch--nightmare. The young man over there was so crude, dismissive. Got upset if we didn't sign after viewing just three houses."
Abby tilted her head, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Sounds like you were dealing with Matthew."
"Yes, that's right," the woman replied, her voice dropping to a hush. "Matthew. He was a bit of a prick, if I may say so."
Brent smirked, catching Abby's mirrored hush as she leaned in slightly. "Oh, definitely sounds like him. I don't like to talk ill of my competition, but I went on a date with him once--before Brent and I got back together. Crude doesn't even cover it. Obnoxious, too."
His mind flickered back to that story she'd told him years ago. Matthew, all smug entitlement, yapping about her body over dinner, on a first date no less, like she was a prize cut of meat. His hand sliding onto her ass as they walked, ignoring her sharp "stop it." Then, insisting on walking her home despite her protests, trying to force a kiss at her door, muttering some bullshit about "rocking her world." When she shut him down, he'd sneered insults--called her a tease, a prude--before texting for a second date like nothing happened. Brent's jaw tightened. Spoiled prick didn't deserve the empire his dad was handing him. Legacy Real Estate's billboards plastered Matthew's smug face on every corner, a constant taunt to Brent's smaller firm.
The couple's goodbyes snapped him back. "Thanks again, Abby," the man said, shaking her hand. She saw them out with a wave, and Brent stepped into the lobby, grinning.
"Nice work, babe," he said, pulling her into a quick hug. "That's a hell of a sale."
She beamed, wrapping her arms around him before their lips met in a soft, celebratory kiss. "I'm so happy I got it done before Super Bowl weekend."
"Forty-five grand for the company," Brent said, pride lacing his voice. "Great job."
"Alright, I'm heading out to grab groceries," Abby replied, stepping back. "See you at home?"
"Yeah, wrapping up here. I'll be back at the usual time."
-
Home greeted Brent later with the faint scent of cleaning supplies and Abby bustling in the kitchen. She turned as he walked in, her tight top and skirt showing off every curve he adored. He congratulated her again, mentioning he'd told his dad, who'd been thrilled. They chatted briefly about the sale, the weekend ahead, until Abby glanced over her shoulder.
"What do you want for dinner?" she asked.
"Don't worry about me," Brent said, loosening his tie. "I'm meeting the guys for a drink. Watching the college basketball game."
She frowned playfully. "Stop that betting. I don't want you losing all my $45,000 before I can spend it."
He chuckled. "Blame Adam. He's got me hooked. But don't worry--I'm still in the green."
-
Hours later, Brent sat in a sports bar's dim glow, the roar of the game on TV mingling with clinking glasses. Adam sprawled beside him, scruffy and intense, eyes glued to his FanDuel app. Pat, sloppy in shorts and already half-drunk, nursed a beer across the table. Sammy, quieter, scrolled his phone nearby. Their bets ticked along--Adam chasing a three-leg parlay, Brent sticking to safer picks.
Adam grinned, leaning back. "Remember that big payout I got from my five-leg parlay? Paid for that bottle service in Miami you never thanked me for."
Brent laughed, sipping his drink. "Yeah, you lucky bastard. Wild night. How much was that VIP table again?"
"Shit, like $2,500 after all the booze," Adam said, smirking. "They charged me $300 for a bottle of Grey Goose."
Pat piped up, voice thick with liquor. "What was that girl's name hogging all the Grey Goose? Sky or something?"
Adam's grin widened. "Oh, that hot bitch with the big tits--Skylar. Bet Brent remembers her."
Brent tensed, his smile faltering. "Whoa, whoa. Thought we were gonna forget that one."
Sammy leaned in, his reserved facade cracking with a sly grin. "Aw, come on. That bitch was hot. No shame in getting a little dome before you're hitched."
"I mean, she was hot," Adam added, "but not Abby-level. Could you imagine her face if she knew?"
Brent's frustration flared. "Look, I'd never had coke before. You guys insisted. I barely remember it. Let's drop it."
Adam's eyes flickered, a hint of menace behind the playfulness. "Jeez, all these favors I do--the trip, VIP booth, keeping your secret. Starting to feel owed, man."
Brent sighed, deflating. "Fine, I'm thankful for all you do."
-
Saturday,
The midafternoon found Brent and Abby weaving through Walmart's crowded aisles, prepping for their annual small Super Bowl gathering. The cart rattled with chips, dip, snacks--Abby ticking off her mental list.
"We've got everything," she said, glancing at him. "Can you grab the beer?"
"Yeah, over here." Brent led her down the beer aisle, snagging two cases of Bud Light and sliding them under the cart.