Queen of Hearts Read online

  Angie noticed Tess’s reaction. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost, Tess. What’s up?”

  Tess shook her head. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just played against her for a little while last night. Didn’t expect to see her here. That’s all. No big deal. Not at all. Just wasn’t expecting that. I’m fine. Really. No problem here.”

  Angie sized Tess up as she rambled, giving her a knowing look. “You need to work on your poker face, girl. Clearly something is up. Let me know when you decide to tell me about it. Now, get out there, they just called your name,” she said as she pushed Tess through the door. In her surprise and confusion, Tess had missed her introduction and would have continued standing there in awe had Angie not pushed her.

  Tess put on her typical perky and smiling façade, waving at the fans in the audience as they welcomed her. She struggled to swallow the lump in her throat as she made her way to the stage. As she sat down in the chair next to the mystery woman, or Zoey, as she was apparently called, Tess made brief eye contact and offered a weak smile.

  * * * * *

  Zoey was nervous – beyond nervous actually. Public speaking was definitely not her thing. Not at all. Why she’d agreed to be on this Women in Poker panel was beyond her. She’d been completely taken aback and flattered when she’d been asked to participate, and that was what had probably convinced her to accept the invitation. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been thinking clearly when she did so. She struggled to keep her nerves in check and her breakfast in her stomach as she made her way to the stage, plastering on a fake smile as she did so. She was a badass poker player. People online feared her. She never lacked confidence in the virtual world. She just needed to channel some of that mojo here in the real world . . . and try to forget about the events of the previous night, which had rocked the already shaky foundation of her self-confidence.

  She took a deep breath and reminded herself that all of these people had paid money to hear her insights. They looked up to her. She was a rock star. She was awesome. She was . . . Her internal pep talk was brought to a screeching halt as she heard the next panelist’s name announced over the loud speaker. Tess McLeod. How had she not known that? How had she missed that her previous night’s nemesis would also be appearing? Of course. It made sense. Even though she hadn’t recognized Tess in person the night before, she’d certainly heard of her. She was the leading female player in the game. It was a no-brainer that she’d be a member of the panel. And now Zoey had to spend the morning with the primary source of her renewed self-doubt. Great. She smiled and clapped as Tess came through the door, trying to disguise her unease.

  As Tess sat down next to Zoey, she offered her a small smile. She looked about as happy to see Zoey as Zoey herself felt. Good, Zoey thought. Let her feel a little surprised and uneasy too. That’s right, you cocky jerk. Zoey Cameron is good enough to be here too. You’re not the only one with some skills. Zoey shot Tess a confident smirk, showing none of the fear and doubt that was warring within her.

  The panel discussion got underway and at the beginning was fairly non-eventful. Zoey answered questions posed to her and offered her advice on a number of topics related to the game. She thought she was doing a decent job of covering her anxiety and the fact that all she could really think about was the woman next to her. She didn’t know what the hell was going on with her. It was as if Tess was giving off this electricity, this aura, which was causing every nerve in her body to stand on end. Zoey didn’t know what to make of it. She kept fighting the urge to scoot closer to her, to touch her, to connect with her. It was like nothing she’d ever felt before. She was so damn confused. Especially since Tess had been nothing but condescending towards her.

  The next question from the audience was addressed to Zoey. A woman halfway back in the audience stood and asked her question. “Zoey, what do you say to those players who don’t think that Internet players can make it in live tournaments in casinos?”

  Zoey nodded and smiled she acknowledged the question. Slightly irked by the way that the redhead next to her was jangling her nerves, she couldn’t resist answering in a way that alluded to Tess’s dig the night before regarding Internet players. “Well, I think those players who shrug off Internet players are just resistant to the way the game is evolving. More and more people are getting their start online and it offers you great experience. Because the dealer is a computer, the game goes much, much faster, allowing you to play many more hands an hour than you could in a live casino. Also, you can play at more than one table at once online. Not possible in a casino. This means you can get experience much faster, because you’re playing more hands, learning from your mistakes more quickly and so on. I think those players who dismiss the Internet aspect of the game are just old-fashioned and behind the times. There have been plenty of Internet players who have won major, live tournaments and I think this trend will continue. Those who don’t agree are just in denial and holding onto their antiquated notions like a security blanket.” Zoey smirked and shot a sideways glance at Tess. Her sly jab did not go unnoticed.

  The moderator then turned to Tess and Angie. “Tess, Angie, as players who got your start playing live at a casino, do you have a response?”

  Tess nodded. “I can handle this one, Angie. While I do acknowledge that some Internet players have had success in live games, I think that this is the exception and not the norm. Many people find a little success online and then think they’re ready for the big time. They don’t realize that there are certain aspects of the game that cannot be practiced online. Learning to read other players, learning to hide their own emotions, things like that. These skills can’t be honed on a computer because your opponents never see your face. Not everything translates when you play face-to-face. So a lot of these Internet players step away from the computer and into a casino and pretty much just hand me their money. It’s pretty awesome.” She shot a passive-aggressive smile right back at Zoey.

  A few questions later, Tess couldn’t resist taking another backhanded shot at Zoey. An audience member stood. “Tess, you’re one of my all-time favorite players. What advice do you have for women players in particular?”

  Tess smiled. “Thanks so much for the compliment. I am beyond thankful for all of my awesome fans. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to have confidence in yourself. You’ll encounter plenty of male players who will automatically assume that you’re weak, that you’re stupid, that you’re easily manipulated. Don’t prove them right. Use this to your advantage. Use your brains and manipulate them right back. Too often, we sell ourselves short, subconsciously buying into the stereotypes about women. I’ve seen many a woman who thinks she’s got to flirt and joke and act like the stereotypical bimbo in order to win. Not only do I think this is incredibly stupid and demeaning, but I also don’t think it works in the long run. Some men will fall for this act, but the talented, smart ones won’t. So remember, use your brains, not your boobs. I ran into a player like this last night – I think she’s got real talent, but she must have some confidence issues, because she relied on this tactic as a crutch. It’s a shame really, that she was afraid to rely on her intelligence instead.”

  As Tess finished her answer, Zoey’s cheeks began to burn with a mixture of embarrassment and anger, knowing that Tess’s words were directed at her. How dare she? Who the hell was she to be taking jabs at her? It was totally uncalled for! So what if she was at least somewhat right? . . . that Zoey lacked confidence in her abilities. It was still wholly inappropriate.

  * * * * *

  Shortly thereafter, they took a break. Angie pulled Tess aside. “What the hell is going on, Tess?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know very well what I mean. Something is going on. You keep taking shots at Zoey and I’m not sure why. The audience may not see it, but I know you too well. You’re acting like a total bitch . . . and it’s not often that I . . . or anyone else for that matter, refers to Tess McLeod as a bitch.”

  “She s
tarted it.” Tess mumbled, feeling a bit of remorse as Angie’s words hit home.

  “What are we, in second grade? Who cares who started it? What is going on between you two?”

  “I played at the same table as her last night. I beat her in a big hand and tried to give her some advice. She didn’t take it well. She totally overreacted and I didn’t appreciate it. End of story.” Tess said.

  “Why do I have a feeling that’s not the whole story?” Angie raised her eyebrow, letting Tess know that she wasn’t going to let her off so easily.

  “It just bothered me because she was selling herself short, dressing like a prostitute and flirting with anything with a penis. She doesn’t need to do that.”

  “Tell me exactly what happened.” Angie insisted. After Tess recounted their interaction as best she could remember, Angie shook her head. “I don’t know, Tess. It sounds to me like you were being a bit snarky and condescending. I’d probably have reacted the same way.”

  Tess shook her head in disagreement. “It still doesn’t excuse the fact that she totally bit my head off just for giving her some words of wisdom.”

  “Remember that she’d just lost a big hand and her emotions were probably running high.”

  “Good players don’t let their emotions get in the way. That’s no excuse.” Tess waved off Angie’s explanation.

  “Isn’t that exactly what you’re doing here? Letting your emotions rule your actions? And, reading between the lines, I think you like her . . . and that bothers you.”

  “So not true, Angie.”

  “Oh, no, it totally is true. I’m straight and even I can tell you that she’s super hot. And you forget that I know you too well. You only get this way when someone gets under your skin. Attraction makes you feel out of control and you’re the biggest control freak I know. When you feel like things are out of control, you react negatively. So, yeah, I’m pretty sure you have the hots for her.”

  “Whatever, Angie.” Tess rolled her eyes and blushed slightly.

  “Just a word of advice – patronizing and bitchy isn’t exactly the best look on you. If you want a chance to win her over, you’d better play nice.”

  Tess sighed, knowing deep down that Angie was right. She’d been out of line and it was time to make amends. Especially considering the fact that she wanted to know more about her mysterious nemesis.

  * * * * *

  Across the room, Zoey stood with her friend, Max Grayson, who was also a poker player. She’d met him playing online and he’d been the one to welcome her when she first arrived in Vegas, showing her around the city. They’d developed a strong bond online, but she’d never met him face-to-face prior to her arrival in Las Vegas. Even so, she trusted him with many of her confidences and worries. He felt like the only friend she had in the world at the moment.

  “What are you doing here, Max? You’re not exactly a woman and if you couldn’t tell, this is a program for women in poker.”

  “Exactly,” Max replied. “What better place to pick up chicks than a conference room full of them? And since they’re interested in poker, naturally they’ll be interested in dating a famous poker stud like me.”

  Zoey rolled her eyes. “You are such a pig. Remind me why I associate with you?”

  “Because you secretly love it,” he winked. “What’s up with you and Red?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Tess McLeod is normally a sweetheart. She’s known for being nothing but sunshine and rainbows. Over-the-top perky. Yet you two have been subtly going at each other all morning.”

  “Oh, it’s nothing.” Zoey waved her hand in dismissal. “We just had a bit of a run in at the poker table last night. She was acting like a know-it-all and tried to give me some unsolicited advice on my poker game, which I didn’t appreciate.”

  “Hmmmm . . .” Max stroked his chin, scratching his day-old whiskers as he pondered the information. “I’ve got a bit of a read on her. Like I said, normally, Tess is just about the nicest person you’ll ever meet. Don’t get me wrong, she’ll kill you at the poker table, but she’ll do it while making you feel like you’re her best friend. I’ve only seen her feathers ruffled a few times. Usually it’s when she feels like she’s threatened in some way. So something about you makes her uneasy. Maybe she has a thing for you.”

  His last comment took Zoey by surprise. “I’m sure that’s not it. What makes you say that?”

  “Well first of all, she’s totally gay. Likes the ladies. Secondly, she’s been staring at you for the past ten minutes.” He gestured over to where Tess was standing with Angie. Sure enough, the redhead kept stealing glances at Zoey. “You should totally hit that, if chicks are your thing. I know I would, if I stood a chance. I bet she’s an animal in the sack.”

  Zoey struggled to control her laughter as she scoffed at Max’s suggestion. “First of all, Max, just because she acts like she hates me does not mean she likes me. We’re not in elementary school. She probably acts like she hates me because she hates me. Second, I’m totally not into girls. Not even a little bit.” Zoey pushed aside doubts about her last comment. Just because sitting next to Tess all morning was making her feel like she was on fire did not mean that she was attracted to her. Her nerves were just out of whack from a combination of losing the big hand the night before and the fact that she had to speak in front of the huge audience. It had nothing to do with Tess. Nothing at all.

  “Well, you’d better figure out what you want to do about her, because here she comes,” he gestured towards Tess, who was in fact making her way towards them.

  Tess smiled meekly as she approached them. “Uh . . . Zoey. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

  Zoey nodded. “Sure.”

  “I want to apologize for the way that I’ve treated you today and last night. It was uncalled for. I don’t know what came over me, but I can assure you, I don’t normally act like this.”

  Unsure how to respond, Zoey simply nodded again.

  “I’d like to make it up to you. Can I take you out for coffee after this panel is done?”

  Zoey pondered the offer for a moment. She couldn’t quite put her finger on what was bothering her, but something in her gut warned her that further interaction with Tess would be dangerous. She wasn’t sure how exactly, or whether the outcome would be incredible or horrible, but something about this woman made her nerves stand on end. She was feeling incredibly out of sorts. Finally, deciding a defensive approach was best, she shook her head. “I accept your apology, but I’m not sure we really have anything else to talk about. Maybe we should just keep our relationship for the poker tables.”

  Tess was surprisingly disappointed by Zoey’s refusal, but didn’t give up quite that easily. She had a feeling that Zoey wouldn’t be able to back down from a challenge or a wager of some sort. “Come on, sweetie. A little coffee never hurt anyone. How about this? Let’s make a bet. We’ll have Max here pick a number between one and one hundred. We’ll each pick a number and whoever comes closer to his number wins the bet. If I win, you have to have coffee with me.” She smiled and flashed Zoey her a smile, which suddenly made Zoey feel a little weak in the knees. That was a killer smile, Zoey had to admit.

  Zoey arched her eyebrow. “And if I win?”

  “I’ll leave you alone . . . and promise to treat you with nothing but respect from now on.”

  “Fine,” Zoey agreed. “Max, pick a number.”

  Max nodded. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the exchange between the two women. Even if neither one of them would admit it, he could practically see the sparks flying between the two. It was hot. “Okay, got my number.”

  “Twenty-three,” Zoey replied.

  “I’ll take ninety-seven.” Tess added.

  Secretly, Max had picked nineteen, which made Zoey the winner. However, he wasn’t about to let this little soap opera end so abruptly. “Sorry, Zoey. I picked eighty-eight, so Red wins.”

  “Super!” Tess replied in her normal perky tone. “I’ll
meet you at the coffee shop around the corner at one, if that’s okay, sweetie.”

  Zoey nodded and Tess began to walk away.

  Zoey called after her. “Oh and Tess?”

  Tess turned back. “Yeah?”

  “Don’t call me sweetie.”

  Tess shot her the smile again and walked away.

  Chapter Three

  The panel continued for the rest of the morning with no repeat of the thinly veiled barbs that had pervaded Zoey and Tess’s earlier commentary.

  Zoey struggled to concentrate on the discussion. Despite her best efforts, her thoughts kept straying to the woman at her side. She had to acknowledge that there was something between them . . . or at least that she felt something. Who knew what Tess felt? What it was she was feeling, Zoey couldn’t quite say. It was a familiar and yet completely new sensation all at the same time. All she knew for sure was that she felt. She was feeling.