I wasn’t interested in them at all.
“Your date?” I teased. “Do I know her?”
“I’m afraid,” he said, with a faux dramatic tone, as he placed his next bet on the table, “that’s two questions, Vera.”
He had placed another five chips on number eleven. I doubled the bet.
“Again, betting on twenty-nine?” Bastian looked at me, frowning. “Are you crazy?”
The rest of the players went silent, and I could guess their thoughts. What’s this silly girl doing? Does she want to lose? Is she conspiring with someone?
“I’m afraid,” I replied, placing my thumb on his forehead, making him relax his expression, “that’s two questions. And stop frowning, you’re going to get premature wrinkles.”
The dealer spun the ball. It landed on number five.
I smiled when they removed my chips, but I wiped the smile away before Bastian had a chance to see it.
“It’s my turn,” he said, ignoring the game. “Sorry for the lack of originality, but running into you at Montari was the last thing I expected tonight. What areyoudoing here?”
Enzo. Gina.
I took a quick glance at my phone. It was three o’clock, and I hadn’t heard from either of them…
Except I was wrong. Enzo had called me three times, almost half an hour ago. Damn. I put my phone away. I would call him as soon as I was done playing.
“I came with someone.”
I took a certain satisfaction in being as vague as possible. I knew it wasn’t the answer Bastian was after, which is exactly why I said it.
He responded with a groan.
“I didn’t ask who you came with. I want to knowwhyyou came.”
Next round. Before the other players could place their chips on the table, I bet fifteen chips on number four. Oh, Mrs. Meng, may your superstitions help me. I needed to avoid luck.
I turned my attention back to Bastian; he was absorbed in that number. Four.
“I came because I was brought here,” I said, answering his previous question. “I suggest you be more specific next time.”
Bastian placed five chips on the twenty-four. Then, without looking me in the face, he said:
“So, we both agree that I’m going to win this round.”
The curves of his mouth rose slowly. It was easy to see his reasoning: he had picked a number too low, earlier than the one that had just come out. By probability, the winning number would be closer to his.
The ball bounced and slowed, finally settling on the fourteen. As soon as it did, our glances locked.
“Tie?” he said.
I couldn’t hide a smile. I wanted to win as soon as possible, so I agreed. Last question, and I’d call Enzo. Then I’d go find Gina.
“Do you want that to be your question?” I joked.
“As long as that one’s also yours,” Bastian replied, shrugging.
I shook my head.
“In that case…” he continued. He leaned his face towards mine, and the silver glitter in his eyes sparkled under the dim lights. “I know your family is humble, and my uncle doesn’t pay you much yet,” his voice lowered to almost a whisper. “How are you affording all of this, Vera?”
