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“You know,” Ben continues, a sly grin spreading across his face, “I heard a rumor that this yacht is haunted.”
Chris and I exchange amused glances. I put a hand to my chest in mock offense. “Hey, that’s my yacht you’re talking about,” I say.
"Haunted?" Chris chuckles. “Come on, Ben, don't tell me you believe in ghosts.”
Ben raises an eyebrow and feigns a serious expression. “I'm just saying strange things have been happening lately. Unexplained noises, lights flickering…”
Chris joins in on the joke. “Yeah, and didn't someone claim to have seen a ghostly figure in the hallway?”
I play along, pretending to be spooked. “Oh no, not ghosts! I thought this was a friendly game of poker, not a horror movie.”
Ben can barely contain his laughter as he reveals his prank. “Alright, alright, I made that up.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ghost mask. “I was going to spook you two later on, but… forget it. But seriously, who's up for some more cards?”
We all eagerly ante up and continue the game. The night stretches on, filled with the easy camaraderie that's defined our friendship over the years.
At that moment, Nathan comes up with a tray of buffalo wings in his hands.
"Gentlemen, here's the food you asked for."
Chris grins. "Thanks, man. I'm so hungry."
Nathan steps forward to place the tray on the table, but then, at the last moment, he stumbles.
"Oops!"
As he does, two wings took flight—one landing on the poker chips, and the other… right in my lap. I freeze for a moment, then quickly shoot up from my seat as the heat from the wing sears through my shorts. My hand instinctively swat at the source of the burning sensation.
"Whoa, hot!" I shout.
Usually, I'd scream at Nathan. I mean, howidioticcould the guy be?
But I don't feel all that angry this time. If anything, the situation is a little funny.
"I'm so sorry, sir," Nathan gushes, rushing forward to pick up the mess.
"Hey, man—" I say. "Don't worry about it. It's really no big deal."
I pick up the chicken piece that fell under the table when I stood up. When Nathan and I'm finished, I look up to see my friends staring at me.
"What?" I ask.
"You just helped your first mate," Chris says, seemingly amazed.
I raise an eyebrow. "Yeah? Like I said, it's no big deal."
Chris looks at me for a moment. He stares at me, and I can only imagine what he's thinking.
Is he still pissed about his sister?
Finally Chris opens his mouth and surprises me with his response. "You know," he says. "You've kind of changed. Being around my sister… you seem to be more relaxed, huh?"
I nod. "I just really care about her." It's all I can say.
I can't help but wonder where I stand.
The conversation shifts to more serious topics like work and life plans as we play. Despite the occasional friendly jabs and teasing, we support each other's aspirations and dreams.
After a while, Ben leans back in his chair, sips on his whiskey, and remarks, “You know, guys, these poker nights are a great escape from the daily grind. It's nice to unwind like this.”
