We spent the rest of the day playing cards. I taught her all the card games I knew, and bedazzled her with my many tricks. Many years of rainy camping days had fueled excessive creativity and strategy so I won most of the games.
She paused, shuffling the deck in her hands.
Her: Have you ever played Rummy?
I blinked. Me: No
She grinned mischievously. Her: I’ll teach you.
And so the tables turned on me and I suddenly began losing. After I lost for the seventh time I gave in. Me: I think we both know I’m never going to get this.
She laughed. Her: You just have to know when to Meld and when to wait.
Me: Whatever.
She laughed again. Her: You’re just mad because you aren’t winning anymore.
I scowled and changed the subject. Me: Where the heck did you learn that anyway?
Her: France. With Fredrick.
Me: Which one was that?
Her: The blonde.
Me: Ah.
Suddenly she leaned forward. Her: What are you thinking? Are you jealous? Disapproving? Angry?
I shook my head slowly. Me: Jealous, possibly.