AMOS TROTTER WORLD POKER TOUR 05

Chapter 4

Just walking into the Bellagio is enough to turn a person into a gawking tourist. The Chihuly glass adorning the ceiling in the lobby, the enormous urns filled with flowers, and the arches behind the reception desk looking like exquisite dioramas. The opening into the conservatory was an invitation to walk among a Christmas fantasyland complete with 40 ft Christmas trees, huge snow flakes hanging from the ceiling, toy soldiers, polar bears, and Santa's sleigh complete with reindeer in mid-air. The majority of the displays were constructed from live flowers and plants done with unbelievable artistry.

Forcing myself to turn my attention away from the holiday spectacle, I made my way to check in and was lucky there was not a Greyhound busload of senior citizens from California in line in front of me with purses full of nickels. In reality the nickel slots became a thing of the past long ago but the image did enter my head.

I got to the counter and was just getting started checking in when I heard, "Hey there slick. You lost all your money yet? Lost you at the airport, we could have shared a ride."

I looked to my left and there stood Johnny Savage. I hoped the look of dread did not show on my face as much as it was felt inside. "Yeah," I said, "we kind of got separated in the mad dash to baggage claim. Gamblers are more dangerous than a cattle stampede. I barely made it through without getting trampled."

"Well now, that was your mistake right there. You should have hung with me. I pulled to the side and let those frantic idiots who can't wait to donate their money rush on by. Then I easily strolled on through and here I am right next to you checking in." As he graced me with his know-it-all smile I was regretting spending so much time enjoying the sights, allowing Johnny to catch up to me.

"What say we drop these bags in the room and hit the buffet? I'll see if I can smarten you up enough to not get knocked out in the first hour of the tournament."

My mind was screaming 'not only no but hell no' but I managed to only say out loud, "Sounds great Johnny but I am completely bushed from the flight. I think I am just going to register for the tournament then get a bite to eat through room service. Maybe I will see you at a table tomorrow."

"Well now see, that's a mistake right there. You should register in the morning before play starts. Keep that money in your pocket as long as possible and put yourself in the middle of the pack signing up. That way you might get a seat in the middle of a table instead of being stuck on one of the end seats where you can't see the cards well. You need my help, that's obvious."

"You're probably right Johnny but I will take my chances." I said as I got my room key, hefted my bag and made haste toward the elevator. I had heard great things about the buffet at the Bellagio but some things are just not worth the price.