Time After Time

Chapter 27: Don't Worry Baby

10 September 1964

Amid their well-deserved day off in Jacksonville, Florida, The Beatles encountered an unexpected twist of fate. As Hurricane Dora wreaked havoc, their plane underwent a sudden diversion, landing them in Key West, where they were expected to stay until the Hurricane passed.

"Alright, come 'ead, let's have a look then," Ringo piped up, casting a glance around the table before slowly revealing his cards. With a disappointed expression, he turned them over to reveal an empty hand, "Looks like me lucky rings've done a runner today," he joked as the group snickered at his remark.

As the others revealed their hands, George showed a two pair, Paul proudly displayed a four-of-a-kind, and Neil laid down a straight. All eyes turn to John and Lauren, anticipation building as John confidently turns over his cards to reveal a straight flush. A victorious smile graced his lips as he raised his eyebrows in confidence, certain that he had beaten Lauren this time.

"Wow, a straight flush, huh?" Lauren played off she was disappointed and nervous as she surveyed her cards, biting her lip in anticipation, "That's a good hand," she paused, holding her cards to her chest, "But not good enough," she remarked playfully. With a devious gleam in her eye, she dramatically mimicked a British accent, "As your Queen, I declare a Royal Flush." She confidently presented her hand of cards, revealing her unbeatable royal flush. The boys could only watch in disbelief, knowing they had been outplayed.

The room filled with the collective sound of cards being flung onto the table in defeat, resonating through the air. George, unable to hide his amusement, broke the silence, "I'm out," he declared, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "We've chucked this in five bloody times, and she's bossed it every ruddy time. Next time, let's put our ciggies on the table." he suggested, slapping his cards down on the table.

"Ciggies? She won't even lay a finger on 'em now" Ringo chuckled softly, taking a drag from his cigarette.

"Exactly," George chimed in, his eyebrows raised in delight as he strolled away, preparing to light a cigarette.

Lauren's head perked up, her voice carrying a confident tone as she called out to George, "If you don't lay off them, I'll start hiding them." Her words hung in the air, a playful challenge laced with undeniable truth, as the banter among them continued to flow in the room.

Paul's eyes lit up with a mix of admiration and mischief as he voiced his regret, "Gutted we didn't take her to the tables in Vegas. Could've raked in a few quid with her card shark antics," he joked, exchanging an impressed glance at Lauren.

A playful grin spread across Lauren's face as she teased them, "Maybe if you guys knew how to play right, you would start winning, just like me." With a sly twinkle in her eye, she began to gather her winnings, reveling in her victory and the friendly competition among them.

John leaned in with a smirk, teasing, "Chatter on, love, you won't be so lucky next time." Lauren giggled in response, playfully running her fingers over his goofy face.

"You think you can beat me?" Lauren playfully smiled, locking eyes with John as she teased him.

"Reckon we start wagerin' somethin' else, perhaps somethin' that we could do in there," he snickered, subtly nodding towards the bedroom as his eyes lingered on Lauren's lips.

Before Lauren could respond, the loud sound of the door shutting startled them, causing them to turn their heads toward the entrance of the room. Brian rushed in, followed by Derek who strolled in with a casual manner, a cigarette dangling between his fingers. Brian appeared visibly frustrated, clutching a newspaper in his hand as he entered the scene.