Busted Gulch vol 10

All Bets Are Off 3 (crazyp01)

All Bets Are Off 3

The opening night was a great success. Everyone was pleased with the casino. The gossip about the high stakes game had spread like wildfire. Besides the chance at the biggest pot, there was the opportunity to dance with Rue. Loud cheers and applause brought the news of a win. Mr. Denver and Rue took a turn around the dance floor confirming the winner.

There was more gossip about an angry mob outside, stolen wallets and some of the Talulah's girls being flung into jail by Brody. The matter was immediately cleared up by Ronan. The details were not clear. I wondered if Annie had got the story since I hadn't seen her around for some time.

"I'll walk you back" the sheriff stood up, "It's late."

"I want to stay till the doors close."

"Aren't you tired?"

"No, I want to wait" I replied nervously.

He stared at me and I pretended not to notice. I knew he had guessed I was up to something but I wasn't letting on. I wasn't going to tell him just yet especially since he hadn't figured out why I had been upset.

I was not mad that he had kept the belt. That relationship had meant something to him but after all those years ... the first chance he got ... he had wondered about the woman and baby on the belt. He had asked the Kitkats elders about it. I am not sure what they had replied but it was obvious that the woman was Bonnie and the child was Rue. The rest of the story or most of it was known to everyone.

What hurt was that he was still stuck in the past. He still wondered what if ... what if he hadn't left ... what if Bonnie was alive ... what if Rue was his daughter... what if they had got their fairytale ending. Where was I in this what if ... did I belong? I needed to know.

As the evening progressed the commotion died down. Our friends had already left. Rue, signaled with a wink at me, as she ushered the last of the guests out and closed the doors behind her to the game room. She had promised to give us 15 minutes alone.

"What's going on?" he questioned.

"I'd like one last dance. Just you and me."

I took his hand as we walked to the floor. He glanced around but couldn't find what he was looking for.

"But there's no music."

"Wait for it ..." I grinned.

"Loren has a beautiful voice."

"Yes, but not as melodious as ..." I grinned, "you don't sing anymore. It's a pity."

Loren had quietly stepped off the stage and quickly slipped out leaving us alone again. By now, half the town would already be gossiping but I couldn't care less. What mattered was that we were here together. I had waited long enough.

"Can I tell you something?" I whispered.

"Do you have to ask?"

"I love you."