Four people were already sitting at the poker table. Three men and one woman, who looked over when they approached. Her eyes lit up.
"Vincent," she called out. "Come over here!"
Vincent gave her a big smile. "Hi, Naomi. Nice to see you again."
The atmosphere around them made goosebumps erupt on the back of Raymond's neck.
I'm getting in their way. That was what ran through his mind as Vincent took his spot at the table, as naturally as he belonged. I get it, I understand. What was I thinking, that I could do this? The exit... Where's the exit? It'd be better if I left.
"This is Raymond," Vincent said. "He's an acquaintance."
Sort of like strangers, then.
She was staring at him. Raymond flinched. He hunched his spine and looked to the side.
"Okay," she said, in the tone of voice people used when they didn't know how to respond.
"Don't start, Naomi," Vincent said with a laugh. "He does fighting, you know? Anyways, he's just joining us to watch."
Naomi turned away, ignoring him.
No one else said anything. Nor did Vincent, who gestured for the dealer to start.
"Come on, let's play," he said.