Conom laughed. ‘You’re thinking that what we have should be enough, right?’
She raised her eyebrow in a teasing manner. ‘Well yes, I think you and my dad need to go find a good woman each, settle down, and start making little stars to share your fortunate life.’
‘And forget about taking over more universe real-estate,’ Conom added, still grinning at Cassie as he tactfully changed the subject, taking them down to dinner. The dining table was set with a lazy Susan in the middle that turned so they could share the different dishes that came out. Conom had organised Indian cuisine and they all over ate with the delicious dishes of curries and naan breads that came out. He was a good host and went to a lot of trouble making the night for them just perfect.
After dinner, no matter how much Aldebaran protested, the cards were brought out and a game had begun.
‘So what stakes are we playing for tonight?’ Cassie asked as she shuffled.
Conom grinned. ‘You both still owe me a day out as it is. What say tonight we play for two days but somewhere on earth? Ald and I will come to you, though. We could possibly take off somewhere for a whole weekend: shooting, fishing, the works. What do you think?’
Kayden thought about it. ‘Whoever wins gets to choose the destination.’
They agreed and the hands were played.
After an hour or so of playing and when he had only won a couple of games, Conom looked at Cassie with his dark eyes squinted and a look of being sucked in. ‘You were holding back on me, girl. We need to make the stakes a little more even.’ He nudged Kayden. ‘What do you reckon, mate? Every time she wins she has to drink a shot. If the only way a man is going to beat her is when she’s flat out drunk, then so be it.’ He gestured to a servant to bring a bottle and shot glasses.
They both laughed and poured the drinks, Kayden enjoying it as much as Conom now.
‘Gang up on the princess, is it? Okay I’m up for it. The guys do this to me all the time. But don’t go all sooky la la on me if I still beat you sneaky shits.’
They both knuckle-crunched and passed Cassie her drink.
Time ticked away and so did her sense of judgement. She started to muck up the counts and giggle too much and she lost quite a bit. Everyone was happier now. They ended up kidding around and boisterous, the game became unpredictable. In the end, no one cared if they won or lost and Kayden decided to end the game when Cassie collapsed into his arms. He wasn’t much better as he held her, slurring that they had better go to bed. Cassie felt herself being lifted and realised her father had picked her up. He carried her to one of the rooms and she could see Conom arm-in-arm with Kayden, staggering behind them. Cassie was giggling at them holding each other up.
Aldebaran put her on the bed. Cassie felt the room spin. ‘Pops, I’m going to be sick,’ she whined.
‘Well, that’ll teach you for always taking up a dare. I want you to stop being so easily influenced. You will end up a drunk, Cassandra,’ he scolded.
Kayden chuckled at him scolding her. ‘Yes, Cassie, stop being a naughty girl.’
Aldebaran growled. ‘Kayden it’s not funny! You both drink far too much and you have to start controlling it.’
‘Okay, Poppa bear, point taken,’ Kayden slurred.
Aldebaran went crook at Conom next. ‘Conom help me with Cassandra. She’s going to be ill. You helped get her in this state so you can sort it out while I get Kayden into bed.’
Not my Finest Hour
Conom could tell that Ald was angry that he’d encouraged his kids to drink again. He had no idea how hooked on his damned daughter Conom was and if he did, Conom would be getting more than a cranky sneer right then.
Kayden had called out to Cassie as Ald had stomped off, carrying Cassie to bed. Who would have guessed that a week after I nearly wiped out his team over a card game we’d become best bloody buddies? He was a riot and too easy to like. How we’re going to be on opposing sides in a few days’ time is beyond me. He wanted to go home with these guys and party until they dropped. He wanted to hang with his girl and hear her laugh, watching her every expression and soaking her in until finally his eyes gave him some peace.
‘Dad’s pissed, hey?’ Kayden slurred and then chuckled as they crashed into the wall.
‘Yeah he’s pissed, buddy but not as much as I’ll be if we go through a wall. Concentrate on your walking. Your girl’s in good hands,’ Conom grumbled and then couldn’t help but grin as Kayden gave him the thumbs up and a wink. Conom put Kayden’s arm back around him. ‘Let’s give this another go. Ald will give me shit if I leave you to sleep here,’ he said as Kayden started to slide down the wall.