[Open Log] Not so very far from here...

[recognize_an_opportunity]

When; Around 10 pm on February 13.
Rating; PG-13 I would imagine.
Characters; Meyer Lansky, and anyone who either works at Lucky's or wants to come gamble!
Summary; It's basically just happy fun times at Lucky's. Or unhappy not fun times, if you decide to cheat or break things! Employees, gamblers, random people wanting a drink... all are welcome!
Log; As far as Meyer was concerned, ten at night was the best time to be at Lucky's. Everyone who worked there was there by then, and that meant he could take a break from dealing hands of poker to wander through the small card room and schmooze with the regulars, as well as greet everyone who came through the door.

As he made his rounds, he was solicitous, complimenting one man on how much money he'd won in a lucky game of blackjack, and commiserating with another man on his empty wallet once he'd lost several hands of poker. He was always suggesting people have another drink, stay for a little while longer, see if they couldn't get their luck back. Maybe just one more hand would win them everything.

If you walk through the door, you're likely to see a large crowd, but Meyer will make sure to push his way through it to greet you personally, shake your hand, and suggest that you take a seat. You never know, tonight might be your lucky night...

Comments

[spotlighted]

"I guess that's something that's easier to pick up playing with the same people over and over, so you can learn their tells. And obviously figuring out what mine are so that I'm not as obvious."

[recognize_an_opportunity]

"You'll always have a tell, probably. The best you can do is realize it and minimize it."

Yes, even he has one, although he's not about to confess as to what it is. He lights another cigarette with the remains of his first cigarette -- ah, chain-smoking, such a healthy habit at his age -- and nods at her with a smile.

"The next couple times you play, play with a small group. One, maybe two other people. That'll give you a better chance to watch their faces and cards."

[spotlighted]

"Oh, definitely. I'd be far too daunted to play in a larger group than that so soon anyway." She stubs out the remains of her cigarette, twirling the holder between her fingers out of habit for needing something to do with her hands when she isn't smoking. "And I do hope that we can play again, when I've improved. I might even beat you next time."

[recognize_an_opportunity]

"Maybe you will."

And he's not just saying that to be nice. There's every chance that if she practices, she can beat him. Despite his focus on statistics, there is still some degree of chance. He glances at the clock, then back at her with a shrug.

"Looks like break time is over for me. Good game."

[spotlighted]

"All right. Well, thanks for teaching me, it's definitely a useful thing to know. I very much enjoyed it too, even though I lost." That genial smile is back.

[recognize_an_opportunity]

And with another smile at her, he scoops of the deck of cards, and heads back across the room, cigarette in hand, to greet several potential gamblers who have just wandered in.