Can I have $2?

The bright flashing lights, the shouting, the laughter, the excitement... it's easy to get caught up. We walk past rows of tables with huddled groups of people. Finally we stop. Why? Perhaps 'the feeling' is just right... this is where fortunes are made!!! But more likely there was a gap in the crowd and I could finally see what the commotion was. There in front of me, a mesmerizing, shinny red and black patterned wheel of spinning fun - Roulette.



It was intense, exhilarating, thrilling! I wanted in. I was feeling LUCKY. I felt invincible.

And there in my mind, popped a flash of red and the number 5. Clear as day.

I turn to the husband and over the noise say "RED 5, Baby RED 5! Can I have $2?" The husband turns to look at me. In my eyes he sees it. It's only a slight glimmer but it's there... GAMBLOR!! Quick as lightning and bluntly he responds back with a resounding NO.

Before I had time to protest the dealer calls out no more bets and the wheel spins. All eyes turn in a daze to watch the swirling white ball determining our fortunes. I gasp as the ball stops. As I turn to the husband, the dealer calls out "RED 5, RED 5!"

Eyes wide, grin on my face, I exclaim, "Dahhh did you see that? Baby we would've won HEAPS! I told you I felt lucky. Ok Black 13, Baby Black 13!! Now can I have $2?" And again the resounding No.

The wheel spins again and the swirling white ball commences its dance of fortune. I begin to laugh and twist around to face the husband as the dealer calls out "Zero". I notice the husband isn't laughing with me. Instead he bends down to whisper in an urgent tone, "Let's Go! We're leaving." Even before I could object, I was being led (pulled) away from the fun.

When we're out of hearing distance from the roulette table, the husband's grip relaxes and we finally slow down to a normal pace. The husband asks me if I noticed the old man standing next to us at the roulette table. I shake my head as I try to recall. Apparently the old man had been listening to me yelling out my predictions (guesses). And unlike the husband who is quick to judge my silliness and say no to me, the old man believed me. So much so that he put a sizeable stack of chips on my second prediction/guess.

Hand in hand we leave, chuckling all the way to the car.
Who knew I was that convincing? Who listens to the crazy Asian girl jumping up and down yelling out random numbers?


Some things don't change though...

Babe, can I have $2??