"I'm pleased you had a chance to meet Cheryl. I'm hoping the two of you will be friends."
"I'm sure we will be."
Riley glanced anxiously at his watch. "Listen, Steve reminded me of something this afternoon. I apologize that I didn't have time to talk it over with you, but apparently it's my turn to host the poker game."
"The poker game," she echoed, playing innocent.
"Yeah. Four of us from the Atlantis get together every other week or so and play low-stakes poker. With the wedding and the move, the game completely slipped my mind. Steve mentioned it this afternoon. I couldn't very well cancel it on such short notice."
"In other words, you'd like for me to disappear for the next several hours?"
"Not at all. You can stay, if that's what you want." But his words didn't sound the least bit sincere. "Only…"
"Yes?" she prompted.
"The guys aren't used to having a woman around. Steve's the only one who's married, so there might be some objectionable language. I'll do my best to be sure the guys tone it down."
"I see." Hannah could picture it already. She'd be as out of place at her husband's poker party as she was the night she rushed into the waterfront tavern. No doubt if she stayed she'd be wheezing cigarette smoke and picking up countless empty beer bottles.
"We generally drink a few beers, too, but not enough to get drunk," he added, confirming her suspicions.
"I get the point, Riley," she said, reaching for her coat and purse. "How long should I be gone?"