"Let's make the game more interesting." Alexa suggested as she shuffled the cards for another round of poker. Out of the rounds the three played, she had won most and was feeling a little brave and spontaneous.
"Let's raise the stakes higher. How about it, Auntie and future Uncle?"
Elliot blushed at his new form of being addressed. It wasn't his first time being called that tonight but everytime Alexa called him 'uncle' butterflies swam in his stomach. And he did not mind it at all.
"I'm down. Charlie?"
Charlotte nodded. "Alright then. How about that bugatti you received for your birthday? It would be a handsome addition to either mine or Ellie's collection." She smirked.
Alexa widened her eyes and shook her head instantly. "Auntie! I'm offended that you would even bring that up. You're basically robbing me in daylight!"
Charlotte rolled her eyes in response. "Stop being a drama queen. I was only joking and matter of fact the sun's still not up in the sky yet."
"Still, Auntie!! Choose something else. What about that hermes bag huh? You liked that bag, didn't you?"
Charlotte and Elliot both laughed at Alexas face. Panic was written all over it. "Why are you reacting as if you've lost already?"
"Well–because, it's basically like two against one. If you win, Uncle Elliot can drive it and vice versa." She mumbled under breath.
"Alright you troublemaker. Let's bet on something else. Any idea honey?" Charlotte rested her elbow on the table as she cradled her face in her hands. Her lids were a little heavy but her eyes bore into Elliots with love and extreme sweetness.
Elliot smiled fondly and couldn't help but kiss Charlotte on the lips. Alexa scrunched her nose in disgust. She turned her head around and resisted the urge to gag.
"Please keep your hands–in this case your lips to yourself please."
Elliot chuckled against Charlotte's lips as he separated. He felt so happy and carefree at this moment. "I have a bottle of Dalmore 62."
"A rare whiskey! I guess I wasn't wrong in being a fan. Uncle Elliot, you have great taste."
Dalmore 62 was is known to be more than a century old and dates back to to the mid-19th century. The decanter that houses the whiskey is made of platinum and crystal, while the wooden mold that is used to create the decanter took over 100 hours to be handcrafted. And the price for a 6 litre bottle was 250, 000 US dollars.
Just like that another game of poker began. Alexa handed out the cards and was leading the game at the beginning until midday through. Her chance of winning was decreasing. Elliot was the first one to fold so the game was between the Aunt and neice. The tension was strong but it didn't take long for the game to end. It ended with Charlotte coming out victorious. Alexa asked for a rematch and again but unfortunately also lost. In frustration, she dumped the cards and stormed off into her room to sulk.
Elliot and Charlotte didn't stay much longer. They cleaned up all the mess and then went to bed. Charlotte was tucked in Elliot's embrace as she inhaled his scent, her earlier worries disappearing into thin air but a thin string tugged at her heart making her unable to go sleep. There was a nagging feeling that something was going to go wrong.
Elliot shuffled awake. He rubbed the sleep away from his eyes when he found Charlotte awake. "What's the matter? Are you okay?" He asked her in his husky voice.
Charlotte shook her head and told Elliot to go back to sleep. But he insisted on staying awake with her. He got up from bed and went downstairs to make them chamomile tea. It was said to be a good remedy for people who can't sleep.
As he was making it, he felt a pair of arms hug his waist. Charlotte snuggled her head in Elliot's neck. "I want to tell you something." Her breath fanned onto his neck and the tip of his ears turned a shade of rose.
"Mm. I'm listening." He managed to say.
Charlotte lifted her head and stared at his back absentmindedly. "You must've wondered why I don't show myself to the world and put a face to my achievements. This is my story."