Most Ardently

by Gabe Cole Novoa

“Do you play Macau?” Darcy asked. Oliver smiled sheepishly. “I’m afraid not.” But to Oliver’s surprise, Darcy said, “Oh good.” Oliver arched an eyebrow. “Is it?” “I’m afraid no one here actually wins at Macau. It’s an excellent game to play if you want to throw away your money, but it’s certainly not a lucrative hobby.” Oliver nodded, looking around the room with renewed interest. “Is that what everyone here is playing? Dozens of separate Macau games?” “Mostly, with some Loo and Whist undoubtedly thrown in there as well. Are you familiar with either of those?” Oliver bit his lip and leaned toward Darcy, heart pounding as he kept his voice steady, cool. “Can I share a secret with you?” he asked conspiratorially. Darcy’s eyebrow twitched and he leaned in, his face only inches from Oliver’s. “I can keep a secret.” “I don’t know how to play any card games at all.” Darcy’s brows rose into the soft fringe over his forehead, then his face split into a smile. “Can I share a secret with you as well?” Oliver blinked. “Don’t tell me you don’t know how to play cards either.” Darcy laughed. “No, no, that’s not it.” “Go on, then.” Darcy’s grin slid into a sly smile. “I absolutely loathe card games.” Oliver laughed, a rush of relief washing over him like a cool rain in the dead of summer. “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” “Perhaps you’ve picked up that I’m a rather discerning individual.” “Discerning, yes. I suppose that’s one way to look at it. Some might say choosy, perhaps.” “Is that so...