Winners Never Fold

By J. M. Fosbinder

It's a man's world—or is it?

Not any more.

Leaving her secure life in Denver, Adele traveled to Las Vegas and stepped into the man's world of poker. She intended to realize her dad's wildest dream in the glitzy city that never sleeps. A guilt-free decision she had made long ago.

Adele spent two decades doing what needed to be done and played by the rules. Then she took the rule book and pitched it out the window. Not many women had the guts to take on male poker players with egos the size of Texas.

Adele did.

Her outrageous strategy and attitude, coupled with her zest and passion to win, turned heads. There were many avenues to take in the poker world she now lived in. But the unexpected avenue of finding love, or maybe more than one, sent her into a tale-spin. A triangle that only she could resolve in her own heart. One thing she knew for certain—

Winners Never Fold.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. M. Fosbinder
• Release date: Apr 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201173470

Book preview

Chapter 1

They weren’t kidding when they said three strikes and you’re out.

Adele batted zero today. She couldn’t sit back and take it anymore. She simply snapped. For the third time in five weeks Adele’s mom had been called to pick her up from school. Marion was absolutely livid. This time Adele had been suspended for three days. At seventeen, her behavior had become aggressive, at least, that's what the establishment seemed to think.

What the hell is wrong with you, Adele? Why can’t you be like your brother? I don’t even know what to do with you anymore. Can’t you just shut up and go with the flow?

Great. Here we go again with her twin brother, Aidan. The golden child, the smart one, the quarterback. Adele beat to a different drummer. Even as a kid she’d been a troublemaker. She’d thought she could fly, and had the broken arm to prove her wrong. Wishes on stars didn’t come true.

I’m the one who stood up when I thought something wasn’t right. Today I stood up and holy crap I’m in big trouble.

Adele sat silently staring at her hands in her lap. Lately every time she opened her mouth, out came the wrong thing. They entered the house with Marion still giving her an endless sermon.

You’re just like your dad, a dreamer, wishing on stars, always in trouble like he was when he was young. Life isn’t about dreams, wishes, and doing what the hell you please. It’s about playing by the rules. When are you going to get that through your thick skull?

Adele always thought that part of her mom’s sermon about her being like her dad was pretty comical since she and Aidan had been adopted at birth. Her dad, Frank, wasn’t even her biological father. But he’d had always been in her corner for the good, the bad, and the ugly. He’d managed over the years to smooth her mother’s feathers on her behalf with his charm and logic.

Adele and her dad were buddies, always would be. He was the only person in her life who never faltered. Simply, she loved her dad beyond words. He was faithfully there to pick up the pieces. What was she going to do without him?

Marion left to return to work. Adele walked into the den which had been converted into a bedroom for her dad. A bedroom where he was dying. Frank was full of cancer. It was just a matter of time.

Jackie, his nurse, adjusted the new IV that had been delivered earlier that morning. She smiled at Adele. I’ll leave the two of you alone.Jackie left the room, closing the door behind her quietly.

A skeleton of her dad lay in his bed with the morphine pump trigger at his thumb. He dropped the trigger and lifted his skinny arms to beckon her closer. She leaned into her dad. Frank’s arms encircled his distraught daughter. She broke down and sobbed.

Oh, sweetheart, what happened?

Am I ever going to get it right, Dad?

Tell me what happened.

There’s this kid, Joey, with Down’s Syndrome, that the school mainstreamed into my English class. For weeks Cliff and his buddies have been harassing him, making fun of him. Every day it made me so doggone mad. Today I blew my cork, jumped up, and punched Cliff in the mouth.

Frank chuckled. Good for you. You did the right thing.

Dad, I'm in so much trouble. I’ve been suspended for three days and mom is so mad at me. I think she wants to punch me in the mouth.

Frank tightened his arms around her. She’ll get over it. She’s got a lot on her plate right now. You have to cut her some slack.

I don’t think she’s ever been this mad at me and Aidan’s never going to speak to me again. Only this morning he said, Will you please stop embarrassing me at school?"

Don’t worry about Aidan, he loves you.

Adele stared at her dad’s expression in disbelief. She narrowed her eyes. Well, he sure fooled me. He’s never told me he loved me.

Trust me, he does.

I wish he would tell me once in a while.

He will. Aidan is more guarded with his feelings than you but when you least expect it, he’ll tell you. Aidan’s living his life. You’re living yours. I’m glad they're different. He’s a rule keeper and you, Adele, probably not so much. But that’s okay because going against the flow will take you to exactly where you’re meant to be. Sometimes in life, you pay a price for doing the right thing. Down the road, when people reflect on that moment when Adele Merrick blew her cork in English class sticking up for Joey, they will feel admiration for you. Do you want to know why?

Yes. Why?

Because they didn’t have the guts at the time to stand up for what was right, and you did. Don’t ever let anyone take away your spirit. Your spirit is a true gift. It will save your life someday.

I love you, Dad.

I love you too, but I’m dying, Adele.

She laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around her dad. She couldn’t envision her life without him. Again, her unstoppable tears flowed with despair. I know. What am I going to do without you?

You’ll be fine as long as you hang on to that hardy spirit of yours and listen to your gut. I’ll always be in your heart. Adele’s dad brushed away the tear from her cheek with his thumb. That’s enough tears for today. Now, I’m going to teach you how to play poker. After all, you have a three-day vacation before you have to jump back into the real world. I want to corrupt you a little bit more before that happens. Go find the cards, honey.

The following three days were the best days of Adele’s life. Nothing existed except for Adele, her dad, and a deck of cards.Why did you fold, Adele?

But, Dad, look at my cards.

You have to learn how to bluff. You never know what the next card could bring.

Frank flipped down the remaining cards and then the river card. Look, you would’ve won. You have four of a kind.

Wow, you’re right.

Always remember poker is a game of knowledge, skill, and strategy with a little luck thrown in. If you want to win the game, don't ever fold. Winners never fold. In poker or in life. You can’t change the cards you’ve been dealt. It’s all about how you play your hand.

I’ll remember that, Dad.

Frank squeezed her hand. Good girl. I think I’m done with poker today. I’m tired. Put the cards away.

He patted the side of the bed with his hand. Come sit by me so we can talk.

Adele took her dad’s frail hand. Frank had been battling the edge of death for weeks. He wasn’t going to win. She was so scared. He was her one and only ally. The thought of losing him sickened her.

Enjoying the warmth of his daughter’s hand, Frank smiled. He cherished this closeness with his daughter. He closed his eyes and fought the burning moisture behind them. Silent seconds ticked away. His heavy eyelids pushed open, capturing the undeniable fear in his daughter’s darkened azure eyes. All he wanted to do is to ease her pain.

The best day of my life was the day we got you and Aidan. I remember the agency called and asked if we would be interested in adopting twins. There are no words to express the joy and excitement I had when they said a boy and a girl. Your Mother dubiously agreed. On that day I was given the best of both worlds, a son and a daughter. I’ve looked to the heavens every day since and whispered a very grateful thank you. You and your brother filled the emptiness inside of me. You made me whole. I love both of you with everything that I’ve got.

With tears streaming down her face, Adele sat quietly listening to Frank’s soulful words.

Now, let’s talk about life and love. Listen carefully. Remember everything I tell you today.

She nodded. Okay, I will.

"You need to know that life isn’t always perfect. Sometimes it’s damn hard. You won’t always get what you want. What is meant to happen, happens for a reason. Sometimes that is going to hurt because hurt simply hurts. Accepting those hurts in life brings healing, which will make you stronger, wiser, braver.

One last thing about life, don’t ever give up on a dream. Dreams are the nourishing food feeding your soul. Your dreams will take you to places you never imagined you would go.

Did you have dreams, Dad?

Yes, so many. One of them came true the day we got you and Aidan.

What were your other dreams?

I’ve kept them all tucked inside of me in a special place. They are my dreams only for me. I’ve never shared them with anyone.

Oh, come on, Dad, tell me your other best dream.

Frank laughed and shook his head side to side. He’d never been able to resist her smile. Okay, my best dream is that from Gothenburg, Nebraska I would go to Las Vegas and become the best damn poker player that ever hit that glitzy town.

That’s so cool, Dad.

"It was one of my best dreams. When things got a little tough, I would think of sitting at a poker table in Vegas holding a winning hand. It somehow eased my spirit and lightened my heart.

Now, I want to tell you about the importance of love. It’s an incredible feeling. Love is different things to different people. Joy, comfort, contentment, and, yes, sometimes sadness, and even turmoil. You’ll find love someday. No one knows exactly when it will happen but when it happens to you, be sure to pay attention. Be with someone who knows precisely what they have when they have you. Never give up on the thought there is someone special out there meant only for you.

Exhausted, Frank closed his eyes. He hit the button on the morphine pump. That about says it all, honey. I think I’ll take a little nap now. I can hardly keep my eyes open. This morphine is doing its job.

Dad, you forgot one thing.

He squeezed her hand and chuckled. What’s that?

Remember the most important thing? Winners never fold.

Oh, by all means, that is the most important thing. You’re a winner, Adele, remember that. I feel it in my bones. I’m glad we had this little talk.

So am I… I love you so much, dad.

Jackie had been Frank’s nurse for over three months, watching him deteriorate inch by inch. She spent her days coming and going from Frank’s makeshift bedroom with medications, adjusting his monitors and IVs. For the most part, she spent her time in the kitchen listening to the laughter and conversations between Frank and Adele.

She’d been a nurse for thirty-five years and had never witnessed such a strong bond and love between a father and his daughter. Although these past three days had been given to them because of Adele’s suspension, she felt it was a small price to pay for the memories both of them would carry into eternity. These three days had been a special gift for them. A gift never to be forgotten.

Adele entered the kitchen with puffy, red eyes. I’m going upstairs to try to get some of the homework done that Aidan brought home for me.

For months, Jackie had observed that Marion certainly didn’t qualify as a loving, compassionate mother and her heart went out to Adele. No one should feel so unloved by their mother. She rose from her chair to give the teenager a hug.

Adele stepped into the circle of Jackie’s arms. The girl was a starving child begging for attention. Jackie willed warmth into Adele and held her for several long minutes until her sniffling subsided. She reluctantly released Adele with a smile. So, are you a poker shark now?

Adele wiped the tears from her eyes. Hardly, but my dad sure is.

I gathered that. I’m happy you two had this special time together. It sounded like you two had some fun.

We did. I’m glad we had this time too, even if it took me punching Cliff in the mouth to get it.

Chuckling, Jackie patted her on the back. Probably, the best thing you’ve ever done.

I’m sure my mom would beg to differ. Thanks for the hug, Jackie.

You’re welcome, dear. I will always have hugs for you.

Chapter 2

Adele’s return to school resembled a freak show with her in the starring role as the freak. Even though three weeks had passed since her suspension, everyone still looked at her as if she had three heads. Cliff had gotten what he deserved. She’d do it again. The school needed to get over it already.

She navigated through each day with her head down and her mouth shut. It seemed to be working out pretty well.

Her first-period class was excruciating. Now, American History. Ugh. All she could think about was her dad. This morning when she went to say goodbye, she recognized he was struggling more than usual. Thoughts of her dad struggling to breathe made her nauseous.

A voice over the intercom broke the silence in the room. Adele Merrick, please report to the office.

Shit. What have I done now? I haven’t even opened my mouth today.

She knew exactly what was wrong when she arrived at the office. Mr. Thomas, the principal, stood with his arm around Aidan’s shoulder. His sympathetic eyes met hers. You’re both excused for the rest of the day to go home.

Her heart beat hard against her chest. The day had come for her dad to meet his Maker.

Arriving home, Aidan walked directly into Frank’s makeshift bedroom. Marion hadn’t spoken one word to either of them on the trip home. She sauntered over to the frig, grabbed a beer, popped the top and rolled her eyes as if she couldn’t wait for Frank to take his last breath. She conveyed not one ounce of grief.

A short time later, Aidan returned to the kitchen with tears streaming down his face. Adele’s heart broke to see her brother choke back his tears. She wrapped her arms around him in comfort while Marion sat at the table sipping her beer with a smirk on her face.

Aidan hugged her back. He whispered in her ear. I love you.

Adele recalled the words her dad had spoken a few weeks earlier. A shudder ran through her body. When you least expect it, Aidan will tell you he loves you.

I love you too. Thanks for telling me.

Go talk to Dad. He wants to see you.

An overwhelming echo of monitors buzzed and hummed, orchestrating Frank’s final symphony. She walked to his bed, leaned over to kiss his forehead. Her unstoppable tears flowed to the melody of his final song.

I love you, Dad.

He motioned for her to come closer. Gasping his last breaths, Frank choked out his final words. It’s time. I’m in your heart. Look to the sky. I’ll be there cheering you on. Fly with your own wings. They’ll take you where you need to be.

His vacant eyes stared at her. Slowly they closed. He took his last two struggling breaths. The noise of the flat lining heart monitor shook Adele to her core. The cooling of his hand came quickly. His spirit had slowly left him each day of his cancerous struggle. Now, his spirit was home.

Adele gently released his hand. He was gone forever.

Completely numb, she left Frank’s shell of a body and ascended the steps to her room, closed the door and slid to the floor. Her sobs were uncontrollable. Emptiness overwhelmed Adele. Her loss was unbearable. She’d not only lost her dad, but also the only person who truly understood her. How would she be able to handle life without him?

Adele climbed onto her bed. Finally, her body gave way to an emotional, restless sleep.

Marion stormed into Adele’s bedroom.Get your ass out of that bed and get downstairs to greet these people coming over here. You’ve been sleeping for hours. Aidan is down there by himself.

Adele sat up in bed. She tried to open her swollen eyes. I can’t, Mom. Please don’t make me.

Aidan stepped into the room behind Marion. Let her be, Mom. I’m fine. Don’t make her go down there.

Marion shook her head. Stay up here then if that’s what you think you want to do. Aidan has always known what is right. You’ve never known a damn thing.

Marion left the room in a huff. Adele connected with Aidan’s eyes.She listens to you. Thank you for sticking up for me.

This was the first time Aidan had been outwardly in her corner. Adele gazed out her bedroom window. Her eyes caught the brightest star. Her Dad.

That bright star would be her center for the rest of her life. The coming days weren’t going to be easy nor very pretty at times. Her dad’s final words were etched in her heart and instilled strength in Adele to face the world without him.

Look to the sky. I’ll be there cheering you on.

Chapter 3

Adele’s senior year of high school turned out to be the longest year of her life. Everything in her world had changed after her dad’s death. The one person who’d given her any kind of affection and understanding was gone. The tiny bit of affection her mom gave her before Frank’s death was also gone. Her mother had played a good game until Frank departed.

After his death, Marion’s true colors shone bright and bold. Without her dad, she and Aidan had joined forces to support each other, although, it was blatantly obvious that if her mom had a preference, it was definitely Aidan. Marion’s cold-hearted behavior towards her scared and hurt Adele. It was perfectly clear to her and Aidan that Marion really didn’t give a flying crap about either of them.

Aidan and Adele had grown close this past year. She was thankful. Aidan’s encouragement and caring had been her saving grace and her strength. Eighty-eight high school graduates listened to Aidan’s valedictoriam speech. With his 4.0 GPA as well as all the accolades he’d acquired, Aidan was on his way to the Naval Academy.

Adele was on her way to nowhere. She had floated through her senior year in a daze barely eking by with a minimum GPA. Sure, she was capable of much more but, at this point, she just wanted high school to be over. Her only accolade was that everyone in the entire high school had figured out not to mess with her.

Searching the graduation audience, Adele’s gaze landed on her mom smiling as big as could be as Aidan finished his speech.

Maybe someday Marion would smile at her like that. Fat chance.

No celebration had been organized for Adele and Aidan. After the ceremony, Marion politely rose from her chair and walked out of the gymnasium directly to the bar. Adele and Aidan went home and stared at the TV for the rest of the day. No party. No good wishes. Nothing. Adele jumped off the couch. Are you hungry? I can make us some shells and cheese.

Yes, I’m hungry. I love your shells and cheese.

Yeah. Thanks to Velveeta, I’m a gourmet cook.

It works for me, little sister.

Only by three and a half minutes.

I’ll always be your big brother whether you like it or not. I came first. By the way, some of my buddies asked me to go out with them to celebrate a little later. Do you want to come with us?

Adele’s chest tightened. She didn’t have any buddies. The one buddy she once had died.

No, I don’t think so but thanks. They’re your buddies, not mine. You go celebrate.

Are you sure? You know Mom will come home drunk. She’s always so mean when she’s drunk.

I know. I’ll lock my bedroom door. She’ll pass out. Have a good time. Tell your friends hi from me.

Okay. I’ll check in with you when I get home.

Adele’s relationship with her mother was nonexistent. They’d barely spoken since Frank’s death. She believed that her mom had been only half nice to her when her dad was alive to pacify him. With him gone, her mom didn’t have to put on an act any longer. High school graduation should be a joyous occasion. There was no joy going on in the Merrick household. About as much joy as a root canal without Novocain.

Aidan would leave for the Naval Academy in a few short weeks, leaving her completely alone. She had considered applying to a college but Marion told her she wasn’t going to pay for a loser’s college tuition. She also made it crystal clear Adele had better get a job after graduation if she still intended to be living with her mom.

Luckily, Adele landed a job waiting tables at Mel’s Diner, a truck stop right off the interstate. She didn’t tell Marion. With tension in the home always at a snapping point, Adele kept quiet to avoid triggering one of her mother’s ugly frenzies. She had walked on eggshells since her dad’s death. She missed his tenderness, his loving smile, and his encouraging words.

She would begin living her life-long dream tomorrow, waiting tables at a truck stop. Not.

At least, this job would get her out of the house so she didn’t have to deal with her mom. The only plus of the whole situation.

W here are you going so early this morning?

Excitedly, Adele told her she was going to Mel’s for her first day on the job.

Marion laughed and rolled her eyes. Well, that’s about as good as it gets. You waiting tables at a truck stop. You’re such a loser from day one. Have a nice life.

With her stomach in knots and her heart in pieces, Adele left the house devastated. She reflected on her dad’s words from his deathbed.

Life is sometimes hard and hurt simply hurts.

Adele stepped into the early morning hustle and bustle of Mel’s kitchen. She grabbed an order pad, pen and slipped on her black apron. Her mind made up, she intended to make the very best of this job. She wasn’t a loser.

Mel’s certainly wasn’t the classiest place in town, but it provided the best food in the county. The casual diner was the gathering place for the retired as well as a good stop for travelers passing through the small, heartland town of Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Adele took all the hours she could get so she didn’t have to be home with Marion. Initially, she worked all the different shifts finally settling into the three to eleven shift. Much to her surprise, she fit in perfectly at Mel’s. They liked her just the way she was with no judgment. The exuberant personality she had tucked away bubbled to the top. In a few short weeks, she’d made friends with co-workers and customers alike. They became like family to her, accepting her quirkiness and her off-the-wall comments.

Hey, Adele, you look like crap. Did you party too hard last night?

Shut up, Zoey. I’m never doing tequila shots with you again. And you smoked my last cigarette last night. Go buy me a pack.

Aren’t we a bit touchy today? You better put on that cute, happy face of yours. Your shift starts in two minutes.

Adele and Zoey became friends. The only girl in town with creamy brown skin, tight curly jet-black hair and, onyx eyes turned heads. In the small community of Gothenburg, Zoey had to be a tough cookie, definitely standing out in the crowd. She’d introduced Adele to cigarettes, beer, tequila shots— among other things.

Drawn together by the square peg trying to fit in the round hole syndrome, they became friends. They laughed, joked, and shared all their messy stories. Adele and Zoey built a trust that neither of them had ever experienced until now. They dubbed themselves the A-to-Z storm.

Mel came around the corner. Adele, get your butt out there. You have three tables waiting.

She swung through the kitchen door with a smile plastered on her face. The first two tables were easy. Pie and coffee. The third table held three bikers with leather, a few chains, and multiple tattoos.Hi, boys. My name is Adele. What can I get for you today?

Two of the bikers flashed her a smile but the third one appraised her with no reaction whatsoever.

Well, Adele, I’m Lee, this fellow here is Dion and the somber one across the table is Vince. Now, back to your question. What can you get for us today? Are you on the menu, Adele?

Adele tapped into her playful personality and replied, I don’t believe I’m on the dinner menu, but you might want to check out the a la carte listings.

With that, all three of them busted out laughing, even Vince. The ice was broken.

Adele returned to the kitchen, placed their orders, and prepared their salads.

Zoey, you might want to check out the table in the far corner. There’s a good-looking guy sitting there that I’m sure you’ll be interested in. His name is Dion. Why don’t you go clear a few tables and check him out?

Zoey peeked out the kitchen door. Holy crap, there’s a guy out there with skin that matches mine. This is a first. I’m on it. Thanks, I’m pumped.

Adele delivered their food. She placed Vince’s meal down in front of him as their eyes met. He leaned back in his chair with his tattooed, muscular arm across his chest. The corners of his