The dealer dealt as usual, precise and unhurried, but Roland was on a roll. His stacks kept growing, neat towers of color that drew quiet attention from the table.
Tonight felt different. The stakes were higher, the air heavier. With each hand, Roland pushed more chips forward, until the amount in the circle was double what it had been an hour ago.
When his cards came, he didn't hesitate. He glanced once at the dealer's upturned card, then pushed another stack forward.
"Double," Roland said.
Sweat slid down his spine as the dealer dealt him one final card.
When he saw it, a smile spread across his face. The dealer pushed the chips toward him, and the men around the table watched with open acknowledgment. Roland felt it settle deep in his chest. He had been right. He was on a streak. Scott had been a fool to leave early.
