In the Cards

Disclaimer: I do not own Grey's Anatomy, or any of the characters. This is a work of fiction, intended for the enjoyment of fans only. And my own amusement….

Story Summary: AU - Meredith Grey is a hot poker player, intending to make her fortune and retire. So what happens when she crosses paths with Derek Shepherd, another player intent on winning just as much? Is love in the cards? Some crossover with Las Vegas characters, just because I've been watching a lot of reruns of that show, and I'm familiar with the setting for the casino….

Rated: Mature…cuz if you have read any of my stories, you know there's gonna be a lot of hot explicit sex eventually in this story! Please read responsibly…

Comment: I know - I have more than enough stories to keep me busy, but this idea popped into my head and won't go away. I'm thinking this will be a little shorter story, and maybe a little lighter than my other stuff. And yes…I love feedback….so let me know if you like it!

Introduction

Meredith peered over the top of her glasses, the rose tinted granny ones that she only wore to disguise the look in her eyes. She feigned nonchalance as she perused her cards, hiding the fact that she had a very good hand. Her gaze flicked around the table, assessing the other players, wondering what secrets they were hiding behind their impassive looks and dark glasses. She felt good about this round, close to wrapping this game up, raking in the chips and going for a drink.

To look at her, in the simple, but low cut, black dress, her blond hair loose and soft around her face, you would be forgiven thinking that she wasn't a threat. People made that mistake at first, but never again. She was a cool, calculating poker player, ready to pounce on any other player at the table making a mistake or betraying a tell. Any man thinking she was just an easy mark was sadly mistaken. Meredith Grey was a poker star, and she liked to win.

The dealer waited patiently for the players to make their moves. Meredith knew hers was the winning hand, and everyone else folded in disgust, seeing her full house. The crowd cheered, and she raked in the chips with a little smirk, acknowledging the win with a nod.

"Congrats…" one of the men said, casting an admiring look down her cleavage. "Want to have a drink and celebrate?" He grinned engagingly.

"Aw, sweetie, you know I can't," Meredith chided him, picking up her purse and slinging her jacket over her arm. She moved her glasses up to the top of her head, raking her hair back with them. "But thanks. My girlfriend is really jealous – she doesn't like it if I go for drinks with men." She winked at him, and then looked over to the bar, where a pretty Asian girl waited, drink in hand, giving Meredith a wave.

"But I like lesbians," he protested quickly. "You can have a party in my suite – no problemo…bring her along…"

Meredith patted his cheek. "I'll let her know, but she's kind of crazy…" She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "You don't want to mess with her…" Then she turned and sauntered away, leaving him gaping at her ass, until she sat down at the bar. She raised the tequila shot waiting for her in his direction, downing it in one flick of her wrist. Grabbing the other girl's hand, leaning in, laughing and then looking back at him. He watched a moment longer, as she blew him a kiss, before they turned their backs to him, convulsing in laughter.

"Damn, Cristina…" Meredith muttered, as her friend rested her hand at the small of her back, where the dress dipped low. "Stop touching me there!" She slammed back another shot.

"It's that little tattoo there…turns me on, and besides, he's still watching…what do you want me to do? I'm your girlfriend, remember. Maybe I should kiss you," Cristina grinned. "Not that I'd mind, I've been trying to fuck you for years now…" She tossed her thick black curls back, eying her friend eagerly. "Just one kiss to convince him…"

"Cristina…" Meredith hissed warningly. "I'm not really interested in you that way, you know that by now. Quit trying to seduce me…"

"So just use me for your twisted games," Cristina said dramatically, rolling her eyes, and picking up her shot glass. "What else are friends for?"

Meredith grinned, crossing her legs, and hooking her heel around the bar stool rung. Her dress rode up higher on her taut thigh, as she swiveled to face her friend. "Sorry, honey – it's just so easy to evade these guys if I tell them you're madly jealous."

Cristina looked tough, in black leather pants and black silk t-shirt, dark boots on her feet. Her Asian features were classic, smooth and expressive, her black hair in a riot down her back. She raised her eyebrows in mock outrage at Meredith's comment. "Jealous girlfriend, I know…you're lucky I'm so nice to you. Still…." Without warning, she leaned over and kissed Meredith full on the mouth, lingering just long enough to be seductive. "Just for effect, in case anyone is still watching…"

Meredith giggled, having had just enough tequila not to care. She looked over her shoulder, and found the would-be admirer still watching, his mouth hanging open, so she ran her hand over Cristina's cheek in mock ardor. "Thanks sweetie…"

"One day, some guy will get to you. It's inevitable," Cristina sighed, returning her attention to her drink.

"Nah…I'm too careful," Meredith told her, playing with the shot glass. "I want to win as much money as I can, retire and live in Tahiti, where I can lay naked on the sand and drink, attended to by a cute young boy who also fucks like a stud. I'm not falling in love with anyone, ever. Love sucks."

"Uh-huh…" Cristina snorted. "We'll see… and I want to be there when you finally fall in love. That's gonna be priceless."

"Never in a million years. My mother's sad life convinced me not to follow in her footsteps, and I intend to keep my freedom thank you very much." Meredith shuddered violently at the thought of being tied to someone – her life was just fine the way it was. Love and/or marriage wasn't in the cards for her.

Cristina laughed again. "Yeah, romance can be overrated, and I've seen my share of supermodels that crash and burn after some guy dumps them," she observed. "But I'm still looking for Ms. Right." Cristina shrugged expressively. She was a fashion photographer, very much in demand for her provocative, edgy layouts, flying from New York to London to Tokyo at a moment's notice. But she still managed to show up and watch Meredith play as often as she could – their friendship had survived since they were in grade nine, both of them starting at a new school. Some of the clique of nasty girls tried to beat Cristina up for being openly gay, and Meredith had been quick to defend her. They had been friends ever since.

"Well, keep looking," Meredith giggled, as they ordered more tequila. "I'm seriously not going down that road….