A/N Thank you everyone! Daryl seems determined to "fix" for Beth. Beth just received a surprise phone call - Mama and Daddy are on their way! Let's all see what happens.
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He's been in a game or two with them in the past and he knows how these fat cats operate. So, as soon as he closes down the shop he hurries home, showers up, and dresses in his Sunday clothes. He won't have them looking down on him.
What he doesn't do is put on his Sunday shoes, instead he pulls on his motorcycle boots and grabs his leather jacket. Daryl knows just enough psychology to know, boots and leather can be intimidating.
The drive down to Atlanta is rough on him, he's trying to get himself in the right frame of mind to do what he's got to do, but shit, his mind is all over the place. He doesn't want to go, he doesn't want to leave Beth, and he doesn't want to leave Teddy. Hell, he doesn't even want to play poker.
He'd given up that life, he'd done what he needed to do, got the money for his business and to start a real life for him and Teddy. Then he walked away. No regrets. Sure, he pissed some people off during his playing days, including the asshole who calls himself the governor. But Phillip Blake is the kind of guy who should know, don't play the game if you can't take the pain.
Everything changed in Daryl's life the first time he saw Beth and those sad blue eyes. He felt the pull and he knew, just like with a poker hand, he was all in. Now that he knows what's been causing her sadness he can't just stand by and do nothing. He's got to try and make things right for her. He thinks he can. All he has to do this weekend is win enough money so Beth can pay her Daddy back. Maybe then she'll be able to put that mess behind her. Things seem good between them, and she seems willing, maybe the two of them really can get something started.
That thought brings another thought, and it hits him hard. She still hasn't heard his story. She's got to be wondering about Teddy's mom, but she's probably just too polite to ask. That will wear off though, and when she does ask him there's no way he can tell her anything but the truth. He shakes his head, "Dixon, you asshole, you need to be the one ta bring it up. You gotta be a man n just tell her."
When he does, will she still be willing to wrap her arms around him like she did last night? When she knows his story will she ever kiss him again the way she kissed him when he held her?
He hopes to God she will, but he can't be thinking about that stuff right now, he needs to concentrate on what he has to do this weekend. Play poker and win.
He's trying to think only of that, but then his mind wanders again. This time to that asshole Randall Jones. He has no doubt Merle will be able to locate the guy. Merle's got a knack for finding people who don't want to be found. Of course, Daryl realizes even if he succeeds in finding this Randall lowlife, the guy isn't going to have any of the money left. All Daryl can hope to do is make Randall regret he ever did what he did.
As for the money Daryl needs for Beth, he plans to get that from those fat cats and he won't feel an ounce of guilt about taking it. That kind of money is nothing to them. Sure, they'll be mad as hell they lost it, but that's just ego. As far as their pocketbooks are concerned, it won't even make a dent.
His mood changes for the better when he pulls up to the curb in front of Merle's place and sees his brother sitting on the front porch, waiting. Daryl can't help but smile, that fucking Merle.
His brother is dressed a lot like Daryl is, tie and all. Merle's also got that big old shit eating grin on his face when he stands to greet him, "Hey little brother, I missed ya kid. You're lookin' all right, love must agree with ya."
"Don't start that shit Merle, I'm try'n ta get my mind right for the game."
"Brother, if there ever was a man who could focus completely on just one thing, that man is you."
"So, why're you all dressed up Merle?"
Merle's smile spreads even wider, "I always like ta look my best Daryl, especially when I'm gonna go watch my brother kick ass at cards."
"Whaddya mean you're gonna watch?"
Merle's look and manner turn serious, "I went ta see the governor, told him ya wanted in the game. He was agreeable, maybe too agreeable. I could see sumthin' in his eyes, and I got a bad feelin'. He doesn't just want to win, he wants revenge. Ya know kid, ya did kinda made him look the fool when ya cleaned him out the last time, and now he wants to make you pay for takin' him to the cleaners in front of his high-toned friends. I can't leave ya alone with them fellas, so I told that shithead I's comin' with ya or you wasn't playin'. He ain't happy, but he went along."
"Shit Merle, you're kidding, right? I'm a grown man for fuck sake, ya ain't gotta babysit me."
"I ain't gonna be there ta babysit ya Daryl, I'll be there makin' sure they're keepin' things honest. You say ya ain't gonna be cheatin', you ain't deceivin', and that you're keepin' it fair and square. I know ya will. What I don't know is if they will. So, I'ma make sure of it. Anyway, that asshole wants ta beat ya so bad his teeth are achin', enough so that when I told if he wants you there, he gets me there too, he agreed."
Daryl takes a minute to think all that over, chewing on his lip and rubbing a hand over his chin, "A'ight, you're right. It's good. So when do we leave?"
"Game starts in an hour n a half. Do ya need ta eat before we go?"
"I don't really feel like it, but I probably should. I can't be thinkin' about my empty belly when I need ta be thinkin' about the cards in my hand."
"A'ight, the gal next door brought over a real nice casserole and some corn bread, let's get ta eatin' it."
Daryl side eyes his brother, asking with a snicker, "The gal next door, huh?"
Merle shrugs and smiles, "Yeah, she's a real sweetheart, n for some reason she kinda likes me. I like her too." Then he laughs as he slaps Daryl on the back and saying, "You ain't the only one who needs a little lovin' ya know."
"Shut up Merle."
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Beth's nervously, and hungrily, gobbling down her French fries while telling Amy about the conversation, "Mama said she and Daddy had their lunch today and afterward they were sitting in the front room talking. She told Daddy how much she was missing me, and Daddy said he was missing me even more than she was, then Mama said, 'well how about this Hershel, if we leave here early enough in the morning, we can get to Smithton in time to take Bethie to church.' Then she told me that she already had chicken frying to bring for dinner, and potatoes and eggs were boiling to make a potato salad. They're planning for a picnic after church."
Amy can't help smiling, "Gee Beth, your folks sound so sweet. I think it's wonderful."
Beth swallows a big bite of her hamburger and agrees, "It is wonderful Amy, they're wonderful, but oh my gosh, I'm supposed to go to church with Miss Erma and Mister Dale tomorrow, then have Sunday dinner with them."
Jim can't help hearing every word that's said, and he can't keep his mouth shut another moment. He has to throw his two cents in. He leans over the counter and makes a suggestion, "I bet Erma, Dale, and little Teddy would all enjoy meetin' your folks, Beth. And since everyone's going to church anyway, why not all go together? Your folks are bringing food, I know Erma will have a table full, and didn't you tell me you were making a cherry pie tonight to take with you? That all sounds like a great big happy Sunday dinner to me, and a swell way for your folks to meet some of the new people in their girl's life."
Beth looks at Amy and Amy shrugs, "Jim's got a point Beth, and they do say the more the merrier. Who knows, it might be a fun day." Amy's so glad she's not in Beth's shoes.
Jim smiles, "So young lady, would you like me ta dial up Miss Erma's number so you can let her know you're a party of three now?"
Does she really have a choice? Beth does her best to smile when she answers, "Yes please Jim, and thank you."
"Not a problem, I always enjoy chatting with Miss Erma." He drops a nickel in the slot, dials the number and says, "Hello there Erma, it's Jim calling. I hope I'm not disturbing your supper."
Jim wasn't kidding, he does enjoy talking to Miss Erma, by the time he finally hands the receiver to Beth he's already explained everything to the woman. When Beth finally has the phone to her ear she can't get a word in edgewise, Erma's got too much to say, ending with, "I'm so happy to hear your Mama and Daddy will be joining us tomorrow Beth, I can't wait to meet them. Now, don't forget, Dale and I will be by to get you and your folks in the morning. See you then Dear!"
Beth barely got to say, "Thank you," before Erma Horvath hung up.
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They arrive at the suite and just like Merle said, it's very fancy. There's a large living room, far bigger than Daryl's living room at home. It's been furnished with a professional, Las Vegas style poker table, chairs and poker chips. There's a full bar set up, a tray of sandwiches, a bowl of fresh fruit, and a humidor full of cigars.
There's also a professional dealer, a fellow named Aaron. He will act as the security as well, making sure everything is on the up and up, and keeping order in the game and in the group.
There's only one place Merle can sit, and that's right behind Daryl. Merle and Daryl both respect that the other players won't want Merle to be able to view their hands, and there's no quibbling.
The players all pay the buy-in and receive their chips, and the game begins right on time. At first the play is a little slow, everyone seems cautious as they all get a feel for the play, and no one's drinking yet. That doesn't start until about 10 o'clock. By then there's already been some serious money changing hands, and two fellows, a doctor named Pete and a guy named Dave, have already had to purchase more chips.
Daryl's doing well, he's not betting too high, or going too low. He's in no rush, he's pacing himself. This is a weekend-long game and leaving before the end of it, which won't be until Sunday morning, or before your flat broke, would be heavily frowned upon and could lead to an altercation. He's in no mood for that bullshit.
By midnight one of the fellows, a guy name Gregory, is drunk and obnoxious and the group agrees, that won't be tolerated. The dealer gives him the option to leave the game now, and leave his buy-in money behind, or take a nap and rejoin the game when he sobers up. He opts to eat a sandwich and take a nap, and he's back in the game by 6 am with a better attitude.
Daryl has won all the money he needs by Saturday afternoon and he plans to hang on to it, but he's got to keep playing the game. He's here to play by the rules, just like he said he would, and he still has no interest in pissing anyone off.
It's just before midnight Saturday when it happens. Daryl wins a big showdown hand against the governor, there's over a thousand dollars in the pot. Voices are raised and words are exchanged between the two as the governor snarls, "I know you've got some kind of system Dixon, or some way you're manipulating the game. No one's as lucky as you."
Merle is ready to jump in as needed, but he keeps his mouth shut. Little brother can handle this kind of crap just fine. Daryl responds to the loser, "I got sumthin' goin' all right Blake, I got skill. If your skill ain't up ta mine, you lose, it's that simple." Merle's fighting a smile, he could swear the governor has smoke coming out of his ears.
The dealer suggests a quick ten minute break to use the bathroom, get a snack and take some time for heads to cool. The table agrees.
After the break the players rejoin the game, and Philip Blake is once again sitting across from Daryl Dixon. Four hands are played and each is won by a different player, one of whom is Daryl. He's feeling good, relaxed, he knows he's three thousand dollars ahead, more than enough. All he has to do is maintain.
It's three a.m. when it happens, another showdown hand between Daryl and the Governor, all the other players are out for the hand and just watching to see who comes out on top.
The pot is the already biggest of the game, when the governor throws two thousand dollars in and Daryl matches him, but before anyone calls it Merle stands and says to Aaron, "I seen it, Blake has a card tucked in his shirt pocket."
Everyone freezes as the dealer stands, walks over and checks the Governors pocket, pulling out the Ace of Spades. He looks at the governor's hand and sure enough, the card would have given the man a straight flush. Yet, it turns out even cheating wouldn't have helped the asshole win, Daryl lays his hand down to reveal a Royal Flush.
Aaron declares, "The pot is yours Dixon, and I'm calling it, the game is over. It's up to you fellas whether you ever play with Phillip Blake again, I would suggest you don't."
Several players of the players surround the Governor, and cussing and other harsh words are called out. They want retribution, they want their money back, soon fists are flying. The governor is going to pay one way or the other. No one even notices as Merle and Daryl quickly exit the suite and head back to Merle's. Daryl's got close to six thousand dollars in cash winnings, and the first thing he does is give a thousand of it to Merle. His brother protests, "Nah now, ya won it fair and square little brother. It's yours."
"Couldn't have even got in the game if not for you Merle, and shit, what a game it was."
Merle smiles, "Thanks kid, how about we take a fast nap, then go pay a call on Randall Jones?"
"Sounds good."
Beth knows her Mama and Daddy, so she knows they were probably on the road before the rest of the world ever opened an eye this morning. She's up early too. Her little apartment is spotless. She's had a bath, a small breakfast, and she's in her Sunday dress.
She paces around a little, and spends an awful lot of time wondering what Daryl is doing, and now she's sitting at the little table alternating between staring out at the street below, while she thinks about Daryl, and writing in her journal, about Daryl.
Beth's lost in thoughts of him when she sees her Daddy's Buick coming down Main Street. She hurries out the door and down the stairs to greet parents. As nervous as she is about this day, she's so happy to see her folks. Gosh she missed them. The hugs and greetings have them all getting tears in their eyes, and Beth smiles, "Let's go up to my apartment. We've got at least half an hour before the Horvaths arrive."
Mama asks, "The Horvaths?"
Oh my gosh, that's right, everybody knows but them. Beth reminds her Mama about the nice couple who invited her to sit with them at church last week, and then had her to their home for Sunday Dinner. "I had plans to attend services with them today and they also invited me to join them for dinner again. When they heard you two were coming to town, they insisted you come too."
Mama takes it good-naturedly, "Thank goodness we have a cooler full of food in the trunk of the car. I'd hate to show up at someone's home empty-handed."
"You're sure you don't mind Mama? Daddy?"
Mama places a hand on her daughter's cheek, and answers honestly, "Of course, I'd prefer to be selfish with you Beth and keep you all to myself, but I do want to meet the people you're spending your time with, and it's quite lovely of them to include us."
Daddy smiles, "You know if your Mama's happy, I'm happy."
"Hershel…"
He's smiling, "Honestly, I was so worried when you moved here. I thought when you weren't working you'd be up here in this apartment all alone. I could hardly bear the thought of it, so it's a relief knowing you have good people in your life. I'm anxious to meet them."
The Greene family has been visiting for a few minutes when there's a light tapping at the door, and Carol's voice calls out, "Beth, it's me, Carol."
Beth opens the door and invites Carol in. She's surprised to see her all dressed up in her Sunday best, she's even wearing pumps. Of course, Beth doesn't bring all that up, it would be rude. Instead she says, "You look so pretty today Carol," and introduces her friend to her parents, "Mama, Daddy, this is Carol, my good friend from next door. She owns the book shop downstairs, and my gosh, she has helped me so much since I moved here. I don't know what I would have done without her."
Carol smiles, "You would have done just fine Beth, you're a very capable young woman."
Carol only stays a moment, then excuses herself saying she has somewhere she has to be. It's not long after she leaves that the Horvath's arrive. After the introductions Teddy can't take it another minute. He's over by Beth tugging at her hand and smiling up at her, "Did ya make cherdee pie Miz Bet?"
She smiles and rubs her hand over his hair, "Of course I did Teddy. I would never break a promise to you."
Mama is smiling, "Cherry pie, huh? I can't blame you for being excited Teddy, I am too." Then she looks to Erma and asks a one word question, "Grandson?"
Dale's the one who answers "In a manner of speaking."
Erma acts as though she never even heard the question, gushing, "We're so happy you folks have come today. Beth is such a wonderful girl, we're just delighted she and Daryl have met."
Daddy's brow creases when he questions, "Who's Daryl?"
Erma realizes her mistake, "Oh, well Daryl is Teddy's Daddy."
It seems the more questions they ask the more questions they have, but before they can ask another, Dale is urging, "We best get in the car and get to church, we don't want to be late to services now, do we?"
Teddy still has hold of Beth's hand and he looks up at her with a smile, "You sit by me, peez Miz Bet."
"I would love to Teddy."
They park in front of the little church on Montrose Street, and several congregants are visiting out front before services, including Amy. Beth is aware Amy attends the Presbyterian church, so she knows why her friend is here, because that's just it, she is a friend.
Amy walks over to the newly arrived group and greets Beth, "I wanted to meet your folks Beth," and there are more introductions.
Erma asks, "Are you here by yourself today, Amy?'
"Yes Ma'am."
Erma invites, "Well why don't you sit with us, we've got room for one more in our pew, and after church we're all having Sunday Dinner together at our house, please join us."
Amy's suddenly gone shy but Beth whispers, "please," and Amy graciously accepts the invitation, just as Jim and Carol join the group.
Miss Erma is all smiles, "Why Jim, you've made it to church!"
Dale's smiling and shaking his hand, "Good to see you here, Jim."
Jim smiles as he greets everyone and says, "Let's just hope the place doesn't get struck by lightning when the man upstairs sees me walk in."
He shakes Hershel's hand and nods to Miss Annette, "It's real nice to see you folks again, I guess you met Carol a little earlier this morning, huh? We thought it wouldn't hurt for us to spend a morning in church with y'all." Everyone but the Greenes knows the only reason Carol and Jim are here is because of Beth. Neither one of them has been in a church in years.
Erma says, "No I don't think it would hurt you a bit Jim, and of course we want you both over at our place afterward for Sunday dinner."
"Why thank you, I look forward to eatin' someone's cooking besides my own."
Mama's thinking it's a real good thing she fried two chickens and made extra potato salad and succotash. She thought she'd be leaving leftovers for Beth, now she's sure there won't be any leftovers. Erma's grateful she couldn't decide whether to cook a beef roast or a pork roast, and so ended up cooking both. They've got a lot of mouths to feed.
Beth is thinking what wonderful friends she's blessed with, she knows they're here for her.
Annette Greene is also thinking that it's awfully sweet the way little Teddy holds Beth's hand during the sermon, but she hasn't stopped wondering exactly who Teddy is, or his Daddy, this fellow named Daryl.
After church they all meet back at Erma and Dale's. Dale retrieves a card table from the garage and sets it up at the end of the dining room table, making room for all the guests. A cloth is laid over it and more plates, napkins and silver are set around. The chairs from the kitchen are brought in, and one from Dale's desk and somehow, they manage to make enough places for everyone. Then the ladies begin to fill the tables with food.
Besides the chicken, the pork, the beef, the potato salad and the succotash, there's a broccoli salad, green beans with bacon, sweet potato casserole, ambrosia salad, rolls and banana bread.
They all sit and Dale invites, "Hershel, would you like to say the blessing?" He does and the group begins to pass the food. As they start to eat, they talk about today's sermon and the message they received from it, and then the conversation drifts to the events of the week, and plans for the week ahead.
Jim begins to brag on Beth's baking skills and how business at the café has increased since she started making all the pies, rolls, biscuits, and often cakes and cookies. Amy teases, "Well I'm not happy about it at all. I think I've gained five pounds since I met you Beth."
Just as those words are spoken the front door opens and Teddy screeches, "Daddy!" He jumps down from the table and hurries to Daryl, and Teddy's not alone.
Beth doesn't stop to think about it, she doesn't remember her manners, she's just so relieved to see him. She gets up from the table and she's right behind Teddy, "Daryl, you're home."
Daryl scoops Teddy up in one arm, lifts and holds him close to his chest, "I missed ya son, missed ya a lot," and he kisses the little boy's cheek, snuggling in when he says, "I love ya Teddy."
Beth stops in her tracks, not wanting to spoil the father and son moment. Daryl looks up, sees her, smiles and walks close enough to wrap an arm around her shoulders and draw her near, "Hey, girl, it sure is good ta see ya," he kisses her forehead and then her lips and her arms wrap around his middle as she hugs him tightly.
Mama and Daddy can't seem to do much but look at each other with their eyes wide and their mouths hanging open.
Everyone is so busy watching Daryl and Beth they don't seem to notice the man standing behind Daryl. Except Carol, she hasn't been able to take her eyes off of him since he walked in. She gets to her feet and calls out, "Merle Dixon, is that you?"
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A/N I guess the cat's out of the bag! Please leave a comment. As always, the chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back next week with more of Love at the Solo Café, I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee