48

Tie, shoes, slacks.
Couldn't sleep waiting for the table to open.
Got to the casino and roulette and blackjack were full. The crap table, empty, dark on the outside near the back corner . Pit boss says the table will open at ten, on five minutes .
I sit at the slots watching for the crew to get there. Out of the back a door opens and a dozen starched white shirts with legs empty into the room.
The actual casino room is divided into two. One room mainly slots and the main room for tables with some slots to absorb some of the space.
The roulette etc, the main tables are under canopy of eight crystal chandeliers. Vaulted ceiling in gold and green. A classic of what I would imagine a European reception room would be but better because it's a casino.
Three white shirts and a suit make it to the table and set up.
I'm worried there will be a crowd of douchebags ( I purposely leave myself out of this count ) or a bad crew. So many things can fuck up the table for me but it's Just me. No one. No one is interested on the table except me.
The crew is curious about the game they are calling but not into it.
I'm very lucky! They speak English . I had been practicing French for the numbers and le gran rouge but I'm glad I didn't have to break it out.
The stick guy is six foot something with stubble for hair. He pushed the dice. Amber dice on green felt. I pick two, roll 3 and 2. Bet. And I hit my five. Payouts are the same as Vegas but single odds back.
Dice out. Point is six. I make it. I make a five and I'm out.
The stick is calling six when I roll a five. He's calling seven out when it's the come out. His head is not on the game but it's just me so I help him. And I'm talk Ing with the dealers about payouts and odds. It's cool. The dice turn but it's ok.
Two college guys come up. One is a player his buddy knows nothing so we teach the rules to the buddy.
Dice are up and down. I'm putting winnings in my pocket and I feel some in there but I have to keep digging to keep the game going.
Eventually it's me and the player. And the dice cool off. Not cold but cool.
The player leaves.
I keep going.
Five. Make it.
Six. Make it.
Six. Make it.
I'm betting minimum. I could be winning. I'm up.
So I think. What did I come here for?
I rolled. I won.i played my game and won.
Over the arch is a gold blue and white enamel faced clock.
At 10:52pm, I walked out up 93 euro.
I'm having coffee in the lounge with my winnings.
Not a bad birthday.