This diary has thus far missed one genre of adventure - romance. Partly due to the naturally private nature of such things but also as you know I had a long relationship with Hannah until a couple of months ago and since then I've just been
involuntarily retired getting it quietly.
I have a story for you now though, I hope you enjoy it.
Edit: It's a lot longer than expected, I had a long journey and decided to skip the cliff notes and try and write some actual prose. Might take several posts!
It begins in Riga, Latvia, which hosted the Eureka Poker Tour during the first week of this month. There was a dealer at this event who let's just say caught my eye. It's always best to get second opinions in these situations due to the blurry nature of "poker goggles" (self explanatory derivation of beer goggles), but in this case, we all agreed - she was amazing! Gorgeous, long dark hair, small and cute, but just enough curves for a great body.
Despite my best attempts at non-creepy, non-sleazy yet meaningful and romantic
staresglances when she was on my table, I was most certainly not on her radar by any means until the final day of the trip.
She was dealing the final table (necessary brag) of a side event during which my ego persuaded me to go for a massive moment of flair and/or stupidity and attempt a huge bluff 'cos everyone knows girls love that sort of thing. She didn't say so, but it was pretty clear that my river check raise with 3 high that I slammed down Issac Haxton style after my opponent folded was her first attraction to me.
We got down to heads up, and I had a big chip lead and barring a David Gorr-esque ownage, I was a lock to win. She wasn't dealing anymore however, and I was keen to time the win so she was, so she could be in the winners photo! She appeared moments later in her home clothes, clearly finished for the day. She railed the rest of the tournament! A cynic would say that she was waiting around at the casino anyway for the dealers tournament due to take place later that day, but I would disagree
Anyway, no more bullshit - she really did definitely want me to win and mouthed "good luck" to me a couple of times when the guy was allin which was really sweet. She must love me.
I managed to close the tournament, and being at the height of confidence I went to talk to her - knowing I'd deeply regret it if I wussed out. I'll never forget going so quickly from the peak of confidence, in my absolute comfort zone, to being the total opposite when faced with a real life challenge of talking to a beautiful girl.
The outcome wasn't ideal. We exchanged numbers/facebooks but it didn't go very smoothly, I felt nervous and I didn't do a particularly good job, sigh.
That evening we were all out celebrating and feeling I had nothing to lose, texted her asking her if she fancied meeting up for a drink on my last night. She was still in the dealers tournament, felt tired etc etc, gg, end of story, sigh.
I've reached the end of my journey, part two (yes there is one wiiii!) will have to wait I'm afraid...
Author