Shawn sighed-caught. “Costs a dollar.”

Henry reached for his wallet, then pulled his hand away. “I think we should play one round for free.”

Shawn shot one last glare at Gus. He wiped his hands on his shirttail to get the icing off, then wiped them again on Gus’ shirt to make sure they were clean. Then he dug in his shirt pocket and came out with three playing cards. With great effort he shoved the wedding cake to the edge of the table to clear off a space, then put the three cards down with their faces up. There were two numbered clubs and the queen of hearts.

“It’s a card game,” Henry exclaimed. “Why don’t you show me how to play.”

“It’s really easy,” Shawn said. “I shuffle the cards around. You pick out the queen and you win.”

“My, that does sound easy,” Henry said. “Let’s try.”

Shawn flipped the cards over and smushed them around on the table. Henry pointed to the card in the middle, and Shawn turned it over. It was the queen.

“Congratulations, you win,” Shawn said. “Now I’m tired. I think I should go to bed.”

“Not quite yet,” Henry said. “I want to see you play it for real.”

“That was for-”

“For real.”

Shawn started to move the cards around the table again. This time he moved them quickly and kept up a fast patter. “Okay, find the lady, find the lady, she’s looking for you, only one dollar, be a man.”

Shawn separated the three cards and stepped back. Henry pointed at the center card. Shawn flipped it over. A club.

“Sorry, Dad, you lose,” Shawn said. “You can just add the dollar to my allowance.”

Shawn started to collect the cards, but Henry was faster. His hand slammed down on the table and before Shawn could stop him, he turned over the other two-also clubs.

“Where’s the queen, Shawn?” Henry growled.

“That’s what you’re supposed to figure out,” Shawn said. “That’s what makes the game fun.”