Paralyzed - Drawing Dead: Part 3/6

Episode Date: December 8, 2025

E is at the casino playing some poker, but the night isn't going well as she's forced to dip into her savings. But it's not until she meets Archie at the bar that she gets really angry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Miss? Sorry? It's on you. Oh, right. Um, I, I fold. Action over here. As I sipped my soda, I went back to daydreaming. Memories of me and my brother as kids. Call. Call. Fold.

Heads up. I could have. I couldn't focus. So why was I here? I was bleeding chips. I had a hundred left in front of me after buying in four times. Over a grand, gone. Just like that. Actions on you? 250. Take it. How was I going to win it back? I couldn't afford another buy-in. And I was even more depressed because I couldn't drink. Miss?

Yeah? Yeah? Action's on you. Oh, shit. Sorry. I stopped slouching and grabbed my cards. I didn't even realize the last hand was over. Um, I looked down at Pocket Kings. Now was as good as the time as any.

Okay, all in. I pushed my stack in. Of course I'd get collars. I was playing with a bunch of rich middle-aged men that all had green stacks. To them, my measly $100 was a glorified, to the dealer. Cool. Call.

Call. Not one of them was scared of what I could have. Not only was I unlucky tonight, but I was playing like shit. I was a fish. Call. Call. Dealer, would you like to call to? Jesus.

The dealer had a hint of a smile as he put out the flop. Six players. Action is over here. I watched the action play out. Player one scared out two others. on the flop. And then another two after the turn. But the turn brought an ace and I knew my kings were no longer good. All right. Fold. Heads up. Players all in? Player one won the side pot. So now it was just us. The river was coming. I needed a king. Please a king. I can make 500 on this hand alone if I could

just get a king. Showdown. Let's see a winner. It was another ace. Player one flipped his hand, full house, ace is full. Runner, runner, awesome. Although he didn't even need that ace to totally crush me. Miss? I slid my cards back and forth between my fingers and slouched. He's got it. Sorry. I'm sure you are. I tossed my cards right into the muck and watched the last of my money be pushed towards the winner. I stood completely frustrated. Hold my seat. I'll be back. The dealer tossed a clear lamer into my empty spot to hold my seat. He then started the next hand.

I know I shouldn't go back. I'd already lost enough money. Dean would be pissed. But if I could just get out of this funk, I knew I could own these guys. They weren't that good, just lucky. The last hand proved it. Player 1 called my all-in with an A-7 off. If I had more chips, I could have chased him off after the flop.

I watched through a long row with slot machines, until I came to the ATMs. That's when I noticed the bar to my left. Hmm. No, no. You told Dean you wouldn't. You told him you wouldn't get drunk, though. Not that she wouldn't drink anything.

And I could just take an Uber home, leave my car in the garage. Yeah. I still got money out because I needed one more chance, one more opportunity to at least win back my money. I didn't need to make a profit. but I needed to get out of this hole. I counted it real quick. 500.

Taken out of my savings. That's okay. I was going to play better now. No more daydreaming. No more thinking about Blair. At least not right now. I needed to focus. But before going back to the table, one drink.

The casino was crazy tonight. Super packed. But I found a stool at the far end. I leaned over looking for the bartender, but he was busy. making some stupid orange drinks for a couple of old women who laughed and clapped at all his drink-making tricks. He was really putting on a show for them. Oh, come on. No, he does that with every mixed drink. I turned in my stool to see an older man who looked oddly familiar.

So if you order something, make it simple. Do I know you? He slowly reached down and pulled up a wood came and smiled. I'm the guy. You can't help but give seven deuce every other hand. Off suit, I might add. Oh, right. You were playing at ballistas. Oh, you remember.

I do. I haven't seen you there since. You were looking for me? I hated creepy older men, and this guy seemed to fit the bill. I just noticed, as all. I've been out all week. Oh, that's too bad.

vacation or... Listen, no offense, but I just want to get my drink and get back to my game. Right. Sorry. But another couple minutes passed and the bartender refused to come down this far. Now he was serving some big-breasted flusies with tight black skirts. Only if I had some cleavage to flound. My jacket was around my waist, but my fault for wearing a normal tea.

Hey, excuse me. Hey! You can try pushing your way through. through, but it seems these new girls have him quite distracted. I ignored him and tried again. Hey! Still nothing. Forget it.

I was just about to walk away, Wynn. Hold it. Hold on. Let me try for you. Hey, Tom. I sat back on my stool and leaned over the bar. The bartender seemed to notice the old man's call. He nodded and quickly finished making a drink.

Um, what was that about? I know him. And? I tip well. The bartender Tom rushed over, wiping his hand with a dirty towel. Really well. What can I get you? It's for the lady.

What can I get you? Um, vodka and Sprite, with a splash of lime. Coming right up. I sat back on the stool and turned to the old man. He smirked. So what? You, one of the high rollers here, got yourself a cushy sweet, play high school. steak, snort some coke in the bathroom so you can go all night?

I don't do drugs. Alcohol is my only vice. He held up his drink, smiled, then took a sip. Well, thank you. Archie, well, Archibald, but everyone calls me Archie. Archie? Oh, my parents hated me. They loved Carrie Grant.

Unfortunately, they didn't go with Carrie. I'll pretend I get that reference. But thank you, Archie. Yeah, you're welcome, Eden. Or should I say E? But I didn't respond verbally. Instead, just nodded. The way he said my name made me feel weird.

We sat in silence until the bartender came over with the drink. For some reason, he made it without the theatrics. Here you go. Thanks. I put it on my tab. Uh, no, I can pay for it. Please, my treat. I don't need anyone paying for my drinks.

Thanks. I put the money on the counter, but the bartender walked off without taking it. It's already done. Then I'll pay you. I pushed the money towards him, but he shook his head. Are you sure you want to do that? Don't you need it? Need it?

Yeah, you're stuck for how much now? What the fuck? How did he know I was stuck? What the hell? How do you know I'm down? You've been watching me? I walked by a couple of your games. Sure. But I'm not stalking you.

No. It's just a coincidence you're here, then? I didn't say that. Then what are you saying? If you need any help with money... Hey, Archie! I'm not a fucking bum. I'm not a hooker. I'm not a fucking charity case. I don't need your pity, and I definitely don't need your money. I don't need your help. Keep your creepy ass away from me. It got a little quiet around the bar as I yelled at him.

But what the hell was that? I marched through the slot machine aisle back to the poker area. But before I sat back at the table, I pulled out my cash, my savings. I was now nervous for some reason. It was fucking Archie. He had me on edge, or was it the fact that if I lost this, I wouldn't have any rent money? No, no. You're fine, Eden. You're a good player. You'll make it back. Just pick quality hands and focus. Yeah. I finished my drink and trashed it.

We thought you weren't coming back. Player one smiled and leaned back, all cocky. Not a chance. Give me 500, all green. Yes, ma'am. Oh, and call the waitress over. I need another drink.