I smiled and did not take it too personally. I could always make all the money back. "Playing with masters will only make my game stronger in the future. Thank you for showing me how to play." "With the money you dropped, I guess the learning fee was pretty high!" Auberto joked. Everyone at the table laughed as well. I did have some fun learning how to play dominos. I got up and said "I guess I'll have to catch up next time we play." I was going to go, but it was Auberto that dragged me back down. I looked at him. "Real men don't run from a losing streak." he said simply. All of the others nodded their heads. I gave a real bitter sigh before smirking wryly. "I'm not leaving until I lose all of my money, huh?" "So you do get it!" Antero said happily. Every began laughing again. I shrugged and let myself get dealt in for another round. As we kept playing, I was slowly but surely getting the hang of it. It was clear that Auberto and Ignazio were the best at the table. They were still destroying the rest of us. If I won, it would be a miracle. We played until one of the girls Monica mentioned came with her.
Auberto and Ignazio were not happy that they were being interrupted at the table. They were brothers. Monica was Camelia's sister. Monica's husband was not with her. I knew better than to ask about it here. That was none of my business. I was introduced to the younger sister, Erica. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Erica." I said as I took her hand. I then placed a chaste kiss on the back of her hand. She immediately blushed bright red. Everyone there saw it. "O-oh! Th-thank you, Martino. It is nice to meet you t-too." she stammered. Monica stifled a laugh and led her away. I guess Emilia was being introduced to Nicolò and Emilio. I hoped that went well. When that was all over, I looked at my dominos and got ready to play. They were still staring at me. I startled and said "What!? I thought we were playing more." All I got was silence. "You really like Erica, Martino?" Prospero asked. "I don't know. I just met her for the first time here today. Is there something wrong with Monica or Erica?" I answered. I did not know what the big deal was. Prospero shook his head. "There is nothing wrong with them."
Blankly staring at him, he rolled his eyes. "I'm asking about you. Do you like her!? Like, in that way!?" he demanded. I blinked. "Are you seriously asking me if I want to fuck your cousin right now? In front of everyone here?" I asked for clarification. He blinked back before looking at his father, uncle and male cousins. His face grew red. It was out of embarrassment this time. Auberto cleared his throat. We looked at him. "Monica is my wife's only sister. That makes Erica my niece. I should probably get to know your intentions with her after a display like that." I nodded. "Well, if Monica and her husband would allow it, I could take her on some dates to get to know her a bit better. If we are compatible, maybe, we could move things along." He just looked me up and down. "And what about other guys?" he asked. I looked back at him. "I have eyes. I'm sure you've been around lots of pretty women, but that doesn't make you want to dishonor your wife by cheating on her." He chuckled and pat me on the back. I winced. It really hurt. "That's a man's answer, at least." he said. Ignazio just nodded his head.
