The quiet shuffle of cards echoed sharply through the room, cutting through the lively hum of chatter and laughter. The room was packed with people absorbed in their own games, yet none carried the same heavy tension as the table where Chloe and I sat. It was petty to settle our differences with a card game, but I wasn’t one to back down without a fight.
“The cards will be dealt now,” the dealer announced, her voice rising above the buzz as she handed out the cards. “The rules for Christmas Go Fish are just like the regular game. Do either of you need an explanation?” Her gaze flicked between us.
“No, just deal the cards,” Chloe snapped, her eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made her motives all too clear. Whatever she was up to, I wasn’t going to let her rattle me.
“Check your ca
