It was during the dark days of televised sports, that black hole somewhere between the Daytona 500 and March Madness, when she tripped into my life. Had I Known what I know now I never would have struck my foot out. She was lithe, limber and was now walking with only the slightest trace of a limp. Betting she had health insurance, I offered to pay her medical deductible. Gracious, if not graceful, she sat down and declared she would not seek legal action. Relieved, I asked her to stay and join me for dinner. I could tell you it was the start of magical nights of candle light, expensive French wines and a long lazy walks, but I’d be lying. We ate tacos, drank cheap Mexican beer, no fruit, and talked Warriors basketball. Levi Fountaine was her all-time favorite player. She was cool and a fast healer, I was smitten. We began to see more of each other and I believed we were getting closer. Well, as close as you can get from arms distance. She was still a bit leary of how we met. Speed Andersen, Brad Pitt, Micky Spillane and a few lucky others have known women of this caliber. We were however, off to a good start. Spring training was on the horizon, the Master’s on the ebb tide, I was in a good place. Who could ask for more? A chick in hand, warmer weather approaching, this was CHIP TIME! It was here that I made my fatal mistake. I gambled! I invited her to join our Saturday foursome of Gary D, Sonic Sid and Cabo Nick. Just a standard muni with polies, murphies, sandies (dirty sand pays double) the works. She was a quick study and began to notice how the gambling took on a life of its own. I believe it was the double hammer on the auto press that changed her demeanor from casual amusement to disgust. I was ordering after the round when she said those words I have heard far too often, Chip, we have to talk. A sinking feeling came over me. Friendly wagering is one thing she said, but your guys are out of control. If I stayed with you, I’d always have a fear in the back of my mind that you’d lose me in a poker game or on a two team parlay. Forget about the deductible, I made enough from you guys to cover it and then some. I’m leaving. As she was walking away, I yelled, Baby, I don’t even like poker, I can change. She smirked and then slammed the door. With a heavy heart I said, Sid, I’ll shake you for the drinks.