Thomas whistled as he flipped his thumb over the cash. He shoved the money inside of his pocket and leaned forward onto the table as the boys scoffed; "Round two?"

Tony shook his head and threw his cards down on the table carelessly, losing the showdown. "Screw this. I'm gettin' some beer." The other guys hollered and cheered as he walked away, teasing him. Tom chuckled and took a drag of his cigarette.

"Man, you ain't even that good. I'm better." Don said. He, too, threw his cards down in a sign of defeat. "What, how many have you won? Nine? I've got a couple dozen on my hands."

Peter, another one of the guys, snickered. "You're grandstandin', man." He called out to Tony who was stalking away. "Get me a beer, too!"

Tom leaned back in his seat, slightly cocky. "Bet this cash could buy me six new packs of Lucky's." He crossed his arms over his broad chest and took another inhale from his cig. "Maybe even a case of beer, too."

Don snorted and Peter snickered. "Maybe two and a packa' gum." Don replied as Tony came back with the beers. Suddenly, they heard a rustling sound from the wood around them. The four boys went tense immediately.

Peter mouthed words at Tom; "Get up?" Tom shook his head and waved his hand to tell them to stand down. It wasn't a soldier or a commander who came out of a section of trees, though, it was-

"A girl." Don said breathlessly, stunned. Tom's eyes were wide and he relaxed his grip on his rifle. "Goddamn..." Don continued, the shock subsiding to be replaced with his usual flirtation. "Hey, sweetie. Need directions?"

Tom couldn't speak, staring at the girl. Lord Jesus, have mercy. She had to be the prettiest dame Tom had ever seen. She looked lost and confused, a few pieces of foliage stuck to her hair and her pretty little dress. God, was she a doll. A bath and a combing of her hair, and she would look just like a pin-up girl. She had a young and innocent look about her, like one gust of wind would knock her over.

The other guys, of course, noticed this too.