Why poker? “Bunco just didn’t give us enough of a challenge, and some of us wanted to learn how to play poker better, so this seemed like a great idea.” Kim explains. “A few of us knew each other from our children’s school, and we decided that this would be a fun outlet for us. We occasionally add another member, but it has to be someone that we know we’ll gel with.”

According to Kim, Stacey has the most obvious tells. “She shakes and sweats!”

Besides Jack Daniels, there is Mike’s Hard Lemonade on ice and tequila. The potato chips are actually put into bowls along with a lovely spread of finger foods and snacks. Jokes are told, stories about husbands and children fly through the air, and laughter fills the room. These ladies have busy lives and careers and getting together with their girlfriends is a valuable way for them to relieve stress and stay connected.

The players to beat are Angela and Moira. Angela is a poker pro and actually participates in poker tournaments occasionally.

Most of the kids are being watched by the men on poker night but on this particular evening, Angela’s husband was away on business so she put her kids to bed before everyone arrived.

Or so she thought! About an hour into the game, Angela’s 3-year-old daughter came downstairs and stood in the doorway watching the action. Everyone stared at her for a bit, and finally noticed something was wrong. Her entire face was covered with light green eye shadow she had