Epilogue
Alex sucked in a deep breath as the elevator rose towards the penthouse apartment, releasing it with a loud whoosh as the numbers continued to climb. It was her first attending one of Cat Grant’s poker games, and she was wishing she were anywhere else. Cat had made it clear that poker nights were strictly for the people invited, no children or spouses present, and Alex had a sinking feeling that the woman was going to use this opportunity to milk her for information.
The doors slid open and Alex stepped out into a dark apartment only illuminated by a single light hanging over a small poker table. Four women already sat around the table and Alex was quick to occupy the remaining seat. “What the hell are you wearing?” She asked when she caught sight of Lena sitting across from her. The younger woman was wearing a crisp, white dress shirt, her sleeves unbuttoned around her wrists, and a black vest with red-pinstripes. A red bow tie was nestled in the collar of her shirt, and a green visor was pulled down over her forehead.
“This is my poker outfit Danvers,” Lena replied, leaning back in her seat. “You won’t be laughing when I wipe the floor with you.”
“I’m sure,” Alex replied, rolling her eyes before turning to the host of the game. “Thank you for inviting me Ms. Grant.”
“It’s no problem dear but hold back the thanks until the evening is over,” Cat replied, sipping at her drink. “You might regret that statement later.” She waved her hand and gestured at the other women sitting at the table. “I’m sure you know everyone seated here.”
Alex nodded as her eyes wandered around the table. Lena was sitting directly across from her, Kate Kane was to her left and Cat Grant was to her right at the head of the table. It was the woman on the opposite end of the table that gave Alex pause. She had never met the woman in person before, but she would be a fool if she didn’t recognize Lois Lane sipping at a glass of brandy like she wasn’t sitting at a table across from her mortal enemy.
“Alright ladies,” Cat started before Alex could truly think about the implications. “The name of the game is Texas Holdem, jokers wild, we don’t play for money, just information. When you run out of chips, you’re done.” She shot a glance at Alex, “And don’t worry, everyone here is obviously in the know about secret superhero activities, this was of course done on purpose to allow for us to be able to speak freely.”
“I’m going to regret this aren’t I?” Alex sighed as Cat divided up the chips and started handing out the cards.
“I always do,” Kate replied. She tossed in her first bets and the game began. “So Lois,” she continued. “What are you doing in National City?”
“Perry sent me out here to report on the fight with Doomsday and the dissolving of the terrorist group Cadmus, and I figured that it was a good time to see my favorite Kryptonian and catch up with dear Kitty-Cat.”
“I thought you were fond of bulgy muscles and far-to-charming smiles?” Cat snarked but Lois simply smirked at her.
“Oh Clark is great, but Kara’s hugs are much better, all warm and soft, makes you feel like you’re hugging a ball of sunshine.” She glanced at her cards and the ones on the table, “I’ll think I’ll take it easy on you for now and I’ll call.”
“Too rich for me,” Alex replied, folding her hand. Kate followed and it was only Lois, Cat and Lena left in the hand.
“Two pair Kitty-Cat,” Lois said, dropping a pair of sevens on the table to go with the two tens.
“Nice try lesser lane,” Cat smirked. “Three tens.” She reached out to take the pile of chips but Lena stopped her.
“Not so fast Cat,” she told her. “Full house, jacks over nines.”
“Well played Luthor.” Cat sat back down and Lena gleefully swept the chips into her pile.
“Who normally comes to these games?” Alex asked while the cards were shuffled and dealt out again.
“Depends on the month,” Cat waved her hand. “Oprah stopped in once, and I managed to wrangle out the truth about her Weight Watchers experience. And the Duchess of Cambridge after the wedding.”
“The Duchess of- seriously?”
“Cat knows everyone, literally,” Kate sniggered.
“So Alex,” Lena started when she finished stacking up her chips. “What are your intentions with my best friend?”
“So the inquisition starts,” Alex sighed. “What exactly do you want to know?”
“Well, are you going to have a wedding this time that all of us can attend, because Sara has been planning a crazy bachelorette party since forever and it sounds like fun.”
“Technically-”
“Stop right there Danvers, we do not deal with technicalities here,” Lena ordered, shushing the woman.
“Yes Danvers, do tell us what you have planned,” Lois purred out. “Since, I hear, you proposed again without a ring or really any plan.”
“Kryptonians don’t use rings, and I’m working on it.”
“She is working on it Lesser Lane,” Cat said, coming to the defense of her daughter-in-law. “Or she better be working on it.”
Bets were placed and another round was played, this time Cat bluffing her way to winning the hand with two-pair, infuriating the woman across from her. “So what is the prospect of giving me grandchildren?” Cat asked when Alex was in the middle of taking a sip of her drink.
The question brought the desired results as Alex sprayed her drink across the table. “What?” She coughed out, staring at the woman.
“You heard me, I’m not getting any younger Alexandra, and I want to be able to spend time with my grandchildren.”
“You do have two other children,” Alex replied, glaring at the older woman.
Cat waved her hand dismissively. “Adam doesn’t count, we both know this, and Carter is too young. No, this falls on the responsibility of my darling daughter to provide me with grand children.”
“... You do know that I’m a woman right, that we’re both women…”
“That just means double the chance for a grandchild Danvers,” Kate told her, glancing at her new hand. “Besides, you are involved with an alien, anything could happen.”
“You mean-”
“We’re not saying it’s possible Alex, relax,” Lena said. “Just telling you to brace yourself for the unexpected, that’s all.”
Alex gaped at the other women at the table and gulped down the rest of her drink. “Holy shit.”