“It’s massively popular all over the world. And this is actually a little smaller than some of the regional tournaments. I’ve played in bigger.” Jasper’s shoulders lifted, and his voice lightened the way it always did when he bragged. I wasn’t supposed to find that appealing but it did something for me, his confidence infectious.

“Wow. And you have to beat all of them?” Suddenly, our prospects seemed much dimmer.

“No.” Finally, I got a laugh out of Jasper. “I have to rack up points, then I get to pick things on the prize wall. I’m not looking to make the finals or even place. I’ll let the people trying to qualify for the pro tour worry more about standings at the end of the day.”

“There’s a pro tour? Like, people making their living playing cards?” I’d never considered this before, and I probably should have. Stupid. I was so stupid to think that a couple of lessons from Bruno made me into some badass card-playing genius when there were people out there making real money doing this.

Jasper raised an eyebrow at me. “You name it and people have probably made money doing it. Gaming is huge, man. Vloggers and streamers make good money if they’re big enough names. And the game companies pay too. I have a buddy who works for the Odyssey folks and he’s in heaven, playing cards all day. But it’s work too.”

“And is that what you want to do? After graduation?” As far as I knew from the mom gossip network, Jasper was on some sort of math scholarship. I’d always figured he’d get a doctorate, be an important professor, but now I could also see him going the professional gamer route.

“Yeah. I’ll probably join Conrad at Odyssey this summer, see what they have for me.” Jasper didn’t look all that certain as he shrugged, but then his voice brightened. “I’ve got a ticket to an exclusive launch party next month in New York for their new set. That’ll be my chance to chat with the management people, see if they’re still interested in me.”

The line moved marginally closer to the front. My leg was already tight from driving and the line wasn’t helping, but I tried to be subtle as I shifted my weight around. “I’m sure they will be if you’re as good as you say you are.”

“Oh, I’m good.” He gave me a pointed look that made heat pool in my belly and made me forget all about my leg. “I’ve got other options too. Like, Ned from the hospital foundation has said I could do an internship there this summer, work in finance maybe. But I’ll probably go with the game. Leaving Gracehaven’s going to be so hard, though. Not sure I’m ready, honestly. But graduation awaits.”