All In Startup: Launching a New Idea When Everything Is on the Line

Chapter 20Successful Entrepreneurs Recognize Failure, Fold, and Live to Fight Another Day

There were shots in front of them. Why were there shots in front of them again? They seemed familiar. Sam finally remembered. Oh yes, she’d ordered them. That was like 15 minutes ago, though. Those shots took forever to come. And they were slightly warm. Who cares? Southern Comfort and lime—her favorite. She needed some comfort. A bubble girl! Might as well write that on her tombstone—entrepreneur, investor, activist, and amateur poker player who almost made it to the money before getting knocked out just a few hands short. Whatever. Shots will help.

“Owen, take your shot.”

“Okay.” He didn’t move.

“Stop being a pansy and take your shot.”

“Sam, you’re drunk.”

“You’re drunk, Oowwwwen!” Sam laughed at her witty retort. She wasn’t really drunk. At least she didn’t feel it. Instead, she felt liberated. Well, part of the time she felt liberated. The other part of the time she was wondering how she could have missed that flush draw. How?! How?! How?! It had been like that for the last several hours—one moment of feeling glad she didn’t have the pressure of playing anymore. The next moment realizing that she should still be playing. Back and forth. Well, if Owen thought she was drunk, she might as well actually get there—it’d be the only way she’d get to sleep tonight. Again, though! How did she miss it?!

“How did I miss it?!”

“Sam, you’ve got to stop beating yourself up.”

“I mean, it’s one thing ...