346 Vacation to Jamaica 5 (1/2)
”Why is he upset?”, Liz asked Max. ”All the solid balls are pocketed and only the eight ball is left. When he gets that in, they win.”
”True. But… our balls are blocking his path to the black one and if he hits ours first, he will commit a foul. He got carried away and he forgot to strategize for his final move. Now he is forced to hit a wall first with the white one, and this is a tricky angle. Unless he does a trick-shot to jump over striped balls, he will be unable to score the winning shot.”
”Do you know how to do a trick-shot?”, Liz asked Max in a whisper.
”I know a few.”, he responded ambiguously.
Liz thought about how this is fascinating. The pool is not only about geometry and physics, but includes strategizing as well. ”We should get a pool table for our home.”
Max inhaled sharply and stared at her.
”What?”, Liz asked. She was confused by his exaggerated reaction.
”Does that mean that you are considering… us getting OUR home?”
Liz blinked. She didn't think about that, she only wanted to say that getting a pool table would be handy. Other than playing the game, Max can show her how to hold the cue and he would lean above her and… Hehehe… She was grinning while naughty images filled her mind... mostly about Max and her being naked.
Max saw her smile and he took it as a 'yes'. Images of various houses and apartments danced in Max's mind, each with a pool table in it, as the possibility of Liz staying in Seattle solidified, and his mood improved several folds in an instant.
”Are you two playing?”, Justin asked teasingly while wondering if those two drank too much. Both Max and Liz had goofy expressions.
Liz was first to recover and she saw Justin gesturing toward the pool table, indicating that they should play.
”Max? … Max!”
Liz's call pulled Max out of his daze.
”Hmm?”, he hummed dreamily in response.
”The game. We are in the middle of a game.”, Liz reminded him. ”I played, so it's your turn. It does not matter if we lose, but we should not forfeit.”
Max glanced at the table and then pulled Liz closer and gave her a long lingering kiss.
”We will not lose.”, Max said confidently before letting her go and approaching the table.
Liz was slightly dazed from the kiss and she watched Max as he circled the table while his eyes were focused on the balls in front of him.
She didn't breathe as Max leaned over the table and took his aim and with one sharp jab, the striped ball with number 11 on it went straight to the pocket. Five seconds later, the ball with number 12 found it's pocket, and then the one with number 13...
One by one, in order of numbers on them, the balls were pocketed and two minutes later, there was only the black ball with number eight on it.
Max took his aim and turned to look at Liz. He winked at Liz and at the same time his right hand moved and the black ball found its pocket.
”Oh, man…”, Devan whined. ”Listen, lady… you didn't tell us that he is a pro.”
Liz was happy that Max exceeded her expectations, and she also felt guilty that Justin and Devan lost. ”He is not a pro… I think.”
Max chuckled and draped his arm over Liz's shoulder before talking to Devan: ”I am a businessman who plays occasionally.”
”Occasionally, yeah, right…”, Justin grumbled. ”How about a rematch?”
Max glanced at Liz, silently telling her that it's up to her.
”Can you afford your losses?”, Liz asked teasingly. ”I told you that my man is perfect.”
Max grinned. He likes it when Liz is praising him.
”Two out of three!”, Devan persisted.
One hour later…
As the games progressed, Liz's skills sharpened.
The mood was good and the bar was getting filled with other patrons.