"Thanks," I replied, not wanting to turn back to the game and have them admire my rear from afar.
She smiled, revealing her teeth that were in great condition. Unusual for people nowadays, with so few good doctors.
I shifted the pool stick to my left hand and leaned against the table casually. Had to blend in with these people. If I looked up tight, even that little fact could point me out to Lydecker if he happened to come by later.
"You practice a lot?" she asked.
"No, not really."
She frowned. "You must just be extra special," she said, switching to a teasing manner and poking me gently in the chest. Instantly, I recoiled and laid a hand over the spot. Dare she touch me again, and I may have to slap her. My body, my business.
Carly turned away from me and to the fat bartender. "Hey Louie, when's the games?" she asked. I watched, waiting for her to leave.
"Tomorrow night and then, the night afta that," he said, his voice thick with alcohol.
"Thanks," she replied, flashing a cheap, 'I'm so good' smile. She turned back to me.
I crossed my arms, resting the pool stick on the table. I needed to get going. My stomach was partially full and therefore, I could survive for a little bit before needing food again. Besides, I couldn't wear out my welcome. Yet, Carly had other plans in mind.
"You gonna be here tomorrow?" she asked.
"I don't know," I admitted. And, truthfully, I really didn't. If Lydecker came into town, I'd be gone. If he didn't, and I had reason to stay, then sure, I'd stay.
"You should."
"How come?"
"Tomorrow night, there's always a contest here for pool." She shrugged. "It brings publicity to this place and it's fairly entertaining as well."
"Yeah? So, what's your point?" I didn't feel like gabbing all day with some girl. I didn't do social talking. I make my point and go. Simple as that.
"From what I've seen, you don't got much money. So, seeing how the prizes are cash for this pool contest, I thought you might want to enter."
"How much?" I asked her. Hell, if it was cash, I might just decide to stay around. Pool was just a simple matter of calculations of physics. No big deal. I could easily win.
Carly bit the bottom of her rosy lip. "I think it's like ten to twenty bucks. Not much, but it's not bad money, either."
"True," I agreed. Even if I got ten, I'd be happy. Money was money.
"So you comin'?"
"Why are you so worried if I do or don't come?" I retorted.
"I think you'd be good at it," she lied. Her mind was obviously thinking about other things. Other things that I really didn't want to get into.
"I'll see what happens."
"Great," she smiled. I turned quickly and headed out the door, hoping Carly and her friend weren't eyeing me again.
Hmmm…money for something that came with such ease. Of course, a normal human couldn't have such ease at a game like that. And as always, I thought with a wry smile, you, Donald Lydecker, manage to weasel your way into my life once again. Thanks for nothing.