Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
♦
It’s a laid-back atmosphere as almost the entire team fills Jerry’s Lounge, but most notably absent and without surprise is Penn. I appreciate the general chill vibe in this place, because although there are many hockey fans in here, they tend to treat us like regular patrons and don’t make a big deal about our presence. The mood is slightly somber since we lost, but that doesn’t stop us from having a good time with our fellowship.
The familiar clatter of pool balls and the low hum of conversation diverts our attention from the sting of defeat and smiles and laughs are still happening. I’m hanging with Rafferty, North and Atlas near the pool tables, watching Stevie school yet another challenger. She’s the undisputed queen of billiards around here, and no one’s been able to beat her that I’ve ever seen. She’s whipped my ass more than once, but I guess that comes with the territory when you were essentially raised in a bar.
Hendrix has been hanging with Bear up at the bar talking but now walks our way, a determined look on his face. Stevie’s standing, her back to him, talking to Lilly and Mazzy and doesn’t see when he pulls a black velvet box out of his pocket and places it on the pool table. There’s a tradition that you place quarters on the ledge when you want to issue a challenge, but anyone who’s watching knows that this box represents something far deeper. I elbow Rafferty in the ribs as he’s caught up in conversation with Atlas and they both turn to watch. Someone mutes the jukebox—I’m sure by design—and the bar falls silent.
“Stevie,” Hendrix announces loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. “I challenge you to a game of nine ball.”
Stevie turns around to face her boyfriend, her eyes rolling due to his audacity to issue a challenge he’ll never win. But her dismissal freezes as she spots the box.
With a frown, her gaze lifts to Hendrix. “What the hell is that?” she asks, which is classic Stevie. She then cocks a suspicious eyebrow. “Are you drunk?”
“Drunk on love,” he says with a mischievous grin. “I’m challenging you and the stakes are as follows. If I win, you have to marry me.”
A murmur of excitement runs through the crowd, and Rafferty elbows me back, grinning. “This is going to be interesting,” he says.
Stevie places her hands on her hips, lips pursed in amusement. “And what happens if I win?”
“What do you want?” Hendrix asks.
Stevie puts a finger to her lips as she ponders. Finally, she says, “You have to do laundry for a month.”
“Fair enough—”
“And,” she continues, “clean the toilets here at the bar for six months.”
Hendrix flinches, his face scrunching up in disgust. “Fine, but—”
“And,” she drawls impishly, “you have to wear a pink leotard and tutu to the next team workout.”
Everyone roars with laughter and Hendrix tightens his jaw. “Fine,” he growls. “Now, can we play?”
Stevie sweeps her arm toward the table. “Let’s do it.”
The game begins, and it’s clear from the start that Stevie is holding back. Hendrix takes his first shot, sinking the one ball with a lucky ricochet. Everyone cheers, completely invested in Hendrix winning so an engagement will happen.
Atlas gives a shrill whistle. “Nice shot, Hendrix! Didn’t know you had it in you!”
Stevie’s turn comes, and she misses an easy shot, clearly letting Hendrix gain the upper hand. North leans over to me, whispering, “She’s letting him win, isn’t she?”
I nod, grinning. “Definitely. Although I’d love to see him in that pink leotard and tutu.”
As the game progresses, Stevie hits a good shot here and there but it’s Hendrix sinking more balls than his girlfriend, each one greeted with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. When he makes a particularly tricky shot, Rafferty whistles. “Maybe he’s got some hidden talent after all!”
Despite being loved by the crowd as a whole, Stevie gets booed every time she sinks one but it rolls off her back as she keeps a knowing smirk on her face the entire time.
Finally, it’s down to the nine ball and Hendrix has the opportunity to win it right here, right now. Stevie steps in close to him and whispers something in his ear, her fingers playing delicately on his forearm. Hendrix’s eyes flare and he puts a hand around the back of her neck and pulls her in for a hard kiss that reddens her cheeks.
He lets her go, takes a deep breath, lines up his shot and with a gentle nudge, the ball rolls into the pocket. The bar erupts into applause and cheers. Hendrix grabs Stevie and swings her around, yelling, “Thank you for letting me win, babe!”
When he sets her down, he grabs the velvet box and drops to one knee. The room again falls silent as he opens the small black cube, revealing a stunning engagement ring. “Stevie, will you marry me?”