A 'Friendly' Game of Pool

As I looked around the room, the old poker words of wisdom came to mind, "If you are sitting at a table and don't know who the patsy is, then you're the patsy." I was definitely the patsy at this moment.

Standing in front of me and leaning against the ornate nine-foot pool table was the evenings' host, my fiancé's boss, Graham Smith, trying and failing to hide his holier-than-thou smirk. Oh, how I wanted to swing the cue I was holding across that face. But I held my temper.

To my left about twenty feet away, sat Callie, my fiancé and the love of my life. At 5'6", my blue-eyed blonde beauty was wearing the little black dress that I normally drool over, but I wasn't pleased that she wore it tonight. Sitting on one of the barstools that lined the room with her bare legs demurely crossed, she had an excited smile that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Something wasn't right.

She was sitting beside her best friend, Nikki. Nikki is a little taller than Callie, with brown eyes and light brown hair. She, too, is gorgeous. If I weren't engaged to Callie, I'd no doubt be with Nikki. She at least had the good sense to wear a beautiful dress that didn't advertise all her feminine assets in this setting. As her date had cancelled, I was the designated driver of these two beauties.

The excited and expectant smile of Callie was offset by Nikki's slow shaking of her head and a sympathetic attempt to smile. The smile didn't reach her eyes. I felt like I was being led to the guillotine.

On the other side of the table stood four other people who had wandered in to watch the game. The other guests were still in the other rooms chatting. I noticed some side bets taking place and some whispers and snickering. I calmed myself and waited for the other shoe to drop. I didn't have to wait long.

We had been playing 8-ball. I was down about $40, as we had started at $5, and did a double-or-nothing to this point. Graham was a decent player, but my plan was to win this double-or-nothing round and call it even. Then call it a night and escort two lovely ladies to their home. That plan didn't last long.

Graham started speaking as his butler Karl went to rack the balls for the next game. "David, I want to change the stakes for the next game."

"That won't be necessary," I replied, as I finished chalking my cue. "I'm down 40 bucks. I'm happy to pay or we can do another double-or-nothing round. But 80 bucks down -- I'll have to cash out."

"Tell you what," Graham gave me that condescending voice that grates on me. "I'll forgive the 40 bucks."

"Okay? So, what's the new stakes?" I noticed the room getting quiet and even more people from the other room were making their way in to listen.

"Well, I'm travelling to London after Christmas later this week and I'll be gone for about a week. I want to take Callie with me."

There it was. He wanted my fiancé. And he wanted to rub my face in it.

I smiled. "Sounds like the plot of a Hollywood movie I saw once. The answer is no. And not just no, but HELL NO!"

Now he smiled. "I thought you'd say that. But I really want to be with her. Instead of just demanding she go, which, as her employer I could do, I thought the honorable thing would be to ask you first."

I glanced at Callie. She still had that crazy smile. At least Nikki looked sickly.

"I appreciate the thought," I countered. "But the 'honorable' thing to do is not to go after a woman who's already in a committed relationship. There are many single women out there who'd love to be with you. And I think there's even some in here. So, the answer is no."

I turned to the girls. "Ladies, it's time to go."

Nikki started to get off her stool, but Callie grabbed her arm. "David, I'd like you to fight for me. Go ahead. Just play!"

"Callie, you idiot!" Nikki snapped at her. "We need to get out of here! Just like Dave said."

"No," Callie shook her head at Nikki. "I want David to play."

I just glared at her. That was another stake in ending my undying love for her. It had started earlier in the evening. I turned around to face Graham.

"If I agree to do this," I waved my hand over the table, "I lose, you take my fiancé away for a week, or maybe even more. But if I win -- what's in it for me?"

That damn smirk again. "One hundred thousand dollars."

"One hundred thousand dollars?" I repeated. I need to get my hearing checked.

He nodded.

"No offense," I started. "But how do I know you won't renege if I win? I know there are witnesses here, but..."

"None taken. Karl! Bring the bag!"

Karl walked over to a credenza and pulled out a black satchel case with a fold over strap. He set it on the table and opened it for me. There were 100 banded $100 bills in groups of $1,000. Yep, $100,000. I confirmed by fanning a handful of the groups to make sure they weren't forged or stuffed with singles instead.

"If you win," he continued, "The bag and its contents are yours. Tax free. But you lose, she goes with me and that bag stays here."

Suddenly, this game became interesting.

--------------

At this point, I need to share a little history.

When I was ten, my dad bought a second-hand eight-foot pool table, and we set it up in the basement. It was a little close to one wall, so we had to use a short stick for some shots or do a little fudging on cue location, but we made it work. Mom didn't have much interest in the game but occasionally joined us in our big games. Dad had been a decent player when he was younger, and he taught me well. I became a fanatic. My life was school and pool playing. I decided I wanted to be a hustler like I saw Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason and Tom Cruise in those movies. My parents got a kick out of that. So long as I kept my grades up, they had no issues with me spending hours with a stick in my hands. In school, I loved math, so the geometric plays in pool fit my introverted personality. But I also had a strong ego. I hated to lose. Winning was everything.

My high school had a couple of smaller seven-foot tables in the commons area. It didn't take long for me to become king of the hill at those tables. I took on all comers -- teachers, students, staff, guests, didn't matter. I was that good. And that conceited. Like Icarus of Greek mythology, I was cocky and flying too close to the sun. My wings were about to get burned.

When I was seventeen, my buddy Mike and I came up with a brilliant idea. Since I had already conquered my high school, it was time to up my game and go up against guys in a pool hall. If I was going to start my hustling career, this was the next step. Our town had an old hall with about 20 nine- and ten-foot tables, a couple of billiard tables with no pockets and a couple of snooker tables that were popular in Europe. So, we went in and set up shop. We had put together about $200 to use as a betting stake. My expectation was to win and keep growing that stake. I took on all takers. I won the first seven games. They were $5 stakes, so we had $235 now. I was feeling good. None of the opponents stuck around.

Finally, an older guy offered to play. I guessed probably late fifties or early sixties in age, but thin and gaunt. His hair was gray and thin on top but long enough to have a ponytail and a two-day stubble. I could tell he was good, but I was better. I beat him for $10.

"Let's go again. Double or nothing."

"Okay." I won again. Now he owed me $20.

"Again!"

He owed me $40.

"Again!"

He owed me $80.

"Again!"

He owed me $160.

"Again!"

"Are you sure?" I felt sorry for him. "I don't want to clean you out."

He smiled. "Again."

"Okay," I said, as I lined up my break. I knocked in two before missing.

He stepped up to the table and ran it. Suddenly, he owed me nothing. I was ticked. I won five, he only won once, this isn't fair. But I've beaten him five times! I can surely do it again!

"Again?" This time he asked.

"Definitely!" I responded, as I racked.

That was my final mistake. He ran the table from the rack. Now I owed him $320. And I only had $235. Mike was no help at this point.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, handing him my money. "Sir, I'm sorry, I know I owe you $320, but I've only got $235 on me. Here."

"Then we're a little short, aren't we?" He glared at me.

"Yes, sir," I was trying to think. "I can ask my parents for the remainder and bring it back to you."

"Give me your driver's license," he commanded.

I quickly handed it over. He looked at it and then back at me. "David Douglas. Now I know your name and address. If you don't come back, I'll come and see you. That won't be pleasant."

"I understand," I was starting to shake. "But my dad won't be home till 5:15."

"You've got till 6:30. One minute after, I'm coming for you."

"Yes, sir. But who should I ask for?"

"My name is Lonnie. Lonnie B."

"Yes, sir!" I turned and ran. Mike and I raced to my house. I told him to drop me off. I'd face my parents alone.

When Dad got home, I sat him down and explained the whole thing. I knew anything less than the truth was not in my best interest. And I didn't have much time. He wasn't as upset as I had expected.

"What's his name?" he asked.

"Ronnie or Lonnie or something," I replied.

"Lonnie Bauder?"

"Yeah, maybe. He said Lonnie B."

"Well, I'll be damned!" he leaned back, smiling. "Let me get changed and we'll go see him."

On the way down, Dad had me explain just what happened. He wanted details. So, I told him. He was smiling and nodding his head. I was trying to figure out what was going on. But I didn't dare ask. He was giving me $85 to clear my debt.

Walking in, Dad stopped at the counter and asked for Lonnie. The old guy just pointed back and to the left. We headed that direction.

"Hey, Lon! Long time, no see!" Dad yelled.

"GD?" Lonnie stood up. "Is that really you? My God!!"

The men shook hands and did a man hug.

"Hey everybody!" Lonnie yelled loudly to all the patrons. "Look who's here! This is Gary Douglas! He's the greatest pool hustler there ever was!!"

My jaw fell open as people started to crowd around. My father? A pool hustler? No, this must be some mistake. Not my father. The company man. My dull dad?

The men crowded around us and started peppering Dad with questions. The bartender handed Dad a beer and me a soda.

"Why'd you stop playing?"

"Got married and had a son. Settled down and bought a house in the suburbs. Not a good life for a family man."

"You still married to that hottie, Janet?"

"I sure am! And she's still hot!"

My mother, a hottie? Yeah, I guess she looks nice, but a hottie? Wow.

"And Lonnie, this is my son, Dave. Sounds like you two already met. Dave, pay your debt."

"That's okay," Lonnie waved me off. "I didn't know he was your son."

"Oh, no," said Dad. "Dave, give him the money. This is a teaching moment. You always, and I mean always, pay your debt. Understand?"

"Yes, sir." I handed the money to Lonnie, who slid it into his shirt pocket.

"The kid is good," stated Lonnie. "Needs some finesse and could use an attitude adjustment."

"I agree," said Dad. "I taught him the basics, and he has potential. I just don't have the time to devote to making him great. I was hoping you might be up to taking him on?"

"Me?" asked Lonnie. "I don't think so. My days are in the rearview mirror."

"Nonsense! If nothing else, he'll keep you young. I'd really appreciate it."

Both took a swig of their beers.

"Dave," Dad was looking at me. "If Lonnie agrees to this, you will become his apprentice. You will do what he says, when he says, and you will not give him any crap about it. This is hard work. This is a job. This is no longer a hobby. This game will cease to be a game. This is your life. He is your boss, and he can fire you.

"You will finish high school, but we will wait for you to get this out of your system before we demand you attend college. You've got too much of me in you. I loved the game then as much as you do now, so I too found a mentor and apprenticed myself to him until I became a professional. I made a lot of money. I made some good friends. I met lots of pretty girls. I did a lot of growing up. Then I met your mother. And you came along. Suddenly, that's all I wanted. A stable life. And it's all I need. I think you'll get there, too."

He took another swallow of his beer as Lonnie just nodded.

He continued, "But it's not all roses. One minute you're going to be on top of the world, and the next you'll be so broke you can't afford water. If Lonnie agrees, he's going to teach you to hustle. That means you'll be taking people's money. That means beating them. And you know how much you hate to lose. Multiply that a hundredfold. Then remember they are that mad and probably have access to a gun or a knife or a ball bat or just big friends that aren't so friendly. The best guys in this business who survive can take someone's money and get patted on the back. It's dangerous and some are killed or maimed or end up in jail. That's the finesse with the right attitude for each situation that Lonnie spoke of."

I nodded my head. My awesome father -- a former pool hustler and a great philosopher. I was so proud at that moment.

"Dad, I'm ready to commit. I'm scared and today really shook me, but I think getting out and living before I buckle down in accounting will really help me."

I looked at Lonnie. "If you say yes, I'll follow your directions. To the letter. I want this."

Lonnie leaned back and took a long swig of his beer. Then he slowly shook his head with his eyes closed. "Oh, hell, I'm really going to regret this, but dammit GD, you mentored me. I guess I can pay it forward by teaching your kid. So, yeah, I'm in."

Dad smiled. He set his beer bottle down and shook Lonnie's hand. "Well, that's it, then. Dave's schedule is school till three each day. We'll make sure he's here by four. Until May, he needs to be home by eight to do homework. After he graduates, he's yours. It's great to see you again! And you're coming to dinner next week. Janet will love to see you again. And she'll probably warn you to take care of her little boy." Dad winked at me.

"I'd love to see the hottie again! Maybe take her away from you!" Lonnie stood and they hugged again.

"Ha! She'll love that!" Dad looked at me. "I put your bike in the trunk. I'll bring it in and leave it by the door. You can ride it home tonight. I think Lonnie's going to put you to work right now."

"Damn right, I am." He smiled a devious smile at me. "Let's get started."

At that point and for the next three months, I spent most evenings and weekends in that pool hall being trained by experts. In one lesson, he lined six balls across the table just below the side pockets and set the cue ball behind the second diamonds. "Knock those balls in one at a time and bring the cue ball back to this spot." I spent hours on that lesson.

For another lesson, he took me to the billiards table (no pockets) and with one white cue ball and the red ball, my instructions were to bank the cue off three separate rails before hitting the red ball. Again, hours were spent practicing.

And keep my head down! I tended to lift my head immediately after shooting. Just like golf, that's a terrible habit. He actually brought in a brick and held it over the back of my head as I shot. Once I raised up and banged my head hard. The stars I saw convinced me. I never did it again.

He constantly was throwing tidbits of wisdom at me. Things like:

"No matter where the balls are on the table, don't let them scare you. There's always a play. Even if it's a safety."

"No matter the game, the table and the balls will talk to you. Just listen to what they are saying."

"Always play three shots ahead. Just three. Anything less or more will screw with you. Always plan but always be flexible."

"Your goal is to make the cue ball dance! You own that cue ball. Make it bend to your will. It will always respond to your movements."

"Always use a house stick. Never use your custom cue. It sends the wrong signal. Remember, you're in their place, use their supplies. Also, in case you must leave in a hurry, you won't leave it behind."

In May, Lonnie attended my graduation with my folks. He had become a member of the family. Mom worried about him almost as much as she did me. Since Dad knew the life and the lifestyle I was preparing for, he was able to keep Mom in check. She wasn't thrilled, but she understood.

They staked me with $5,000. But they let me know that was all they would give me. If I lost it, I was on my own. Or come home and get a job and go back to school. Lonnie knew about the stake. He promised them I would not lose it all. He would see to that.

"Okay," Lonnie said to me the next week. "Time to learn how to lose."

"Lose?" I asked. Had he lost his mind?

"Yeah, lose," he stated.

"That doesn't make sense."

"Doesn't it? Remember our first game?"

"Yes," I nodded, glumly. That day was seared into my memory forever.

"How many times did you win?"

"Five."

"How many did I win?"

"Two."

"And who got the money?"

"You did."

"Right," he nodded. "So, what can we learn from this?"

"I don't know." And I didn't.

"You don't have to win every game. You don't even have to win almost any game. Matter of fact, you don't want to win too much. You only have to win the last one. Or maybe the last couple. Make sense?"

"I guess so." I still wasn't sure of this.

"Let me ask you this, what's your goal when we go out on the road?"

"To win."

"Is it?" Now he was talking in riddles. He could tell he wasn't getting through to me. "That first day -- we played seven games. You won five. I only won two. If we were in a legitimate sport, then you won slightly more than 70% of the time. I was less than 30%. So, if this were baseball or football or even tournament play, you crushed me.

"But," he continued, "you know what my goal was?"

I shook my head.

"To get your money. I could care less how many times you won. If anything, it just built up your confidence. Remember the dollars we were playing for?"

"Yeah, I do."

"You and your buddy were bragging to each other about the $200 you came in with. And you won a handful of $5 games. So, I took you for $320. You'd be short and I'd teach you a lesson. Know what my original thought was?"

I shook my head.

He smiled. "To string you along for one more game and take you for $640. But I knew that would break you. And you'd never step foot near a table again. However, I saw a glimmer of talent. And then to find out you're the offspring of two of my favorite people, I'm glad I held back."

I shuddered. Yep, I'd definitely be finished.

"Remember your goal," he was glaring at me now. "The goal is the money. The goal is always the money. Never forget that. The goal is the money. Everything else is secondary."

I nodded. "Okay, so how do I practice losing?"

"Simple. You miss. You come close, you are trying, but you miss. Understand?"

"Kind of."

"You don't miss every shot. But you miss enough to lose. Keep the game close. Play to their level. But lose. And guess what? Just like you did, they start to get even more cocky and comfortable and sure of themselves. And when that happens, the bet starts increasing. And when it gets high enough? That's when you stop missing. But they're hooked. Just like you were with me. I know what you were thinking when I won that first game - 'I've won five and he's only won one! I can take him.' But I stopped missing. And it only took one more game for you to be finished."

And with that, I started practicing losing. I purposely aimed for as close to the pocket as possible and still miss it. I was amazed that it started helping improve the real shots. I was making that cue ball dance!

We started by hitting some local bars that had two or three tables. The bets stayed small. We'd play for a couple of bucks a game. Some of the people I played were pretty good. I realized quickly what it was going to take to play at the level of my opponent. But losing was tough. I hate to lose. My ego was taking a major hit when I'd give up a game. Occasionally, that ego got the better of me and I would crush the other player. Of course, that always resulted in that player bowing out. Lonnie would wait till we were gone before exploding on me with both barrels.

"You stupid snot-nosed kid!" He'd yell. "Don't you have any sense at all!?! Are you that dumb??? Do you realize how much money you left on the table?? It was just there waiting for us to take!! Damn it!! Do that crap again and I'll send you home! Got it?!?"

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry." And I was.

"You've got to leave your damn ego at the door! You know who your new hero is?"

"No," I said, shaking my head. What was this all about?

"Teddy Roosevelt!" He fired back. "Your new mantra is 'Speak softly and carry a big stick.' Understand?"

"I do." I nodded with as much humility as I could muster.

"You don't care what they call you. You don't care if they laugh at you. You don't get mad. You don't shoot off your mouth. You nod politely and you take it. Remember the goal. What is it?"

"The goal is the money," I quietly muttered looking down.

"I didn't hear you!"

I looked up at him in frustration. "The goal is the money. The goal is always the money!"

He continued to glare at me for a moment, then slowly nodded. "If you forget that even one more time, we're done!"

From that point on, we began to gel as a team. Our modus operandi was to go into a place and start playing each other and betting. The drinks would flow. But we weren't drinking. As I was taught, you can't be good when you're drunk. So, I'd have one or two then switch to cola or water. Or if someone bought you one, you'd excuse yourself to the restroom and pour most of it down the drain and refill or dilute the remainder with water. It was a job.

If we did it right, our playing would get the attention of other patrons, and we were off to the races. One or the other would bow out and the remaining player would continue the betting. And we started to win. Nothing huge, but a couple of hundred a night became our new normal.

Lonnie pointed out that this would be a short-term career, and I needed to have money saved for the future. He made me take at least 10-20% of my weekly take and deposit it. I set up a brokerage account and funneled money into it every week. Luckily, the economy was growing so the mutual funds I invested in were growing too. I didn't have the time or the inclination to pick individual stocks even though I kept on top of the financial news.

With the remainder, we stayed in low rent motels and ate sparingly. First, we travelled in his old car to points around the state, but as we branched out, we began taking the bus to out-of-state locations. Then we started touring the country. Occasionally we flew.

My final lesson, and probably the most important, was learning psychology. Being able to read a room. As Kenny Rogers once sang, "Know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em." Lonnie helped me in this, but I became an expert at sizing up someone. Whether friend or foe. It was a trait that kept me out of many bad situations. Even Lonnie came to rely on me in this area. I simply had a stronger sixth sense or gut instinct or whatever that saved our hide a few times.

By year two, we hit our stride. We were now each bringing in a couple of thousand dollars a week. Sometimes in one day. I kept pouring money into my brokerage account. My only splurge was updating my wardrobe. I started buying nice shoes, slacks, and dress shirts. My big purchase was a pair of diamond studded cuff links with my DD initials.

Lonnie laughed when he saw them and started calling me Diamond Dave. I laughed with him until I realized the name fit. So, I started calling myself Diamond Dave and the name stuck. Even my folks thought it was a great name. DD was no longer Dave Douglas -- it was Diamond Dave!

We started getting a following on the circuit we travelled. I was even written up in a couple of pool player magazines. Lonnie wasn't happy about that -- being under the radar was better for business. But my little hints at flash attracted more players trying to take me down. And I had perfected the art of missing by a fraction of an inch. Then, when the bets were high enough, I followed my training and simply stopped missing. With Lonnie also playing others in the background, the money started to pour in. Combined with our frugal lifestyle, the money flowing into my investment accounts began to multiply. It was a wonderful time in my life.

And the women! I lost my virginity to a barmaid named Suzie soon after Lonnie and I started. She was amazing and taught me a lot about the female anatomy. From that point on, there were a lot of one- or two-night stands. I always wore protection. Both for my safety and any unwanted pregnancies. I didn't have standards or a type. All females were fair game. Jane, Connie, Tiffany, Brooke, Rhonda and all the rest. They were all sizes and shapes, and I lusted after each one equally. My only rule was not to get too close. This lifestyle did not allow that. When I was done, then I would get serious. But not before.

One crisp fall evening, Lonnie and I were in a nice club in the small West Texas town of San Angelo. As we were working the tables, I started chatting up the beautiful bartender. She had longer light brown hair with bangs almost down to her eyebrows, dazzling green eyes and a figure to die for. I watched as she shot down several guys who approached her while continuing to chat with me. Her name was Colette. I even complimented her on such a unique name. She just smiled.

A couple loudmouthed guys came in and challenged us. Both Lonnie and I did our usual routine of running up the bet while they got drunker. The problem was that the more inebriated they got, the more they started heckling Colette. I started getting angry even though I was an outsider. I whispered to Lonnie that I wanted to end playing with them even if it meant leaving money on the table. Luckily, in this case he was on my side. So, on the next rack, I ran the table. That zeroed out the money.

"Want to go again?" I sweetly asked.

"Hell no!" he growled. Then he noticed my cufflinks. "Hey! Aren't you that Diamond Dave?"

"Yeah, that's me." I continued to smile, while bracing for a confrontation. I noticed Colette behind him raise her eyebrows slightly at my confession.

"Well, hell! My name's Ed! This has been a treat! I got to play pool with one of the greatest of all time and I didn't lose my shirt!" He held out his hand. "And this here's my buddy, Bill! Bill, say hi to Diamond Dave!"

I shook their hands and soon most of the rest of the patrons. I knew my moneymaking was done for the evening, but I shot an exhibition round for the newfound fans. After they started breaking up and going back to their own games, Colette appeared at my side.

"Thank you," she smiled at me. "You saved me from those jerks. I owe you."

"No," I nodded to her. "I don't like seeing beautiful ladies in distress. Somehow, I think you could have handled it on your own, but I thought I'd help by distracting them."

"You're right," her smile grew. "But thank you for the distraction. I get the feeling it cost you money. I'm sorry."

"I'm not. You're definitely worth it."

"That's the nicest thing I've heard in a long time. I'm off in twenty minutes -- can I buy you dinner?"

I looked over at Lonnie who had stepped up and was standing beside her. "This is my partner, Lonnie. Lonnie, Colette."

"Nice to meet you," he said, shaking her hand. "Yeah, you two get out of here. Enjoy the evening. I'll stay and make us some money. See you in the morning. And have him tell you the goal."

I smiled at him. We both knew what that meant. She went off to finish her shift and I just relaxed at the bar drinking another Coke. When she clocked out, she drove me to an all-night diner where we feasted on some chicken fried steak and getting to know each other.

At one point, she grabbed my arm and admired my cufflinks. "So, Diamond Dave? Is this where that name comes from?"

"Yep," I nodded. "Kind of my trademark. So, what's your story?"

"The folks own a ranch outside of town," she started. "But as I was getting ready to head to college, the economy here collapsed, and the money set aside for me was gone. So, I moved to town and got this job to make enough to get to school. And you?"

"I love playing pool," I said. "My Dad taught me, and I got pretty good. Then Lonnie made me even better. It's temporary, but it's a decent life at the moment. The future? Probably back to school up in Michigan. We'll see."

"I noticed you drank Coke," she stated. "Scared of liquor?"

I smiled and shook my head. "No. But when I'm working, I need a clear head. Besides, it's easier to take someone's money when they are half out of it."

"And the goal Lonnie spoke of?" She tilted her head slightly.

"The goal is the money. The goal is always the money."

She just shook her head with a gorgeous smile. "You guys are great. And great together."

After the late supper, she took me to her apartment. I took her in my arms and gave her a deep kiss. From there it didn't take long to get to the bedroom. Clothes flew off both of us quickly. She was as gorgeous naked as I thought. And an amazing lover. We rocked each other's world twice before falling asleep.

I awoke to her sucking on my hard cock. I pulled her off before she ended me too soon and she simply climbed on top and impaled me. She was heaven. Again, neither of us lasted long. After we came together, she curled up in my arms, and we just relaxed.

"So, how long are you guys in town?" she asked.

"A few days," I answered, squeezing her left breast, as I lay behind her. "I was hoping for a repeat?"

"That can definitely be arranged!" she smiled, looking back at me. "How about tonight?"

"I'm not sure I can wait that long," I replied, as I kissed her shoulder.

She pulled away and sat up. "Sorry, my diamond cowboy, but this cowgirl has to get moving."

She gave me a ride back to my motel. We shared a deep kiss. "See you soon!"

I walked away feeling something I don't think I'd ever felt before. This was going to be a great day. Lonnie was in the cafe, and I joined him for some breakfast. He chided me for my evening, but I told him she was something special. He just shook his head.

As we finished, my phone rang. It was a Michigan number with my local area code, though I didn't recognize the number.

"Mr. Douglas?"

"Yes."

"This is Sergeant Owens of the Michigan Highway Patrol," said the man on the other end. "Are you related to Gary Douglas and Janet Douglas?"

"Yes, they're my parents," I stated. Lonnie and I both started to tense up.

"Sir, I'm sorry to inform you that they were involved in a car accident. The other car crossed the center line, and they were hit head on. There were no survivors. I'm sorry, sir."

I dropped the phone. Lonnie picked it up and continued talking to the Sergeant. I didn't hear the rest of the conversation. When he hung up, he immediately called the airline and got us a flight out that afternoon. We went up to the room and quickly packed our bags and headed to the airport. We flew to Dallas, then had a direct flight back to Michigan. I remember none of it. My grief was total and complete.

It was a small funeral. Just friends, neighbors and coworkers of Dad's. Since we had all been only children, there was no other family. The Pastor spoke of lives well lived and a house that overflowed with love. And they died with each other. I took solace in that.

For three months, time stood still as I wallowed in pain. Finally, I started to come out of it knowing I needed to live again. They would have wanted that for me. Lonnie and I decided we weren't quite ready to quit. I found a nice young family to rent the house, and Lonnie and I hit the road again. When I went to pack, I realized I had lost my cufflinks. I guess Diamond Dave also died at that time.

I contacted the club in San Angelo inquiring about Colette, but they told me she no longer worked there, and they wouldn't share any information about her. So, I filed her in my mind as the one that got away.

As Lonnie and I started playing again, I felt a little more serious and a little hollow. It wasn't the same. And I had less compassion for anyone. Lonnie many times had to quiet me down.

"If we're going to keep going," he admonished me at one point, "you need to lighten up and enjoy this again. You loved them! I loved them! Now, let's go back out and make them proud. Otherwise, we stop now! I'm sick of hauling around a pile of crap I call a partner."

"Yes, sir," I nodded. I understood. I needed to get out of my own way. Time to put away the grief. As we travelled, it started becoming fun again. I went back to wooing the ladies. A lot more one- and two-night stands. The sex was wonderful. I loved them all, though none of them stole my heart. I realized I was looking for my version of my mother. The type of woman my father was blessed with. Someone who would make me get off the road without ever looking back. I had yet to find her.

Two years later, we were in New Orleans enjoying a nice run of luck. Lonnie made a stupid joke about my quality of play, and I turned from the table to berate him just in time to see him drop his drink, clutch his chest and fall to the floor. I immediately dropped my cue and ran to his side yelling for someone to call 911.

Within the hour, he was in Ochsner Medical Center. I sat in the waiting room praying for a miracle. He was my only family. After a few hours, the doctor came out and told me he had a serious heart attack. They had done everything they could to stabilize him, but it did not look promising. He told me I could go see him, but only for a few minutes.

He looked pale hooked up to a bunch of wires. I reached out and grabbed his hand. He opened his eyes and looked at me. "How much did we win?"

I smiled and shook my head. "I had to call it a draw tonight. Something else came up."

He shook his head. "Remember the goal. The goal is the money."

"Yeah," I nodded. "The goal is always the money. How do you feel?"

"Like crap," he smiled a sad smile at me. "We need to talk. Sit down."

I did. "We need to get you well and out of here."

He shook his head. "No. I'm not leaving. I'm done. I can feel it. I don't have long for this life."

"Don't say that!" I had tears in my eyes at this point.

"It's okay." His smile got a little brighter. "But I need to set you straight before I go. Understand?"

I nodded.

"That key that I carry around my neck sometimes," he started. "It's in my bag at the hotel. It's a key to a safe deposit box in at the First National Bank at home in Michigan. The contents are yours. Make sure you get my death certificate. They'll need that."

I shook my head. "But I don't want your stuff! It's yours!"

"Then consider this your final lesson, dummy," he was grinning, before turning and coughing badly. He turned back to me. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. You're my family. You're all I got. So, what's mine is now yours. And I know I'm your only family. We clear?

I nodded.

"When you get home," he continued, "I want you to walk away from this life. I promised your dad that at some point I would stop you from continuing. We're at that point. You need to go to college. Get that accounting degree and become a CPA in your own right. Make something of yourself. And find a girl. A good one. One like your mother. Not the kind we found on the road."

Tears streamed from my eyes and down my cheeks. I continued to try to wipe them with my sleeve.

"Damn it, stop crying!" Tears streamed down his face, too. "I don't want no funeral. I want my body cremated. Then, you're going to take my ashes down to the Gulf and release me. I'll let you say your goodbye then.

"You know," he was shaking his head again, "the day that snot-nosed kid came into the pool hall and I had to set him straight turned out to be the greatest day of my life. Because I got a family. A brother, a sister, and most importantly, a stepson who I love. This may be the last time you hear this, but Diamond Dave, I love you. And I hope you hear this for the rest of your life -- David Douglas, I love you, too!"

"I love you, too!" I reached around the wires and hugged him tightly.

The pain of losing my parents was back. At least this time, I had time to prepare. Forty-eight hours later, he was gone. A local funeral home did the cremation for me and a couple of days later found me standing on the bank of the Gulf of Mexico looking out over the water. The afternoon sun made the water look like shimmering diamonds. That was fitting.

"Lonnie, my friend, my mentor, my partner, my family. You picked a hell of a time to go. At least the weather likes you. Please try not to take all of St. Peter's money. You need to leave some for the rest of us. And say hi to Mom and Dad. I know they're happy to see you. So, from your stepson, Diamond Dave, I give you to the diamonds of the water. I know I'll see you again in the great beyond. Goodbye, Lonnie, my friend." I poured the ashes into the water and watched as the tide pulled them out to sea.

With a final smile and nod, I turned and headed back. It was time to grow up and go home.

My first stop back in Michigan was at the First National Bank. I showed them the key and gave my name. The clerk checked his records and said yes, my name was on all the paperwork. Lonnie must have set this up when we were home for my folks' funeral. The box contained a few loose diamond stones in an envelope, bank receipts, and a letter. The receipts totaled $40,000. I opened the letter.

DD -

If you're reading this, I'm already gone. I hope you had time to say goodbye to me before I left. I know that's what is eating both of us about your parents. Life is so damned unfair.

If I didn't get a chance to tell you in person, I want you to go to school. You'll make a hell of a CPA. That's where this money comes in. It's in this bank in your name. I know you've been doing good on your own, but I want you to keep that money in reserve. Use this for your schooling and a start in your new life.

Don't give up the stick entirely, but don't make it your life anymore. Go back to enjoying the game. Remember, it's a game. It's not work anymore. You can even have a drink now and then when you play. What a concept! Just remember when to miss and when not to miss!

I love you!

LB

PS Remember the goal. The goal is the money. The goal is always the money!

I laughed as I read it. It was just like him to remind me of the goal.

I confirmed with the bank manager that the account was in my name, and I gave them all my personal information.

My next stop was to Ann Arbor to sign up for freshman accounting at the University of Michigan. Within a month, I was in class. It took another month or so, but I settled into campus life. Since I was five years older than other freshmen, I decided to rent a small apartment near campus instead of living in the dormitory.

In my spare time, just like in high school, I hung around the commons area and practiced my game. Occasionally, I would play someone for fun and usually missed on purpose to lose. It kept me humble. When I was by myself, I would set up my shots and go through the lessons to stay sharp.

But I focused on classes. I studied hard. My freshman year flew by. I took summer courses to get ahead of the game. My sophomore year, things started to click for me. I still spent time practicing and playing, but the accounting world started opening for me. I found an internship with a local firm and found my calling.

That summer, I again took a few classes but spent more time at work. My practicing and playing again took a back seat.

Junior year was a repeat. My internship was starting to pay off. I occasionally dropped by the local pool hall and played for money. Never too much. Mostly just to surround myself with reminders of my old life.

It happened the beginning of my senior year. I had spent an hour practicing before heading to the library to study. A girl in front of me dropped her books. I stopped and helped her collect her books and some papers that the wind caught and started to blow away.

"Thank you!" she said, as I stepped towards her. "I'm so clumsy!"

"No problem!" I started to hand back her stuff before I looked at her face. I nearly fainted. She was stunning. Blonde hair blowing in the wind, blue eyes, and a dazzling smile. I was tongue-tied. That hadn't happened in years.

"I'm Callie," she smiled, as she took her books and papers from me. "And you are?"

"Um, Dave. David Douglas," I stuttered.

"DD!" She blinked those gorgeous blue eyes. "I like that!"

I tried to get my wits about me. "Can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

"Sure! I've got time. Let's go!"

Wow. That went well. Almost too well. I shook my head as my brain screamed to get my bearings. I've been with a lot of women. This is just one more.

We walked to the campus Starbucks. I bought both of us a latte and then we sat in a corner and got to know each other. She was a junior from Oklahoma. She was majoring in journalism. Her roommate, Nikki, was her best friend and from Texas. Both had taken some time off after high school to make some money before going out-of-state to attend U of M. Her folks owned a retail general store in Oklahoma City. She loved Michigan except for the winters. She had been a cheerleader in high school but decided not to pursue it here.

"Okay, your turn," she smiled that million-watt smile at me.

"Well, my dad had a corporate job and mom was a homemaker. They died a few years ago in a car wreck."

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she reached for my hand.

"Thank you," I nodded, still holding her hand. "I've learned to live with it. Like you, I had a job after high school. I travelled the country for the job, until I had enough money to come here. I'm majoring in accounting."

When I started school, I decided I wouldn't discuss my background. A pool hustler doesn't look good on a resume. Maybe someday, if someone was close enough, I might share it. Until then, it was stashed away.

"I like watching football and basketball," she offered. "My cheerleading days taught me the games, and I still love to watch. Do you have any favorite sports? Do you play any?"

"Not really," I said. "I also like football and basketball, but the only game I like playing is pool."

"Really?" She asked. "Bet I can beat you! I'm pretty good!"

"I'm sure you can beat me," I smiled back at her. "I'd love to play you sometime."

"How about tomorrow? In the commons at 6:30 tomorrow night?"

"Absolutely!" I smiled. "That'd be great."

"But if we play," she got a serious look. "We play for money. A dime a game."

"Well, I don't know," I shook my head. "How do I know I'm not being hustled?"

"Oh, you're definitely being hustled!" She laughed. "I intend to take all your money. And then you're going to buy me dinner!"

"I can't wait!" This was going to be fun.

I was in the commons at 6:15 the next evening to make sure I got a table. I was taking some practice shots when she waltzed in with another gorgeous girl in tow.

"Dave," she introduced us. "This is my friend Nikki Armstrong. Nikki, Dave Douglas. I'm going to take his money!"

I smiled, before turning to her friend and shaking her hand. She was a little taller and a little quieter than Callie. Pretty brown eyes and hair. She had a quiet and calming air and a familiarity that quickly put me at ease. I liked her immediately.

"Pleasure meeting you, David," she smiled. "I'll just sit over here and watch you two go at it. Callie, don't take all his money."

And just like that, we were playing pool. For the first time in a long time, I was honestly enjoying myself. I won once and made sure I lost three times. I paid her thirty cents. I told them my father had told me to always pay my debt. We had a great time. Afterwards, I treated them both to dinner at an Italian restaurant down the street. The conversation was lively. They were a great pair and so much fun to be with.

Both were beautiful and I would be lucky to call either of them my girlfriend. Personalities, brains and beauty. Every male around was staring at us everywhere we went. Just to be seen in their company was a huge ego boost. I wasn't sure which girl to chase, but they made that decision for me as Nikki started to step back and Callie stepped forward to be with me.

On our fourth date, I took her back to my apartment and made love to her for the first time. She was everything I imagined. And she really enjoyed sex. I knew I was more experienced, but she was no virgin. We alternated between hard-core fucking and passionate lovemaking. There weren't too many in between times for her. And we were both open to trying all types of sex. We learned each other's likes and dislikes and I really tried to memorize all her favorite positions.

After our second month together, I asked her if we were boyfriend and girlfriend, because if we were, we were now exclusive. She threw her arms around me and kissed me deeply. "I've been waiting for you to say that!"

I think I was the happiest man in Michigan. Even with her faults, she was so much fun. And she did have her faults. She loved to flirt. And she loved to wear slightly provocative clothes. With her flirtations, she was always on the borderline of getting in trouble with some guy. As smart as she was, she still came across as ditzy. The stereotype of the ditzy blonde fit her. And she wanted to live beyond her means.

I quickly learned that if she knew the amount of money I had in my accounts, it wouldn't be there long. So, I decided never to mention them. And I never mentioned my past. Only that I travelled the country for work. And I worried about the flirting. Those were our usual arguments. It got tiring always keeping an eye on her and anyone around her.

Upon my graduation, I found a CPA firm in my hometown of Lansing that hired me. The next month, the family that were renting my parents' home got transferred, allowing me to move back into the old family home.

I used some of my money to renovate the house from top to bottom to make it more up to date. It was a medium sized three-bedroom ranch house with a full basement that was built in the early 60's. My folks never needed to do much when we lived there. But now it needed to be updated. I knocked out some walls in the main area and had the kitchen totally redone. Also, the master bedroom and both bathrooms were gutted and rebuilt.

In the basement, I had the center wall taken out except for the load bearing poles and had another family room with a big-screen TV and the pool table slightly centered so a full-length cue could be used on most shots. In the back corner, I had them install a large floor safe that was hidden. After my playing days on the road, I kept a lot of cash on hand. I know it wasn't smart, but I never told anyone I had it. When the house was completed, I felt my parents would be proud.

I drove down to Ann Arbor as often as possible to see Callie and Nikki. Sometimes, if Callie were still in class or out running around, Nikki and I would sit and talk. I always kidded her that she needed to find somebody.

"Oh, he's out there," she'd smile at me. "It'll happen. I just know it."

"I hope so. Because you're the best."

"I know!" At that point, she'd usually slap my arm or fist-bump me.

That next May, the girls graduated. I was worried they were going to be leaving me at that point, but they surprised me by both getting jobs with a fashion magazine in Lansing. I offered my house to both, but they said no and found a condo for rent a few miles away. I spent a lot of my free time with them and Callie stayed in my bed almost every weekend. I realized that even with her flaws, it was time to take our romance to the next level and ask her for her hand. With Nikki's help, I was able to surprise her with a Saturday of fun topped off by a wonderful candlelight dinner which found me getting down on one knee.

"Will you marry me and make me the happiest man on the planet?"

"Yes! Yes! I love you!!" She wrapped her arms around me.

I placed my mother's diamond ring on her finger. I had visited a jeweler and got it resized and cleaned. That ring meant a lot to me. It represented both my past and my future.

That night we made passionate love and talked about our future together. Life was good at that moment.

Two months later, things began to change. The magazine the girls worked for was sold. The new owner, Graham Smith, was the son of a New York media tycoon. When he came to town, he started throwing money around to buy his way into the local high society. The old guard saw through his shenanigans and shunned him, but he quickly became a hero the younger social climbers who hung on his every word and action. He bought one of the old estates in East Lansing and a couple of buildings downtown, including the one that housed the magazine.

Callie fell under his spell. "Graham this," and "Graham that" became a theme during our time together. The man could do no wrong. It didn't help that he was just a couple of years older than me, quite handsome, single and very rich. I had to grit my teeth while she waxed poetic about him. I tried valiantly to keep my jealousy under control.

So, I leaned on the one person I knew would tell it to me straight. Nikki.

"He's pond scum!" she hissed, when I asked about him. "He thinks he's God's gift. Especially to women. He believes he can have any woman he wants -- married, engaged, single, doesn't matter. And he knows the men won't do anything about it! If they try anything, he just buys them off. I really hate him!"

We were sitting across from each other drinking a latte at Starbucks.

"And Callie?" I asked.

She looked down and slowly shook her head before slowly returning to meet my gaze. "I'm afraid Callie's fallen under his spell. She thinks he can do no wrong. I've tried to warn her, but I don't think she wants to listen. Luckily, we don't see him that much during the day, but she's always primping herself whenever we do see him."

"Do you think they've been together?"

"I don't think so," she muttered. "Almost every woman there wants him. He probably just hasn't got to her yet. But when it happens, I don't think she'll be strong enough to withstand his advances. He's very good."

"But you're not swayed," I smiled.

"No. I've seen his type too many times. Maybe not the same bank account, but otherwise, this is textbook lothario trash. I wish she could see it."

"So, my relationship is in peril, isn't it?"

"I'm afraid it is," she reached across and grabbed my hand. "I'm so sorry."

"We've talked about fidelity," I was looking down at my coffee. "I've told her how I feel. When I was single, I was with several women. And I know she was with other guys. That doesn't bother me a bit. But once that ring went on her finger, all others are off limits. If she does it, or even suggests doing it, we're done. That ring will come off her finger. I can't and I won't share."

Nikki smiled. "If that ever happens..."

I nodded. "Yeah."

We left it at that. That was another road I was afraid to go down.

Numerous times over the next few weeks I'd remind Callie of my love and devotion. We had long talks about love and our future together, but I'd remind her of my stance on fidelity and that it would kill our relationship. I told her of my worries about Graham.

"Silly boy." She just smiled and shook her head, after one such exchange. "You are my one and only. Graham is just being Graham."

"Still," I continued, "I would feel better if you got away from him. There are other jobs."

"No!" she snapped. "I love this job! And it pays well! I promise I'll be careful."

As fall turned to winter, I started seeing more changes in her that upset me. Her skirts started getting a little shorter and the heels a little higher. She spent more time at the hair salon and manicures and pedicures became normal.

Because we weren't living together, I couldn't track her time, but she was unavailable a lot more than ever before. My frustration only got worse. On the other hand, when we were together, she was even more attentive and initiated sex more often. Nothing was adding up.

With Christmas approaching, I decided to splurge on a present for her. I got two tickets to a Hawaiian resort for two weeks in late January or early February. It would be a great time to escape the Michigan winter. Since we had not set a wedding date yet, this getaway would be a perfect pre-honeymoon. I wrapped them and put them under my small tree. She never noticed the presents when she was over.

My firm decided to hold their holiday party in mid-January to give the employees time to handle their own festivities. But Callie's firm decided on the Saturday before Christmas. I think there were a lot of upset employees over that decision. And it was at Graham's home. I was dreading this night the moment I heard about it. But I was going to be there for the girls, and to make sure that Mr. Smith stayed far away from my fiancé.

The first blow of the evening came when I picked them up at the condo. I had roses for both. Nikki opened the door, giving me a look at her stunning light blue dress and her hair done to perfection.

"You are a vision, my dear," I said, giving her a peck on the cheek and handing her the flowers.

"Thank you, kind sir." She did a slight mock curtsy. "Callie should be ready in a minute."

Just then, the bedroom door opened, and Callie came out smiling. My jaw hit the floor. She, too, was stunning, but I was not pleased. She was wearing her little black dress with pearls and high heels. This was her "fuck me now" dress. She only wore this dress for me on nights we would go out and wine and dine and come home to make love. When she wore this dress, the rest of the world did not exist. Only she and I.

But now, she was going to wear this dress to a holiday party with her coworkers and the man I knew was trying to seduce her. Immediately a horrible thought crossed my mind. Maybe he had already succeeded. This was just rubbing my face in it.

"Babe," I had to tread carefully. "You look fabulous, but don't you think that dress is maybe a little too revealing. I mean, after all, these are your coworkers."

"That's what I said!" added Nikki. "You're going to give Graham the wrong ideas wearing that dress."

Just as I thought would happen, Callie immediately got defensive. "But I like this dress! I look good in this dress! And I want to show off tonight! I want to show off with you tonight, David!"

"Okay," I nodded. "You do look great. And you're definitely going to show off tonight."

Nikki just frowned and shook her head at her.

"Come on, ladies," I smiled at each of them. "Your chariot awaits!"

When we arrived, the party was in full swing. I dropped the girls at the door and drove down the street before finding a parking space. With the cold biting wind and the snow-covered streets, it took me a few minutes to make it back to the house. I gave my coat to a maid near the front door and went looking for the girls. I finally found Nikki, but Callie was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is she?" I asked.

"Graham took her over there to meet some people," she nodded towards the other room. "You may need to go and remind her you're her date. She may have already forgotten."

"Thanks," I muttered. Yep, this was not going to be a good night.

Sure enough, he had his left arm around her waist. She was making no attempt to remove it or step away. As they had their back to me, I was able to step to her other side and forcibly remove his arm and pull her towards me. "My apologies, Graham, but the lady is spoken for."

He was surprised but recovered quickly in front of the other people standing nearby. "No problem, David, I was just introducing Callie to some friends."

I turned to the others. "And I'm David -- Callie's fiancé. Nice to meet you."

Callie gave me a dirty look but held her tongue.

They introduced themselves. A couple of the gentlemen, Tom and Earl were senior executives with one of the larger manufacturing firms in the area. Maybe some good could come out of this evening.

"So, David," Graham had a strange grin on his face. "Callie tells me you play a little pool. I've got a nice table in the other room. After dinner, maybe we could play a round or two?"

"Did Callie also tell you that when we met at school, she beat me three times? So, yeah, I used to play a little, but I'm pretty rusty."

"Oh, don't think so little of yourself! It's set then! We'll play after dinner." With that, he turned and quickly walked towards some other people.

I continued to chat with Tom and Earl and their wives' while Callie just looked bored. Nikki also joined us, and I introduced her. Everyone was in on the conversation except Callie who broke free of my arm and wandered off. We talked a little about their company and I made a couple of suggestions that might save them some money. Both said they were grateful and would investigate my suggestions soon. We then exchanged contact information.

Soon after, Karl, Graham's butler, called for everyone to join Graham in the dining room for dinner. As Callie had again disappeared, Nikki and I headed that way. Of course, Callie was standing beside Graham as he seated her beside himself at the head of the table. He nodded to me with that damn smirk as Nikki and I were seated further down the table. I clenched my fist at my side. Only Nikki squeezing my forearm and whispering to hold my temper and breathe, kept me from running him down and kicking his teeth in.

I glanced at my new friends, Tom and his wife Sally who were seated across from us. I don't think they were impressed, either. Earl was seated on Nikki's other side with his wife Irene. The dinner conversation between the six of us was wonderful.

Occasionally, I'd glance down the table and catch Callie's eye. She'd quickly look away. She knew what I was thinking. Whatever relationship we had left was on very thin ice. And that ice was cracking.

After dinner, Graham led a group of us into the billiard parlor as he called it. He did have a beautiful nine-foot Brunswick table with a heavy wool blend felt. I doubt he recognized the quality of his own possessions. It just looked nice and cost a lot. I got the feeling those were his only parameters.

I grabbed a twenty-ounce stick from the rack of cues. They, too, were top-quality. I glanced at the butler, Karl. I realized he was the expert. The care that he used as he racked the balls with those dexterous fingers told me all I needed. Now, I just had to figure out if he was Graham's instructor and mentor or if he despised him as much as I did.

"Eight ball?" Graham asked.

I nodded.

"I'll break." And he did. He dropped a solid. "Five dollars?"

"Yeah, okay," I muttered.

The girls had come in at this point and sat down on some barstools at the far side of the table. Callie's crossed bare legs dangling from that stool in front of everyone added to my unease. She brought me a Gin & Tonic but as I was playing, I only sipped at it.

He knocked in two more before missing. I scanned the table. I could clear it now, but I didn't want to do that. I dropped two of my stripes before missing. He dropped three more on his next shot. He was pretty good. Also, I was getting my bearings. On a larger table, the angles are different. I dropped one. It took him four more shots before he won. I was relieved. It was hard missing that much.

"Again? Double or nothing?" He asked, as Karl racked the balls again.

"Sure."

We were both down to the eight-ball when he knocked it in first.

"You're pretty good," he smirked. "Let's go again."

"Yeah, okay." I watched Karl as he racked them for us. I began to sense he didn't like Graham. It was Callie who began to worry me. She was watching the game closely and seemed to get a little more excited when Graham won. I knew Nikki was on my side.

Still, I had a nagging feeling that something was off. I silently wished Lonnie were here with me at this moment. He'd know what to do.

Graham won again. I decided to give him one more win, then end this charade. And he did. Now, I was down forty dollars.

That's when he sprung his new game and the new bet on me.

"Let me get this straight," I leaned back against the table. "One game. If I win, I take that satchel of one hundred thousand dollars? And if you win, you get Callie?"

"Precisely."

I walked over to Callie and stood in front of her. Nikki was glaring at her, too.

"Is this what you want?" I asked. "Be honest. Is this really what you want? You want me to play a game with you as the bet?"

"Tell him no, Callie!" begged Nikki. "Let's get the hell out of here now! Please! Before it's too late."

Callie looked confused for a moment. Then she looked up at me with fire in her eyes. "I want you to fight for me. I want you to beat him. But I want to see London, too. So, please, I want you to play. If you love me, you'll do this."

I slowly shook my head. "Okay, I'll play."

"You stupid bitch," said Nikki, quietly.

"Alright, let's play." I turned back to Graham.

"No, no, no," he was shaking his head. "Not so fast. We're not playing any dumb eight-ball for a bet like this. No, we're going to play straight pool. The way the professionals do. Any ball, one-point a shot. Like the pros, the first to 125 wins. We shoot fourteen balls and leave the fifteenth and the cue where they lie. That gives the shooter a chance to knock that one in and break the rack to keep going. Understand?"

I nodded. I love this game. My record was 160 balls without a miss when I was practicing. The game wasn't the problem. The problem was the woman sitting beside me as I watched him break and proceed to knock in five balls.

I, too, knocked in five balls to tie the score. He knocked in three more. I knocked in the two final balls and cracked the rack. My next shot missed. He also missed but broke the rack up for me. I dropped a couple more. At this point, I needed to keep the score close.

But Callie? Every shot he made caused her to smile and give a slight yelp. Until now, it was something she always did for me. Was she really done with us? Or did she just want the adrenaline rush? But if that's the case, what's the next rush going to be? And do I want to be part of that rush?

By now, the entire party was crowded into the room watching us. Sally and Irene had gone over to keep Nikki company. They didn't offer the same support to Callie. But Callie didn't seem to notice. She kept watching Graham. He could do no wrong.

We took a short break with the score 90 -- 82 in Graham's favor. I sat down by Callie. She didn't have much to say. I was still wrestling with where we go from here. At that point, Nikki leaned in front of Callie and looked at me.

"You know what you need?" she asked, as she smiled at me. "You need your drink refreshed. I'll be right back!"

"No, I'm good." But my words didn't register as she was up and heading to the bar in the other room.

A couple minutes later, she was back holding a different drink than the Gin & Tonic I had been sipping.

"Here," she said. "This is what you need. Take a swallow."

I did. It was Coke. I just looked up at her.

She gave me a bright smile and leaned into my left ear away from Callie. Quietly she said, "I think it's time for Diamond Dave to make an appearance. He needs to make a statement. Remember the goal Lonnie taught you."

She pulled back and smiled.

"How??" I stuttered. I never talked about my past. How the hell did she know? And she knew Lonnie! What the hell?!?!

She just winked at me.

"Gentlemen," asked Karl. "Are we ready to begin? Mr. Douglas, I believe it's your turn."

I again looked at Nikki. That dazzling smile. Suddenly, my future was clear, and I knew who I wanted in it.

"Yes, Karl, I'm ready." I stood up. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate your talents."

Karl nodded. He had a big smile.

I walked over and chalked my stick. My old poise had returned. I had one good woman, a butler and two couples on my side. It was enough.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I announced in a powerful voice. Everyone went quiet. "Mr. Smith has challenged me to a pool match that you are now a part of. He gave me some terribly high stakes to play for. And I've been scared to accept these stakes. But a certain young lady just reminded me of my past. A past that played for stakes like this daily. So, Graham, here's how it's done."

Graham just grunted. "Get on with it!"

With that, I ran the table. And I ran it again. And again. He never took another shot. The final was 125 -- 90 in my favor. Actually, the final score was 127 -- 90, as I knocked in the final two balls.

As the final ball went in, Nikki stood up and quieted everyone. "Ladies and gentlemen," she yelled. "You've just seen one of the greatest pool players of all time come out of retirement to play our host, Mr. Graham Smith, who made him a bet that he could not refuse. Everyone, say hello to Diamond Dave!"

"Really?" I heard voices in the crowd start murmuring. "The Diamond Dave?"

"What the hell?!" Graham had jumped up. "I've been swindled. You're not leaving with my money!"

"It's not yours anymore," I stated. I was holding my cue in a way that I could use it as a weapon if necessary. "As I recall, this is your house, your table, your stick, your rules, and even your bet. You even told me how to play the game."

"That you did," Tom stepped forward from the people watching. "Graham, you set this up to take away a man's fiancé. You baited him with money that you knew you'd never lose. But it all blew up in your face, didn't it? And you'd better be happy knowing you just lost money. Because, if you had tried to do what you did to Dave with me and my Sally, I'd be in prison now and you'd be dead."

"I've already let your father know of your exploits tonight," yelled Earl stepping forward. "He's flying in tomorrow. Graham, you're a real piece of crap."

He collapsed back in his chair.

While the shit was hitting the fan for Graham, I walked over to Callie.

She smiled. It was a forced smile. "Congratulations. That was good shooting. And you won the money."

I nodded and grabbed her left hand and deeply kissed her fingers.

Her smile got brighter. "That felt nice. Thank you."

I still held her hand while I used my other hand to pull my mother's ring off her finger. My saliva worked as a lubricant. It took her a second to realize what I had done. I dropped her hand and put the ring in my pocket.

"What are you doing?" she cried.

"When you accepted that ring," I stated, "you accepted me and only me forever. We were a team. I should not have to fight for you again. You're already on my side. But you aren't, are you? You want Graham. You want his life. You want the travel. Those are things I could never give you. But one thing I can give you. Your freedom. Callie, now you're free to chase those dreams without being stuck with a CPA in Lansing who used to play a little pool."

I turned toward Graham. "For the money, I won fair and square. But I believe in consolation prizes. Callie is no longer my fiancé or even a part of my life. So, I give her to you. I hope you both enjoy London and wherever else you go."

She was crying but made no attempt to stop me. She knew we were done.

"Goodbye Callie. You can come by and pick up your stuff next week." I turned to Nikki and held out my hand. "Shall we?"

"I would be honored." She grabbed my hand, and I helped her to her feet. She turned to Callie. "Remember, I warned you."

Callie nodded but said nothing.

I stopped in front of Karl. He handed me the satchel. I turned and set it on a table. I opened it and ripped the tape from one pack of hundred-dollar bills and palmed two of them in my right hand. I then turned and shook Karl's hand. When I pulled away, the bills were gone. I then reached into my pocket and pulled out a business card. "If you need anything, please call."

"I will, sir, and may I say, it's been a pleasure."

I nodded. "I look forward to hearing from you. Maybe we could even play a round sometime?" I could tell he was a serious player. At this stage of my life, the real pros stood out like sore thumbs verses the amateurs that thought they were good.

"I'd like that, sir. Yes, I'd very much like that!"

"Me too. Stay in touch."

We turned to leave. Nikki stopped me in front of Graham who was still seated.

"Thank you for your hospitality and a wonderful dinner. And I hereby resign. You have my address for my final check. Good night."

I shook hands with Tom and Earl, as did Nikki while hugging Sally and Irene, while making our way out of the house.

The snow was still falling, but I turned Nikki toward me on the sidewalk and kissed her deeply. She returned the kiss wrapping her arms tightly around me.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," I said, when we came up for air.

"Wow! Me too!" She still had her eyes closed.

"Come on," I pulled her towards the direction of the car. "We've got to get out of here."

After I got her in the car, I started it and gave it a moment for both of us to warm up. Then I turned to her. "Okay, young lady, I want to know how you know me. But not yet. First, I've got to get this money to safety."

She just nodded. At that moment, I realized just how beautiful she is.

I quickly drove to the nearest late-night grocery store. Pulling in the parking lot, I turned to her. "I've never asked -- your favorite wine -- red or white?"

"White," she responded. "But -"

I put my finger to her lips to shush her. "I'll be right back."

I ran into the store and bought a bottle of a nice white wine. I also asked for a couple of large grocery sacks. When I got back to the car, I opened the satchel of money and started transferring the bundle of bills into the grocery bags. When the satchel was empty, I turned on the interior light to investigate.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"It wouldn't surprise me if our friend Graham didn't bug this bag somehow." I was still studying it.

"Do you think he'd do that?" she asked.

"I wouldn't put it past him. It's a lot of money That way, he could retrieve it later."

I looked around the parking lot. Just then, an old pick-up truck pulled in near us and two big guys got out and headed into the store.

I reached into the sack and pulled a hundred dollar bill out and put it in the satchel. I turned to Nikki and smiled. "Be right back."

I got out of the car carrying the satchel and ambled over to the truck while looking for any people. No one seemed to be around. I glanced into the truck bed. There was some junk strewn all over. I quietly lifted a board near the front of the bed and slid the satchel under it. Then I quickly got back to the car and smiled at Nikki as we drove away.

She was laughing. "Now I feel like I'm in a James Bond movie!"

"Well," I said in an English accent, "I think you need to be shaken and stirred!"

We both laughed at that.

"Seriously, though," she asked, "why did you leave the bill in the bag?"

"Because they'll be less apt to go looking for the owner. They'd be hard pressed to explain how they got the money. I think that satchel will end up in the garbage somewhere. I just want it headed in a different direction than we are. Of course, Callie knows where we both live, but they won't know what became of the money."

"That makes sense," she nodded.

I headed to my house. I pulled the car into the garage and closed the door before we got out. I grabbed the wine and the sack of money.

"Here." I handed her the bottle. "Get us a couple of glasses and meet me in the living room. I'll be right back."

She nodded.

I took the sack of money and headed to the basement. This was going in my safe. Before I locked it up, I pulled out two thousand dollars. Then I headed back upstairs. Nikki was sitting on the couch waiting for me. She had kicked off her heels and had her feet tucked under her legs. She looked stunning. She handed me the glass of wine as she sipped her own.

"Here," I smiled and handed her the money. "This is for you."

"What for?" she asked, as she looked at the bills.

"For everything," I smiled. "For being there, for supporting me, for reminding me who I am. Actually, about half of it belongs to you. This is just walking around money."

"That's very generous, but I can't accept it." She laid the money on the table in front of us. "You earned it. You played. I just watched."

"No, you did a lot more than that." I decided to switch gears. "But we'll discuss that later. Now, how do you know me? I have never mentioned 'Diamond Dave' to you or Callie. But you know all about me. How?"

"I saw you and your partner Lonnie play." She was looking down at the glass of wine in her hands. "A long time ago. But you were damn good. And I knew you still had it in you. You just needed a reminder."

I just stared at her as I took in what she said. She slowly looked up to meet my gaze.

"I'm sorry." She looked at me sadly for just a couple of seconds before dropping her head again. "I didn't mean to bring up old memories. I'll call an Uber and get out of your hair."

I quietly set my wine glass on the coffee table and reached over and took hers from her hand and set it down, too. I reached back and shut off the lamp beside the sofa. The glow from the streetlights and the snow outside bathed the room. I reached over and pulled her to me.

Without a word I began kissing her. Her mouth opened slightly, allowing my tongue to enter and hers to come into mine. She did not try to resist. After a few minutes of intense kissing, I pulled away to answer her. "You are not going anywhere. You are right where you belong. Understand?"

She nodded with a faint smile with her eyes closed. "Yes, sir, I understand. More please."

Another few minutes of kissing and pawing each other, I pulled away and stood up. Then, bending down, I picked her up under her legs and her back and carried her down the hall to my bedroom. I stood her up at the foot of the bed and turned her away from me. That allowed me to unzip the beautiful blue dress she was wearing. I slid it off her shoulders and it pooled at her feet. I began kissing her neck and bare shoulders while reaching and cupping her firm breasts with my hands. Her head was leaning sideways allowing me access to each side of her neck as she moaned softly. I moved my right hand from her breast down her tight stomach and began rubbing her through her bikini underwear.

From that point, I laid her on the bed, and we spent hours making love in as many ways as possible. It was heaven discovering each other's bodies. That night started as one of the worst nights of my life but ended as one of the greatest.

At some point, we must have drifted off to sleep because I awoke to the sun peering in and Nikki's lips wrapped around my throbbing member. I was in heaven. When she realized I was alert, she smiled and climbed on top of me.

"Good morning, Loverboy," she smiled looking down at me. Oh, those beautiful brown eyes. I could get used to this. "Ready for breakfast?"

"A stupid question at this moment." I smiled back as I pulled her to me. "This is much more important!"

After our mutual climax, we each hit the bathroom, then curled up back in bed. We were both on our side with her spooning back against me. I had my arm curled around her as I fondled her breast.

"You were wonderful," she sighed.

"No, you were," I countered. "I think that was my most fulfilling night and morning of my life. I can now die a happy man."

She was quiet for a moment. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"In all your travels, I assume you had lots of girls?"

"A few," I answered.

"Any stand out? I mean, was there anyone special?"

"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell." I leaned forward and kissed her shoulder.

"No, I'm serious," she persisted. "I'm curious, were any of them special?"

"Alright. Well, let's see," I started. "I suppose there were a couple."

"Just a couple?"

"Yeah," I replied. "I mean, I had several girls that I bedded for a night or two and I liked them all, but only a couple had a lasting impression."

"Okay," she said, "spill. Who were they?"

"Well, the first was Suzie."

"And why Suzie?"

"Because she was my first. She took my virginity. And taught me a lot! Some of what I learned you got the benefit of last night."

She laughed. "I need to find Suzie and thank her! She was a great teacher."

"She's probably an old married lady with five kids now," I was snickering.

"Or," Nikki turned her head to me. "She's a famous porn star."

"Well then!!" I got a serious tone before kissing her nose. "I definitely need to find her!!"

"Okay," she said. "Suzie is one to remember. So, who was the second lovely lady?"

"A girl from your neck of the woods down in Texas." I got wistful remembering. "Her name was Collette."

Nikki flinched slightly. "Collette? A pretty name. Tell me about Collette."

"Well, not much to tell. Like you, she was beautiful. Stunning green eyes. She was working at a club in West Texas where Lonnie and I were playing. A couple of local yokels were giving her a hard time, so I cleaned their clock shooting pool. They calmed down and left her alone at that point. She and I hit it off and ended up back at her place that night. Again, it was a night I'll never forget."

"And?"

"Well, the next morning she dropped me off at the motel Lonnie and I were in."

"Did you see her again?"

"I planned to. Lonnie and I were going to be there a few days, so Collette and I made plans to get back together later that day. I even told Lonnie how special I thought she was."

"What happened?"

"An hour after she dropped me off, Lonnie and I are eating in a diner when I get a call from the Michigan Highway Patrol telling me my folks were killed by a drunk driver."

"Oh, my god!" Tears started streaming down her face.

"Yeah. My world ended. My grief was overpowering. Lonnie got us a flight out that afternoon. At that moment, I forgot all about Collette. It took three months to get my head on straight. I reached out to the club in Texas trying to find her, but she had already left, and they wouldn't give me any forwarding information. Of course, because we were going to see each other that night, I didn't get a contact number or even a last name. So, she was the one that got away."

"That's awful." She was crying harder.

"It's okay," I smiled and kissed her cheek. "Everything happens for a reason. Lonnie and I toured a couple more years. Then, after he passed, I came home and went to school where I met Callie. She led me to you. And we're both here. I am blessed."

"Thank you for sharing," she sobbed. I handed her a tissue.

"Okay, your turn," I said. "You are the most gorgeous, most generous, most wonderful person I know. Where is your Mr. Right?"

"Similar story to your Collette," she stopped sniffling. "He was handsome and going places. His job kept him travelling a lot. One time he left and never returned."

"Geez!" Now it was my turn to feel her pain. "Did you ever see him again?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "A few years ago. But he had someone new. And I wasn't going to wreck a happy home. That's not me."

"How about now?" I asked.

"Well, I heard it didn't work out. But I'm not sure."

I rolled her over to face me. "Nikki, this guy's a jerk if he doesn't see how fantastic you really are. You need to find him and tell him."

"Are you sure?" she looked worried. "Do you think I should? What if he rejects me?"

"Nikki." I decided at that moment to lay it all out there. "I have strong feelings for you. After the crap Callie pulled the last few weeks and ending last night, you're the only woman in my life that I care for. And I damn well know you're the only woman who cares for me. You proved that last night. I think I'm falling in love with you. But I won't stand in your way. You need to talk to this guy and tell him how you feel. And if he stupidly rejects you, I'm going to be there to pick you up, just like you were there for me. We are a team."

Her face beamed. "Okay! I'll do it!! You are the best, Diamond Dave!!"

"And don't you forget it!" As we started kissing each other passionately, I realized I didn't mind her calling me Diamond Dave. It was wonderful and freeing knowing that I didn't have any secrets with this girl. That was a first.

"Alright," she pulled away from our kisses. "It's time I get up and make you some breakfast. And then you're taking me Christmas shopping!"

While she cooked breakfast, I got around and then went over to my Christmas tree. I tore off the tag of Callie's gift and wrote a new one to Nikki. She was now the one who would join me in Hawaii. After a great meal, I took her back to her condo, so she could freshen up and get changed as she still wore last night's dress.

"She's been here and gone," Nikki said, as we entered the condo. She peeked in Callie's room and bathroom. "Most of her clothes and toiletries are gone. I'll text her later and find out what her plans are."

"Fine by me," I said. That chapter of my life was closed. I surprised myself by being so apathetic about her. From undying love to total nothingness in such a short amount of time.

We spent the afternoon hitting the mall and a couple of different shops. I made her use the winnings to buy what she wanted. Then I took her to a small Italian restaurant for dinner. It was fun and relaxing shopping with her, even though she kept sending me away while she picked something out. Listening to Christmas carols, battling the snow-covered streets, and just holding her hand definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. That evening, more presents appeared under my tree.

Again, she slept in my bed. Everything from the night before was repeated and it was even more fantastic.

Monday was Christmas Eve, so I had the day off. She had me drop her off at her condo so she could pack a bag and drive her car to my place. I was sent with a list to the grocery store to stock up. I detoured to the mall and bought a couple of items that I had seen the day before. I asked the clerk to wrap them for me. I still beat her back to my place. Even more presents under the tree.

There are no words to describe how beautiful and sexy she looked when she showed up. Wearing a red tight turtle-neck sweater, blue jeans, and tight knee-high snow boots, with her hair flowing down to her shoulders, I had no words. I tried, but I just stuttered. So, I simply grabbed her and bent her over for a deep kiss.

"Wow!" she stammered, as I slowly released her. "I'll take that as an approval!"

"Damn right, you will! I have no words. Simply beautiful." I just stood there admiring her. "This is going to be the best Christmas ever!"

"I hope so," she was smiling. "Now let me go make us dinner. You got everything on the list?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Good boy!" She started for the kitchen. "Get us a glass of wine, then you sit down and relax. Let this girl take care of her man."

I nodded. "I can do that."

That evening, after a wonderful dinner, we were curled up on the sofa with Christmas carols playing softly on my old stereo drinking wine.

"Dave?" She quietly asked. Something seemed to be troubling her.

"Yes?" I squeezed her tighter.

"Are we a couple?"

"Yes, as far as I'm concerned." I kissed the top of her head, as she was slightly below my head. "But I won't push you until you talk it out with that other guy. I can wait."

"Okay," she lifted herself up to me and began kissing me.

"Let's open our presents in the morning," I said, as we pulled apart. "There's only one present I want to open tonight."

"Anything my Captain desires," she smiled seductively as she got off me. She then held her hand out to me. "Shall we?"

Waking Christmas morning to more snow falling, I turned to the beauty beside me. "You've worn me out, pretty girl! I'm not sure I can go on like this."

"Oh, we're just getting started," she smiled before kissing me. "But I want to go open presents."

I watched as she got out of bed and walked to my closet. Pulling out one of my white dress shirts, she pulled it off the hanger and put in on over her naked body. "This will do! Come on, sleepy head!"

I had just enough time to pull on some jeans before she dragged me to the living room. She ordered me to sit on the sofa as she poured us some orange juice and then started divvying up the presents. I had four, she had three. Things I had bought for Callie were stored away a couple of days ago.

"You first," she pointed at one of my presents. "Leave the small box for last."

A dress white shirt. Great quality. "I love it!"

Her first present was a Hawaiian style blouse. "Very nice."

A pair of dress slacks was my second present.

Hers was a pair of short shorts and sandals. She gave me a strange look. "I'm not sure we're on the same page with these presents."

I laughed. "Probably not. But I don't care!"

My third was a pair of brown dress shoes.

Hers was also a small box. She opened it to find the tickets to Hawaii at the resort. Yes, my original intention was to take Callie, but I realized my real intention was to take the woman I loved. And the one who loved me. And that was Nikki.

Tears were running down her cheeks. "I don't know what to say. Somehow, thank you is not enough."

"Yes, it is. Come here." I held open my arms for her.

We kissed and then she pulled away. "When?"

"Late January or early February," I stated. "When we need to escape this Michigan winter."

"Sounds good." She pushed herself away from me and stood up a couple of feet from me. "Before you open that package, I need to tell you this relationship might change."

"Okay?" That was an interesting comment. "Change, how?"

"Open the box."

I did. Out of the wrapped box I pulled out a familiar jewelry box. I opened it to see a set of diamond cufflinks with the initials DD. They were shiny and polished, but they were my cufflinks that I had lost all those years ago.

I just looked up at her with a stunned look. "Where did you get these?"

"What's my name?" she answered my question with a question.

I smiled. "Nikki, silly!"

"No." She didn't smile back. "My full name?"

"Nikki Armstrong."

"My full name."

I had to think. "Nikki Marie Armstrong."

She slowly shook her head. "My full name is Nicollette Marie Armstrong. Does that mean anything?"

"Nicollette? Nicollette?" I repeated. Then it dawned on me. "Collette? Are you Collette?"

She nodded.

"But that was a long time ago!" I protested.

"Seven years, two months and eighteen days at the Shady Spur in San Angelo, Texas," she replied. "But who's counting?"

"So, am I the other guy that you need to talk to?" I was so confused.

She just nodded.

"How...??" I muttered. Then it dawned on me. "But you don't have green eyes!"

"Tinted contacts," she calmly replied. "And they hurt like hell. That's why I was in such a hurry to drop you off at your motel that morning.

I think my jaw was just hanging open as I tried to process what she was saying.

"A girlfriend suggested I wear them at work," she continued. "It was a way to be sexy at work and still disappear in my daily life. Then I met you, damn it! And you kept complimenting me on my beautiful eyes. So, I was stuck.

"But I went home and pulled them out. My eyes were swollen and bloodshot. I knew there was no way I could wear them again, so I promised myself that I would just come clean with you when I saw you later that day. Of course, there was no later that day. And then I found your cufflinks. You left them on the nightstand. I vowed to return them to you someday.

"I cried for a week after you disappeared. I wondered if I had done something wrong, said something wrong, or was just a terrible lover. I lasted another month before I couldn't take it anymore. I quit and went back to the ranch with the folks. After a year, I moved up to Oklahoma City and became friends with Callie. She was a little wilder and more daring than me, but we hit it off.

"I subscribed to the pool player magazines and started hunting online for any sign of you. Occasionally, you and Lonnie would be written about. So, I followed your exploits as much as I could.

"Then I saw a note about Lonnie's death and your retirement. I remember you telling me that you were from Michigan and when you were done playing, you were heading home to go to school.

"So, I talked Callie into coming up here and being a Michigan Wolverine. But it was my sole intention to find you. School was secondary. I asked around about you, and some people thought they knew you, but no one was sure. I checked the commons around the pool tables on a regular basis but, if you were there, you were a ghost.

"And then it happened." She closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. "Callie came in the apartment telling me she had just met the greatest guy. And she wanted me to meet him, too.

"So, that next night in the commons, when she introduced you to me, I almost died. You, the guy I had been trying to find for years was being introduced as the guy my best friend had the hots for. I saw a sign of recognition on your face when we met, but I watched it disappear just as quickly. So, I stumbled over to a chair and watched the two of you play. Suicide started to look appealing at that moment."

"Why didn't you say something?" I was trying to take in what she was saying.

"And say what?" She countered. "Remember me? We had a one-night stand in West Texas a few years ago. And I had green eyes then. But I really don't! And I know you're one of the best pool players ever. And I've been pining for you since that night. But you ran away! So, pick me!"

She just stared at me for a moment. Then she continued, "No, and that's not me anyway. I had to stand back. I had to let you and Callie be together and be happy. This secret was going to my grave. That's why I decided to forget you two and started dating others. But none measured up. I knew it was just my memory, and I had built it up, but I couldn't shake it and no guy I met could match the hero in my dreams. And I grew to love you as a friend. You were just as awesome as I knew you were, damn it!

"And then Callie started talking about Graham. I knew she was going to screw up the relationship with the greatest guy ever and I truly didn't want that to happen. So, I gave it my all to get her away from him. You can see how well that turned out."

"You didn't try to set that up, did you?" I had to ask.

She shook her head. "No, I'd never do that. Besides, I don't want to be your rebound relationship. And I don't want you if that's what this is. Is it?"

I shook my head. "No. I always wanted the relationship my parents had. They had eyes for only each other and their family. They had each other's back no matter what. Trust and commitment and communication were paramount. And a lot of laughter."

And then I winked at her. "Also, it wouldn't hurt if she looked stunning and was a sexual dynamo. And if she would wear my shirt on Christmas morning with nothing else."

She finally smiled through her tears and nodded. "But when you told me Saturday morning about your parents' death being the real reason you left that day, I really felt awful. I have gone years blaming you or blaming me. And it turns out that I was holding in this anger and pain for nothing. I should have been holding and hugging you to get over your grief. I am an awful person."

I stood up and hugged her tight as she started crying harder into my shoulder. We didn't move for almost five minutes.

"Cry it out," I whispered. "You deserve a good cry. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. I love you."

She pushed back from my chest and looked up at me with tears still streaming down. "You love me?"

I nodded. "From the green-eyed bartender who got me to talk and rocked my world, to the brown-eyed friend who reminded me who and what I am last Friday night, to the best friend and sexy woman who has seen me like no one else and who still rocks my world, I would say, yeah, I love you.

"And remember what I said earlier," I continued, while smiling down at her. "That this other guy's a jerk if he doesn't see how fantastic you really are. You need to find him and tell him. And if her turns you down, I'm still here."

She started to giggle. "So, should I ask him if he still loves me?"

"I think you should."

"Okay," she took a deep breath. "Diamond Dave -- I love you. Do you love me?"

"Yes, I do! Even without green eyes!"

She nodded. "Now I need to ask the other man. David Douglas -- I love you. Do you love me?"

"I do, too! Whatever the eye color!"

"Tell you what," she was smiling. I'm going to put these two loves together in one package and call him Diamond Dave Douglas. And I'm going to love him!"

"You can do that. And as Diamond Dave Douglas, and I think I speak for both of us, I love you." I picked her up and spun her around. Setting her back on her feet, we went back to kissing.

My phone started ringing a few minutes later. As I went to answer it, Nikki headed to the kitchen.

"Merry Christmas!" I answered the phone in a happy voice.

"And Merry Christmas to you, too!" said the caller. "Dave, this is Earl Decker from the interesting party the other night. Hope I'm not interrupting anything on this Christmas day."

"Not at all," I replied. "Remember my friend Nikki who you chatted with? She's making me breakfast."

He laughed. "That's great! And she's one fine lady. No offense, but we liked her more than the other one."

"None taken! It took a kick in the teeth for me, but I wholeheartedly agree!"

"Well, the reason for my call, is to talk to you about your career."

I sat forward on the sofa. Nikki stepped from the kitchen and leaned against the door frame to watch me.

"Can I put you on speaker, Earl? I'd like Nikki to hear this."

"Certainly," he answered.

"It's Earl," I mouthed to her as I put the phone on the coffee table.

"Hi, Earl, how's Irene doing this morning?" she asked, as she joined me on the sofa.

"Hi, Nikki, she's wonderful. Thank you for asking. And, may I say, you made a heck of an impression on all of us the other night. And in a good way!"

"Thank you," she said. "I think Dave needed some friends there, and with you and Irene and Tom and Sally, he regained some of his old confidence."

"Dave, this girl's a keeper," said Earl. "You better think about making her an honest woman."

"Agreed! And I am!" I answered, while hugging her tight.

"Well, again the reason for my call, and I don't want to keep you," Earl continued. "But our CFO has let us know that this will be his last year with us. We've got a good team, but I'm not impressed with any of them in a leadership role. I'd like to offer it to you."

"Earl, what a fantastic opportunity," I hesitated. "But you don't know me. I'm a CPA in a small firm, just a few years out of school, that used to travel the country hustling pool. That's not really CFO material for a major multinational corporation like yours."

"Let me tell you what Tom and I saw the other night," he started. "We saw a bright young man with an equally bright and beautiful young woman as his best friend. And that young man offered us some real solutions for our company. Then we saw that same man being humiliated by his fiancé and the slimy host. First at the dinner table and then at the pool table. A bet like that made us all sick. And the girl forced you to accept. And then! Ha! You cleaned his clock! And then gave him the girl as a consolation prize!"

He was laughing now. "That was the greatest thing! You put an absolute blowhard in his place in front of everybody! Tom and I just looked at each other and said, we've found our man.

"So," he continued. "We'd like to offer you the job. You'll be working as Roger's right-hand man for the next ten or eleven months before he retires and you take over. The salary and the perks are quite generous. What do you think?"

I looked over at Nikki. She had a big smile and was nodding vigorously.

"Well," I stammered. Then I found my voice. "Earl, I accept! But I have a couple of conditions."

"And they are?"

"One, Nikki here, she resigned that night. Think there might be a spot for her?"

"Absolutely! As a matter of fact, she will probably be the better hire!" he laughed.

We were laughing with him.

"I have no doubt of that!" I added. Then I continued. "The second condition is starting time. I just gave Nikki two tickets to Hawaii at a resort for a couple of weeks in February. And I've got to give some notice at my firm."

"Tell you what," said Earl. "Let's all get together for lunch next week and work out these details. Also, we'll figure out where Nikki would like to work."

"Sounds great!" I agreed.

"Thank you, Earl," added Nikki. "And tell Irene to have a Merry Christmas!"

"I will, Nikki, and the same for you both. Goodbye." With that he disconnected.

Nikki turned and kissed me deeply. "This is the most wonderful Christmas ever. Thank you. After breakfast, can you take me downstairs? I think a game of pool is in order. And if I win, you'll get a special treat!"

"I think that can be arranged."

------------

I chalked my cue while surveying the large convention hall where we were playing. I felt like I needed to pinch myself because of all the changes in my life since that fiasco of a Christmas party twenty-two months ago.

As I watched my partner Karl knock in another ball and move in a controlled and deliberate manner around the table, I patted myself on the back for correctly reading his personality and talent. He is almost as good as Lonnie was. And he and his wife Greta have become good friends.

After that terrible evening, working for Mr. Graham Smith was a losing proposition. So, he and Greta, a talented chef, had gone out on their own and started a catering business that has taken off. They've been so successful that they are booked out three months. Even my firm has them on a twelve-month retainer for Friday lunches for a staff of seventy-five at our corporate office.

A month after that fateful evening, we invited them over and he and I ended up playing a few games. I immediately knew he was no slouch with a stick. It turns out that he had grown up in Germany playing Snooker on twelve-foot tables. And winning tournaments. So, playing on seven-foot, eight-foot, or nine-foot American pool tables with bigger pockets was like shooting ducks in a barrel for him. I had to step up my game to stay competitive.

Last year, we decided to start entering tournaments in the area. With our busy schedules, getting out on the road was out of the question. But occasionally travelling throughout the region, we racked up some wins and took home some nice prize money. Even a few trophies. That's something I'd never known before. Whether it was a local, regional, or even a national tournament, we attempted to work it into our schedules.

Out of habit, I started fiddling with my cufflink on my right wrist with my left hand while cradling the cue. That nervous twitch caused me to look up to see the gorgeous brown-haired beauty that met my gaze and smiled and nodded to me. She was sitting in the stands with Greta, Tom, Earl, Sally, Irene, and the rest of my team from the office. Again, my mind went back to that night and all the events since.

Six weeks after that Christmas, I sat on a beach in Hawaii looking over at the beautiful woman wearing a very sexy bikini sunbathing beside me. "Hey," I said quietly. "Gorgeous woman, I think it's time to back to the room and get ready for dinner."

"Okay," she muttered, not yet opening her eyes. "But only after you kiss me. I don't want to wake from this dream."

I bent over and kissed her deeply while pulling her to me. Pulling away, I looked into those eyes that were now opening. "I want to keep kissing you. But I don't want to be late for dinner. A couple of things we need to discuss."

"Sounds serious." She was batting her eyes at me now. "Kiss me again."

"Yes, ma'am." I did once more before pulling her to her feet. We packed our stuff and headed back to the room.

For dinner, she wore a stunning sundress and sandals. I wore white slacks and a muted Hawaiian shirt.

The restaurant was an open-aired affair just a few steps from the beach. But it was cool and elegant inside. After getting two coconut cocktails, we settled into a corner table overlooking the ocean.

"Okay, handsome man, what do we have to discuss?" She leaned back in her chair smiling at me while grasping her drink with both hands. We had just ordered our steaks.

"I'm having a bit of trouble with your name." I smiled back at her.

"My name? That's a little strange."

"Well," I started. "Collette is a part of my past. And Nikki is a great friend but..."

"She'll always be associated with Callie." She interrupted me.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Marie?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No, I think we need to simply adjust the first name."

"Then how about what my mom always used -- Nicole."

"Nicole," I repeated. "Nicole. I like that!"

She smiled. "Okay, start calling me Nicole. But it may take a while before I get used to it."

"I know." I agreed. "Now, we just have to fix the rest of the name."

"The rest?"

"Yeah, Armstrong." I attempted to look serious.

"What's the matter with my last name?" She leaned forward, looking angry.

"Nothing," I sighed. "I just like Douglas better."

"What?" She was confused.

"Nicollette Armstrong -- I mean Nicole Armstrong," I moved from my seat and dropped to one knee in front of her while pulling the ring box from my pocket. "Will you marry me? And become Nicole Douglas?"

She gasped as she realized what I was doing. "Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!"

She threw her arms around me and started furiously kissing me. I almost dropped the ring. I was able to pull back and slide the ring on her finger. It was another of my mother's rings that I had professionally cleaned. It was not the same ring that I had used the previous time, though that ring would also become Nicole's property.

The patrons in the restaurant started clapping and cheering for us. The manager came around and told us drinks and dessert were on the house. We graciously thanked him.

Five months later I was standing in a small church in San Angelo, Texas. I watched Anne Armstrong being escorted down the aisle where she took her seat on the bride's side of pews. She was a stunningly beautiful woman in her mid-fifties, with streaks of gray in her brunette hair and dancing brown eyes. Watching her, I happily thought of the old saying about if you want to know what the daughter will look like as she ages, look at her mother. If that is true, my beautiful Nicole is only going to keep looking better. She caught my eye as she was seated, and we both winked at each other.

Then my friends and mentors Earl and Tom, serving as my best man and groomsman escorted two pretty girls down the aisle who were old friends of Nicole's. Amy and Barb. Both were fun to be around and told great stories of growing up with Nicole. Most of the tales were very embarrassing. That made it even better.

Soon the familiar Wedding March music started. Nicole's handsome father Jerrod led the most beautiful bride I'd ever seen down the aisle to me. I was so proud at that moment. Soon I was shaking hands with Jerrod as he handed his daughter to me, and we turned to face the minister. He spoke of love and God and told our story of finding -- then losing -- then again finding each other.

We both were very solemn with our vows. The highlight for me was kissing that stunningly gorgeous woman. Something I planned on doing daily the rest of my life. The service was wonderful. I only wished my parents and Lonnie were there with me. In a way, I think they were.

At the reception, we did toasts and speeches. Then the music started, and I danced with my bride first. Then each of us danced with others. When I danced with my mother-in-law Anne, she gave me two orders. First, they were no longer Anne and Jerrod - they were Mom and Dad. Second, they expect grandchildren. I laughed and promised we'd work on that together!

Later, when Nicole and I were in our room, we compared notes. Seems her mother had given her the same speech. And Nicole had given the same response.

After our honeymoon in the Cayman Islands, we were back in Michigan and back to work. Nicole had joined the firm in the marketing department and already made some major contributions due to her magazine writing and layout background. Her managers were thrilled with her talent and personality.

My first year as the assistant CFO, I worked alongside Roger Birch learning all the ins and outs of the organization. The team was also topnotch. My reception was a bit icy in the beginning due to Tom introducing me as Roger's replacement, but I tried to win them over by showing I was willing to outwork all of them. It took time, but I earned their respect and when Roger retired last year, the transition was seamless.

Also, it didn't hurt when Earl mentioned to them that I was a professional pool hustler and one of the top ranked players in the world at one point. They demanded that the company get a table and set up in the back of the large cafeteria. When we hit goals, I now give exhibitions or sometimes private lessons. It's been a win/win situation and fun for everyone.

As I watched our opponent drop some balls in, I was still reminiscing about that night. And occasionally, I still think about them. Callie and Graham. It took time for my bitterness and hatred to subside. But Nicole, bless her heart, finally got me to see the bright side of that night.

"Was it really so bad?" She asked at one point when I was reliving the nightmare. "I mean, you got me and one hundred thousand dollars. And I got you. I'd call that a win!"

I just stared at her for a moment. Then I realized she was right. I took a deep breath and started laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"You," I was still laughing. "You made me see the light! I think you're Lonnie reincarnated! I love you!!"

She smiled. "I'll take that as a compliment. And I love you more!"

She kept in touch with Callie. It seems they did go to London after that Christmas. And per Karl, within a month Graham was stripped of most of his duties by his father and left the organization. I guess the old man wasn't pleased that his son lost a hundred grand in a pool game. In front of all the local heavyweights. And to a hustler over a girl. I loved hearing every gory detail.

As for Callie, being stranded in London when Graham deserted her, she landed on her feet and got a job with a fashion label in the area and never returned to the states. I don't know if she has a guy in her life or not. Nicole keeps in touch with her occasionally. I know Nicole sent her a wedding invitation, but she was a no-show. I think she does it to rub Callie's nose in the great life she missed out on. That part, I enjoy.

Again, I fiddled with the cufflink. These, too, were diamond encrusted with my DD initials. But they were not my original ones. These were given to me last month by my beautiful bride.

"What's the occasion?" I asked when she handed me a gift.

"Just open it," she said.

I did, pulling out these new DD cufflinks. "Wow! These are great! But why?"

She just smiled.

"I mean," I continued, "my old ones are still good. And they were brought back into my life by my favorite girl."

"But these aren't for Diamond Dave," she was still smiling. A mischievous smile.

"Okay," I muttered. "Then who is DD?"

"Diamond Dad!" she blurted out.

I cocked my head. I didn't understand. "Diamond what?"

"Daddy, silly!" The smile got bigger as she shook her head. "You are going to be a Daddy!"

I think my eyes bugged out of my head at that moment. "What?! A Dad?? Oh my God!! That means..."

She was nodding. "I'm pregnant, dummy! You're going to be a Dad!"

I just grabbed her and hugged her tightly. "This is the greatest moment of my life! I love you so much!"

This last month has seen us start to get one of the bedrooms ready for a nursery and a lot of books on how to be a parent. Mom and Dad down in Texas are over the moon. This will be their first grandchild.

I felt Karl's hand on my shoulder. I looked over at him.

"You're up, partner." He smiled and nodded to me.

I glanced over at Nicole. I saw her move her lips telling me something. I'd like to think it was, "I love you," but I knew it wasn't. It was, "Remember the goal."

I nodded and gave her a wink. Then I took a sip of Coke and glanced up saying a silent prayer of thanks to Lonnie and my parents.

I looked at the balls on the table. It was time to go to work. To make the cue ball dance. And it was time to stop missing.