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I watch as Matteo leans over Val’s hand and then holds it just a little too long.
“Val? You look Italian.””Her maiden name is Carlucci, but she’s a Knight now,” I might as well stake my claim.
“Carlucci? Is your name Valentina?”
Val nods, “Yes, it is, but I go by Val.”
“Why? Valentina is such a beautiful name. It suits you. My name means Gift of God. I like to think that I’m a gift from the Gods.”
I almost gag at his words, but Val just smiles.
“You want to learn the game of pool, no?”
“Yes–”
“I will teach you. Gentlemen. Let me show lovely Valentina how to play the game of biliardo.”
Val looks over at me, and I just shrug. So, she stands and follows the Italian Casanova into the pool room.
Sam looks over at me. “Sorry, Chaser. He seems smitten with Val.”
“Smitten. That’s one way to put it.”
I watch as Matteo explains the game to Val. To be fair, it doesn’t look like Val is giving him any encouragement, but it still pisses me off that he can’t seem to keep his hands to himself. Just slight little touches on her arm or shoulder.
Sam glances at my face. “Chaser, maybe you should teach Val how to play.”
I stand without saying a word and go into the pool room. I lean back against the wall and order another beer while Matteo shows Val how to hold a cue stick.
A few beers later, I’m watching Val line up a shot at the pool table. She shoots and sinks a striped ball.
“Now, do I try to get all the striped balls in the pockets?”
“Yes, that is correct. Have you played before?”
“No, I’ve never played a game of pool before today.”
“You are holding the cue stick too tightly; hold it like this, see?” He walks up behind her and shows her how to hold the cue stick again.
She bites her lower lip in concentration and then lines up the shot, just like he showed her. Another of the striped balls goes into the pocket.
“Woo hoo! I get to go again, right? Until I miss?”
He smiles over her enthusiasm for the sport. “Yes, until you miss.” His gaze lingers on my wife longer than it should.
Val continues to play, but she keeps casting looks my way. She’s probably worried by the fact that I’m now leaning up against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest and frowning.
She should be worried. I’ve had just about enough of Matteo. The fool keeps ogling my wife, and I’m getting pissed. I want to hit the bastard. He knows Val’s my wife.
Finally, the game is over.
“Thank you, Matteo, I appreciate–”
“Come on, Val. Let’s go.” I don’t wait for the Italian to let go of her hand.
As we leave Matteo in the poolroom, I lead Val back toward our booth.
“Chase, that game is as hard as it looks.”
