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    Cole’s eyes narrowed, but he kept that amused smile on his face, like he was considering


    something.


    I didn’t really care what he was thinking and went straight for it. “If it’s too much hassle, just forget


    it.”


    He let out a dryugh. “Too much trouble? Please. You could ask for anything, and I’d be in.”


    That felt a little over the line.


    But before I could say anything, Steve cleared his throat, a not–so–subtle hint.


    Cole just grinned, mischief in his eyes. “Alright, alright. Ladies first.”


    I wasn’t in the mood to mess around. If he was gonna let me go first, I’d make it count.


    X+I lined up my shot, took it, and cleared the table in one go. Not bad.


    Cole didn’t seem the least bit upset about losing. He just pped with a grin. “No surprise, being


    Steve’s friend. You’re impressive.”


    “I’ll concede this one, but you gotta give me a shot to show off, right?” He waved over the attendant


    to reset the balls.


    Then it was his turn, He took it in stride, clearing the table even faster than I did. It made sense–he


    wasn’t just bragging about that championship.


    I pped back, not holding anything back. “Okay, you’re definitely better.”


    “ording to our deal, you still win. So, tell me, what do you want me to do? Cole squinted at me.


    I took a breath. “I want to meet your dad, Thorsten Drago.”


    His eyes darkened for a split second. I knew he’d wonder why, so I got straight to the point. “I need


    him to authenticate something.”


    Cole’s tense expression eased up a little. “Oh? Some kind of treasure?”


    “No,” I said, keeping it vague.


    Cole was smart enough not to push for more. After a moment, he nodded. “Alright, I can take you to


    him. But…”


    He nced at Steve, then back at me. “He’s not in the best shape right now. Doesn’t really do


    visitors.” That was his way of warning me that even if he took me, I might not get to see his dad.


    I caught on quickly–he was trying to set a trap.


    But I wasn’t about to fall for it.


    So, I put on a disappointed look and said, “In that case forget it.”


    I wasn’t worried about wasting tonight’s effort. I knew I’d already piqued his interest. Now, he’d be


    dying to know what I wanted to show his dad.


    Cole’s eyes narrowed; he was surprised by my response


    He stared at me for a few seconds, then let out a dryugh. “You’re not as simple as you seem,


    huh?”


    He had caught on to my y of stepping back to gain ground.


    But I wasn’t going to admit it. “I just don’t like putting people in tough spots.”


    “Well, I do enjoy helping out,” he said, agreeing to my request.


    I let out a quiet sigh of relief as he signaled to the attendant resetting the balls, then turned back to


    me. How about we y a few more rounds, but for real this time?”


    My perfect break shot had definitely sparked hispetitive side.


    I couldn’t shut him down now. In fact, I needed to lean into it.


    So, I nodded and yed along.


    Out of five games, I only won one, letting him savor his victories.


    “If you’re holding back, that’s kind of insulting.” he said as we finished up, giving me a knowing


    look.