“So… you have a kid," he says. "I love kids."
I smile. "Yes, Liam is four."
He grins." My nieces are eight and six. I love 'em to death. And I spoil them rotten. "
I laugh. "I bet you do."
Reeves joins us just then; his expression darkens slightly, seeing how close we’re standing.
"Thanks again for the game," Reeves says. "Everything cool with your drink?"
Caine ventures a first sip, and gently sets his glass back on the bar. "Excellent."
If someone were to ask me to use one single word to describe him, I would choose the word 'gentle'. From the way he talks softly, to the way he glides when he walks, the way he shoots, and just his whole aura — yes, he very much strikes me as a firm but gentle man.
"You're a good shooter," he tells Reeves. "And nice place you've got here."
"Family owned for thirty years," Reeves tells him proudly. “But I think you knew that already.”
Caine nods, and takes another sip of his drink. Hestudies the glass shelves behind me as he ponders his next words. Reeves is surprisingly quiet.
Caine studies me for a long beat, and I wonder what I’ve done or said.
“I’d like to see you at work next Tuesday at one o’clock,” he finally says, his words measured and quiet.
My eyes grow wide. I'm shocked speechless.
Reeves visibly stiffens beside me. “What?!"
"There's no reason your lovely wife should stop playing pool. I know life can sometimes get in the way, but the woman clearly needs a break."
My jaw practically drops to the floor. What in the hell is he going on about?
Liza, who's been eavesdropping this whole time, shoots me a wide-eyed look, as if to say, 'What the fuck is happening?'
"I'm sorry, but what are you saying exactly?" Reeves asks, as confused as I am.
Caine smiles softly. "I would like to reserve an hour to play with her.”
"Holy shit!" Liza whispers, but we all hear it.
"Because you believe she should be playing pool, and not working?"
"Exactly," Caine says. "I can tell you've had a lot of practice," he goes on. "But what about her?"
Reeves shakes his head in disbelief. "And if she’s not available?”
Caine shrugs lightly but keeps his eyes on me. “That’s fine,” he replies softly but firmly before adding pointedly towards Reeves: “I'd like Jenna present, and if she is, I'd be willing to overlook this month's rent. I'll take care of it on my end.”
We’re all shocked into silence, and the world around us seems to pause. The bar noise and chatter fade, and my heart pounds.
He mentions our late rent payment—the words hanging heavy between us—and suggests discussing it further over another game soon.
He drowns his drink, grabs his expensive-looking leather cue bag, and bids us farewell.
Both Reeves and I are left stunned as Caine walks away gracefully into the night crowd without another word—leaving behind only questions and simmering tension that neither of us knows how to resolve just yet...
Both Liza and I stand speechless.
