Chapter 216

"You play pool?" Evelyn Carter sounded surprised.

Olivia Lightfoot twirled her cue stick with pride. "I was the pool queen in my department during undergrad. The guys were all scared to play against me. Want to give it a try, Dr. Carter?"

"I don't know the first thing about it."

"Perfect!" Olivia shoved the cue into her hands. "You're always teaching me at the hospital. Now it's my turn to be the teacher."

Evelyn glanced back at the lively bar counter. The guests of honor were surrounded by well-wishers offering toasts. Not wanting to join the crowd, she decided to stay and learn pool from Olivia.

"Watch closely," Olivia demonstrated, positioning herself. "Left hand like this, right hand holding the cue, aim—"

Crack!

The ball dropped neatly into the pocket.

"How's that?" Olivia raised an eyebrow smugly.

"Impressive," Evelyn admitted sincerely. "Teach me, Coach Olivia."

Evelyn mimicked Olivia's stance and attempted a shot.

First try—the ball grazed the edge.

Second try—the cue slipped completely.

"Seems I have no talent for this." Evelyn set down the cue in defeat.

"Just the two of you?" A deep male voice came from behind.

"Dr. Wilson!" Olivia greeted enthusiastically.

Gregory Wilson approached the pool table, his gaze sweeping over the scattered balls. "Dr. Carter doesn't play?"

"No. Where's your girlfriend?"

"She went for drinks with Dr. Porter."

"Aren't you going to join her?"

Gregory didn't answer. He picked up a cue, bent over, and with one smooth stroke, sent a red ball straight into the pocket.

"Wow!" Olivia's eyes lit up. "Dr. Wilson, you've been holding out on us!"

"Not bad," Gregory straightened. "Care for a game?"

"How about two against one?" Olivia suggested eagerly.

Evelyn quickly waved her hands. "I'll just drag you down."

"Then we'll find one more," Gregory proposed. "Two against two."

"Should I go get your girlfriend?"

"Suit yourself."

Olivia set down her cue and went to look for someone. The area around the pool table fell quiet, leaving only the sound of cue strikes.

"Your girlfriend is very pretty," Evelyn broke the silence.

Gregory focused on his shots, sinking one ball after another. "That Peter Harrison—have you made up your mind?"

Evelyn froze. "What?"

He straightened, leisurely wiping the cue tip. "Saw him picking you up last time."

"Yeah," Evelyn replied softly.

Gregory bent over again, clearing the table in one go. "So it's decided? He's the one?"

"Still thinking."

"Which means you're unsure." His eyes met hers directly.

"He's great. It's my own hesitation."

Gregory nodded. "This time, you should be careful."

"I will."

"Can you tell me what's holding you back?"

"What?"

"I want to know where I lost."