The crack of the cue ball echoed sharply across the table, clean and satisfying.
Lyon leaned slightly over the felt, eyes narrowing as he watched the striped ball roll clean into the corner pocket. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he straightened, twirling the cue stick once in his hand.
"Still predictable." he muttered.
Across from him, James scoffed, circling the table. "You've been saying that since college. One day I'm going to wipe that smug look off your face."
"I would like to see you try."
The air between them was easy. It was familiar, grounded in years of rivalry that had long since settled into something resembling friendship. Around them, the bar buzzed with low music, laughter and the occasional clink of glasses.
Norah, perched on a stool nearby raised her glass. "Ignore him, James. He cheats."
"I don't cheat." Lyon said dryly, lining up his next shot.
"You absolutely do." she shot back, taking a sip.
