Leah Sinclair took one last deep breath, holding the cue vertically. She threaded it through the bridge she'd formed with her hand, trying her best to keep it steady. Aiming at the cue ball, she held her breath. In the end, she decided on a jump shot.
The cue ball jumped, spun in the air over the eight-ball, then landed, bouncing twice before striking its target. The eight-ball sank into the pocket, while the cue ball came to a perfect stop, teetering on the very edge of the hole.
"Holy shit! Leah!"
Ethan Shaw and Riley Sterling excitedly slapped a high-five. For that split second as the cue ball flew through the air, it felt like both their hearts had stopped. It was so damn intense!
After a moment, it sank in. Leah whirled around and excitedly threw her arms around Asher Keating. "Third Master Keating, I won!"
Asher Keating looked down at Leah, who was beaming up at him from his embrace. The corners of his mouth curved up as he gave her cheek a gentle pinch. "Not bad."
