Blake wasn't exactly upset, just confused and trying to work it out. He hunkered down beside the table, checking the angles on the remaining balls, shifting his weight from left to right to look at each side of the ball and trying to sort it out in his head.

Bill wasn't upset, either, and was glad to accept the kiss.

"Think y'broke our heads'a little bit there, darlin'."

Straightening up, Blake dug a five out of his pocket and held it up in the air.

"I got five bucks says you can't sink that seven ball there without puttin' in any of the others."

He pointed at a ball that was pretty well surrounded by others. There were paths, but he was confident it was still an impossible shot.

"Think yer on again," Bill drawled, his accent thickening noticeably as the alcohol levels in his system went up.