Rachel and I (Richard) had been on a short break and we had found a pool hall. I like to play if I can and we went in. Rachel enjoys the byplay of the game and was happy to spend a while just relaxing.
I had been beating Jim at pool for a long time, we were only playing for £1 per game so nobody was hurting, Jim said "lets up the stakes." I asked "how much...I don't feel right about it I already have a tenner of yours.
Jim said "OK how about a tenner per game then?"
I said, "Jim, I feel it would be unfair to do that."
Jim insisted, "I'm good for it and it will up my game so let's do it. So I gave in and we played a couple more and Jim did get his game better.
Jim said, "I'm going to have to go soon how about one game for
£500."
I said "No that's too much and if I lose I don't have the money with me." Rachel egged me on, saying, "Go ahead as you have beaten him almost every time."
I said, "I don't really want to do this Jim. If I win I will feel bad taking your money and if I lose ... well I really can't afford it."
Rachel told me, "Go on Richard I can get cash out if you lose."
I said "OK" but was a little wary; I broke and took five balls, a good solid start.
He got to the table and started playing like nothing I'd seen.
I realized I had been taken...and there was nothing I could do about it.
Of course he cleared the table and I had lost.
He told me "Pay up"...I couldn't but I asked Rachel, "Please go get money from the cash machine."
When she came back she looked sick.
She said "We don't have any money because I overspent today."
Jim said "You had better find a way or my mates and I will find another way."
I got the idea and I didn't fancy losing my knees but I couldn't think what to do.