The Art of Boasting

I have trouble with arrogant, proud people. I've always found it to be the most unattractive thing but over the past couple weeks I've come to understand them. Damn it feels good to excel at something.
My cousin Billy thinks I am the best pool player in the tri-state area. A "friend" of our team was talking to Billy and I about the best team we might face in an upcoming tournament. They have the two best players I've seen in this league in 10 years. Kenny Baker and Renny. Like Mufasa, the name "Renny" alone sends shivers up his enemies spines. "ooohhh, Renny". And Kenny Baker is the best player I've ever played. Playing him several times years ago has turned me into the player I am today. He taught me patience and defense and he made me able to see the whole table layout and have a plan. And that was just from losing to him. All this knowledge he bestowed on me culminated in the high point of my career when I beat him in the finals of an All Star Tournament.

Our friend of the team advised us not to waste any of our good players on the deadly combo of Kenny Renny. Billy spoke violently against him and said " If they play Kenny or Renny, there is no way I am not putting George on them to stomp their ass".

Kenny, I'm sorry but I have to do my best to pull a Tommy Gunn(aka Rocky 5) on you. And Renny, Ooh Renny. Your wife beat me that one time but I aint mad. I got nothing but love for you.

Now back to my false humility. I am not the best player in the tri state area. There are players I'll run into tonight at the pool hall who should be on tv. George Ellinger is so good that I stop whatever I'm doing and watch him if he's playing. And Bob Raezer can tell the cueball to do whatever he wants it to do. I wish I had that kind of authority. And I know I'll have my hands full practicing against my teammate Gary tonight. In the end, I hope it all combines to make me a better player and better teacher.