by Lynn Stevens
Rachel had her vixen expression on, but her makeup was more subdued than usual. Maybe her new boyfriend was a good influence on her. I had my doubts about them, but what did I know? I’d had two boyfriends since I’d been at Xavier. Rachel had ... a lot. Even Erik was included in that number. If I included Theo, which I did not, then I’d had three. Nowhere near Rachel’s total. I thought of Rachel kissing Erik. It was not a pretty picture. And, quite frankly, I hated it.
“Hey,” I said when Vicky linked her arm into mine. The scent of baby powder perfume enveloped me. “Rach.”
“Andrea,” she replied coolly.
I took a deep breath. This was partially my fault after the disastrous shopping trip. I wasn’t the friendliest person.
“Ladies, are you ready to finish off this podunk school?” Logan laughed as he joined our little group. His grin was large and infectious. Logan’s boy next door looks got a lot of attention, too bad he was a player and had a shitty personality under his smooth exterior.
“Of course,” Vicky said, ever the politician. She was just as neutral as her father when she needed to be. “Senior year, guys. Feels like we’ve been waiting for this moment for an eternity.”
Rachel said something but I had stopped listening. Erik stood near the steps to the front door with Theo, who was talking adamantly with his hands. Theo laughed at whatever he said, and Erik smiled politely. Logan broke off from our group and jogged ahead to join them.
Fingers snapped in front of my face.
“Earth to Andrea,” Vicky said, but she wasn’t smiling. “Why are you even looking Theo Tudor’s way? That boy is one step from an STD poster.”
Rachel laughed.
“Sorry, I wasn’t... my thoughts weren’t anywhere near Theo.” Which wasn’t a lie. “Just my eyes. I hadn’t even noticed him.”
“What’re you staring at then?” Vicky glanced over toward where they still stood. “The school or something?”
“Yeah,” I said, partially glad she didn’t say Erik and partially irritated that she pretended he didn’t exist. “Senior year. Last first day of school. Just taking it all in.”
Erik noticed us then. His eyes narrowed at Vicky then he closed his eyes and started muttering to himself. I smiled and ducked my head. He was trying so hard to be better. I glanced at Rachel and she stared Erik’s way. Or maybe she was watching Logan or Theo. I knew better than to think that. Rachel had never hooked up with them. Her vixen gaze was one hundred percent on Erik.
“How’s Adam?” I asked. Bitchy? Yes. Rachel was like Vicky; she always got what she wanted. Her summer fling with Adam was bound to end sooner rather than later. That was her M.O. Love them then leave them. Is that what happened with Erik last year? I didn’t want to think about her nails digging into him.
“Complicated,” she answered coolly.
Vicky glanced at Rachel with a mix of concern and frustration. Rachel’s mask of blankness never faltered. Maybe things weren’t great in their new little bestie world. Or things weren’t great with the new boy toy. Vicky was invested since Adam was one of Daniel’s best friends. How invested was Rachel? I didn’t want to know. Hell, I didn’t even want to deal with their drama, fake or real. It just didn’t matter. I took my phone out and texted Erik.
Me: Too bad we can’t just go now.
I watched as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and glanced at it. A smile crept on his lips. He thumbed in his reply and slipped his phone back into his pocket. Mine dinged with his message.
Erik: And miss this glorious experience of education?
I laughed out loud.
“What?” Vicky asked, trying to peek at my screen.
“Nothing,” I said, shoving it back in my bag. “Just a stupid meme going around. I’m sure you’ll get it later.” Note to self: find a stupid first day of school meme and send it around. “I need to get inside. My first class is Bio. You know how Mrs. Ella is. See ya.”
“Didn’t we take bio sophomore year?” Rachel whispered behind my back.
Vicky snorted. “We did. Andrea avoided it. She can’t now.”
I ducked my head. The way she said that it made me sound stupid. It made me sound lazy. I hadn’t taken bio because I didn’t want to dissect the pig. I still didn’t want to, and I had no choice but to take the class. Even if I failed the whole pig dissecting part. Ugh.
First week at Xavier was never easy. Each teacher handed out their syllabus on day one and jumped right into lectures. It was hard to concentrate. Math was my best class. I got lost in the numbers and focused on solving the problems. Organic Chemistry was interesting. I tried harder myself into my studies. Well, at least the first couple of days. Old habits and all that. And I just hung out with my friends. Even if I didn’t have anything to contribute, I was there.
By the time lunch on Friday rolled around, my brain was fried. I didn’t want to deal with the last half of the day or with the gossip of the first week of school.
I dropped my books in my locker and grabbed my lunch. The cafeteria was the last place I wanted to be so I headed toward the library. I really didn’t want to deal with the library either, but it was the only place to eat in peace. The cafeteria and the lawn would be packed. Xavier was small enough that there was one lunch period for the entire school.
The library rivaled any at a university, albeit a small university. If Mrs. Schultz didn’t have it, she’d know where to get it and get it fast. I walked down the stacks, looking for a unoccupied table. Apparently I wasn’t the only one hiding from the rest of the world. I’d gotten to the end of the stacks when I saw him.
Erik sat alone at a table in the corner. A stack of books almost blocked him from my view. I stared for a moment. Maybe he wanted to be left alone. That was my goal, wasn’t it? Not really. My entire reason for hiding in the library was to avoid mindless gossip. I wasn’t in the mood. Normally, I loved a good scoop.
I took a step toward him then hesitated. Would he want to be seen with me? I started to turn when his head lifted and he caught my gaze. A small smile formed on his lips and he nodded toward the chair across from him. I didn’t hesitate then.
After settling at the table, I half expected conversation. Erik just went back to work. I glanced over to see what he was doing. Two texts were open with another three stacked beside him. Battle of Iwo Jima, Personal Accounts from the Pacific Theater, Navajo Codetalkers.
“What’s all this?” I asked quietly. History was never my best subject. Actually, nothing was my best subject. I enjoyed my math courses, and chemistry had been a breeze. Our senior year focused on classes that would help us advance smoothly into college so we weren’t allowed a lot of electives. When I had registered last spring, I was forced into biology even though I was taking Organic Chemistry and Intro to Physics, both of which counted toward college credit from Hillsdale Community College. Apparently, bio is required even if you were taking more advanced sciences.
Erik didn’t answer. His head bobbed slightly. That’s when I noticed the AirPods. I tapped his arm gently, letting my fingers linger longer than necessary. Erik’s gaze shifted from his notebook to where my fingers rested on his skin. Slowly, he lifted his head. I smiled and pulled my hand back. He popped out an AirPod.
“What’s all this?” I asked again, tucking my hands under the table.
He tapped his pencil on the notepad. “I’m taking Modern History at Hillsdale Community College. My first paper is on Iwo Jima.”
I wrinkled my eyebrows. Not that I paid much attention to history, but I didn’t think that was offered through Xavier. “Wait, is that through here or outside schoolwork?”
“Outside,” Erik sighed and leaned back in his chair. He reached his hands over his head and groaned. “Dad insisted, and Mom caved as usual.” His face pinched and he held up a hand. “No, wait. That’s not fair. Mom’s gotten better about standing up to Dad. I’ve been taking advanced classes through Xavier, but I’ve also been taking them outside through Hillsdale.”
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sp; “That’s a lot of work, Erik.” As stupid as that sounded coming out of my mouth, I wasn’t lying. Xavier was the toughest school in St. Louis. It had been listed as one of the top ten prep schools in the country for as long as I could remember.
He shrugged and bent back over his notebook. “I’ll have my Associate’s degree when I get my high school diploma. It’s worth it.”
“But when do you have time?” I wracked my brain over the logistics of it, but nothing made sense. If there was a party, Erik was normally there. He cut loose, sometimes too loose, as much as anyone else. The end of school party last year, he was insanely drunk and maybe even high. And he’d made it a point to show everyone he was having a good time.
He snorted and glanced up at me through his lashes. “I don’t sleep much for one. When I get home from school, I hit the books and study late. I work through the weekends, too.”
“When do you have time for anything else?” I leaned forward. “Like this afternoon. Are we still going to the driving range?”
“I make time for what’s important.” Erik smiled and put his AirPod back into his ear.
Huh. He thought golf was just as important as I did. Maybe we had more in common than I realized.
Chapter Ten
I parked in the lot and got my clubs out. Erik wasn’t at the range yet, but I wasn’t worried. Clearly he had a lot on his plate. I’d started taking the college courses Xavier offered last year, but I’d never once thought about taking anything outside of school. Erik hadn’t been given a choice, and I didn’t get the impression he minded it all that much.
The range was quiet with only three other golfers. I paid for two bucket of balls and took them away from the other guys. After a quick stretch of my shoulders, I grabbed my driver and set a ball on the tee. I focused on really driving the ball. To do that, I needed precision, concentration, and patience. My long game was my best, but there was always room for improvement. Plus driving the ball would help condition my shoulders, and the practice net in the backyard didn’t give me any idea how far I was sent the ball.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Inhale, pull the club back slowly.
Exhale, swing.
The sound of the club hitting the thermoplastic cover in the sweet spot was music to my ears. I followed the as it soared about two-hundred thirty yards dead ahead. All the tension in my body seeped out. I set up three more times, shanking the ball slightly to the right on the third drive.
“Very nice,” a voice said behind me.
I glanced over my shoulder and grinned. “Thanks.”
He stepped closer with his hand out. “I’m Rex Vargas.”
“The Rex Vargas? Two time U.S. Open champ? Master’s Champion?” My eyes widened and I almost bowed at golf royalty. Rex Vargas was on his way to being the next Arnold Palmer, dominating the game for decades, when a freak car accident ruined his career. “What’re you doing here?”
He laughed and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I own it.”
“Own what?”
He motioned around the range. “This.”
“I’m sorry. I mean, I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. When I first started, my dad had me study your swing. My old coach idealized you.” Heat rushed to my cheeks. How could I have not recognized him right away? His short brown hair had silver streaks above his ears when he played. They were still there, although the gray peppered through the rest of his hair. His wide light hazel eyes looked gold when the sun hit them just right. He was still tall, lean with an athletic build despite being in his early fifties. “I think I’ve seen all your games.”
“Really? That’s... flattering, considering I’ve been out for years.” He stepped closer. “You said ‘old coach.’ Are you in between coaches now?”
“Nah, I haven’t had a coach since I was little.” I shrugged and put my driver back in the bag. Because of my father, but I don’t say that. Rex Vargas didn’t want to hear family drama. “Just wasn’t good enough, I guess.”
Rex’s jaw clenched. “Good enough? With that swing you could be great. Have you ever thought about hitting the circuit?”
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” It was hard to keep the awe out of my voice. First, I’d never considered that an option. I played on occasion and usually alone. Second, this wasn’t real. Rex Vargas has known me less than ten minutes. This had to be some sort of practical joke. “You think I could be great?”
“I do,” he nodded toward my clubs. “I watched you and your boyfriend the last time you were here. Based on everything I saw, you’d be a great teacher, too. He kept dropping his elbow.”
“He always does that,” I said with a grin and choosing to ignore the boyfriend comment even though it gave my heart a little kick. “He also bends his back knee too much.”
Rex laughed. “That he does. He pulled out my nine iron and handed it to me. “Show me what you can do with this.”
I hit a dozen balls before Rex started giving me tips. Every word out of his mouth was gold to me. Not only did he compliment my swing, he’d offer advice on ways to improve. A slight adjustment on my grip or the position of my shoulders. I finished off the bucket, then started on the second. Rex stepped away a few times to help the other golfers, but he stayed with me for the most part.
“Nice,” he said after I used my seven iron to send the ball sailing. “Excellent actually.”
I wanted to bounce on my toes and clap my hands like a little girl. Rex Vargas just said I was excellent.
“Be back Monday, same time.” He smiled and again offered his hand. This time I shook it. “We’re going to work on your game, get you ready for some tournaments and eventually get you on The Tour.”
“Wait... seriously? You want to work with me?” My mouth dropped to the concrete and bounced back up. “I can’t pay you. I mean, I can ask my parents, but I personally don’t have any money.”
Dad totally would say no. After he met his idol, of course. Mom would’ve said no just because Dad said no. I got an allowance of course, but there was no way it would be enough to cover golf lessons.
Rex laughed and shook his head. “Don’t worry about money. Not yet. If you follow through, then we’ll figure out something.”
“Why?” I asked, still completely dumbfounded.
“Do you not want to be a professional golfer?” he asked with raised brows.
“I... I never thought of it. I mean, a friend mentioned it the other day, but I’ve never considered it a real possibility.” Each word tripped as they skipped out of my mouth. I sounded like a stammering idiot. “You think I could? Really?”
“Absolutely.” He grinned and rocked back on his heels. “But only if you’re willing to put the work in. Are you willing?”
“Yeah,” I said, surprising myself at how quickly I agreed. “I’m totally willing.”
“Great.” He stepped back and nodded. “We start Monday. Today, that was just a teaser.”
I laughed, giddy with the possibility of... well, everything.
It wasn’t until I looked at my phone that I realized Erik hadn’t even shown up. A pain shot through my chest. Did I do something? It wasn’t like it was a date and he stood me up, but he didn’t really seem the type to just ditch someone. We were just two people meeting at a driving range. I sent him a quick text. You okay?
His response was almost instantaneous. Long story, but I’m fine.
You sure, I replied.
He sent me the eyeroll emoji.
Let me know if you need anything. Even if it’s just a friend to talk to. I hit send, wondering if that was true.
We’re friends? Erik clearly was about as sure as I was.
Yes, I replied. Because when I thought about everything that happened, he was the first person I wanted to tell. We’re friends.
He sent back smiling emoji and a thumbs up.
Friends with Erik Perday, who would have ever thought that would happen.
Chapter Eleven
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nbsp; The weekend was quiet. I didn’t talk to anyone except Dr. Levine, and I didn’t do a lot of talking. Okay, that wasn’t true. I told her about Dad cutting off my golf opportunity when I was younger and how it made me feel. That took up the entire session. I kept Rex and Erik to myself.
Most of my time was spent doing homework and exercising. I was dying to tell anyone about Rex Vargas. Someone who would totally understand. The only person I could think of was Erik Perday.
I’d sent Erik a text to see if wanted to go to the range, but he didn’t respond until Sunday night. Apparently, his dad took his on a weekend fishing trip. He didn’t want to talk about it when I asked how it went. He said he’d save it for his therapist.
I didn’t see Erik the next day at school Monday, except in passing. Vicky and Rachel dragged me off to cafeteria for lunch. I sat at the table, not really paying attention to the gossip. My phone vibrated in the pocket of my blazer. We weren’t supposed to take them out of our lockers, but ninety percent of the school, teachers included, ignored that rule as long as we didn’t have them out in class.
A smile broke out when I saw it was from Erik.
Erik: Lunching in the cafeteria?
Me: Kinda got suckered into it.
Erik: Sorry about Friday. Wanna try again after school?
Me: Yes.
Then I realized I was meeting my coach. I almost squeed.
Me: Wait. I can’t. Well, I can. It’s confusing.
Erik: I understand. We don’t have hang out if you don’t want to.
Me: No, I want to. It’s just... I want to tell you in person, but I’m too excited. Do you know who owns the driving range?
Erik: No. Why?
Me: Rex Vargas! He wants to coach me!!!
Erik: Seriously? That’s amazing.
Me: I’m going back today after school for my first lesson! Meet me in the parking lot after school. I want to tell you everything.
