by Lynn Stevens
Erik and I had gotten into a little trouble earlier when one of the teachers thought our public display of affection was going from PG-13 to R. We were just kissing. His punishment was to sit in her classroom for lunch. I was just told not to let it happen again.
“Mom kicked Dad out,” I said. A bubble popped in my chest. Saying it out loud was kind of a relief. “She’s filing for divorce.”
“Whoa, back up.” Eva pointed her carrot stick at me. “When did this happen?”
“It’s been a rough week.” I shrugged and stirred my yogurt. “She told me about the divorce last night. She doesn’t want to divorce him, but he refuses to go to therapy to fix things and she hopes filing will urge him into therapy but she doesn’t really think it will change and everything’s a mess and I don’t know what to do.”
Eva and Vicky stared at me, open mouthed.
“Sorry for the verbal vomit. It just sort of rushed out.” I ate a spoonful of yogurt but it tasted like dust on my tongue. “This year sucks.”
“Not all of it,” Eva said, dipping the same carrot in her ranch. “You’ve got Erik. So there’s a plus.”
“And you have us.” Vicky put her arm around my shoulder and gave me a side hug. “I’m sorry about your parents.”
“It is what it is, you know?” I wiped my spoon off with a napkin and put it back in my lunch bag. “I don’t really know how to act around Dad tomorrow though. I haven’t seen or heard from him since he left. Even then, he didn’t say goodbye.”
“What’s tomorrow?” Vicky asked before popping a chip in her mouth.
“The father son tournament at the club. Dad asked me to play after Brendan told him no.” I threw my still-full yogurt in the nearby trash can. “It’s kind of how Erik and I started talking. We’re paired up with the Perdays. Dad wanted us to play a few rounds together before the tournament. Erik and I hit it off.”
“I thought you hated golf,” Vicky said, her mouth still open. “You never wanted to play when I asked you.”
That was true. I just didn’t like being around our dads when they were together. Senator Hudson was power, and Dad wanted more of it. The one time we all went to the club, my father had his nose so far up Senator Hudson’s butt it was beyond brown. I think Dad even expect the Senator to appoint him to some government post. After that, I never wanted to go golfing with them again. I just stuck with public courses on my own.
“Ha,” Eva laughed. “Andrea loves golf more than you realize. She’s even got a coach.”
Vicky held up her hand. “Okay, rewind again. What?”
It was my turn to laugh. I really had shut her out. “Sorry, Eva’s right. I do love golf. And it wasn’t that I didn’t want to go with you. I just didn’t want to go with Dad and your dad. And I do have a coach. Rex Vargas.”
“Who’s Rex Vargas?” Vicky asked, thoroughly confused.
“Only a two-time PGA champion.” Erik wrapped his arms around my shoulders from behind. “And he thinks Andrea can turn pro.” He kissed my temple. “I know she can.”
“How’d you escape?” I asked him. Erik just smiled, and I rolled my eyes. He could be charming when he wanted to be.
Vicky shook her head and held up her hand. “It’s like I don’t even know you. This is information I feel like I should’ve known.”
I shrugged as Erik slid into the chair beside me. “Well, now you know.” I smiled, widening my eyes. “Come tomorrow. To the club. I’ve seen you play baseball. You can watch me golf.”
Vicky mulled it over for a moment and glared at Erik. “I’m assuming you’ll be there?”
“I’m playing,” he said calmly. Despite their cease-fire, the tensions were still incredibly high between them.
“If Daniel comes with me, will you try to punch him?” she asked very slowly.
“Not unless he tries to punch me,” Erik said just as slowly.
She stared at Erik for a few more minutes then turned to me. “I’ll be there. Daniel may or may not come with me.”
“Tell him he can punch Theo as much as he wants.” I smiled sarcastically. “I’d be happy to see that.”
Vicky rolled her eyes but smiled. “I think half the world would be happy to see that.”
The bell rang and we moved toward our next classes. Erik didn’t say anything as Vicky and I talked about the next day. I wasn’t sure if he was controlling his anger or just didn’t have anything to say. When we got to my class, he pressed a slightly PG-13 kiss to my lips. Maybe he was just waiting for me to shut up. I walked into class, smiling.
It was strange going straight home after school. I’d gotten used to seeing Rex and the range. When I pulled into the driveaway, a familiar white Toyota Prius blocked my spot. I didn’t even grab my bag before running into the house.
Brendan stood by the island in the kitchen laughing at something Mom said. He looked better than he had during our last video chat. His face was fuller and his eyes bright. I launched myself into his arms.
“Whoa, hey, sis,” he said, squeezing me back. “I missed you too.”
“I can’t believe you came.” I hugged him again and then hugged Mom for good measure. “You did come for the tournament, right?”
Mom laughed and opened the fridge, pulling out a bowl of fresh strawberries. “There’s no way we won’t be there to support you. Hopefully having the entire family together will convince your father to talk to me.”
“Dad’s being a dick. None of this makes sense.” Brendan’s eyebrows furrowed as he glanced down at me. “Why didn’t you tell me what was going on? Either of you?”
“It wasn’t your sister’s place.” Mom opened the cabinet and brought out three plates. “You and I can discuss my decisions later. Right now, we need to worry about Andrea’s tournament.”
Mom opened the fridge again, bringing out the whip cream and setting it by the strawberries. My mouth watered. She opened the bread box and brought out the angel food cake. I loved strawberry shortcake. It was my go-to heavenly snack when I needed a pick me up. Apparently, I wasn’t alone in that regard.
“He needs to talk to all of us. Explain himself.” Brendan took a plate and loaded it with everything but the cake. I wrinkled my eyebrows at him, but he just shrugged and took a huge bite of mostly whipped cream.
“If he doesn’t?” I asked, the happy bubble popping before my eyes. Dad wasn’t even in the house and he was bringing down level of happiness.
Mom pressed her lips tightly. “Andy served him the papers today. If he wants to go into therapy, we will. If he refuses, which he has multiple times already, I’ll proceed. I don’t feel like there’s any other choice. I have to do what’s best for the family.”
Brendan hugged both of us. “We’ve got your back, Mom.”
“Yeah,” I agreed.
Mom pulled us into a group hug. It had been far too long since we’d even been together like this. My heart swelled, and tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. After all, this was the most family moment we’d had since I could remember.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Brendan was still groggy despite the three cups of coffee he’d drank already. I’d heard him on the phone around eleven the night before, and I heard Ethan’s name. Maybe that wasn’t over yet. Mom kept twisting her hands together in the passenger seat while I drove. By the time we got the club, I wasn’t sure who was more nervous, Mom or me. Brendan was thankfully waking up with an energy drink.
“You ready?” Mom asked after I parked the Jetta.
“No.” I shut off the engine and smiled sadly at her. “But I will be soon.” Brendan climbed out of the backseat. “Mom? Why does Dad hate me so much?”
“He doesn’t hate you, Andrea,” Mom said gently. “I just don’t think he’s ever bothered to get to know you. Maybe today is the first step.”
“Maybe.” I hoped so. He was still my father even if he wasn’t the best. I envied Vicky and Eva. Vicky’s dad cared about her, despite not being so great at showing it. Eva’s dad went
to every dance recital, every art display, everything. My dad, well, I was happy he knew my name.
A load bang on the hood made us jump.
“Hey,” Brendan snapped as he pulled his face from his every present phone.
I glanced up at Theo and Logan laughing. Erik stood behind them, shaking his head with a smile. I climbed out of the car before Brendan attacked. My brother’s exhaustion cut his normally long fuse to nothing. I put my hand on his arm and raised my eyebrows.
“Andy, are you seriously playing today?” Theo asked with a grin.
“We’re going to wipe the course with you,” Logan added. He slapped Theo on the shoulder. “You’ll regret challenging real men.”
“Not likely,” Erik said, walking around them. He put his arm around me and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “More like she’s going to show you how a real woman plays golf.”
I grinned and leaned in for another quick kiss when Brendan put his hand between our heads.
“Who’s this?” Brendan asked me as he glared at Erik.
“Erik Perday,” he said, holding out his hand to my brother. “You must be Brendan.”
My brother narrowed his eyes. “Keep your hands to yourself, Perday.”
Erik held up his hands and stepped back, smirking at me.
“You’re being ridiculous,” I snapped at Brendan.
“You don’t need any distractions, sis. I’m just looking out for you.” Brendan shrugged, still glaring at my boyfriend. “A brother’s prerogative.”
I rolled my eyes. Erik kissed my cheek again and nodded at Brendan then walked away toward the clubhouse.
“Andrea,” a deep voice said behind me. I turned to see Rex strolling our way. He spotted my mother and grinned like an idiot. Oh boy. “Lucy, good to see you again.”
“You too, Rex. Andrea didn’t tell me you were going to be here,” Mom said, her grin matched his. Even if she wanted her marriage to work, Mom enjoyed flirting with Rex. I wasn’t so crazy about it though. It was just plan creepy to see old people flirt. “Oh, this is my oldest, Brendan.”
Rex tore his eyes off my mother long enough to shake Brendan’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Brendan. Your sister’s told me a lot about you.”
“Uh-oh,” Brendan said. He was still glaring at Erik’s retreating back.
Rex chuckled then turned to me. “You’re ready.”
“I am,” I said, feeling more confident with Rex behind me. It was crazy how quickly he’d integrated himself into my life. He cared, and that was more than I should’ve expected from my golf coach.
“Then let’s go.” He took my clubs from the trunk of my Jetta. I reached for them out of habit. “That’s my job, remember? Besides, I could use the practice.” I laughed and walked beside him as we headed toward the clubhouse. “One more thing I should’ve told you. People are going to stare at me and make a big deal that I’m here. Don’t let that distract you. Once you start your game, they will forget about me.”
I snorted. “I doubt that. You’re Rex Vargas.”
“And you’re Rex Vargas’s student. The only one I’ve ever had publicly.” He glanced down at me. “That’s a huge deal. Now get ready. I see some media.”
A few cameras flashed our way as we walked into the clubhouse. Reporters asked if Rex was playing. He just smiled and waved. Once we were past them, which didn’t take that long, it wasn’t Hollywood after all, we were inside with all the other golfers. Mom and Brendan stuck close to us, and Erik waved as he snaked through the crowd toward the men gathered in several huddles. I followed him and found my own father with his.
“There’s Dad,” I said, grabbing Rex’s arm and leading him across the room. My excitement mounted. Maybe today was the day my father noticed me for me. Maybe he was going to realize I was so much more than just a girl.
The crowd parted as we got closer and my cousin Sean stood beside Dad. I stopped, causing Rex to slam into me and pushing me toward them. Erik glared at Dad. Mr. Perday didn’t even notice I was there.
“Hey, Andrea,” Sean said with a smile. “Here to watch us win?”
I stared at my father who still hadn’t looked my way despite Sean’s incredibly loud voice. “Dad?”
“Andrea,” he said coolly. His eyes widened at Rex, then narrowed at Mom and Brendan who stood beside me.
“You replaced me,” I said, not taking my gaze off him. “I was supposed to play.”
Somebody said something, but I didn’t hear a word. All I could do was stare at my father in a new light. I knew he was an asshole, but this was too much.
“Dad?” I said again, drawing his gaze back to me. “You replaced me?”
“It’s the father son tournament, not the father daughter.” He stared at me like I was the stupidest person on the planet. I’d never felt so small in my life.
“It’s not the father nephew, either,” Brendan snapped.
“Stop,” I said to my brother. Taking a deep breath, I stepped closer to Dad. “All I ever wanted was for you to care about me, know me, maybe even love me, but you’ve been too busy worrying more about your status, your name than about your daughter. Guess what, Dad? Your name means shit. And I’m done trying to please you. I’m done trying to show you that I’m good enough. I am done being beneath you when I am so much better than you could ever wish to be.”
I turned and stormed through the crowd, pushing into the empty dining room before I broke down in the nearest chair. Hands settled on my shoulders. I couldn’t stop sobbing. How could he do that to me? I never thought Dad would sink so low.
“You didn’t deserve that,” Rex said, he squeezed my shoulders then sat down in the chair beside me. “Keep your chin up. Let’s go show him what a fool he is.”
“I can’t.” I let my hands fall away and faced him. “I don’t have anyone to play with.”
“You have me,” he said, smiling sadly. “Think I’ll be a good replacement for today?”
“You’d do that? Come out of retirement for me?” I asked, not believing what I heard. “Seriously?”
Rex huffed a laugh and glanced around before smiling again. “Let’s go before they close registration.” He stood and offered me his hand. “Let’s kick his ass and show him what an idiot he’s being.”
“I thought revenge is a dish best served cold,” I said, taking his hand and standing. Rex handed me a handkerchief.
“Nope, trust me on this. It’s not about revenge, Andrea. It’s about rising up when someone knocks you down. Sometimes those are the people closest to us. Sometimes, they’re just assholes. Now wipe your tears.” He motioned toward the door. “Go out there with your head up and stay focused on the game plan. I’ll be there, just not as your caddy. We’re partners in this. Equals.”
I snapped my fingers. “I need to find another caddy.”
Rex laughed as we stepped out into the crowd and up to the registration desk.
“You’re Rex Vargas,” Mr. Crewcheck said with awe.
“So I’ve been told,” Rex said with a smile. “I’m here to register myself and my student to play.”
“I would love to, but you have to be a member,” Mr. Crewcheck said.
“I’m a member,” I said. Mr. Crewcheck stared at me for a moment, trying to figure out exactly who I was. “Hoffpauir.”
“Oh, yes, the daughter,” Mr. Crewcheck said, pushing his round frames up on his wide nose.
“No, the golfer,” Rex said with a little bit too much snap. “Get us registered. You don’t want to be the club who doesn’t let me play, right?”
“Yes, of course,” Mr. Crewcheck stuttered. I raised my eyebrows at Rex who shrugged. “Now, we don’t have any caddies available –”
“We’ll caddy,” Brendan said behind me. Mom stood beside him with a look of pure fury on her face.
“Very well,” Mr. Crewcheck said. “Now the fee.”
“Should be waved,” Mom said, turning her anger toward the head of the club. “The bias and discrimination of this tournament is
itching for a lawsuit. I know a lawyer who would take you on.” She grinned like a hyena. “And win.”
“Oh, and who might that be?” Mr. Crewcheck said coolly.
“Me.” She leaned on the table. “I took the opportunity to read the rules of this tournament. Now, I’m willing to look past the indiscretions for this year after you register my daughter and Mr. Vargas. And I’m willing to help you rewrite the rules to avoid any future discriminatory suits you may face. The O’Briens have been members since the beginning, Mr. Crewcheck. I shouldn’t have to remind you of that. We leave, so will others.”
Mr. Crewcheck’s face turned the pale white of impending death. I wondered if Mom was literally killing him with her not-at-all veiled threats.
“Do we have an agreement?” Mom asked politely as she stood straight.
Mr. Crewcheck simply nodded and handing us our registration. I glanced at who we would play with and when we were teeing off. We had thirty minutes until our tee time, but the worst possible team was assigned to us. We had to play with the Tudors. I could only hope that Theo kept his mouth shut. Mom already knew about my ill-fated romance with Theo. If Brendan found out, he might very well kill him.
“Andrea,” Vicky shouted across the room. She rushed up to us, pulling a bemused Daniel behind her. “I saw your dad. He said you weren’t playing. What’s going on?”
“Daniel’s smiling. Did he punch Erik?” I asked.
Vicky laughed, but Daniel shook his head. “Erik wasn’t over there. Now are you playing or not?”
“I am.” I stood proud and pointed behind me toward Rex. “That’s my partner. Mom and Brendan are caddying for us. It’s all a little last minute.”
“What happened with your dad?” she asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t want to talk about it. Not here.”
“Okay.” She tugged Daniel closer. “Say it.”
Daniel rolled his gorgeous brown eyes. “I promise not to punch or threaten Erik Perday, but I do not promise to like him.”
