by Joey Bush
“Nope. Let’s hit another bucket of balls. Just to be sure, I will assist you again.” Ryder was behind me as if he had never left. I was beginning to think he enjoyed it as much as me.
“Time flies by out here. I can see why golfing relaxes you.” I said. By this time, the game of golf was secondary to getting to know Ryder.
“Yeah. I had some difficulties recently. It provided a good outlet. I tried meditation and that worked a little. I relied on golf the most though,” Ryder explained.
“What type of challenges were you facing?”
Ryder looked directly at me as though he was about to say something important.
“It is a very long story. And I don’t want to be defined by the bullshit in my past. I choose to deal with a lot on my own. I’m outgoing but I’m also private.” He face was serious as he spoke.
“Okay. You are only my golf teacher for a day. You don’t have to open up to me – It’s cool.” Naturally, I was curious.
“About this being our only lesson – how about we hit the ball around again? I’m free the day after tomorrow,” Ryder asked as he double-checked his schedule on his phone. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a second phone.
“Now I have seen it all. Two phones? Let me guess,” I said, leaning in. “It’s a long story.”
“It is. I will get rid of my second phone someday. When I no longer need it. Are we on for Tuesday?”
“Ryder, you have to unpack and I have to begin packing for college. Maybe we will bump into each other again.” I was hesitant to say yes to him. I could feel we had a dangerous connection.
“We can exchange numbers. That way you can cancel if you decide you don’t want to come. You can text with a lame excuse if you can’t muster up the courage to call me.”
“Okay then. Tuesday at 4 PM work?” He nodded his head in agreement as he tapped on his phone. “I will meet you here. You will have my number too if you decide to cancel.”
“That won’t happen Jenna.”
Ryder walked me to my Kelly green car. He bent and one arm hugged me before I even had a chance to think about whether I wanted it. It was worth it. God, did he smell good.
Chapter Four
I was driving off Pelican Island from a small shopping mall when my phone jingled. I planned to ignore the call until I saw it was Ryder. I answered the phone. What the hell was he calling for? The call was a surprise but I was delighted to see his name displayed on my phone. I took a deep breath and thumbed the answer button.
“Hey Ryder. Are you okay?”
I couldn’t think of any normal reason for him to call. I thought that maybe he had some bizarre accident.
“What could be wrong?” Ryder laughed.
“I don’t know, but whatever you’re calling about better be good because I’m driving.”
“Oh no. I don’t want my star golfer injured before she wins her first tournament,” he said, his voice thick with sarcasm. “I was thinking we cut our lesson short yesterday. We did not have a chance to hit the putting green. I said I would teach you the fundamentals and we’re not there yet. How about you head to the clubhouse and we can pick up where we left off?” Ryder asked.
Why did he care if I learned the fundamentals of golf? I was more interested in him than the game. Maybe his game was me.
“I have plans to make dinner with my mother,” I said. “I’m making an effort to spend more time with her until I leave. But the freezer is full of stuff that she can throw in the microwave and it’s an appliance she can handle. I guess she won’t starve. I can turn around and meet you on the green if you really want,” I said, although I was confused.
“I really want you to.”
I had no idea why Ryder was so intent on turning me into a golfer. Almost compulsively, I turned the car around and headed back down the road. Ryder’s voice continued through my speakerphone.
“I’m glad you decided to turn around. I was thoughtless in teaching you only a portion of the game. What type of instructor am I if I get you on the green but don’t teach you how to get the ball in the hole? You will be a regular Ben Crane when I’m finished with you. But I’ll let you focus on driving. Driving your car, I mean. I don’t expect you to be daydreaming about hitting the ball, at least not yet. I will see you in a few,” Ryder said and ended the call.
Wow, he was obsessed with the game of golf. Was it just my swing of the clubs that he was interested in or was it something more? Was I obsessed with learning how to golf or was I interested in something more? I didn’t even know who the hell Ben Crane was and I really didn’t care.
My answer was clear as I pulled into the parking lot.
“Hey Jenna. When is your birthday?” Ryder asked when I opened my car door. He was waiting for me in the parking lot as he held something behind his back.
“Why do you need to know my birthday Ryder? I’m not the one who’s secretive about my age. My big day isn’t until February,” I said.
“I got you an early present.”
He revealed a new golf club from behind his back.
“I have never received a golf club before. You shouldn’t have,” I said sarcastically. The look on his face revealed that this gift wasn’t a joke.
“I know you may not appreciate it now, but as you get acquainted with the game you will love it. When I got my first putter that wasn’t just a part of a set I picked up at the sporting goods store, I was overjoyed. I slept with the thing for a week.”
“Well, I don’t know what to say. I’m excited to put it to use,” I said, trying sound excited.
I took the putter, which was a brand new TaylorMade. I was his golf project. Great!
“We will get it properly fitted to your specifications. Are you ready to hit the green? You will be giving Stacy Lewis a run for her money when I’m done with you.” Ryder smiled brightly.
He was enjoying himself and I was still puzzled. Who the hell was Stacy Lewis? Was she some hot babe whom he picked up at the country club? I followed Ryder with a forced smile on my face. I was going along with whatever was happening.
“We will build your finesse game at this point. It is all about the touch when putting. The transition from driving the ball can be difficult. Eventually the flow will be natural. Watch me tap it around for a while.”
The look on Ryder’s face was increasingly intense. It was sexy the way he focused on the ball. Lucky ball.
“Is that the club you slept with?” I asked.
“No. That one is in my office. You know those little stress balls that you get for free as advertisements?”
“Yeah,” I answered.
“They don’t work for me. I grab my stick and I can feel the stress flow out of me.”
“Whatever works for you. Grabbing your stick – hmmm,” I joked. It was too good to resist.
“You have one hell of a dirty mind. When we’re on the course, it’s all about golf,” Ryder said, but then he grinned. He was messing with me.
Ryder was beginning to give me a manual assist. Just like on the driving range, he positioned himself snugly behind me. It did not feel all about golf any more – at least not to me.
“Keep your eye on the ball. Use your sight like a laser as you map out its journey to the hole. You are tight as hell. You have to loosen the death grip you have on the club,” Ryder advised me.
There was a tension – a good one—between us. If I stopped holding the club tightly, I would’ve started trembling like a leaf. After a long while, I noticed some improvement. I finally heard the heavenly sound of the ball circling the rim and falling in the hole. I reacted by throwing my new club in the air and flinging myself into Ryder’s arms. I had seen men in major tournaments do the same. They often ended up in the arms of their caddy.
“That was exhilarating,” I said as I kissed him deliberately on the cheek. He returned the favor by kissing my lips. It wasn’t an open-mouthed kiss but it made me forget I was on the golf course. Ryder eventually pulled away.
>
“Excellent. I think that perhaps it’s time to take a break,” he whispered against my mouth. “I have occupied most of your day. I believe I owe you a meal. How about we head to the clubhouse lounge? They have a good bar menu and I know the staff in there. I prefer it to the restaurant because it’s more laid back and it will give us a chance to chat.”
Finally, Ryder would open up about his life, or so I hoped.
“Sounds like a great idea. I’m sore. I didn’t expect to feel this way after golf.” I mentioned.
“It’s a good workout. Wait until tomorrow. You will really feel the pain. Since you’re already in good shape it won’t be that bad,” Ryder said as I followed him into the lounge.
One of the club pros stopped us on our way in. Ryder saw him and immediately grabbed my arm to lead me in the opposite direction.
“Hey, Ryder!” the man called out.
“Shit, what the hell does he want?” Ryder appeared pissed.
“The guy is calling your name. He probably just wants to say hello,” I said.
The man approached us and gave Ryder a hearty hug. Whoever he was, he knew Ryder well.
“Hello. I’m Arnie Morgan. I will introduce myself since Ryder seems speechless.” He extended his hand.
“I’m Jenna Walsh. Ryder is giving me some golf lessons – pro bono.” I winked.
“Lucky for you. How are you feeling Ryder? You had us scared for a while. I wanted to be sure you would stop by and see Bridget. My lovely wife has been asking about you. I’m glad I can tell her the good news that you’re among the living.” Archie was grinning from ear to ear. He was definitely not someone that was so bad he needed to avoid. The encounter was odd, as many things with Ryder seemed to be.
“Give my regards to Bridget. I will catch up with you later in the week, Archie. Now isn’t the time.” Ryder said more with his eyes as he spoke to Arnold but I didn’t know what he was saying.
“Oh!” Arnie said and paused as he looked at Ryder knowingly. “It was a pleasure to meet you Jenna. I hope to see you around the club.”
The man disappeared and Ryder was glad to see him go.
“What was that all about? Arnie seemed to be genuinely concerned.”
“Long story Jenna. I’ll tell you about it some other time. Let’s get some food.”
****
I ordered a grilled chicken breast sandwich with fries and an iced tea. Ryder ordered the same except he had a Glen Levitt on the rocks.
“I’m glad you didn’t order a salad. I like a girl who can eat,” Ryder said.
“That is so goddamn cliché,” I said, rolling my eyes. “What if I was a vegetarian or maybe I just like salad? Women are afraid to order what they want, and at times, they will order a burger just to impress a guy. Don’t judge me on my menu selection,” I said.
“It was a joke.”
“Sorry. They teach young women to stand up for themselves these days. I took it a little far. Is the chicken sandwich any good?”
“Yeah, but let’s not spend the next hour chatting about the food. I can’t stand meaningless conversation. If you change the subject to the weather I’m leaving.” Ryder smiled.
“You’ve got a deal. Let’s talk about you Ryder.” I took the chance to find something out about by sexy lunch companion.
“What is your plan for school Jenna?” Ryder redirected. It was apparent that he was going to avoid talking about himself. I had run into another roadblock and I decided to make the best of it.
“I’m planning on a general course of study. I’m going to get my requirements out of the way by taking entry-level stuff and see what I might enjoy.” Our food had arrived and I was trying not to speak with my mouth full.
“It sounds like you’re approaching college as if it’s a food buffet. Don’t give me that bullshit. You must have some idea of what you want to do with your life. Even if it seems like an unattainable goal, it’s the time to start. College is too expensive to sit back and just let what happens happen.”
“You’re not paying for my education. You can get off your pulpit,” I said.
He laughed. “I sounded like I was talking to my ssss—” Ryder stopped
“Your what?” I pressed.
“Skip it. So what do you want to be when you grow up?” Ryder grinned.
“I love science, but I suck at math. I have to find my may around that one. I would love to go into medicine, but I see it as an unattainable dream. I’m barely coping with calculus. I spent a great deal of time helping with my father when he was ill. It was most of my young life. Being around doctors felt natural. They were like heroes to my family and me. They worked hard to keep him comfortable. They were not all good—in fact, some were awful. But it must have been tough dealing with sick people all of the time. Still, I think they should have tried harder because they chose the profession. As a caretaker, I had no choice in the matter. I would try to be like the doctors who really listened to my father and didn’t treat him like a hunk of meat. It’s just a dream though.”
“So it wasn’t easy being a caretaker and you would never choose to take care of a sick person again?” Ryder asked.
“I didn’t say that. It is something that one has to do. I never thought about it and abandonment was never an option.”
“I think the fact that you’re not good at math is an easy way out. Get a tutor.”
“I don’t have a good comeback for that one,” I admitted.
“Sports psychology is a great career. A good head doctor is invaluable in golf,” he said between bites.
“That is a good option to look into. I wouldn’t have to deal with life and death on a daily basis. I went through that as a caretaker and it wears on you.”
“I can only imagine how hard it is to watch a person you love die,” Ryder quietly commented.
“Ryder, this topic is turning from a discussion about my future to one about my past. I’m getting into an area that I would rather avoid,” I said.
We were saved by the bell when a server approached the table. The young woman was attractive. She had long red hair gathered in a knot.
“Hello, Ryder. I haven’t seen you for a while. I know why you were absent.” Ryder started to squirm. “I hope things worked out okay. You look fantastic. I have never seen you look so healthy.” She was well meaning and seemed to be truly concerned.
“I’m back on the greens and feeling well. Can you set me up with another scotch? Have Rikko add a splash of water,” Ryder said.
The woman, who was named Amelia, left to get Ryder another drink. He seemed uncomfortable. I knew her name from her nametag. Ryder did not introduce me. I was convinced he had been involved with the woman. I got up the nerve to ask him about her outright.
“You seem to know Amelia well,” I remarked.
“I’m at this place a couple of times per week. I’m a friendly guy so I know the staff. They are like a second family to me. I hope it doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”
I nodded my head as if I understood completely. It was Ryder who seemed uncomfortable. First Arnie, and now Amelia. I stuck a fry in my mouth and smiled as Amelia returned with Ryder’s drink.
“Rikko says hello, Ryder. Sammy is missed around here. There is always a sparkle in your eye when he’s around. Any chance of a return visit?”
“Not sure Amelia. Did you ask for a splash of water? Jenna isn’t drinking and I don’t want to get plastered.”
“Yes, I asked for water. Please tell Sammy said hello.” Amelia grinned and left. She left me more confused than ever.
“Sammy again. She must have made quite an impression around here. It takes a special person to bring a sparkle to one’s eye. Are you planning on bringing her back?” I asked.
“How is your chicken?” Ryder completely ignored my question. I reminded myself that we were about golf and nothing else, or so it seemed. I didn’t have the guts to ask what the hell was going on.
“It was your decision to stop talking about food.
If you insist, my chicken is awesome. And you can get drunk you know. Don’t mind me; it’s your liver.”
“Will you drive me home if I get drunk?” he asked and laughed.
“I’m sure your friend Amelia will call you a cab,” I shot back.
“So that’s how you’re going to be huh?” He chuckled.
I just grinned.
We finished our meal. I had found out little about Ryder—if anything. Our chemistry was developing quickly. It started from the moment I pierced him with a toothpick. Every moment we spent together made me crave more. I hated to say goodbye, but I could only make my iced tea last so long. The ice was beginning to melt.
“I hope you realize that you’re not off the hook for our next lesson. We will get to pitching out of hazards. As a beginner, you will spend a lot of time in the sand and lose many balls in the water. I think you will be able to shoot 9-holes at a municipal course at school,” Ryder told me.
“I will be here for our next lesson. But right now I’m going to hop in my car. I have to get home and rescue my mother. Who knows, the house may be burned down by now.”
I got up to walk away and hoped that Ryder was watching. My ass was one of my assets. I waved as I strolled away.
Chapter Five
I pulled onto Lewis Ave and my home came into view. I was overcome with a wistful feeling. I had lived in the same place for my entire life and that was about to change. The structure was still standing, which meant my mom had not burned the thing down.
It was a well-used house. My brothers and I were raised there and each of us had millions of memories of our humble abode. I looked at the stone steps where I fell and cracked open my chin. My mom took my prom photos on those steps and my brother’s wedding took place on the front lawn. The lawn looked a lot better those days because a large oak tree sat in the middle. My brother’s wife-to-be was very pregnant.
I recalled my prom well. Everything was wrong with that day from the dress to the date. My mom was drunk too. I wasn’t sure if anyone noticed, but I knew.
I looked to the second floor and my bedroom window. It remained the same for a couple of years until my mother started turning it into another guest room. All of my mementos would soon be boxed up. A few boxes would be stored, many would be donated to Goodwill and most were destined for the dumpster. She loved to create guestrooms when her kids left home.
