Chapter Twenty-One
Madison and I keep going strong. And one thing is for certain—I am definitely falling for her.
No, wait.
I already fell.
That’s okay; I’ve made peace with it. She makes me happy in a way I never knew possible.
At least, I thought it wasn’t for me.
Still, despite my strong feelings, I’m not saying anything to her about them just yet. I’m kind of scared.
See, I’m not really sure how she feels. There are times—and they’ve been happening more and more—that I believe she loves me back.
But who knows?
It could just be wishful thinking on my part.
I also don’t want to mess up a good thing. This is new territory for both of us, so taking baby steps has seemed to be the way to go so far.
Speaking of steps, the next one up is to let the world know we’re dating exclusively. Madison and I have talked about it, and we think the time has finally come.
It’s a big step, yes, but we’re ready.
Easton and Claire are just going to have to deal with it. Madison is sick of lying to her friend anyway. Recently at lunch, when Claire was bragging about all the sex she and Easton are having, Madison had to act like she’s not getting any lately.
We all know that’s far from the truth, right?
Another thing we’re tiring of is having to leave town every time we want to go out as a couple. Away-dates are fun, but it’d be nice to go out to dinner or catch a show locally on a whim.
Not to mention, there’s a big team Christmas party coming up, and I want to take Madison as my date, damn it.
This afternoon, since practice is over, I’m going to be playing golf with Shane and Easton. I’m actually on my way to the course right now. I’m a little nervous but mostly excited, because they’re going to be the first two people I break the news to.
Then later, since there’s no game tonight, I’m having my publicist send and post some selfie photos of me and Madison together to a bunch of media outlets and on our socials, along with an announcement that we’re officially dating and have been for a while.
We’re going to say we just wanted to see how things worked out before going public, which is true to an extent.
Although, of course, initially she and I believed we’d just be fuck buddies for a while, then go our separate ways.
I can’t even imagine that now.
She makes me so happy.
That’s why I actually feel really good about breaking the news that we’re an exclusive couple. It’s like a weight is about to be lifted from our shoulders. Now we can just be who we are.
No games, no hiding.
What a relief.
I blow out a breath as I arrive at the golf course. When I turn into the parking lot, I see both Shane’s and Easton’s cars are already here.
How those two beat me out here, seeing as we all left practice at the same time, is beyond me. I didn’t see them on the road, though, so maybe they know about a shortcut or took a different route.
Oh well, it doesn’t matter.
I’m here now.
After I park, I grab my clubs out of the back of my Nav. Inside the clubhouse, I find the guys. They have a cart rented and are ready to roll.
Man, I’m going to have to pick my spot to tell them about me and Madison. Maybe if they’re both beating me at some point, I’ll break the news to throw them off their game.
Hey, all’s fair in love and golf.
We’re at the sixteenth hole when I decide the time is finally right to make my announcement. My game started off strong, but at the last two holes, I had some trouble putting on the greens and ended up adding a few strokes, thus hurting my score and putting me behind my friends.
But not for long.
Just before Easton is ready to hit the ball from the tee—he’s squaring up—I say, loud enough for him to hear but really to Shane, “Hey, I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a while now, and I think today’s the day I finally come clean.”
Easton takes his shot, and sure enough, he ends up hooking the ball off to the left.
I stifle a chuckle.
My tactic worked.
Shane asks, “Come clean about what?”
“Yeah,” Easton mumbles as he turns around to face us. “What’s so important that you had to bring it up at that exact fucking second?”
Uh-oh, I think he’s on to my ploy.
I shrug innocently. “I don’t know,” I reply. “It’s just that I’ve been waiting all game, and I can’t keep this news quiet any longer.”
“Would you just tell us already,” Easton says, sounding irritated as he walks over to where we’re standing by the cart.
“Okay.” I lean on my club, then just blurt out, “I’m dating Claire’s friend Madison, and I have been for a while. The news is officially breaking tonight online, but I wanted to tell you guys in person. You know—” I sigh. “—because you boys are my dudes.”
“Holy shit!” Shane exclaims. He sounds genuinely excited. “That’s awesome, man. You’re both great people. I wish you all the luck in the world.”
“Thanks,” I reply with sincerity.
I’m glad he’s happy for us.
Easton, however, is less enthusiastic. “Just don’t hurt her, Foley,” he warns me as he points his club my way.
Damn.
I lean my own club against the cart and raise my hands in a placating manner. “Hey, this is the real deal, my friend. That’s why we waited so long before letting the news out. We wanted to make sure that what we have is real. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.”
Easton, softening, says on a sigh, “Bro, it’s okay. If it’s real, like you say, then I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks,” I mutter.
I then remind them both not to say a word to anyone till the news breaks this evening.
“Not even Claire?” Easton asks.
I shrug and say, “That’s your call.”
It really is.
He nods and says he’ll think it over.
“Good enough for me,” I reply.
And since we’re guys and in the midst of a golf game, we leave it at that.