Chapter 39
Lou: A brand new year, and here we are—still swinging wildly.
Chuck: Every fresh start feels like a rerun of all their best misfires.
Lou: But maybe this time, the ending will finally be different.
Chuck: One can only hope.
It feels incredible out here. The wind has a chill, but I know it will warm up to the perfect weather in an hour or so. I started on the third with a few players, and we’ve been having a great time.
These guys play well, and they really know their way around the green. Just as I think it, one of the guys hits the ball right past me. “Oh shit. Of course I hit the ball into the water while on Clinton Morrison’s team.”
“We’ve all been there, man. How long has it been since you’ve been on the course?” I ask him.
He gives me a sheepish look. “It’s been a few months actually. My wife gave birth to our beautiful baby girl four months ago, and it hasn’t been a priority.”
I clap my hand on his back, giving it a squeeze. “That’s incredible. Congratulations. Are both your girls healthy?”
“Yeah, man, they are.” A huge smile stretches across his face. “Her mom is at our place getting in some much needed grandma time, and I sent my wife off for a full day of pampering with her best friend.”
“Good man!” I laugh. “She deserves every ounce of pampering.”
The next few holes are quick, each of us talking and getting to know one another. When we make it to the first bonus game, the guys each line up to take a swing at the hole-in-one prize. The goal is to get a hole-in-one on a platform that has been situated far out on the pond at this hole.
“This hole is nuts!” shouts Chris, one of the guys in our group.
“I know. This is going to be great. I have no hope of actually getting it, but why the hell not,” Josh pipes up as he takes his stance, lining his club up with the ball.
Each of us takes a hit; myself and one other guy make it on the green. Not a win, given we didn’t sink the ball in the hole.
“That five-thousand-dollar prize would have been nice though.”
“Hell yeah, it would have been.” They joke as we get into the carts to drive to our next hole. When we make it to the par five, I see the Shaken Tropes cart roll into view and wave Paloma down. “Let’s take a minute and get a drink. We are about two holes up anyway. We have time.”
“The vendor on the cart seems wonderful. Great idea. My wife would love that place. I’ll have to be sure to hand her the drink tickets and gift card.” He smiles as he talks about his wife, and I get it—I’m looking at my future wife right now, and she doesn't even know it.
“She’s mine, the vendor,” I say to the team, and they clap me on the back.
“Or she will be. I haven’t proposed yet.
” It's funny how close you can get to the people you golf with. One game and we’ve become easy pals.
With us in the lead for hole-in-one and closest to the pin challenges, I plan to donate all the winnings to Albatross and to the library.
“Hey, Golf Daddy,” Paloma purrs, and I swear I can feel my cheeks heat. I know the guys are going to poke at me about the nickname the moment she leaves. “What can I get for the team?”
We look over the menu and one of the golfers, Ken pipes up, “The Mulligan sounds good. You guys like bourbon?” We all nod our heads, and I smile at the thought of her naming a drink after us.
He looks down at her name tag before ordering.
“Paloma, can I order a round of The Mulligans on the rocks for us?”
“Of course. Let me mix those up for you.” She chats with the guys about Shaken Tropes, and they all mention how their wives love reading. She really is magic behind the bar, even when it's in a golf cart.
“The Mulligan, huh?” I tease her, nudging her arm with my elbow.
“Yeah, in case your golf game or love life needs a second chance.” Paloma looks up at me through her lashes and rubs her hand down my arm.
“Meet you at hole nineteen?” This gets a laugh out of her as she pours each of us a drink.
“Here you guys go.” Handing each of us a small plastic cup, she looks back at Ken and says, “You tell your wife to stop by Shaken Tropes, and I will be sure she’s well taken care of. Her first drink is on me.”
He thanks her and heads back over to the guys while I lean into Paloma and kiss her.
“I love you. I better get back to the game.” She gives me one more quick peck as she slides into her cart.
Paloma winks at me and then drives off. Taking a sip of my drink, I get back to the game, and damn, she makes a bomb ass drink. I take another sip.
“Alright, gentlemen, let's get back to it,” I shout.
“Whatever you say, Golf Daddy,” they say sweetly in unison, and I roll my eyes. I have a feeling these guys are going to become real friends and fast. The rest of the tournament continues without a hitch. Each team plays well, seeming to enjoy the weather as it warms to the perfect day.
I settle my stance, wanting to get this right.
Taking a deep breath, I relax my shoulders and enjoy the thwack as my club connects with the ball, shuttling itself in the direction I wanted.
The other player does well, he gets his ball close to the green, but ultimately, I get to keep my title of reigning champ.
“Maybe next time.” I extend my hand, and he shakes it. “Do you come out to the clubhouse often?” When he nods his head I continue, “Let’s schedule a tee time before the end of the day.”
If I’m going to build a true community here for myself and Albatross, then it’s about making real connections.
Everyone from the tournament is inside enjoying cocktails made by Shaken Tropes.
It was an incredible day for many reasons, but now it's time for all of us to enjoy some lunch and thank everyone for coming out.
When I made it inside earlier, Glen asked me if I would sign off the tournament with a speech.
No matter how personable I am, speeches always make me a bit nervous.
I walk up to the platform and tap on the mic.
“Hello, golfers! Thank you all for coming out today. Whether you decided to sponsor with a donation, your time, or a round of golf—your presence has been noted. It was a beautiful day, am I right?”
Some answer with head nods and others clap with a resounding yes.
“First, I want to mention how wonderful it is to be a part of a charity event for Albatross Youth Academy. A few years ago, Albatross Youth Academy came to me in a dream, and it’s a dream I have revisited many times, which is why I’m back here in Cypress Lake.
Starting something so close to my heart only felt right to do in my hometown.
This academy, the reason for this charity event, will provide kids with opportunity.
Albatross will give them a space where they can make friends, build community, and learn about golf.
So thanks go out to each and everyone of you for your donations, sponsorships, resources, and time.
Albatross may have been the reason I wanted to come back, but now I have even more reason to put roots down. ” I find Paloma’s eyes in the crowd.
I raise my glass and toast each person filling a seat and all those behind the scenes, including the love of my life. My Mulligan.
If I had even a fraction of Superman’s powers I would be burning a hole through my nightstand drawer, or at least I call it mine since I spend so much time over here.
Either way, I'd set a goddamned fire in here because her engagement ring is in there. Taking a calming breath, I check to make sure she’s still in the shower.
Why the hell did I bring it with me? I’m starting to feel like a weirdo, and I’m starting to look like one too. She has caught me opening and closing the drawer multiple times just to be sure it's there.
Waffles meows, wrapping his round body around my ankles. He rolls to his back, showing me his soft belly, and I squint my eyes at him. “You can't pull me into your trap, you little shit!” I say, scratching him behind the ears, and an idea pops in my mind.
The very moment Paloma changes into her comfy clothes and heads to the kitchen, I’ll make my move.