Lou:I don’t know. He’s standing a little closer this time.
Chuck:Yeah, but she’s gripping her drink like it’s a weapon.
“Such a fan of your game, Mr. Morrison,” the gentleman says as he hands me his favorite golf glove. “I really appreciate you taking the time to sign my glove.”
“It’s my pleasure, truly.” Sel leans into me, handing me a black Sharpie. I pop off the cap and signClint Morrisonon the top of his glove. When I hand it back to him he holds his hand out, and I grasp it and give it a firm shake. “You play at the Mossy Oaks Golf Club…?”
My words linger before he replies, “William, and yes, yes I do.”
“Well, if you catch me at the course, join me for a tee time.”
His shock is evident as he exclaims, “Really?”
“Of course! I look forward to it. You and your lovely wife have a good rest of your day,” I reply, nodding my head as he gives my hand one more shake.
“I really didn’t think I would garner so much attention. Is it just me or have people been staring?” I may have formed it as a question, but itfeels more like a statement to me.
“What do you mean, fool?” Sel bumps her shoulder into me.
“That was the sixth person to stop me since being back. Besides, the entire time we were in the coffee shop it felt like there were eyes on me.”
She raises one eyebrow at me. “I know you aren’t still focused on that coffee shop. It was days ago.”
“Yeah, well, it was the best damn coffee I’ve had, and now I wonder if I should go back.”
“Hello, did you forget whoyouare in all of your”—she waves her hands around my entire body, making a scene of it—“you-ness?”
I stare at her blankly before I roll my eyes, pushing her away from me. “That isn’t even a word, Sel.”
“Did it come out of my mouth?” She tilts her head my way. “Then it’s a word.”
“You didn’t even let me answer.”
“No point in it. Facts are facts. So again, have you forgotten who you are? You are a professional golfer, a famous one. Your face has been in more magazines than I can count, and you’re back home. People are going to notice you.”
It brings me such a deep sense of pride realizing my cousin sees me in such a light. I’ve never been approached at home, no more than a simple hello. But so much of my careerhaschanged in the years since I left. I was a great pro golfer here but it was still states based. It wasn’t until I went overseas when my career really picked up.
“Maybe you’re right.”
“Let’s go out later,” she says, and I laugh, hard.
“Go out?” My confusion is evident from my tone and the way my face is screwed up. “I’m not some kid anymore, Selene.”
“That’s too damn bad. There is this really cute bar, and they have dancing happening tonight. I think we should go.” Sel notices I’m giving her the stank eye and doubles down. “Please, Clint. It’s been way too long, and honestly, you need a wingwoman! You know what? We’re going. Let’s go to Lakeshore Shoppes before everything closes. You need something to wear.”
“My clothes are fine.”
“They are just fine. And plain. How are you going to find a woman inthat?” Selene waves her arm up and down my body, and I consider her for a moment. There’s one woman I want, and I hope she’s still here in Cypress Lake. Paloma never seemed to mind my frequent polos, but maybe switching it up wouldn’t be so bad. My cousin continues, “You know what? Hush!” Before I can say anything further she drags me to her car, one I need to fold myself into like I’m fresh laundry because it’s so small, but I make it work. “Besides, we can check out the music store next to it, see if they have the elusive Biggie vinyl.” This causes me to raise my brows in interest.
“Fine. But I’m going to complain about it.” As soon as my cousin belts out a laugh, I join in with her.
We’ve had to have gone through five stores at this point; I have more things piled in my arms than I have in my entire life. This isn’t even counting the few bags I have sitting behind me. Lakeshore Shoppes has a little bit of everything for everyone.
“Tell me what you think of the shirt at least?” Sel asks. I take in my appearance, having set the clothes down, and stare at my reflection. “Clinton Anton Morrison. You can’t wear golf attire tonight. Be serious.”
“Really now, Selly, my full government name?” I laugh. She only callsme by my full name when she means business. I’ve gone by Clint since high school, which feels further away than I realized. Selene may be my cousin but she’s always felt more like a sister. She was the baby of the family until I came along, and well, we grew up more like brother and sister than anything else.
Nonetheless, she’s right. I can’t wear golf clothes when I’m going out. The white of the T-shirt is crisp and brightens up the warmth of my skin, and it has a texture to it that gives it a discreet pattern. I’m finding the longer I wear it the more I love it. She paired it with a tan belt and dark olive green pants.
