He mean-muggedme. “Face the pins, ma’am.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Stand here… onthese dots,” he said, pointing to the series of black dots on the floorboards.“Start with your feet together with the ball cradled in your left hand withyour fingers firmly but not too tightly in the holes. You’re going to startwith the ball extended to your right side, so when you downswing, it clearsyour right leg.”
“Oh sure, soeasy.”
“This is allgoing to feel awkward at first, but with a little practice you’ll get it.”
“I trust you,” Isaid. “Sort of.”
“Now, do you seethose arrows out there.”
I nodded.
“I want you toimagine rolling the ball right between the center arrow and the one to theright of it.”
He continued hisinstructions until it was time for me to put his tutelage into action. Huckstood behind me to ‘study my form,’ so he said, and I confidently approachedthe line, released the ball, which promptly rolled straight and true… rightinto the gutter.
“Some coach youare,” I grumbled, making my way back to Huck.
He continued togive me pointers and little by little, my game improved, until at last, Irolled my first strike.
“Oh my god, Imade a bowl movement!” I shouted as I rushed back to Huck.
“Good thing,too,” Huck said, hugging me. “I don’t think they have Metamucil on tap at thebar.”
After about anhour, I noticed Huck flop down in one of the chairs and rub his knee. Ifrowned, making my way to him while Louisa bowled, sitting across from him.“You okay?”
“Yeah. I justtwisted weird that last turn.”
I frowned. “Whatcan I do?”
“Nothing. I justgotta lay off it for a minute.”
“Do you want meto roll your next frame?”
“Yeah, that’d begreat.”
I grimaced.“Wow, you must be in pain if you’re willing to let me abolish your streak.”
He pressed hislips into a thin line and took a deep breath.
“Fuck,” Ihissed. “I have ibuprofen. Will that help?”
“Yeah, Daisy,that’ll help.”
I grabbed my bagand rifled through it, pulling out my pill bottle. “Baylor always has his vape andyou know someone in the group will have edibles if you need something stronger.Probably Teagan.” I sighed. “Don’t tell her dad.”
“Not a narc.” Hesmiled. “Since I drove, let’s start with the Advil.”
“Icandrive home, Huck.” I rolled my eyes. “If you need the pot, I can get you thepot.”
“I’m good.” Hepopped the pills, downing them with a swig of beer, and I kissed his cheekbefore heading up to the line to bowl his frame.
I returned tofind him leaning forward, squeezing his knee, his expression neutral, but hismouth was tight, and I could tell he was struggling to keep the strain off hisface. I sighed, turning, and making my way over to Teagan.
“Hey, honey.Your score’s improving,” she said.
