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.
