“I do want to talk, but not in the car. It’s a really long story, and I just don’t want to start until I can finish it.”
The atmosphere in the car went from light and easy to thick and uncomfortable. It was as if a black cloud hung over us, and I didn’t like that feeling at all. When I slid out of the car, I went to her side to open the door but she beat me to it.
I gently tugged on her arm. “Always remember, I’m on your side. I’ll protect you from whatever or whomever bothers you.” I kissed the top of her head and tried to get that light and easy feel between us again. “Now, let’s go and see how my brother’s balls are doing.”
She smiled up at me. “Thank you.”
We walked toward the large white tent to pick up our passes and were informed that Dane had just made the turn, so we headed for the tenth hole.
“It’s so pretty here,” Lucy said as she scanned the course.
She was right. The grass was so green it looked artificial, and the shrubs were flawlessly manicured. The sky above us was a brilliant shade of blue, which made for a perfect day for golf.
As we approached the tenth hole, Dane was on the tee box.
I leaned over to Lucy and nodded toward him. “That’s Dane.” He had on black slacks and a gray golf shirt. His jet-black hair fanned from under his Titleist cap.
I laced my fingers with hers and maneuvered us so we could see his shot. The ping of a perfectly hit shot rang out, and we watched it sail down the middle of the fairway. When I looked at Lucy, she was squinting.
On her tiptoes, she craned her neck as she whispered, “Where did it go? Was it good?” Her nose crinkled as she shielded her eyes from the sun with her free hand.
I squeezed her hand. “Yes, it was a great shot.”
Dane strolled down the fairway, carrying his own bag. He was so calm and relaxed. What a life my brother had, being able to travel the world while doing what he loved. Like the rest of my family, I wished him well, hoping he made the pros so he could earn a decent living.
We ambled down the fairway to the green and waited for them to hit their next shots. Four golfers played together, and Dane was last since his shot went the farthest.
He swung, and his ball traveled in a high arc to land about four inches away from the cup. Lucy and I applauded along with the rest of the gallery. Dane ended up with a birdie, which made me proud of my brother.
We followed him around the rest of the course and finally made our way to the final hole, number eighteen. The entire afternoon, Lucy never let go of my hand until it was time to clap or cheer. She was so relaxed and carefree, and I loved this side of her. She looked adorable in a little pink skirt that showed off her dreamily shaped legs, and a white V-necked top that accentuated her breasts. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail.
My brother was going to love her.
I glanced down to find Lucy beaming. “I’m so glad you’re my girlfriend.” I pulled our joined hands to my lips and kissed hers.
“Me too.”
Dane ended up placing second, and we met him after he finished posting his scores. He spotted us as soon as he walked out of the players’ tent.
“Hey, big brother.” He set his bag down and took off his cap, stowing it in one of the pockets of his bag before he gave me a brief hug. Then he turned to Lucy.
“Aw, you brought me a gift. Thanks!”
Before I knew it, he had Lucy in his arms. She giggled when he dipped her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
“Okay, okay. You can let my girlfriend go now.”
Lucy blushed as I pulled her to my side.
“Damn, possessive much?” Dane shot Lucy a wink, and I shook my head.
Typical Dane.
“Lucy, this is my younger and not-so-shy brother Dane. Dane, this is my girlfriend, Lucy.”
“Good to meet you, Lucy.” He maneuvered close to her ear, but spoke loud enough for me to hear. “If you ever get bored with this old man, call me.”
“I don’t see that happening,” she said sweetly with a big smile, “but thank you anyway.”