Page 29 of Golden Days

Ezra groans but takes it. “You’re the worst best friend I’ve ever had.”

“Who else will protect your best interest?”

“My other friends?” he asks.

“Your other friends are busy with their partners and careers. You’re stuck with me, bud.”

“Speaking of, I was thinking of coming down to see you play at the pro-am. Since it’s in Palm Beach, we could pay Rowan and Maggie a visit.”

I shake my head, leading us inside my house and towards the simulator. “I think they’re going to be at Wimbledon around that same time. They’re competing in mixed doubles now, remember?”

“Oh, right. Maybe I’ll pay Jacob a visit in London instead.” He grins at me.

“I’ll be fine without you,” I say, annoyed.

“What's up your ass today?” Ezra asks, frowning.

I spin on him, my chest heaving. He gives me the signature kicked puppy look and I soften. He shouldn’t get the brunt of my anger.

“I’m sorry. I’m just stressed about this pro-am. I want to make a good impression considering everything going on right now.”

Ezra nods, opening his arms for a hug. “I forgive you.” His arms quickly drop and he adds, “On second thought, you reek. Go take a shower.”

“You can’t offer a hug and then take it back,” I say walking towards him.

He laughs and backs up. “Oh no, I’m not letting you touch me with your sweat.”

“I thought you liked my hugs.” I grin, opening my arms.

“Shower. Then hug. Then the simulator.” He points in the direction of the door and raises an expectant eyebrow at me.

“Get some swings in while I’m up here,” I call over my shoulder to him as I head up the stairs. He grumbles, but I hear the door to the basement, where the simulator is, open anyway. Good. He needs to get out of his own head and get back in the game.

CHAPTER NINE

Hazel

I make quick work of moving myself out of the shared bedroom and into the living room. I expect Brody to make a fuss about it and convince me to get back together, but he’s surprisingly fine with the new arrangement. Nick agreed to it as well, and Jack looked happier than ever when we told him the news that we broke up.

I’m starting to suspect that Jack’s rudeness has nothing to do with me, but more with the idea of me and Brody being together. Was he jealous of us? Of me?

Today is a rare day when I’m not scheduled to work in the afternoon. Since Rosie is working and I don’t have anything else to do, I opt to spend my time at the driving range.

As luck would have it, I run into Levi again. His perpetual frown seems to disappear as I approach him, and he signals for me to take the spot next to his at the range.

“Thomas, have you given the pro-am any more thought?”

“Back to last names, are we?” I ask without answering his question.

The truth is, I have given the ridiculous proposal a lot of thought—not only can I not afford the trip to Florida and all it would entail, but I’d be woefully unprepared. I haven’t played in months because I’m always too busy working. Just thinking about finding the time to practice for it makes me itchy, like I’m breaking out in hives.

On the other hand, I would get to spend a whole week with Levi, not only playing together, but also getting to pick his brain about the game. While he was generous enough to give me a few pointers, it’s not like I have access to a pro like him every day of the week.

“I didn’t realize we were on a first name basis,” he says, that imperceptible smile making an appearance. “Not when you still call me ‘sir.’”

“Touché, sir.” I bite my lip. My cheeks grow warm and I try not to seem so flustered. But it’s impossible when Levi’s eyes are on me.

If I join him in the spot to his right, he’ll have a perfect view of my backside as I swing. While I am a newly single lady, that doesn’t mean I want people thinking I’m trying to get into Levi’s pants so he can help me with my golf career. I don’t ever want any handouts.