“No, just spring tornados.” She winks. “I’m a weather woman.” Her voice transforms into something super professional and melodic. “KWOA. South Texas’s home for severe weather coverage. Keepingyouin the know.”
“Okay, that’s impressive.”
“What? Having the only job that allows me to be wrong about ninety percent of the time?” She laughs. “We all have our things. I hear yours is golf, like Holland,” she adds.
There’s no use lying, and I like Mindy Sue. She seems real. “I’m his coach, yeah,” I tell her.
“That’s what the other girls were saying.”
I shift on my feet. Mindy Sue doesn’t say more, but I don’t love the idea of the other women already talking about me behind my back. I figured it would come up. I’m sure the producers told the others, if they hadn’t figured it out for themselves. Anything to stir up drama. I hold in a cringe because I know how these shows work, and you don’t want to be the odd woman out. But none of that matters because I’m not actually here for the show. I’m here for the golf.
“I’m going to head up.” I point toward the stairs at the end of the hallway.
Mindy Sue nods. “Come on down and chat if you want. Whenever. My door is always open.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
Holland could do a lot worse than Mindy Sue—at least that’s my impression in the thirty hours I’ve known her.
I take the stairs quickly, and instead of finding the creaking disconcerting, it actually makes me feel even more homesick. I locate my room easily and toss my bag on the large, four-poster bed. As much as I want to curl up and take a nap, I agree with Michelle. I, for sure, need a shower.
Twenty minutes later, I’m dressed and mostly put back together. I didn’t bring much with me, but I do have a framed photo of my parents, my Aunt Jo, and me that I set on the bedside table. I grab my phone and head for the chair in the corner of my room. It’s positioned in front of the window that opens to the backyardof the inn. Tree branches scrape the glass, and it makes me feel like I’m in my very own tree fort. It’s a stunning spot. My parents would love it. If the PT helps with my mom’s symptoms, maybe I’ll suggest that they take a trip up this way later this year. Cashmere Cove would be stunning in the fall.
I have my finger poised on the call button to check in back home when there’s a brisk knock on my door. I hurry to answer it, stashing my phone under a pillow on my bed on the way.
“Hello, dear,” Daisy greets me when I swing open the heavy wooden door. “All of the ladies are gathering in the hearth room downstairs. I told the TV people I would send you down.”
“Thanks so much, Daisy.”
“Of course, of course. How’s your room? Everything to your liking?”
“It’s absolutely perfect. So comfortable and homey. I’m going to need it,” I mumble to myself.
Daisy’s eyes dance. “I hope it’ll be a nice respite for you.”
I nod. It will be. We don’t have to be mic’d up or on camera when we’re in our rooms, so I plan to spend most of my time in here. Not a bad place to hang out.
“Thanks again for having us. I’m sure it was sort of last minute, and it’s all a little chaotic.” I wince, hating the production of the whole thing.
Daisy smiles good-naturedly. “Anything for Holland. I have a soft spot for that boy. Most of the town does, matter of fact. We’re all hoping he picks a good one.”
She peers at me, and I swear she’s looking directly into my soul, as if she can scan the contents of my heart and determine if it might be me, the one whom Holland will pick. I wish more than anything I could let the woman in on the secret that I’m only here for the money…and the golf. But as much as Daisy feels like my mom, I don’t know her that well. At least not yet. I can’t risk word getting out.
“I hope so too,” I manage to say with a smile that I hope looks genuine. Iamgenuine. I hope, for Holland’s sake, he finds someone who can be a real partner for him. Right now, Mindy Sue has my vote.
“I’ve got a good feeling about it.” Daisy beams and then motions me out the door. “Come now. I told them I’d hurry you along. All you’re to bring is your room key and a light jacket.”
“I’ll be right there.”
She nods and turns away. “Let me know if you need anything, anytime at all. My room is up on the third floor,” she calls over her shoulder.
“Thank you!” I close the door and tap out a quick message to my family’s group text.
Mallory
Made it to Wisconsin. It’s actually gorgeous here. Family trip sometime in the future?! Off to get my marching orders now. Wish me luck. And by that, I mean, wish for Holland to eliminate me ASAP.
I tuck my phone back under my pillow and head downstairs.
