Maybe that’s how I fix shit between us. I can start doing special things for her and let her know I care. That I love her.
After we enjoy cake and Mom opens her gifts, we gather around her to take a few photos.
Sam tugs on my sleeve. “I’d better get going.”
“Nonsense,” my father says. “We’re all headed out to play putt-putt golf. You should join us.”
For some reason, my mom loves putt-putt. I think it’s her attempt to do something my father enjoys, but he never invites her to golf.
I can’t remember when we last all hung out like this. My mom must be in heaven. So even though I want to beg off and head back to Roxy’s tonight instead of tomorrow, I’ll do anything to keep that smile on my mother’s face.
Sam turns her head up to me. “Is it okay if I tag along?”
I shrug. “Sure. The more the merrier.” Hanging with Sam is better than talking to my brothers or their girlfriends, whohaven’t stopped yammering about designer handbags for the last hour.
We all meet up at Pirate’s Cove Putt-Putt. My mom is nailing her shots, and it’s pissing off my dad, who’s not a great putter despite all the time he spends at the golf course. The irony is sweet.
Sam shivers, and I frown. “Are you cold? I’m actually burning up, so you can have my suit jacket if you want.”
“Really? Thank you.”
I hand it to her and blast that little golf ball so hard, it hits some Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike statue in the eye before it lands right next to the hole. “Yes!”
That was a lucky shot because this is boring as hell.
I much prefer playing with my big balls. Heh.
Sam takes her turn, but accidentally loses her ball behind a shipwreck. I help her over some shrubs, and we retrieve it.
We straggle behind my family because they’re all talking about some case my dad just won. Sam and I get into a deep conversation about her last boyfriend, who graduated a few months ago and took off to New York—without her.
“That had to suck. I’m sorry.” Her eyes get misty, and I give her a quick hug. “If he can’t see a good thing when he has it, fuck him.”
She laughs as she wipes her eyes. “Yeah. Fuck him.”
We join my family for the last two holes. My mom wins, and Sam and I dance with her to the reggae music piped through the speakers.
On the way out to the parking lot, Sam says she wants to meet Roxy.
“Come on up for a visit anytime. You’re going to love her daughter. Marley and her mom have both stolen my heart.”
She chuckles. “I never thought I’d see the day when Billy Babcock fell in love. I’m happy for you.”
I feel my ears go hot, and I make a face. “Okay, stop giving me shit. And hey, if you’re into footballplayers—”
She nudges me. “You know I am.”
Stepped into that one.I laugh awkwardly. “Well, I have a few friends you might like. I swear I’ll only introduce you to the ones who aren’t dogs.”
“I’d love that.”
I give her my number, and she texts me.Don’t forget that date! I need me a football player!
I look up at her. “How do you feel about quarterbacks? I think Nick Silva is single.” Although… now that I think about it, he might not be the best option.
As soon as Sam drives off, my father pulls me aside. “What the hell are you doing?”
Wasn’t it obvious? “I was hanging out with Samantha like you clearly wanted me to.”
