Dad laughs. “Your mother insisted, hoping you’d find your love for the game.”
“Wasn’t happening,” I mumbled, knowing he heard my comment.
Mother was very good. She grew up at that very country club, learning from the golf pro on site, and taking additional lessons from a former PGA player in the area. That’s actually where she met Dad. He was visiting a friend in college and played eighteen holes. Their small groups bumped into each other on the course and ended up sharing a large dinner table that evening. My parents started dating a week later, and the rest is history.
I glance up and can see the nostalgia in his eyes. He’s thinking of her too. “She’d be proud of you,” I state, my voice hoarse with emotion.
He blinks a few times and gives me the smallest smile. “I miss her.”
“Me too. I’m sure she’d love spending days on end with you on the course or traveling the world.”
“She always wanted to go to Venice,” he says, averting his eyes. “We never got to go.”
I reach over and squeeze his hand. “Then you go. Take her memory with you.”
He meets my eyes, his clouded with unshed tears, and nods. “Maybe I will. You could always join me.”
When our check is paid, we make our way to the front entrance. I can tell my dad recognizes a few people in the restaurant but doesn’t stop to say hello. Instead, he gives them a polite wave and keeps walking until we’re standing on the sidewalk.
“Thank you for lunch.” I lean in and give him a hug, his arms wrapping around my shoulders and squeezing.
“You’re welcome. Thank you for humoring your old man today.”
I scoff. “I always love spending time with you,” I insist.
“I know, sweetie.” He places a kiss on my forehead. “And maybe I’ll meet your young man soon?”
This time I don’t stop my eye-roll. “Yes, Daddy. In fact, you may meet him at the gala. He’s agreed to attend, though that could always change, depending on his work schedule.”
He pulls a face. “Don’t let him work too hard, you hear? Life passes by too quickly, Kyla. Enjoy it while you can.”
I nod, knowing he’s once again thinking about Mother and all their unfulfilled promises of travel and time together. “I will,” I vow, my heart breaking for him.
“Love you,” he whispers before stepping back.
“Love you too.”
Then he’s gone, slipping into his car, while I get into mine. The whole way home, I rehash his words, about finding my happiness. It’s just too bad my true happiness isn’t here in Boston. But I won’t leave him, not now. I’m content here, and that’s all I need.
As I drive, my mind returns to Matthew and our date later. I’m not sure where we’re going, but I’m eager to find out.
Chapter Eleven
Mason
I glance around my brother’s newly redecorated apartment. It’s not my style, but it feels more like my brother than before. Rich cherrywoods and brown leathers. The walls are painted a deep taupe color and there are newly created rafter beams stretched across the living room, dining room, and kitchen. I don’t even want to know what all this set him back, especially since they had to bring in a contractor to secure the beams to what’s above the ceiling for support.
My phone rings in my pocket, and I’m surprised when I see the name on the display.
“Hello?”
“I believe the remodel is complete?” my brother asks, without greeting.
“Well, good afternoon to you too, brother. How’s the weather?” I sass, pacing the living room.
“Do you really care?”
That makes me pause. I almost reply immediately that I don’t, but in reality, I do. I don’t know if it’s living here in his space or seeing him last weekend for the first time in years, but I realize I do want to know. How is he enjoying his trip away? Is he relaxing the way he should? Is that local woman showing him the island, as he indicated?
“Yes,” I find myself replying.
Matthew seems to be taken aback by my comment and it takes him a few long seconds to respond. “It’s gorgeous. Crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches. The hut I’m staying in is hardly that. It’s bigger than my apartment and right smack dab on the water.”
“Sounds nice.”
“It is,” he says, a little more relaxed than moments ago.
I take a seat on his leather couch and kick my feet up on the coffee table, as I’ve done every night. “Your place here looks great. Your decorator did good.”
“She comes highly recommended and cost a small fortune. It better,” he retorts with a small laugh.
I can’t help but smile. When was the last time I heard my brother laugh?
“You’ll definitely like it. It suits your style.”
“Good,” he states, clearing his throat. “How is everything going?”
“Fine.” I open my mouth to tell him about my plans tonight with Kyla but think better of it. Why would he care, especially since he’s pushing me to break up with her on his behalf. The last thing he’ll want to hear is about how much I’m looking forward to seeing her smile tonight when we go to dinner.
“Listen, I received an email from Jerry. He’s ready to sign. I’ll be back for it, but he’s asked for another meeting next week. I agreed.”
Which means one thing, I’ll be meeting with the owner of the company my brother is purchasing. I knew this was a possibility, but I was hoping it wouldn’t happen.
I sigh. “Are you sure it’s wise for me
