Page 71 of The Perfect Putt

I sigh. “Okay, we can head to the car, but tell me on the way.”

I gesture to Fitz and Jada so they know we’re leaving. They give us a wide berth as they follow, likely knowing we need some privacy and time to talk.

“Ellie, I need you to tell me. I won’t stop worrying until you do,” I push and she nods, looking so upset I already feel like fighting.

She details the occurrences of the day and by the time she finishes I’m angry enough to snap every club in not just my bag, but all the golfers here.

“I’m going to take care of this. They won’t speak to you that way again.”

She takes my hand in hers and squeezes it. “I don’t want you worrying about this right now. Your mom left and I don’t think she’ll be back. Your dad wasn’t at the next hole once I made it back, so he probably followed her. Hopefully they’re off tending to their wounded egos and won’t bother us again until we’re back home. You need to focus on the game.”

“The game means nothing when it comes to taking care of you,” I say, my tone leaving no room for discussion.

“While I appreciate that, I’m not in any danger.” Her thumb rubs soothing circles on the back of my hand as we step into the parking lot. Our driver agreed to meet us toward the back of the lot so we could escape driving through all the people being picked up near the entrance.

“Physically, yes, but I care about your emotions too.”

“Miles–” She stops speaking at the same moment I see my father. He’s leaning against a tree at the back of the lot, near where our driver is idling. I immediately let go of Ellie’s hand and stalk toward him. The smug look he’s wearing falls when I come up on him. He staggers backward some.

“You threatened her,” I accuse him in a low tone.

“Who?” he asks. I take another step toward him, glaring. I’m not going to hit him, but judging by the look in his eyes, he doesn’t know that.

“Don’t play stupid with me, Dad. You know who I’m talking about.”

“She was mouthing off–”

“I didn’t say you could speak.” His mouth snaps shut, his jaw clenched tight. “I want you to listen to me and listen good, because I won’t be repeating myself. You will never speak to Ellie again. I don’t want you within ten feet of her without my express permission. If you so much as look at her in a way that makes her uncomfortable and I find out, I will be sure you regret it.”

“I’m your father,” he says, panic lacing his words. His expression is that of a cornered animal.

“We may share blood and a last name, but that’s all we have between us. Now you’re going to leave, because if you don’t, security will escort you out. And after the tournament is over, there will be no surprise visits. You will stay in Cape Alamanda and not come anywhere near me or Ellie for the foreseeable future.”

“You do not control me,” he grinds out.

“You’re right. You’re free to try to visit me, but the armed guards I’m hiring tonight will make sure you don’t do it again.”

He blanches, all the color draining from his haughty face. “I can’t believe my own son would treat me this way.”

“I wish I could say I was surprised by your actions, but I’m not. Now leave, before I get security involved.”

He storms off without another word. I don’t move for a moment, letting it sink in that I just stood up to my father for the first time maybe ever.

“That was awesome!” Fitz yells, making me turn around.

Ellie is smiling nearby, her eyes shining like she’s close to tears. She rushes over to me and jumps into my arms.

“I’m so proud of you,” she says and the sick feeling I had during my conversation with my dad dissipates with those words.

“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

I set her back on her feet. She looks up at me with watery eyes. “I didn’t do anything.”

I smile down at her. “I’ve never cared about anyone or anything enough to stand up to him. Until you.”

“I’m going to choose to be happy for you and not take it to heart that I wasn’t enough to get you to fight with your dad,” Fitz says and I let go of Ellie to shove his shoulder.

He laughs and pulls me in for one of his signature back-slapping hugs.

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