Page 78 of Forever Wild

Jameson

Standing on the lush green fairway of the eighteenth hole at the course for the Phoenix Open, the Arizona sun casting a warm, golden glow over me, I focus on the path between my ball and the cup. The few fans who came to watch the practice round get slightly less rowdy as I prepare to take my final shot of the day. I putt in for par, ending another solid round. I offer the fans a slight wave, pulling off my ball cap to shake JT’s hand as we finish the round. While I’m finally back on top of my game, JT has been playing terribly lately. Though he typically remains his cheerful self, I can tell his mind has been elsewhere. Distracted.

“Tough round,” I say to JT as we make our way toward the clubhouse.

“Not for you. You’ve been playing great.” He sighs, flipping his cap around backwards. He looks like shit.

“You okay? You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”

“It’s...” He shakes his head. “Nothing, man. I’ve just got to get my head on straight.”

I offer a shrug. “Been there. Let me know if you need to head to Wild Bluffs. You know I’ll come with you.”

“How is Bryn these days?”

It’s been two long weeks since I last saw Bryn heading into the airport terminal in New York City. Two weeks since we said goodbye with a fiery kiss that left me breathless and craving more. Two weeks of practicing my swing, playing PGA tournaments every weekend, and losing myself in the sound of her voice or her face on my phone screen every night.

I played well those two weeks, moved up the rankings, and even managed to snag a few new endorsement deals. My agent and publicist couldn’t be happier with my progress. But even as I’ve been racking up wins and endorsements, I can’t escape the feeling that something’s missing. Or rather, someone.

“She’s good. She’s been in Wild Bluffs the last few weeks, so she keeps sending me ridiculous updates about the people in town. While she was walking Jack the other day, the local busybody stopped her to let her know that if I’m good enough for Levi’s, I’m good enough for her. Who knew doing a jeans commercial could have so much sway over other people’s opinion of my character?”

He chuckles good-naturedly. “I’ve heard about the magical power of a man in dark jeans, I just never knew it had that kind of power.”

“What about you?” I ask. “Are you planning to use your jean magic to woo any lucky Phoenix women this weekend? Is”—I pause, trying to remember the name of the woman JT tends to meet up with when he’s in Arizona—“Halley going to join us for drinks tonight?”

“Hailey. And...I don’t know.” He glances around as if the entryway to the clubhouse might have the answer he needs. Unfortunately, it seems like the perfectly manicured lawn is of no help. “I just, I guess seeing you so happy with Bryn makes me want more than just a casual hookup, you know?”

I pause as we walk into the locker room. “Am I your relationship role model now?” My shock at the thought mirrors his own. “Fuck, that can’t be a good sign. Clear doom approaching.”

JT scoffs, pulling off his shoes as he sits down on the padded bench that runs in front of the three walls of lockers. “I hope not,” he says on a sigh. “It does feel that way right now, though.”

I take in my usually sunny friend, realizing his slightly gaunt face, the defeated set of his shoulders—that was me last year. That was me before I met Bryn and was brought back to life by her sharp wit and even sharper sense of loyalty.

I turn to my buddy and promise, “You’ll find her someday, man. You’ll find the girl who makes you happy, who reignites your sunshine.”

I turn to pull my jacket off, so my ears are covered, but I swear I hear him reply under his breath, “What if I already have?”

“What?” I ask, but it’s clear he wasn’t talking to me, and now he’s staring at his phone.

“Jameo.” JT’s glance slides up from his phone. “Have you checked your phone yet? Jon sent me a text asking to have you call him.” Sometimes, it’s helpful sharing an agent with your best friend.

I pull out my own phone and curse. I’ve got five missed calls from Erica and three from Jon. I push on the button to return Jon’s call.

“Jameson, we have a situation,” Jon says, answering on the first ring. “I’m going to add in Erica.”

“Hey, Jon,” Erica says as she answers.

“Erica, I’ve got Jameson on the line as well.”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves that have suddenly flared up. “What’s going on, Erica?”

“There’s an article that is just about to come out, and it’s not good,” she replies, her voice tense.

My heart sinks. I’ve had my fair share of negative press in the past, but I thought I was past this. “Send it to me,” I say, my voice low and steady.

“Jameo,” Jon cuts in. “You need to be prepared. This article isn’t just about you. It’s about Bryn.”

“What do you mean? Bryn who? My Bryn? Bryn Harper?” My voice rises with each ridiculous question out of my mouth. JT is looking at me with raised eyebrows. “Why would anyone want to write an article about Bryn?”

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