Page 130 of Anyone But Her

"Hey," I answer, pulling into a parking lot. I don't want to waste gas driving around when I don't know where I'm going.

"I can't believe he did this. I'm so sorry, Luke."

"It's okay. We knew it would happen if he found out."

"Cal's calling his friends. He might know someone you could stay with for a few days or maybe a few weeks if you can afford to help with the rent."

"I'll definitely help with the rent. I'll just take it from my golf money."

"Luke, you can't do that. You need to keep playing. You're so close to making it big."

"Yeah, but right now I have other things to worry about. Tell Cal I appreciate his help but that I need something cheap. A lot of his friends are rich so they probably have nice apartments. I can't afford anything too expensive."

"Yeah, I'll tell him. So what about us? When can I see you?"

"I don't know. Your dad will probably follow you everywhere you go."

"It doesn't matter now. You don't live here anymore. I can do what I want."

"You don't want him punishing you too."

"He won't. You got the punishment for both of us."

"I'll take it. I deserve it. I was being disrespectful, not doing what he asked. He warned me what would happen if I even flirted with you and I did a lot more than that."

"But so did I. He acts like I didn't have a part in this. That's why it's so unfair. We both did this. It wasn't just you."

"Did he say anything to you after I left?"

"No, but he's still really angry. And now he's fighting with my mom."

"Why?"

"Because she's taking our side. She said my dad shouldn't have kicked you out."

"She did?"

"Yeah. She said you and I are adults and if we want to be together, we should be able to. My mom really likes you, Luke. She always has. She was actually happy to find out we were dating."

"What about Cal? Is he taking your dad's side?"

"He's staying neutral. Not really saying much."

I sigh and rub my jaw. "I don't know what to do, where to go."

"It's almost dinner time. Why don't you go get something to eat?"

"I'm not hungry. I feel sick. I'm so stressed."

"Then go to the golf course. Any golf course. Doesn't matter which one."

"Why?" I ask, knowing the answer but wanting to see why she suggested it.

"Because it's the place you love. It's the place that makes you feel better. Calms you down."

"How did you know that?"

"Because I know you. And I remember you saying that when you were a kid and your parents were fighting, you'd close your eyes and pretend you were at the golf course."

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