Page 135 of Anyone But Her

"Let's go inside. You'll be more comfortable."

"I'd rather be here looking out at the course. It always relaxes me."

"Me too." I sit beside him, wondering why he showed up here.

We both keep our eyes straight ahead, gazing out at the course.

"So how have you been, Luke?"

"Honestly? Not that great."

"I know you're struggling but I can't let you back in the house. I'm not ready to. I'm still getting used to the idea of you being with Taylor. And I'm still angry that you lied to me."

I nod. "I know."

Is that why he came here? To tell me he's still angry? If so, he could've saved a trip. He's already made it clear how angry he is about me dating his daughter.

"I'll find a new place to live," I say. "I never expected you to let me stay at the house again."

"Maybe one of Cal's friends needs a roommate. I'll talk to him. You can't keep staying in hotels. That'll eat up your money fast."

"I'm not—" I decide not to tell him. If I do, he'll tell Taylor and she'll worry.

I feel Lou looking at me. "You're not staying at a hotel, are you? You're living out of your car."

I keep my eyes straight ahead. "Lots of people do. It's not a big deal."

He's quiet, then says, "So about this thing with your father. I talked to some people and you don't need to worry. You and Albert did nothing to violate your amateur status."

I turn to him. "Are you sure?"

"As long as what you told me is true." He rubs his chin. "You worked for him, correct? He didn't just give you money?"

"I did chores around the house. Mowed the lawn. Ran errands for him. He used to joke that I was his caretaker, like it was a job."

"Sounds like it was. If anyone asks, you need to tell them that."

"So we could use that if my dad tries to say Albert supported me financially?"

"Correct, but you may be on the line for paying taxes on your earnings. We'll have to look into that."

"I'll pay whatever taxes I owe. I just want this to go away."

"Has your dad threatened you again?"

"No. I haven't heard from him. I'm guessing he's trying to dig up whatever he can to blackmail me."

"I doubt he'll find anything to use against you. What about Albert's will? Did you talk to the lawyer?"

"Not yet." I pause. "I was thinking of maybe going to see my dad. Seeing if we could work something out where he'll stop coming after me for money."

"When you say 'work something out' what do you mean?"

"Talk to him. See if we can stop fighting and just go on with our lives."

"Haven't you already tried that?"

"Yeah, but I haven't said some stuff that I probably should've said before. I got some advice that may or may not help but I figure I might as well try."

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