Page 14 of Anyone But Her

Chapter Four

Luke

"Sorry we're late," Albert says as he pulls up to the camp.

"We're not late," I say. "Orientation isn't for another hour."

Actually we are late but it's not Albert's fault. I was supposed to take a bus here but it broke down soon after we left so I called Albert. He postponed his lunch date and came to get me and we made the two-hour drive to camp.

As Albert parks I take in the scene. The camp is on a golf course with a lake off to the side. There's a driving range just beyond the parking lot and some guys are already out there practicing their swing.

"I can't believe I'm actually here," I say, feeling the huge smile on my face. "This is so amazing. Living on a golf course for two whole weeks. Am I dreaming this? Pinch me, Albert. This can't be real."

Albert chuckles. "It's real." He shuts off the car and looks over at the line of guys at the check-in area, all with golf bags hanging off their shoulder. "I have a feeling you'll fit right in here."

"Maybe, although I'm a little nervous."

"Why would you be nervous?"

"Because everyone here has had more training than me." I look back at Albert. "Not that your training wasn't good. I mean, I'm grateful for everything you taught me. It's just—"

"Luke, you don't have to explain. I know what you're saying. I did my best but I can't teach you the skills you'll need to play professionally. That's why you're here. To learn from the best."

"But it's only two weeks. I'll need more than that if I really want to do this for a living."

He pauses, then says, "I wasn't going to tell you this yet but I might as well."

"Tell me what?"

"When the camp is over, if the coaches here say you have what it takes, I'm getting you a coach back home."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm hiring you a coach. You're fifteen now and need to start entering junior tournaments. To do that, you need more training. You need to be coached."

"Albert, no. I can't let you do that. It's too much."

"As I've told you many times, I'm not worried about the money. I don't need expensive things. I'd rather spend my money helping support your dream. I really think you can do this, Luke. You have the talent, the drive, the desire. You're not like these other kids. You didn't grow up privileged. You've worked for everything you have. And if you want this bad enough, you'll make it happen."

A group of guys walk by our car, all wearing designer polo shirts and expensive sunglasses. I'm wearing a cheap t-shirt and shorts and sunglasses I got for five bucks at the gas station. I don't know what this camp cost but it had to have cost a fortune. Everyone here looks rich.

"Can I ask you something?" I say to Albert.

"What is it?"

"How much did you pay for this?"

His brows furrow. "For what?"

"This camp. I know you paid for it. That story you told me about me getting a scholarship isn't true. I checked the website. They don't offer scholarships. It was you. You paid for it."

"Because I knew it would make you happy." He pats my shoulder. "You need some happiness in your life. Everyone does."

"What about you? You've done so much for me, Albert. What can I do for you?"

"Don't give up on your dream. Go after it. Achieve it. Seeing you work hard toward your dream is what makes me happy."

"You're not going to tell me, are you?"

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