Page 48 of Anyone But Her

"Fine. I'll be out by Sunday." I hang up, because one second more and I would've gone off on her.

I toss my phone on the table. I'm so angry I could punch a hole through the wall but if I did Sandra would sue me for damages and I'd have even more problems.

Now that she's kicking me out I need to find a place to live. Where the hell am I going to go? I can't live with my parents. For one, we can't stand each other, and two, they kicked me out and told me I could never come back.

I have some money saved up but not much. And what little I have needs to pay for my golf coach. The guy's really good so he's expensive. Albert insisted I use him but since I couldn't afford his fee, Albert was helping me pay for the guy. Without Albert's help I won't be able to keep my coach. I'll have to find someone else or get a job and save some money, which means my future career as a pro golfer will be on hold, or may never happen.

I was so close. I've been playing well in tournaments. Getting noticed by the sports media. Having sponsors show interest in me for when I go pro. But now? All that might be over.

Why am I even thinking about that right now? I should be thinking about Albert and what a great person he was and how he changed my life.

Sitting down at the table I close my eyes and take some deep breaths.

"I don't know what to do, Albert," I say as though he's still here. Even though he's not, I feel like he is. "Where do I go? Do I leave San Diego? It's my home but I can't afford to live here. My coach is here but I can't pay him on my own. Do I quit golfing? Do something else?"

I get up and pace back and forth across the kitchen. "I need help, Albert. I wish you were still here."

My phone rings. I pick it up and see that it's Cal calling. I'm not in the mood to talk so I almost don't answer but have this strong feeling I should.

"Hey, Cal," I say.

"Hey, man, how's it going?"

"Not great. Could I call you back later?"

"Why? What's going on? Did something happen?"

I sit down at the table. "Albert died."

"Holy shit. Sorry, man. When did it happen?"

"They think he died last night. I found him this morning in his bed. He wasn't breathing. I called an ambulance but he was already gone."

"This happened this morning? Why didn't you call me?"

"I haven't had a chance. I had to answer questions from the ambulance guys, then talk to Albert's daughter. Honestly, I'm still in shock. I can't believe this happened. He was old but he wasn't in bad health."

"Do they know what caused it?"

"No. They'll probably just say old age or his heart. He did have some heart issues so maybe that's what it was. His heart just gave out."

"I'm really sorry, man. What can I do to help? Why don't I drive there? If I start driving now I'll be there by tonight."

"You don't have to do that."

"You shouldn't be alone right now. Albert was like a dad to you. It's like losing your father."

"Yeah. It is." My voice trails off.

"Speaking of dads, have you seen your parents since this happened?"

"My dad came outside when he saw the ambulance. He didn't even care that Albert died. He actually seemed happy about it. The two of them never got along, but still, he could've showed some respect."

"I'm sorry, Luke. I really am."

"Thanks. And hey, you don't have to come out here. I'll be fine."

"Albert died. You're not fine. I need a few minutes to pack a bag and then I'll hit the road."

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