Page 185 of Movers and Shakers

“You can do that?” Barry asked.

“With enough money.” I shrugged. “Sorry if it’s a lot. It would give us some privacy and would give us enough room to invite everyone.”

Ruth snorted. “You and Knox will get along. He would have done the same thing.” She pivoted. “So, who here has actually golfed?”

Tom and I raised our hands.

“Really?”

“Dad was into it,” Tom said. “But I’m willing to try it with people who aren’t assholes to see if I enjoy it.”

“Same. My old agent liked it too.”

“So you’re gonna kick our ass,” Ruth said.

“Doubt it. Topgolf isverydifferent than golf.”

“As long as I get to threaten Knox,” Ruth said, “I’m good.”

“Is he okay with that?” I asked.

“He’s probably into it,” Barry replied. “They have a very odd relationship.”

Ruth lowered her voice so no one could hear. “You don’t get to lecture me about odd relationships, Mr. Almost Cheater.”

I laughed. “At least you tried to tell me.”

“The fact that I told you aboutyouwill mortify me for months.” Ruth sighed. “But it’ll be one for the storybooks.”

Barry

I quickly decided that having the entire place to ourselves was the perfect way to spend the evening.

Rose introduced herself and greeted everyone who arrived. I took stock of all of my family and friends here, noticing that she didn’t invite anyone she knew.

“Couldn’t Malia or Justice come?”

Her lips pressed together. “I let them know they could join, but I highly doubt they’ll be able to—‍”

As she said it, Malia ascended the stairs, dressed in what looked to be slacks and a fancy blouse. She must have come directly from her office.

“Rose,” Malia said, smiling. “It’s good to see you.”

“You could come? I mean, is everything okay with . . . you know, thething?”

“We’re working on it,” Malia reassured. “I can’t stay for too long, but I wanted to see you and ensure you were doing okay.”

“Anything I can help with?” I asked.

Malia smiled. “We can talk in a few. Let’s try and have fun.”

I didn’t know if I wanted to wait until later, but Rose was the first up, and I tried my best to focus on her. It was hard to care about hitting a ball when I could see the tense line of her shoulders from a mile away.

The first shot she took flew across the field with more force than I’d ever seen from her.

“Whoops,” she said, laughing awkwardly.

“Holy shit,” Ruth muttered.

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