Page 58 of Cash

Cash gave a rough chuckle. “Shut up…it’s not the same.”

“Clearly.”

They hit a couple balls and Cash managed to get his swing down a little better. He was by no means a golfer, but he hoped it was enough. Conner had stopped mocking him, whether that was because he was getting a little better or Conner felt bad for him wasn’t something he wanted to stop and think about. He really wished he didn’t suck at golf as much as he did.

Even with his moderately improved swing, there was a feeling he had about the golf outing that he just couldn’t shake, but Evie was worth it. He needed to prove to her that he could fit into her world. He had to show her that he was good enough for her, even though he doubted he was. He was home that night getting ready for bed. The dread of the next day was heavy.

The next morning after a long work out to try and calm his nerves, Cash was pulling his big black truck into the country club parking lot. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t belong here. Even what he drove separated from him. His was the only truck in a sea of Audis and Teslas. He took a deep breath and steeled himself for what was coming. If he hadn’t been sure of his feelings for Evie before, this moment would have solidified it for him. Everything in him was screaming to get back in his truck and drive away, but he knew he would do just about anything to prove to her he belonged.

“Cash?” he heard a friendly voice call to him.

He turned and an even friendlier face smiled and waved. “Hi,” he said extending a hand. “I’m Allen.”

“Nice to meet you?” Cash said, still not clear on who this was.

“Evie really threw you in the deep end, huh?”

Yes, Allen, the groom. It clicked in his head and a nervous jitter ran up his spine. He hadn’t felt this nervous since he was getting scouted for BU.

“I hate to do this, but you need a collared shirt,” Allen said carefully.

“I’m sorry?”

“Club policy. I don’t care what you wear, but I just thought I’d give you a heads up.”

Crap. This was already off to a bad start. He thought he was fine. He had on Khaki shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt because he didn’t think his tattoos would be appreciated either.

“Don’t worry, I have an extra shirt in car my you can borrow.”

“Thanks,” he said. Allen retrieved said polo and Cash put it on, it pulled across his shoulders and biceps in a tight fit. It was a tight fit and a neon arrow to his two full sleeves of tattoos. He loved his tattoos, but he felt like this wasn’t quite the place.

With a deep sigh he followed Allen into the country club. After they dropped off their clubs, they went into the lounge to wait for the rest of their party and their tee time. Cash ignored the nervous sweat that kept covering his brow.

“Cash Hawthorn, I didn’t know if I should believe it or not when Elizabeth told me you would be here,” said a tall man with a big round belly and a broad smile. The man also had Evie’s eyes, so he was able to place him right away. “Edward Masterson,” he said as he stuck his hand out for a shake.

After a quick wipe of his hand down his shorts, to make sure his palms weren’t as sweaty as he worried they might be, he took his hand for a firm shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I’ve been a fan of the Magic for years.”

“Thanks,” Cash said, trying to pull confidence from thin air.

“Edward, thank you so much for inviting me,” said the final man to enter the room. His vibe was off, but Cash tried not to think about it too much because he was sure his vibe was off too.

“Bryan, Elizabeth asked me to extend the invite. I’m happy you could join us,” he said curtly.

Wait…Bryan? Was this the ex?

“Cash Hawthorn, correct?”

Cash nodded. Then the man put out his hand and Cash forced a smile to his face and took his hand.

“I understand we have a beautiful woman in common,” he said.

“It would seem so,” Cash said, fighting his instinct to punch him. But this was not the time or place.

“Looks like everyone’s here. Let’s head to the greens,” said Allen.

As they made their way, Allen made his way over to Cash. “Hey, I didn’t know he was coming. I would’ve warned you.”

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