Page 96 of Calling the Shots

“Forget it.”

“Hell, no, I’m not forgetting it.”

“Mack—” I squeeze his strong biceps. “Please, don’t make this an issue.”

“Gracelyn, what did they say?”

I drop my gaze to the ground, wishing I could melt into the cart path somehow and disappear.

Forcing conviction into my voice, I square my shoulders and turn to face Mack. “Do not say anything to her. I’m serious. That only makes me look like a crybaby. Besides, no one said anything to my face. I heard her talking behind my back. To Emma Kate.”

“That bitch,” Mack growls, his jaw ticking.

“I agree. But I still don’t want to make a big deal about it. I’m just gonna walk home. It’s fine.”

“I’ll come with you. I don’t want to play golf anyway.”

“No. Have a fun time with your parents. I’ll be fine.”

Mack pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. “I’m calling Bobby.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “Fine. I’d probably get lost anyway.”

His thumb hovers over the dial button. “You sure you don’t want me to come? We could have some alone time, if you know what I mean?”

I smack him in the arm. “I know what you mean. And no, stay. Spend time with your family.”

Make all this worth my while.

I don’t say it, but I sure the hell think it.

At halftime—excuse me,the turn—I make my excuses and wave goodbye. The only one I’m sad to leave is Mack, but I figure his parents will be a Tinsley buffer. She wouldn’t dare make a move on him in front of them.

Bobby drops me off at the guesthouse and I wander in and crash onto the bed, stare up at the coffered ceiling.

Even the guesthouse ceiling is fancy here.

Buzz, buzz.

Bestie: How’s it going?

Gracelyn: TOTAL DISASTER

Bestie: NO!

Gracelyn: YES

I tap her icon, longing to hear a familiar voice. She answers on the first ring and my throat tightens.

“Hey.”

“Gracelyn!” She’s so sweet, so comforting, so Sloane, that I almost start crying.

Somehow I manage to hold it together.

“What’s going on? What happened?”

“Sloane, it’s been awful. Absolutely awful.” I tuck my legs up under me, readying for a long, consoling chat.

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