Page 26 of Fore-Ever Yours

“That’s up to you. But I’ll tell you one thing…you’ll always regret not doing it sooner, but you’ll never regret trying.”

I take a swig of my soda, the fizz tickling my throat, as I ponder his words. A heavy sigh escapes, and I look at Owen. “You’re probably right.”

“Of course I am.” He grins, raising his soda bottle in a toast. “I’m just surprised you admitted it.”

I roll my eyes, the corners of my mouth curling, and clink my bottle against his. “Don’t get used to it.”

He bursts into laughter. “So what’s next for you?”

“Finished Suncoast Classic at number eighteen, which isn’t as high as I was hoping but still good. This morning, I received news that I got a sponsor exemption to the Bluewater Championship.”

“No way, man! That’s awesome. This is what you’ve been waiting for—your shot at your Summit Pro Tour card, right?

“Yeah, this is it. I still can’t believe it.”

“Proud of you, Matthew. Look at you! Chasing after your dreams.”

“Thanks, Owen. The crazy thing is Betthew is what got me the sponsor exemption. A post from the Savannah Marsh Classic went viral, along with a few others, and the Bluewater sponsors were thrilled.”

“Who knew the fake relationship would really lead to this?”

“Well, Travis, apparently.”

Owen nods. “That’s why he’s our agent. Dude knows best.”

“Yeah, he’s always got our backs. That’s for sure. So what about you?”

“We got games this weekend against the Jacksonville Jetties then back home. Too bad you can’t make a game.”

“Send me your schedule, and I’ll do my best to make one.”

“You got it.” He looks at his watch and sighs. “I hate to run, but we got a team meeting. Congrats again, man.”

“Good luck against the Jetties.”

As he leaves, I sit there alone with my thoughts swirling around in my head like a tornado. Owen’s words have given me a lot to think about, and while I’m still not sure what route to take, the thought of possibly having a future with Beth doesn’t seem as impossible as I thought. But I still don’t know if this is the right time.

I make my way out of the restaurant and head over to my rental car. Beth is this whirlwind that has, coffee spill and all, stormed into my life. Her wit, her charm, her undeniable passion for what she does.

I shake my head, trying to clear my muddled thoughts. There’s still so much to consider, so many factors in play. But Owen’s words keep echoing in my head.You’ll always regret not doing it sooner, but you’ll never regret trying.

I don’t know what the future holds or how Beth views our situation. All I know is that I’m stuck in this web of “what ifs.” What if I tell Beth how I feel and it changes everything? What if she doesn’t feel the same way and leaves? What if it ruins our friendship/work relationship?

My phone buzzes on the seat next to me, yanking me out of my spiral of thoughts. It’s a text from Beth—just seeing her name triggers the warmth in my chest, the lightness in my head, the curling of my lips into a smile.

Beth

Hey, sorry to bug you at dinner. Just wanted to make sure we’re still on for the photoshoot tomorrow?

Me

Not bugging me. Yes, tomorrow is good. How was your night?

Beth

Productive. Just wrapping up a few things now.

Me

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