Page 96 of The Confidentiality Clause
Miles Day
Five Years AfterThe Perfect Putt
“It’s just another day on the course,” Fitz says as we walk to the green. I can barely hear him over the sound of my blood rushing in my ears.
“It’s the last hole during the tournament that will get me a calendar year grand slam.”
I’ve won three majors this year. Now, I’m on track to win The Open Championship. But I can’t leave anything up to chance. I need to make this putt to get birdie and secure my win against the golfers after me.
“Like I said, just another day.” He grins and hikes the golf bag higher on his shoulder.
We make it onto the green, where my ball is lying five feet from the hole.
“This is easy. You could do this with your eyes closed,” Fitz coaches as he pulls out my putter.
“I don’t know about that.”
Anxiety twists my stomach into knots. It’s been a rough weekend. I fought to get back to the top after bogeying a few shots the first day. I came into today focused and confident, but I’m wavering in the face of such a monumental shot.
“Look to your left,” Fitz says while polishing the putter.
I do as he says, and see my Ellie smiling at me. Her red curls are swept up in a ponytail and tucked beneath one of my hats. Our daughter, Marina, is propped on Ellie’s hip, her identical red ringlets bursting out beneath her sunhat. Ellie says something to Marina, and my sweet daughter lifts her little hand up to wave at me.My girls.
I blow them both a kiss, then turn back to the game at hand, feeling more at ease. I’ve got everything I could ever need and want waiting for me over there. This win would be amazing to celebrate, but it’s not the most important thing in life.
I shake the tension out of my shoulders. “I’m ready.”
Fitz hands over the club. “I know you are. Go win us some money.”
I chuckle and step up to the ball. After lining up the shot, I make two practice swings. Then, I draw in a deep breath and tap the ball. It rolls…right into the hole. My arms shoot into the air. Fitz grasps my shoulders and shakes them while whooping. The crowd erupts.
I rush over to Ellie, who’s already ducking under the rope. I wrap her and Marina up in my arms.
Ellie looks up at me with a huge smile on her face. “I told you so.”
She did. Last night, after we got Marina asleep, Ellie whispered that I was going to win it all and get my grand slam. After how bad the first day went, I didn’t share her confidence.
I laugh. “Only you would say that right now.”
“You love me.”
I kiss her smiling lips. “With every breath in my lungs.”
Marina tugs on my shirt collar. I take her into my arms and carry her down the course as we’re ushered toward the awaiting press. I hold her with one arm and wrap the other around Ellie. I don’t let go until it’s time for them to present me with the trophy. Then, I pass Marina back to Ellie.
“Can you help me hold it?” I ask Marina, who giggles and grabs for it.
We take photos, and I know that this memory is one that I will cherish forever. Not because of the win, but because of the people surrounding me.
Jason Kingsley
Fifteen Years AfterThe Run Option
I press the button on my walkie-talkie. Static crackles.
“You boys all right out there?” I ask.
There’s a beep, then my son Phillip’s voice comes through. “Yes, sir. We’re on the trails. Is dinner ready yet?”
