Page 64 of Crimson Promises
My eyes bulged at her answer.Fuck. No. Yes. Shit.I might as well start sharpening the spear Michael will undoubtedly run through me.
How was I supposed to respond to that?
Things were spiraling out of control. Whatever this thing was between us, it couldn’t happen. If that meant I had to be the bad guy, so be it.Better she hate me.
Making my voice sound as nonchalant as possible, I said, “If I win, you have to introduce me to Meg and help me get her number.”
Aurora’s face fell. I felt like the scum of the earth for causing her any pain.
“Aurora, I…” I took a step towards her, and she instinctively took one back.
This was what I wanted, but why did it feel like I just cut my own heart out of my chest and took a chainsaw to it?
“If that’s what you want, no problem. Fair is fair.” She held her chin up, determination hardening her features.
Uh oh, what did I get myself into?
We arrived at the first hole. I walked up to the leprechaun green flooring, gesturing for Aurora to proceed, but she shook her head at me.
“Want me to help you align your stance?”
“I can align my own stance.” She narrowed her eyes at me again.
“I have some experience. Just trying to help..”
“Thanks, but no thanks. It would be best if you didn’t mansplain whatever you’re trying to do now. I think I can figure it out. “
Okay. Trying to be a gentleman didn’t earn me any points.GuessI’ll go first, then.
I dropped my ball onto the black marked line, signaling where I needed to shoot from at each hole. The first hole was simple enough: a straightaway of green curved to the left, and boulders were sticking out on either side that could easily trap the ball. I peered over the curve. The hole was centered right at the end of the turn on a leveled plateau. My feet were together, my back was straight, and I lined up my putter with the ball. If it’s a competition she wants, it’s a proper match she'll get.
I wound back and hit my ball at what felt like just the correct pressure, not too firm where it whipped down the course but not meek enough that it didn’t gain enough momentum to carry down the hill. I followed the blur of orange down the curve. It rolled right over the hole but landed about a foot away.Perfect, I’ll make par.
I stepped back on the rocks surrounding the plateau and waited for her to take her shot.
Aurora aligned her feet and shoulders so that an imaginary line passing from her back shoulder to front shoulder — and back foot to front foot — was pointed directly at the target.
I banged my putter against the rock, but she didn’t acknowledge my attempt at distraction.
Instead, she bent her knees slightly and made her shot.
Aurora didn’t even follow the ball; she just stood there with a smug grin on her face.
My eyes followed the golf ball’s perfectly executed path as it sank directly into the hole.A hole-in-one on her first shot! Shit.
I closed my mouth and rubbed my hands on the back of my jeans.It’s probably beginner's luck,I reasoned with myself. There was no way she was that good. I’ve watched Aurora her entire life, and while she was gifted and skilled at many things, activities typically involving any coordination requirement were not her forte.We’re only separated by one point. I still have plenty of chances to make that up.
Aurora sashayed down the curved course as if it were a runway. She stopped in front of where I’m now towering over her, elevated on this step.
She cocked her head to the side. “Did it look like I needed help with my stance?” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.
This wasn’t an Aurora I recognized. Where was the girl I played tea party with? The girl who cared for all of her stuffed animals equally, never wanting anyone to feel like an outsider because she knew what it was like to be alone. Whatever this was, she wouldn’t go down without a fight.
And if she won, I’d be royally fucked. Losing was not a viable option.
I plastered the cheekiest smile I could muster and replied, “I’m sorry I missed it. I was responding to some text messages. Did you know that there’s another party happening tonight? Do you know if Meg's going to any?”
I wouldn’t blame her if she spat on me right now.
