Page 31 of Summer Ever After
Pete glances down at the iPad in his hands, tapping a few buttons. His jet-black hair from my teenage years has peppered into a mix of gray, black, and white. “On film, your setup position and body alignment look good.” I lean over, glancing at the footage he just recorded. “I like where the ball is in relation to your stance. It’s not too far forward. But if you look right here…” He slows the video so we can break down each movement. “You’re not committing to turning through to the target. Your hips, ribs, and knees need to continue their movement.” He looks up at me with a hitched smile. “Walker, that’s just basic stuff. You know this. I taught you this.”
My head shakes in frustration. “I know, but somewhere along the line, I’ve lost it.”
“You haven’tlostanything. You still have what it takes. Let’s try another.”
I use the end of my driver to push over another ball into the tee box and ready my stance. My body twists, and the ball flies, landing in the deep grass to the left of the bunker.
I drop my head, swearing under my breath.
“For the most part, everything looks good.” Pete replays the video. “Your form and follow-through looked good. And your swing speed was one hundred twenty-seven. I think you’re just overthinking everything, and that’s what’s causing you to pull left. You’re in your own head.”
“Well, how do I get out of my head?”
Pete laughs, unfazed by my frustration. “You’re the only one who can get out of your own way. You have to learn to enjoy the game of golf again. And remember, it is just agame.”
“Easier said than done,” I mutter as I push another ball forward. No matter how hard I try, nothing about golf seems fun anymore.
“Walker, I thought that was you.”
I turn over my shoulder to see Noah Belacourt walking toward us. He’s another friend from junior high that I haven’t seen in years. We were more like default friends, forced together because we were the same age on this small island. But since his family is in the news a lot, I feel like we’ve kept in touch.
“Noah Belacourt.” I reach my hand out to him. “How’s it going?”
“I heard you were in town, working with the best.” He smiles at Pete.
“I hope you’re not referring to me as the best.”
“You’ve been the golf pro at the resort longer than I’ve been alive.” Noah slaps Pete on the back. “Of course I’m referring to you as the best.” He glances at me again. “I hope Pete is taking care of you and getting you whatever you need.”
“Yeah, he’s been great. Although, I think he had to move some of your guests’ tee times around to fit me in. Sorry if you get some complaints.”
“Eh, don’t worry about that. Normally, it shouldn’t be so hard to squeeze you in. We’re just extra busy this week because we have a wedding on Friday.”
“That’s what Pete said. I’ll be sure to stay out of the way.”
“Anytime we can host a professional golfer is a good thing.” Noah smiles. “Besides, you grew up on this course. You know it better than anyone else. In fact, you still hold the course record for the lowest score.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, but that was when you were eighteen. I’m sure you could crush that score now.”
I lift my brows, eyeing Pete. “I doubt that.”
“Of course he could,” Pete reassures. “Walker is in the prime of his golf career.”
I know Pete’s just blowing smoke, but there’s something about his unwavering confidence and belief in me that calms my anxiety. He doesn’t care if I win or lose, make the cut, or go home early. Pete just accepts me for who I am, like a father would—like what I hope my father would’ve done if he were still here.
“Good for you, man.” Noah nods in a genuine way. “I hear the pressure of the majors can just suck the fun right out of golf.”
You have no idea.
“Some days are better than others.”
“So, how long are you in town for?”
Everyone’s favorite question and another reason why I hated growing up in Sunset Harbor—the people who live here are so dang nosy. I would’ve expected Noah Belacourt to be more private with how public his sisters are. They parade around upper-crust circles like they own the place.
“I’m here until Pete thinks I’m ready to win a tournament.”
