Page 35 of Mixed Connection
“We need to be sure to find one with a bar that’s attached to the back of it, we can always get it painted—” I begin to say, but Lo interrupts me.
“Purple? Yeah, babe.” She chuckles. “I know, you love purple. Besides, it will pop against the fringe.”
“Be honest, Lo, do you think this is too much? To buy a cart for this tournament?” I ask, knowing she’s been spearheading this idea but also has some reservations about expanding.
“I think it’s a great idea! This tournament is going to bring in a lot of business. Besides, this course is one of the busiest around and has exclusive memberships.” Her voice is animated as she responds.
That’s when I see it.
I never thought I would fall in love with a golf cart, but it’s perfect! The two-seater cart is deep purple with a white and purple striped canopy top to shade us from the sun while we drive from hole to hole. The beverage area on the back isexpansive and has multiple areas to store all the ingredients to a great cocktail along with a cooler at the bottom for ice.
When my eyes land on the price tag, my mouth drops slightly open as my feet stop moving. Paloma is chatting away until she realizes I am no longer standing next to her. “I know, babe, but we have it saved. This is an investment that will pay for itself. I promise.”
We’ve been saving and technically, I don’t need to worry about money. I’ve invested my inheritance and have been equally as smart throughout the year. Still.
“It’s a lot to spend on a cart. Is this what they go for?” I pause, listening to myself worry. “You know what, ignore me. I know you got this. You’ve never led me astray, babe.”
Lo lightly bumps her shoulder into mine before nudging us both to keep moving. “And never will. Come on, let’s go take a look. Besides, we get a discount.”
This piques my interest further. We speak to the salesman and decide to make the purchase, we get a steep discount since this is the course we will primarily be vendors at, and because it’s the first day of the Golf Fest. I feel a bit better about the final price, the salesman made sure to let us know they would drive our new cart to the detailer to get our logo and the last few adjustments made.
By the time we are done and sitting in the clubhouse restaurant, I’m excited all over again. Watching my best friend closely as she finishes her BLT sandwich, I notice her eyes widen and she seems to hold her breath. Her leg shakes underneath the table and it reminds me how on edge she’s been lately. “I don’t know if I can do this.” Her words are just slightly above a whisper but I hear them nonetheless. After the afternoon we just had, I’m surprised by her sudden change of heart.
“Hey, are you okay?” I ask her, waiting a moment but her gaze is still on the screen of her phone. “Paloma?” Her lashes flickup towards my face as she realizes she zoned out. “Listen babe, if you don’t want to be the one to manage the cart then I will see if Brianna wants to take over. It’s fine. But areyouokay?” I couldn’t care less about her bowing out, that’s not the problem—B and I got this. But Lo’s nervousness and secrecy are starting to get to me; I’m concerned and I don’t know how to help her if she won’t let me in.
“No, I’ll do it,” she states firmly.
“Then what is going on? You don’t ever flip flop like this and it’s really starting to worry me.”
Releasing a deep sigh, she starts, “Honestly, I have a few things on my mind. I’m working through them. Would you be upset with me if I said I wasn’t ready to talk about it?”
“Of course not!” I reach across the table, clasping her hand in mine and give it a squeeze. “You’re my best friend Lo, I just wantyouto know I am here when, or if, you need me.”
“I promise, the moment I feel like I’m in too deep.” She chuckles. “I promise I will talk to you.” We clean up the table, stacking the plates, before we get up to leave when both of our phones chime.
J-babe
Hey babes!
Lo
I miss you so damn much! When are you coming home again?
How are you?
I watch as Janelle’s bubbles populate but disappear several times before she finally replies.
J-babe
I’m doing okay. I miss you guys too
We finally bought the golf cart!
Tapping on the camera button, I go into my photos and send Janelle a picture of Paloma and me standing in front of our new wheels. I wish she was here with us—this will have to be the next best thing.
Lo
I’m gonna name her Penelope…
