Page 57 of Second Swing
Our plates are piled high with waffles slathered in butter and maple syrup. The crispy bacon is delicious too, but it’s not the star of the show here as I listen to Paloma moan into her first bite. The sound brings me back to her grinding that sweet pussy of hers on my mouth.
Popping the last bite into her mouth, she asks me a question I think has been burning at her for a while. “I have a confession,” she mumbles. “When I was looking at the Volvik sponsorship, I noticed that in all theirpictures of you, you were holding their neon pink balls. Even now, you only seem to play with that specific ball.”
“It’s my good luck charm.” I bite into a waffle, not really answering what she’s hinting at. “You stalking me, Dove?”
“Not stalking, just wondering why.”
“When I’m on the course, I’m focused on the green and how to get my ball as close to my goal as possible.” I turn to her, needing her to truly hear me when I say, “You are always on my mind, have always been on my mind. I useyourgolf balls because they make me think of you. I pushed myself for that sponsorship when I was in Ireland because it made me feel closer to you. My need for you has never changed, Paloma. No matter how much I fought it, even if I healed from what happened. Wherever you are is where I want to be.”
Paloma turns in her chair to fully face me. “You’ve been sponsored by them for at least five years, Clint.”
“I have.” It’s all I say as she stands from her chair and sits in my lap. “I know I’ve already apologized but let me say it one more time. I’m sorry I ever made you feel like you weren’t everything I’ve always wanted. Running was what I thought was best seven years ago, but now, I need you to know I am never running away from you again,Clint. I was running away from my fear of losing you. From the abandonment that comes when someone close, a parent in my case, disappears from your life, and you’re left wondering if you weren’t good enough for them.”
When her arms wrap around my neck, my mind calms. Worrying about the possibility of her running melts away. “Hurting you will never be my intention. I can't promise you it won't ever happen, but I will promise to always be understanding and willing to listen to you. I’m in thiswith youforever.”
“There is nowhere else for me to run, but into your arms,” Paloma mumbles into my chest, and I squeeze her tighter because no matter what, my heart knows hers. And wherever her heart is, it's where mine wants to be.
“Our mulligan?” I ask her before I kiss her hair.
“Our mulligan.”
“Do you have anything planned for today?” I ask as she puts on her newly washed clothes.
“No, I took today off from Shaken Tropes, and Waffles has been fed by his Aunt Cassidy.”
I am not sure if she will be up for what I’m thinking, but I don’t want to be far from her. Now, since we are taking things to the next level, I want to be with her all the time. “Do you want to talk with the first group of kids for Albatross with me?”
Her face lights up with excitement. “I would love to. You’ve talked so much about the mission of Albatross, I can’t wait to see the program in action.”
I almost slip and tell her I love her, but I don’t want to scare her off when she is just accepting us. Having a woman who loves golf as much as I do, it's like a gift from God himself.
Driving to the golf course with her sitting next to me feels so natural. Even though the temperature is beginning to drop, the breeze feelsincredible, and I do my best to watch the road when I would rather watch her dark pink waves whip around from the wind. A wide smile splits her face as she sings to a Bad Bunny song she’s playing through Bluetooth. It’s as if there was no one before her, and I smile. When we get to the course we make quick work of getting a few things out of the trunk.
On the front nine there are several families, excitement billowing off them. Their presence energizes me, giving me an extra pep in my step.
“All these kids signed up?” she asks, her voice pitched higher than normal. “Clinton. Th–this is incredible.”
“Wait until you see what I have planned for them this year.” Smiling down at her, I press my lips to her hair before we walk closer to the families to welcome them to the beginning of their golf journeys.
As soon as my feet hit the green, I can hear the hushed excitement as they notice me. I don’t miss out on Mr. Greg standing off to the side with his grandson and granddaughter. I clap my hand on his back and pull him in for a hug.
“I’m glad to see you, Mr. Greg. Care to introduce me to the VIPs?” I smile at both of his grandkids as I shake their hands.
“Kenneth and Shayla, sir.” As soon as he says their names they start talking.
“Grandpa, it’s Kenny,” the young buck groans at his grandpa saying his full name, and I try my best to hold back a chuckle.
Shayla eyes her brother before she turns to me. “I’m so excited to be here, Mr. Morrison.”
“Me too. We can’t wait to be pros like you. Learning from the best to be the best,” Kenny pipes in.
“You two are what Albatross is all about. I’m excited you’re both here.”
Turning toward the rest of the families, I welcome them to the Albatross program. “Welcome, everyone. Thank you for seeing yourself as a part of the Albatross family. Each of you has played the game and found a love for golf like many of us who play for a good time or professionally. You have the base of what we will begin to build on.”
My eyes scan the kids, some listen intently while others are zoned out. The adults are either focused or trying their hardest to get the youth with them to pay attention. I take a mental note to ensure the kids have a desire to be here. Not because they seem spaced out but because I want to ensure the adults aren’t forcing them into a sport they aren't truly passionate about.
“While you’re a part of Albatross you will have full access to the Mossy Oaks course and range, which means you can practice your swing without the worry of funding.” During training we’ll, of course, start with fundamentals like the clubs and rules of the game. I’m most excited about sharing course management and shifting their mindset into one of a pro. “Again, I’m glad you’re all here. Paloma and I will be here to meet and greet with everyone. Enjoy the course. You each have a ticket to the charity event happening soon. And after”—I pause, looking them all in the eye—“Albatross training begins!”
