Page 114 of Playing for Keeps

Emmy rested her elbows on the table. “It’s stupid that you have to be eighteen.”

“I agree,” Allie said.

Hugh screwed his nose up. “I guess for some people part of the appeal of golf is to get away from kids.”

“I’m not saying we should let toddlers run around on the course,” Allie said. “It would be kind of a safety hazard. But young people like Emmy should be able to play. Otherwise how do people even get into golf?”

“Okay,” Hugh said, grinning. “I see I’ve touched a nerve.”

She felt a blush hit her cheeks. “I may have strong opinions on this, but it makes a difference to people’s lives. Emmy already said there isn’t a lot for her and her friends to do around here. It’s not good if young people don’t have productive ways to fill their time.”

“I’m not arguing,” Hugh replied, holding up his hands defensively. “Why do I feel attacked?”

“Sorry.” The gentle amusement in his eyes left her fighting an urge to lean over and kiss him. Instead, she stood up abruptly. “I have an idea. I’ll be right back.”

Before she offered to let Emmy have a go on the driving range, she wanted to check the equipment hadn’t been cleared away and locked up for the night.

In the reception area, Daisy startled at the sight of her. “You made me jump,” she said accusingly.

“What are you doing?” Allie asked. “Why do you look so guilty?”

“I don’t.” Her gaze slid to her computer screen and she quickly minimised the document she’d been working on.

“Was that the greenkeeping schedule?” Allie asked. It held all the information about the work that was being done on the course and wasn’t exactly a confidential document. There shouldn’t be any reason for Daisy to be so cagey about it.

“I was just adding something for Grandad. He asked me to do it before he left today, but I forgot about it until now.” She was talking way too fast and looked increasingly guilty.

“I’m not surprised Ron needs help,” Allie said, keeping her features neutral. “It’s a heck of a lot of work for just one person.”

Daisy scratched at her collarbone. “He manages it fine.”

“Is it normal, though?” she pushed. “For a golf course to have just one greenkeeper?”

“No,” Daisy replied through gritted teeth. “It’s not normal, but my grandad is very good at his job. Why are you asking so many questions?”

Allie felt as though she was on high alert. “I’m only curious,” she said, certain that Daisy was hiding something.

“Don’t you have work to do in the restaurant?”

“It’s quiet now. There are only a few people left and Freddie is getting their bill. I was wondering if I could take Emmy out to hit a few balls on the driving range.”

“Who?”

“Hugh’s daughter.”

“Oh. Kids aren’t really allowed.”

“It doesn’t really matter though, does it?”

Daisy looked torn. “I guess not. As soon as the restaurant is empty I’ll be locking up though, so don’t be long.”

“We won’t.” Back in the restaurant, she told Freddie her plans before beckoning for Hugh and Emmy to come with her.

“Where are we going?” Emmy asked, striding along beside Allie.

“I thought you might like to hit a few balls.”

“Really? Can I?”

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