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My friends, Hailey and Natalie, join me in my quest to be able to at least tee off. We arrive at the facility, purchase our buckets of balls, and go to the range.
“So, let me get this straight. Your boss is eyeing representing a large software company and has forged a competition between you and your rival to see who gets the account?” Natalie quizzically states.
I swing my iron and strike the ball forcefully. “Yep. That’s the plan.” I peer out at the green to see how far my orb traveled so I can mark my card.
“And you’re out here playing golf with us?” Hailey asks, same tone.
“Yes. Why?”
“I would be researching or spying on his plans instead of hanging out with us,” Natalie comments.
I tee up and take another swing. “This is my plan. I have a meeting with them tomorrow at the country club, so I needed to see if I remembered anything my dad taught me.”
“Okay, so what’s his angle?” Hailey responds.
I pull back and swack the next ball before answering. “Oddly enough, the same. Tanya told me today as she was scheduling our meeting. But then the fucker interrupted my time with my team and demanded I leave the conference room. I mean, this asshole acts like he runs everything. I can’t stand the ground he walks on.” I take a swing and hit the ball past the green. I’m sure someone’s car is dinged.
“Um, I think you need to grab a drink to calm your nerves. Let’s put the club away and go have a seat,” Natalie says, removing my golf equipment from my hands.
Maybe she’s right. I am too worked up. Even a few of the men standing nearby move away when we head inside to the bar, probably to avoid my wrath. The girls snag a table by the window closest to the entrance so we can watch the guys as they come in. After a few rounds of cosmos and margaritas, it’s safe to say I’m completely relaxed.
“Wow, he’s handsome,” Hailey says when a tall, tan, brown-haired gentleman walks by our table, passing us a subtle yet sexy smile.
I catch another look at him and make eye contact while slowly sipping my drink. He assumes that’s an invitation to strike up a conversation.
“Ladies, good afternoon. May I buy another round for the table?”
“Yes, you may, suga. My name is Natalie. This is Hailey and Simone.”
He extends his hand and takes ours into his palm when we are introduced.
“Pleasure to meet you all. My name is Jesse Cetera. Mind if I join you? I’m meeting my friend here for a short game.”
“Please, have a seat.” Natalie scoots over abruptly and bumps into me.
My friends are all about dating. Me, not so much. My career is the only thing occupying my time. I notice a faint tan line on our guest’s ring finger and roll my eyes listening to him make empty promises while he flirts with my friend. He catches me looking, and a streak of red colors his cheeks. Soon a tall, sun-kissed ebony man calls his name as he approaches our table.
“Jesse,” he says, his voice a little amplified.
Now this is a drink of water I can partake. I straighten up and arch my back slightly and prepare for a round of introductions.
“Hey, Harlan, you made it. Meet Natalie, Hailey, and Simone. Ladies, this is my brother-in-law, Harlan.”
Brother-in-law?I put the girls back to their resting position when I shake his hand.
“Ladies, it’s a pleasure to meet you all. Let me get another round.” He raises his hand for the server’s attention.
“Uh, I think I’ve met my limit. I’m going to head home and get my research done. You ladies enjoy your time. I’ll catch up tomorrow after I land this account.”
Hailey stands to let me out of the booth seating, and we say our goodbyes.“I can’t believe I was about to put myself on display to get the attention of a man,” I say to myself when I enter my car.I shoot Natalie a text to advise of the wedding ring tan line I saw, letting her know to be careful with that guy before I pull off and go home.
I stayed up late working on this project. Tanya came by with wine and snacks to help me pull it all together. To thank her, I gave her the morning off so she could sleep in. Meanwhile, I grab a coffee with a triple-shot of espresso to help me at least function during the golf course meeting. Gaining their trust before I pitch my proposal is imperative if I want to win this account. To give us enough lag time for an actual discussion, I didn’t book a normal game. Only a few putting rounds. After introductions and speaking with Janelle and two other board members, I changed a few things around and reprinted it for my presentation when I returned to the office. I say a quick prayer and walk over to meet Armstrong where my rival is sitting outside waiting to go in. Taking the seat next to him, I pray he doesn’t speak to me.
“Good luck in there, Simone.”
So much for wishful thinking. I choose a vow of silence, he scoffs a bit at my unreturned gesture. The door opens, and Armstrong appears with a smile on his face. I straighten up, putting my bitter bitch attitude aside.
