The Business of Lover by Charley Clarke

Author:Charley Clarke [Clarke, Charley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-02-15T14:32:45+00:00

Chapter 13

A thwack cut the air as Mack’s driver connected with the ball and sent it soaring across the fairway. She stepped back to watch its progress. It bounced, then rolled far enough that she could make the green in the next shot. If she kept her head in the game, she might be able to birdie this hole. Too bad her head was far away.

“Nice shot,” Henry said.

She tipped her head to acknowledge the compliment and returned her club to her bag, and then they climbed into the golf cart to drive down the fairway.

“Something bothering you?” her father-in-law inquired kindly as he drove.

Frowning, she considered how much to tell him and settled on, “It’s just work.”

“Oh, good.” When she turned her head sharply toward him, he chuckled and clarified, “I was worried it had to do with Taylor. That’s all.”

“Oh.”

“I like you, Mack,” he said, easing the cart to a stop. “I do. But if it came down to it, I’m always in Taylor’s corner.”

She smiled. “I wouldn’t expect anything else, sir.”

He pulled a six iron from his bag. “Good. Now that that’s done with—and don’t call me sir—is there anything I can do to help? Would you rather talk about it, or would you rather play golf?”

She appreciated him asking what she needed. Maybe that was where Taylor had gotten it. “I’d rather play golf.”

“Great. Then that’s what we’ll do.” He set up his shot and hit it onto the green. Once she’d also made it onto the green, he said, “This is all I’m going to say about it, okay? We all need someone to talk to, especially when things are bothering us. So, make an effort to talk to someone. And if it’s something you’re worried about telling Taylor, don’t be. That’s what she’s there for. We’re meant to confide in our spouses, and if we can’t do that, then why are we married to them? I know you two are happy, but stuff like this—the hard stuff, the not-so-great stuff—that’s part of the trust that builds lasting relationships.”

Except this relationship wasn’t meant to last.

Mack considered his words as she got behind the wheel of the cart and drove them toward the green. Even if he didn’t know the specifics of their marriage, his point still made sense. While she was used to keeping things close to her chest, Taylor had a more open, compassionate heart. Mack, on the other hand, had been worried about burdening Taylor unduly. She’d already cried in Taylor’s arms, though. Didn’t that erase whatever boundary she was clinging onto?

“Thank you, Henry.”

“Anytime. Now, let’s see if I can make this in one putt.”

* * *

Abby was already seated at their table for two when Taylor arrived, greeted her mom with a kiss on the cheek, and sat down across from her.

“You look cute,” Abby said, gesturing to Taylor’s lilac sundress.

“Thank you. Sophie helped me pick it out.”

“It’s nice to see you getting along with her.”

Taylor chuckled. “She’s a sweet kid, and softball really bonded us.

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