Laura scoffed, her competitive spirit flaring to life “In your dreams, hotshot. I’ll have you know I’ve improved my game since college
Ryan raised an eyebrow “Oh really? Care to make it interesting, then?”
“What did you have in mind?”
A mischievous glint appeared in Ryan’s eye “How about… loser buys dinner? And I’m talking the full works – appetizers, entrees, dessert, the fanciest bottle of wine on the menu.”
Laura pretended to consider it, even though her heart was already racing at the prospect. “You’re on, mister. Prepare to empty your
wallet.”
As they played, Laura found herself relaxing, genuinely enjoying Ryan’s company without the weight of expectations. They bantered hack and forth, ribbing each other over bad shots and celebrating the good ones.
“Nice drive,” Ryan whistled as Laura’s ball soared down the fairway on the fifth hole. “Where’d you learn to hit like that?”
Laura grinned, twirling her club. “What, you think I’ve just been sitting around knitting sweaters all these years?”
Ryan laughed. “Touché. I’m impressed, Laurie. You’ve definitely stepped up your game.”
The old nickname sent a pang through Laura’s chest. She pushed it aside, focusing on lining up her next shot
As they approached the ninth hole, the game was neck and neck. Laura could feel the tension building, her competitive nature swing
“Alright.” she said, squaring her shoulders. “This is where I pull ahead and crush your dreams of a tree dinner.”
Ryan smirked “Big talk for someone who’s about to choke under pressure.”
Laura narrowed h
her eyes. “Oh, it is so on.”
She lined up her shot, took a deep breath, and swing. The ball arced beautifully through the air, landing just shy of the green and rolling to a stop mere feet from the hole
“Ha!” Laura crowed, pumping her fist. “Bear that, hotshot!”
Ryan’s jaw dropped in mock outrage. “Beginner’s lack,” he grumbled, but Laura could see the admiration in his eyes.
in full
In the end, Laura clinched the victory by two strokes. As they made their way back to the clubhouse, she couldn’t resist a bit of gloating
“So, about that dinner you owe me…” she began.
Ryan held up his hands in surrender. “A deal’s a deal. I know just the place, too. But first, I thought we might head to Central Park for a picnic. I’ve got some friends I’d love for you to meet.”
CHAPTER MINE – ONE MORE DAY
20
Laura hesitated. Meeting Ryan’s friends felt like crossing another line, venturing further into a world she had no business being part of. But the thought of extending this carefree bubble for a few more hours was too tempting to resist.
“Sounds perfect,” she said, pushing her doubts aside. “Lead the way.”
As they spread out their picnic blanket in a sunny spot in Central Park, Laura couldn’t help but marvel at the surreal turn her life had
taken.
Just days ago, she’d been trapped in a loveless marriage, going through the motions of a life that no longer fit. Now here she was, laughing and joking with Ryan like no time had passed at all..
“There they are!” Ryan suddenly called out, waving to a couple approaching their spot. “Laura, I’d like you to meet Lisa and Tim Guys, this is Laura.”
Laura stood, brushing grass from her legs as she extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you both,” she said, hoping her smile didn’t betray her nervousness.
Lisa, a vivacious redhead with a warm smile, pulled Laura into a hug instead of shaking her hand. “Oh honey, we don’t do handshakes Any friend of Ryan’s is family.”
Tim, a tall man with kind eyes, nodded in agreement. “It’s great to finally meet you, Laura. Ryan’s told us so much about you.
Laura’s eyes widened slightly as she glanced at Ryan. How much had he told them? Did they know about their history?
