Dancing in the Rain

Chapter Four: Patio Playground

Chapter Four: Patio Playground

Taylor’s Point of View

I don’t say a word as Hunter moves my hands in a gentle swinging motion, moving the club forward, tapping the ball with a small amount of force. The ball moves perfectly, rolling down the green path of the course and knocking against the obstacles, having it gain more momentum until it rolls straight into the hole. A hole in one.

Hunter’s warm hands let go of mine, and he steps back, grinning at me. “Not bad, eh?”

I shake my head slowly, dazed and unsure of what to say.

“Is this Rob?” he asks, turning towards Rob, who raises one dark, bushy eyebrow.

“Yeah, and who are you?”

“Oh, I’m Hunter. Hunter Stone. I met Taylor the other day at Quarter Moon.” Hunter smiles, shaking Rob’s hand.

Rob nods his head in understanding as he realizes who he is.  “Ahh, right.” I can tell he’s trying not to grin.

“Uh...thanks for helping me there. I needed it.” I say, forcing out some laughter, hoping he’ll leave.

Of course not.

“No problemo, miss Pears.” He laughs. “Would you guys mind if I joined in your game?” He holds up his own club and ball, looking oh so proud of himself.

Before I can protest, Rob nods. “Sure, man.” he says lightly, and writes Hunter’s name down on the paper. I shoot him a deathly glare, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

“Thanks! Your turn, Rob.” Hunter says, running a hand through his light brown hair.

Rob smiles at him, picking up the pink ball again and sending it shooting down the course, only to be stopped by another obstacle. He moves up to the obstacle again, hitting the ball with a huge amount of force, and it practically flies into the hole.

“Not too shabby.” Hunter smiles sincerely. I wonder if that guy ever has a frown on his face. I watch as Rob writes down his score and then waits for Hunter.

He takes his club, and sets down the ball, looking completely relaxed. He hits the ball gently and it, yet again, rolls into the hole perfectly.

“Wow, you’re really good at putt-putt.” I say, raising an eyebrow and looking at him, my arms crossed.

“Yeah, I’ve been playing it here since I could hold a club.” He says without looking up.

Rob and I exchange a look. Well, he looks more impressed, while I imagine I look more irritated.

“So, you really know these parts well, huh?” Rob says, tilting his head a little.

Hunter nods. “I was born right here, Surf City, Topsail Island.” he looks proud of himself.

“You can surf?”

Another grin spreads across his face, and he shakes his head a little. “Nah. That’s just the name of this town. Plenty of teenagers do though, but I don’t. I tried once, but I totally wiped out.”

Rob laughs. “That’d be me.”

“No man, I bet you’d be great.” Hunter says. “My brother actually coaches one of the surf teams. I could get him to teach you sometime.”

“Okay--” Rob begins to say, but I cut him off. “Alright you two,” I motion to the next course. “Let’s get a move on.” I want this to be over as soon as possible, so I can just get away from this guy. My afternoon out with my best friend has just been ruined.