Above Par - Olympic Edition

Chapter 20 - Unspoken Farewell

Felix:

The closing ceremony of the tournament had been a whirlwind of applause and celebration, and I'd watched Frederic stand on the podium, bronze medal gleaming in the sun. He looked every bit the champion, his presence commanding and confident. But as much as I wanted to be there to congratulate him, to share in the triumph of the moment, I found myself retreating into the background.

For the duration of the tournament, I had worn a facade, playing the role of the supportive caddy, cheering Frederic on, and helping him navigate the ups and downs of competition. It was a role I had fallen into naturally, but now that the tournament was over, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was time to step back.

The truth was, I needed distance. The incident that morning had left me shaken, and the blurred lines between our professional and personal lives had become too much to handle. I couldn't afford to let my emotions cloud my judgment, not when my job was to help Frederic succeed.

But with the tournament over and my responsibilities coming to an end, I was determined to pull away, to avoid getting entangled in a situation that would only lead to heartbreak. So I slipped away from the crowd, choosing to blend into the sea of faces rather than seeking out Frederic.

Once the celebrations wound down, I found myself wandering through the streets of Paris, my mind a jumble of conflicting thoughts and emotions. The city was alive with energy, but I felt disconnected, as if watching from a distance. I needed an escape, a way to drown out the noise and the confusion, and a local cocktail bar seemed like the perfect refuge.

The bar was dimly lit and filled with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. I settled into a corner, ordering a drink and letting the alcohol work its magic. The warmth spread through me, dulling the edges of my anxiety and allowing me to relax for the first time in days.

As I sipped my cocktail, I tried to convince myself that I was doing the right thing, that pulling away from Frederic was the best course of action. I reminded myself of my role, of the professional boundaries I needed to maintain, but a part of me couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

Frederic had become more than just a golfer I was caddying for. Over the course of the tournament, I'd come to know him, to understand his drive and his determination, and even to admire him. But the fear of getting too close, of losing myself in something I couldn't control, loomed large in my mind.

I took another sip of my drink, trying to chase away the doubts that lingered in the back of my mind. I couldn't let myself fall into old patterns, couldn't let my emotions lead me down a path that would only end in disappointment.

The alcohol was working its way through my system, leaving me pleasantly numb, when I felt a presence at my side. I looked up, startled, to find Frederic standing there, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief.

"Frederic," I said, trying to mask my surprise. "How did you find me?"

He frowned, his eyes narrowing with irritation. "This bar isn't much of a hideout when it's next door to the Olympic Village."

I chuckled, though his tone made it clear he wasn't amused. "I guess I'm not very good at disappearing."

Frederic sat down heavily beside me, his presence like a storm cloud that threatened to drown out my temporary peace. His gaze was intense, filled with a frustration that was palpable even through the haze of alcohol.

"Why did you leave?" he demanded, his voice low but firm. "You should have been there. We did this together."

I shrugged, trying to deflect his anger. "My job was to be your caddy, Frederic. Now it's done."