Breathe Again

The Road to Gold

"So we're meeting them there?" I ask as I watch Chris prep my golf bag. He gave me a quick run down of where things are, what they are used for, and when to use them. "Yeah, the kids are staying here. Alright we're all set." He stands and claps his hands clearly feeling accomplished. "Alright, let's go then." He carries our bags out to the car and soon we're on our way to The Club at Lake Sinclair. "You have to promise that if I suck you won't make fun of me." He rolls his eyes and places his hand on my knee. "Baby, I would never make fun of you." His tone says other wise.

Upon pulling up Derek, Graham and Peter are already there. I feel incredibly awkward being the only woman with four men. "Hey, man hope it's ok Peter came along." Derek tells Chris. "The more the merrier. I'm gonna show Maggie how to golf." He says proudly as he retrieves our bags. I notice Derek starring at me, "You never let me teach you." He states. "You never offered." I say walking past him. "Touché." He follows Chris and I. "Nice outfit." Graham says from beside me. "Are you making fun of me?" I ask him. He starts laughing, "No, I'm giving you a compliment." He elbows me.

An hour or so in we're on the fourth hole and I can feel Derek getting a little frustrated at how slow we're taking due to Chris showing me how to properly play. We're about to play the hole and Chris is taking his time explaining to me about pars, birdies and eagles. I catch a glance at Derek who is rolling his eyes and checking his watch. "Chris, it's fine I got it." He eyes me as if with his eyes he's asking what's wrong.  "Nothing I just don't to take up anymore time." I get positioned to take my swing.

"Baby, if anyone has an issue with how long we're taking, they can play on without us." He states rather loudly and then proceeds to turn to the other guys, Is there an issue?" He asks waving his arms out, driver still in hand. They all shake there head except Derek. He and Chris seem to be having a stare off but eventually Derek smiles and shakes his head as well. "Alright then, from now on, Maggie just ask is you have any questions." I nod and take my swing. I jump up and down as I make it on the green on a par three. "See Mango, You're a pro." Chris claps for me.

"Mango?" Graham repeats Chris's nickname. As the other's take their turn Chris explains the nickname. We change up the cart situation do to the fact that I have to pee and so does Derek so we both ride together to the bathrooms between holes five and six. "I'm sorry. I came along. I remember how you treasured your golf time. I won't intrude again." Derek doesn't say anything until we stop at the restrooms.

"Don't apologize. Chris has made his point, He's a better man than I. I'm not mad Maggie. I'm a little frustrated but not at today. I was supposed to have a date tonight until I learned it was Helen. Guess she got a divorce too. I'm never going to find anyone who loved me the way you did. I'm ok with it." My heart breaks for him. I lean over and hug him gently. "You will find someone, but do me a favor and don't cheat." He laughs as I pull away. 

The rest of the day goes smoothly and there was no more issues.

As we're driving home Chris's hand finds it way to my thigh. "You looked really cute today. I think we should get home and head right upstairs." I give him a sideways look, "The twins are home." He simply shrugs, "They're teenagers now, I'm sure they know their mom has sex." His phone rings through the cars Bluetooth. "Hey Gary what's up?" He answers. Gary still hates me. "Well you know the Oscar nominations came in this morning." He states in his nasally tone. "No, I didn't. Did I get snubbed again?" Gary laughs.

"Just the opposite, you have three nominations. Best Director, Best Film and also one for your political documentary. Remember you have a plus one but as always up to five max. Shall I mark you down with your mom and brother again?" He says with a tone that is clearly meant to get a rise out of me. "Um, No because I'll be taking my wife and our kids." I look over at him shocked that he wants the kids to go. "Chris you don't have children with this woman. Besides do you really think she's ready for all the lime light?" Chris pulls over to finish the call as his temper begins to rise.