Noah & Navid

Ch. 13- Hole in One

Thursday afternoon we met up with Erik and Miguel at the mini golf castle in Sherman Oaks. My dad took me there a lot of weekend when I was a kid. They had batting cages and he dreamed of me playing baseball before he figured out I was gay and wasn't getting over my anxiety when hard balls flew at me.

My dad used to stand there for hours yelling, "Come on Noah! You got this, dude! Come on! Hit it!" 

He'd eventually just get right behind me and cover my hands with his; holding onto the bat. He'd hit the ball and then make me try to do it on my own. He would get so frustrated with me.

We'd do this until I cried and then he'd feel like a huge asshole and cheer me up with some nachos. 

We'd sit on a bench and watch the LA river flow by and he'd apologize and hide his disappointment. 

Once dad figured out I really wasn't going to be his star athlete, we switched over to the mini golf and there were no more tears.

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We all met up by the snack shop. Navid and I were early and were sharing a frozen lemonade in the 100 degree sun when Erik and Miguel walked up.

"I don't get why you like this place, Noah. It's old and creepy." Erik hugged me, swiped off his big sunglasses, and gave an awkward hug to Navid. 

Everyone was trying to get along for me. I was happy that my friends and my boyfriend cared so much. 

Miguel hugged me tightly and offered Navid a handshake.

We got our putters and a cup full of brightly colored balls; then set off on the course. I knew every hole on this course and I had several hole-in-ones. Navid was shocked and a little embarrassed by his score. I know how competitive he is, so I started to throw my game off a little.

"I've played this same course hundreds of times since I was little. I know every little bump," I admitted.

He cheered up at that and said, "Ah I see that. I am used to only play real golf in big fairways." 

He started to do better after regaining his confidence and we were beating Erik and Miguel who were both more interested in conversation than playing the game.

"So Noah, do you two already have your suits for the Fall formal? I, as your vice president, have secured THE hottest little spot in Toluca Lake." Erik said when we took a break and got more lemonade.

"I actually... I haven't brought it up to Navid yet," I turned to look at Navid who eyed me with confusion.

"What is a fall formal?" He asked with one eye opened wider than the other.

"It's for the Pride student club. All those fundraisers Noah skipped. We were able to get this club owner to give us his party room for the night at a cheap rate. We are going to get all dressed up and make it a special night for the members. I saved two tickets for Noah and his... date. I'm bringing my new guy so you can all meet him!" Erik was excited.

"It would be nice to get dressed up with you and go somewhere nice. You look so cute in a tie," I said to Navid and squeezed his arm.

"We will check the date to see what is planned already, ok?" Navid said to Erik. He turned to me and whispered, "We discuss this later, ok please?"

I nodded and offered Erik a hopeful smile. "We'll see, ok? It does sound fun! We'll try, ok?"

Erik looked at me with fuming eyes, but he nodded his head.