Page 131 of Putting Out
She felt the tears streaming down her face and knew she couldn’t stop them. In his eyes she saw happiness and excitement. She saw love. Most of all she saw pride. Pride in her. In who she was as a woman, not just a player.
He opened his arms and she stepped into them as she had last night. She thought if she never played a round of golf again it would be all right because he had seen this one.
“You did it, baby.”
“Thank you, Pop,” she said, her voice trembling as she moved away to wipe her tears with the back of her hand.
“Thank you for golf. You gave it to me. You gave me my life.”
“I introduced you to a game, but it wasn’t the golfer in you that got you through this, it was the fighter. Your grandmother is going to be so happy to see what you did. To see who you have become. So happy.”
“I wish she was here.”
“She doesn’t. Don’t tell her I told you this, but any time you go to putt she makes me change the channel on the TV because she can’t bear to watch it in case you miss. Being here live would have given her a heart attack.”
Reilly laughed, which helped to fight back the tears.
“Let’s go call her.”
“First you’ve got a card to sign. Then if I’m not mistaken, there are about a hundred reporters standing behind me who want to talk to you.”
Reilly peeked over her grandfather’s shoulder and saw the crowd waiting for her. In the midst of them she saw Mark give her a wave and a wink and she waved back.
Luke came up behind her and steered her to the trailer where she would sign her card.
“Let’s go. We’ve got a show to get on the road.”
