Page 36 of Tee the Season
Do I want to stay?
Not because of some country club position. Not because it’s the safe, logical next step in my career, even if it is a few years early.
But for her. I want to stay for Tabitha and the way she makes me want things I’ve never wanted before.
For Sunday dinners at Aunt Mae’s where I’m welcomed like family. For quiet mornings in the kitchen and helping with traditions that matter and being part of a community. For the chance to be the person she lets in. The one who shows up. Who stays.
For roots with her.
“Yeah.” The word comes out rough. “I do. I want to stay. For her. Job or no job.”
“Then that’s what you need to tell her,” Hays says. “Not that you might stay if this interview works out. Not that you’re considering your options. That you’re staying. Period. That you’re choosing her, choosing this life, and you’ll figure out the rest.”
My heart is pounding now. “Turn the car around.”
“What?”
“Turn the car around. I've got time now. Before the interview. And I have to tell Tabitha first.”
A slow grin spreads across Hays’s face. “Now, you’re talking.”
The lighthouse from the harbor course at the country club is just coming into view in the distance when he turns off, onto a side street, to flip around and head back toward Main Street. Back toward the bookstore. Back toward my girl.
“You know what you’re going to say?” Hays asks.
“Not even a little bit.” But my chest feels lighter than it has in days. “But once I see her, I’m sure I’ll know.”
“I bet you will.” Hays navigates a turn, and I can see the town ahead now, Main Street with its snow-covered storefronts. Then he clears his throat. “Before we get there, I need you to say it.”
“Say what?”
“That I’m right. That, for once in our entire friendship, I’m the one giving solid advice.” He’s grinning like an idiot. “Come on. I want to hear it.”
I roll my eyes. “Are you serious right now?”
“Dead serious. Say it.”
“You’re right,” I mutter.
“What was that? Couldn’t hear you.”
“You’re right, Hays. Happy?”
“Ecstatic.” His grin widens. “For what it’s worth? I think you’re making the right call.”
“Even if she says no? Even if I’m reading her…reading this whole situation wrong?”
“Even then. At least, you’ll know you tried. That you put yourself out there.” He glances at me. “That’s all you can do, man. Show up, and tell the truth. Tell her how you feel.”
The bookstore comes into view, and my stomach drops.High Tide Taleswith its twinkling lights in the window. Tabitha’s apartment above it, where we spent three days pretending this was just temporary.
Where I fell in love with her without meaning to.
“You want me to wait?” Hays asks as he pulls up to the curb.
“Nah.” I’m already opening the door. “This might take a while.”
“Good luck.”
