Page 36 of One Pucking Surprise
Chapter 13
Zach
“Thisiswild,”Laineysays, her voice low but breathless. “It feels like an actual event. Do you guys really do this every year?”
“Every single year,” I reply, grinning. “It gets pretty competitive too.”
Her brows shoot up, but before she can ask, I lean in, keeping my voice just for her. “Grand prize is $50,000.”
Lainey freezes mid-step, her head snapping toward me. “I’m sorry, did you just say fifty grand? For a family golf tournament?”
“Yup.”
“That’s…” she trails off, her expression a mix of disbelief and something I can’t quite place. “That’s insane. Who even needs that much prize money?”
“It’s not about keeping it. The winners usually donate it to a worthy cause,” I explain, watching as her lips curve into a small smile.
“That’s actually amazing,” she murmurs, her voice softer now. “Do you already have a charity in mind?”
“Maybe,” I say. “Why? Got any ideas?”
Her eyes light up as she starts rattling off causes—children’s hospitals, community outreach programs, and animal shelters. It’s cute, the way her hands flutter when she gets caught up in her thoughts.
“You’re adorable,” I say before I can stop myself.
She blinks up at me, caught off guard. “What?”
Grinning, I reach out and gently squeeze her cheeks between my fingers. “I said you’re adorable.”
Her laughter spills out, and she swats my hand away. “You’re ridiculous.”
“True.”
Before she can respond, my sisters Blair and Cora appear. Whitney conspicuously absent, as usual.
“Ready to dominate, Lainey?” Blair asks, her grin sharp and excited.
“Let’s do it!” Lainey replies, her enthusiasm drawing a laugh from Blair.
“What’s the plan?” Lainey asks, turning to me.
But before I can answer, a voice cuts through the crowd like nails on a chalkboard.
“Zach! There you are!”
Clarissa.
She practically jogs up to us, her ponytail swinging behind her, and plants herself squarely in our path. She fixes her bright smile firmly on me, though I can feel Lainey bristling beside me.
“They’ve assigned me to your team!” Clarissa chirps, her voice filled with an enthusiasm that makes my teeth itch.
I glance at Lainey, who gives me a tight, not-so-enthusiastic smile.
“Actually,” Blair cuts in, arms crossed, “Clarissa, you should probably find your own team. Zach and Lainey are with me and Cora.”
Cora shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. “Actually… I’m gonna sit this one out,” she says quietly. “Sorry, Blair.”
Blair’s jaw drops. “Seriously? First Whitney bails, now you?”
