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“If you must inquire about these unsavory matters,” Derwood continued, “why don’t you ask Co
That was a tidbit they hadn’t heard before. As one, the sea of reporters whipped around to face Co
Co
“So,” Co
It took Co
The whole experience was ironic, Co
Co
About ten minutes later, Freddy Granger ambled over. “Hi there, Co
Co
Freddy looked embarrassed. “Nah, I-“ He pointed to the empty chair on the opposite end of Co
Co
Freddy took a seat. “I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am, Co
Co
“No improvement.”
Co
“I had delusions of restarting my game here,” Freddy said. “You know. Wi
Co
“Aww, the hell with it, anyway.” He laughed quietly. “I shouldn’t even be thinking about this stupid game. My daughter’s gettin’ married.”
“I heard something about that. Congratulations. You must be very happy.”
Freddy beamed. “We are. We truly are. This isn’t the first time my baby girl’s tied the knot, but last time she ran off with some loser and we didn’t get to have a real wedding. This time we’re throwin’ her the party she deserves. We’re go
Co
“Couldn’t get in,” Freddy said. “It’s all booked up with some stupid golf tournament.”
“Right, right. I hear those big weddings are a lot of trouble. You must be drowning under all the details.”
“Hell no,” Freddy said. “The womenfolk never let me near any of the details. The only time I see them is when they drop by to tell me how much to make the check for.” He smiled, but Co
Co
“Anyway,” Freddy said, pushing himself to his feet. “I meant what I said. You need anything, just call me.”
“Appreciate that, Freddy.”
“See you Friday night, if not before.”
Co
A few minutes later, the empty space at Co
Harley half-smiled. “Nah. Forgot all about it. I-just wanted to offer my condolences.”
“Thanks, Harley.”
“I didn’t know John well, of course. Hadn’t met him till you introduced us. And now I suppose I never will.”
“You would’ve liked him,” Co
“That’s what I hear. That’s what I hear.” Harley nervously fingered the edge of the tablecloth. Co
“As long as I’ve known John. Longer, actually.”
“Really? Wow. Well, look. I don’t know the woman at all, but I know she must be going through a rough patch.”
“She is,” Co
“That’s good. Would you tell her something for me?”
“Sure. What?”
“She probably doesn’t need it but-well, I know how complicated things were when I lost my mother. And expensive. And John hadn’t been playing so well lately and-oh, hell. Just tell her if there’s anything she needs, all she has to do is ask. And I mean anything, including money. Just let me know.”
“Okay.”
Harley would be the one to call, too. He’d only started on the tour this year, but he’d already lined up an impressive list of finishes. He hadn’t won a tournament yet, but he’d placed in the top five in every single tournament this year except Pebble Beach, which he didn’t play. Co
“Thanks, Co
“I thought that was Joni Mitchell.”
Harley gave him a shy smile. “All the greats stole from my daddy.” He wandered off, and Co
A flood of memories surged through Co
Co
It was Barry Be