"Thawack" Was the satisfying noise of my driver hitting the small white ball. I watched the flight and was pleased that it flew straight and landed just beyond the three-hundred-yard sign. I teed up another ball from the pile beside me. "Thawack" The ball sailed off toward to the left as I sliced it. I was at a public driving range practicing, I escaped the house full of 10 to 13-year-olds as Sara, Bret and Paula were schooling them in proper etiquette at a dinner table. I thought that George would come with me, but he canceled, while I was driving to the range.
"Thawack" I launched another ball, this time it flew straight and true again getting by the three-hundred-yard sign. I hit several more and was pleased that most of them flew straight. I really needed to work on distance, I have tried different drivers and training aids, but I was stuck at three hundred to three-fifty. The pile of balls at my feet was growing smaller. I looked down from my last shot and found another bucket of balls next to my initial pile.
"Hello Mr. Rogers," said a woman that I took a few seconds to recognize.
Debra Perry from Sara's office was standing beside me holding her golf bag.
"I got two buckets of balls, but I only need one, you can use the second one sir."
"Are you on a secret mission for my wife?" I said a little too accusatory.
"I don't know what you are talking about," said Ms. Perry.
"That came out the wrong way, I'm sorry, I guess I should be glad that you're here, since William is at home making sure that things are quiet at Red Rock Road."
"I know, my 13-year-old daughter is one of the guests. I hope she behaves herself. Let's see you send another one and hit it like your frustrated with Sara."
I hit another one this time concentrating on putting all of my strength into the club. I sent the ball on a diagonal course to the left. "Well that didn't work," I said.
Debra took the space next to me and started hitting drives that consistently sailed close to four hundred yards. I stood and watched her swing that was easy but still launched the ball a tremendous distance. I went back to working on my shot and concentrated on hitting the ball straight. I changed clubs and started working on my short game.
Debra looked over at me and made some comments as I hit. She went back to working on her game and I was amazed at how easily she stroked the ball. We were both interrupted by a man dressed in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, large cigar stuck in his mouth, and carrying an enormous golf bag.
"Hey Rogers, try to muzzle that bitch of a wife of yours. It might help your career," said the man.
God I've heard that before, I enjoy that Sara pisses off the Hollywood elite, and I seem to have work. The man took several steps toward me and then he stopped when he saw Debra and William standing close to me. I was surprised to see William I thought that he was at the house making sure Sara and others were secure.
"How much did she take you for sir, I hope in the millions we can use the money," I said.
"Rogers you just think that you have work, I will watch it all dry up and laugh," said the man.
I picked up my driver and took another shot and was pleased that the ball landed on the other side of the 400yd. sign. The jerk took the hint and moved down the line and found another position. I continued hitting until I finished the second bucket of balls provided by Ms. Perry. I tried to pay her, but she said no. I finally put my clubs away in my bag and started to carry them when William lifted the bag from me, and we walked to my car. Ms. Perry walked up next to me wished me a good evening.
"Is your daughter still at the house or does she have other transportation?" I asked
"It is the ex's weekend and he should have picked her up," said Perry.
William assured her that her daughter was picked up, and that she was a delight.
Not that it is any of my business, but how long have you been divorced?"
"About five years, I found him in bed with my friend and that ended my marriage and my friendship. But we get along well enough that we share custody of Cody, she is a beautiful girl."
"Does she have an agent yet?" I asked with a laugh.
"No but I am thinking about it, but she has other interests."
William stored my clubs in my car and handed me the key. "Her Grace is at Mario's sir and would like you join her."
I bid Ms. Perry goodbye and thanked her for the tips. I got in the car and started to the meeting place. I was soon there and after I handed the car off to the parking lot attendants, I entered the restaurant and looked for Sara. She was at the table that we usually occupied. Sitting beside her was Bret so I guess we were going to debrief the day's event. Sara waited until I kissed her, that accomplished I air kissed Bret and sat across from the two women.
"What do you think Bret, shall we forgive him for bailing on us today?"
"If you would have asked, I would have stayed it looked like you had things under control," I said a little exasperated.
"Darling everything went fine. I even tried to get Paula to join us, but she begged off. The kids were great, and everyone had a good time," said Sara.
Bret finished the soft drink she was nursing, stood and bid us a goodbye. She said that George picked up John Robert and Maeve, allowing her to go out with Sara.
"Do you need dinner, Paul?" asked Sara
"I can get something to go if you want to leave?"
"I can drink a cocktail and watch you eat. I may get desert," said Sara.
A waiter came over and I ordered dinner, Sara ordered a single malt whiskey with a cube of ice. I asked for lemon aide.
"No wine Paul?"
I'm driving."
"So, did you practice well?" asked Sara.
"Ms. Perry was there also and give me some tips. She said that her daughter was one of the guests."
"Yes, a lovely young lady, that does her mother proud," said Sara.
