The Perfect Stroke(72)

“You’re kidding? He pays a mint in child support. Hell, with what he pays her, I could retire on a beach in Greece living the good life.”

“My words exactly. Well, except the Greece thing. You really need to visit the islands more, little bro.”

“Whatever. Want to tell me why you’re calling?”

“A friendly warning.”

“Warning?”

“Yep. Mom, Petal, and Maggie have all been talking to CC pretty regular.”

“I know. CC really likes them,” I tell him with a grin. In my book, that’s just another sign she’s nothing like Marissa. Marissa couldn’t stand anything about our family or, fuck, anything in Green’s life, really.

“Yeah, well, they’re coming to Georgia to watch your next tournament.”

“Oh, fuck.”

“I thought that would cheer you up.”

“You sound awful fucking cheerful about it.”

“I’ve got to say, I’m enjoying the idea of you dealing with that crew on your own. Plus, hah, I have the place to myself for the next week.”

“You still mending up okay?” I ask because he fucked his shoulder up bad.

“Yeah, I’m good. Hopefully I’ll get the ‘all clear’ in a week or so.”

I look over and see Cammie looking at me like she’s having a stroke, pointing to her watch. “Listen, bro, I better get going. I have another damn meeting to go to.”

“You’re starting to sound more corporate than easygoing pro. It’s fucking sad, really.”

“Later, White.”

“Later, G. Good luck in Georgia.”

“I don’t need luck. I got this.”

“Whatever,” he says, hanging up. I do the same, putting my phone in my pocket and heading towards Cammie. I actually like that my family is coming. It might be interesting to see how they deal with the Rivertons. Maybe I can get Petal’s little boy to pee on Cammie and her father. CC would enjoy that.

At the thought of my woman, I grin, even as Cammie smiles at me.





“What, did Tarzan forget he had to have a card to make the doors work?” I laugh when there’s pounding on the door. I heard it when I was in the shower and jumped out, wrapping myself in a towel and half-jogging to the door. When he pounds on the door again, I open it. “Really, Gray, give me a minute, I was taking a—” I stop when I look up to see David Riverton standing there. “What are you doing here?” I ask, frozen because he was the last person I expected.

“I can see you are just like your mother. Really, Claudia, this is an upscale hotel. You could at least wear a robe when answering the door.”

“What do you want?”

“I think it’s time we had a talk.”

“I think we said all we had to say to each other when Banger got sick.”

“Apparently not because here you are causing problems yet again.”

“I don’t see how. I’ve barely spoken to you. Now, if you’d be kind enough to leave, Gray will be home in a little while. You’re welcome to return then and talk to him,” I tell him, moving to close the door. I knew I wouldn’t get off that easy when he raises his hand and keeps me from closing it in his face. I’d force the issue, but I’m holding onto the towel with my other hand.

“That’s just it, Claudia. This isn’t a home. This is a hotel. You’re here not because you are a guest of the hotel, but merely because you’re sleeping with a guest. You being here puts your face and your very existence too close for comfort for my business, and that can’t happen. We had a deal. Do I need to remind you?”

I really don’t want to have this conversation. I don’t want to have my air mixing with the likes of David Riverton. Apparently, however, God isn’t looking down deciding I need a freak tornado to swoop down and suck the asshole into another universe. So, I back away. If I have to talk to him, I’m at least doing it with clothes on.

“I remember every detail of our last meeting, daddy dear. I don’t need a refresher course,” I tell him, flippantly going to the bathroom. I jump when I hear the door slam behind me, but luckily, I’m in the bathroom and my reaction is hidden from him. I guess the “daddy” barb struck home. Good.

“I told you to never fucking utter those words. Your slut of a mother trapped me, thinking she could use you as leverage for money.”

Oooh, he cursed! I guess I did score a direct hit.

“Well, I guess you showed her. Oh, wait. You did give her money. Tell me again, how much did you pay my mother to skip town with her mouth shut?”

“Apparently not enough to make sure she took you with her.”