As we weaved through the course, I marveled at the stunning landscape. Lush, manicured greens rolled and dipped, vibrant flower beds, and towering trees casting dappled shadows on the ground below. It was the perfect setting for an afternoon of amateur golfing.
“Okay, let’s see if we can actually hit the ball this time.” Sabrina squinted into the sunlight once we reached the first hole.
I smirked, feeling a surge of competitive energy. “Prepare to be amazed.” I stepped up to the tee and positioned myself carefully. My hands gripped the club tightly, my knuckles turning white from the effort. I swung, willing the ball to soar gracefully through the air, only to watch it travel a mere few feet before plopping unceremoniously onto the grass.
“Ouch.” Sabrina winced, her eyes full of mock sympathy. “That was... something.”
“Your turn,” I said, passing her the club and folding my arms across my chest. She took a moment to line up her shot, her tongue poking out from the corner of her mouth in concentration, her hips wiggling as she prepared to hit the ball.
While we continued our hilariously terrible attempts at golf, I somehow forgot all about my magical mishaps and the omega fanatics. For the first time in a long while, I could simply be Liza, laughing with my best friend, making the most of a beautiful day.
“Watch and learn, sweetheart,” she teased at the next tee off, swinging with all her might. The ball flew farther than mine but veered wildly off course and landed somewhere in the bushes. We devolved into a fit of giggles.
“Whoa there, Tiger Woods,” I teased, stepping back to give her some space. “You should’ve given that last margarita back to the barman.”
“Ha!” She pointed at the ball. “I’m just as terrible as you are.”
“Hey, at least we’re consistently awful together.” I grinned, linking my arm with hers as we walked toward our golf balls.
“True friendship right there.” She nodded sagely, raising her margarita in a toast. “To sucking at golf and having fun anyway.”
“Cheers to that.” I clinked my almost empty glass against hers.
“Do you think we should take up mini golf instead?” I suggested, wiping tears from my eyes as we climbed back into the golf cart.
“We should stick to drinking margaritas.” Sabrina raised her glass in another salute.
Later that evening, the hum of the SUV’s engine almost lulled me to sleep as I watched the town’s lights blur outside my window. My shoulders were stiff from golfing with Sabrina. I’d used muscles I hadn’t used in years, but it was so worth it. My mind was clear, and I was re-energized, despite the fatigueweighing down my body. A day with Sabrina had been exactly what I needed.
An unexpected buzz in my purse jolted me out of my trance.
“Oh, I need to check this,” I muttered, more to myself than to the security guard driving me home. Fishing out my phone, I stared at the screen, puzzled by the anonymous email address.
Is the money enough? Do you need more to get away?
Confusion and suspicion swirled within me like a storm. Get away from what? Who the fuck had sent this?
My gut twisted. The only money I’d received recently had been the mysterious deposit. That meant the unknown sender was likely none other than Liam Russell. But why would he think I needed to get away? And why now? A heavy unease settled in the pit of my stomach as I contemplated how to respond, or if I should even respond at all. My instincts told me there was more going on here than just a business transaction. Something about this felt personal.
“Damn it, Liam. Who the fuck are you, and what are you playing at?” I muttered to myself, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. It was tempting to fire off a snarky response, but caution held me back. Better to wait and discuss this with Ty first. He always seemed to have a clearer head when it came to these things.
Sighing, I slipped my phone back into my purse, letting the uncomfortable silence envelop me once more as the car sped toward home. Whatever that email meant, one thing was certain…
It had just added another damn layer of complexity to an already messy situation.
The memory of Ty’s thoughtfulness and the lightness of the afternoon with Sabrina faded, and darkness and fear crept back in.
The moment we arrived at the estate, I spiraled into a loop of asking who and why, who and why. My anxiety spiked. My pulse quickened, and cold sweat prickled at my temples. I needed answers, and I hoped Ty could help me understand the cryptic email.
I didn’t wait for the car door to be opened for me. I jumped out and dashed up the stairs two at a time, and ran through the house, my heart hammering in my chest. The door to Ty’s office was slightly ajar, the sound of soft tapping of computer keys drifting into the hallway. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I pushed the door open and strode into the room.
“Ty, you need to see this.” I held up my phone with the email displayed.
He frowned as he scanned the screen, his eyes narrowing in concentration.
“Block the email.” His extremely tense tone took me by surprise.
“Why?” I paused, searching Ty’s face for some explanation. “Shouldn’t I respond to it? Find out who they are?”
