I could do this all day… watch Blake struggle. I’m not sure why it brings me so much pleasure. He turns back and scowls at me, at all of us. Jake breaks into laughter.
It’s cool but it’s a beautiful day. I’m so glad I decided to tag along – we used to play here as kids all the time. The circus themed mini-golf hasn’t changed at all, although it’s a little bit worse for wear. It all brings back so many memories; the clown, the carousel, the hot air balloon, the elephant and the tiger. The landscaping is as pristine as ever. The mini-golf will be closing down for the season soon, which is the reason Maddie and Jake wanted to get one last round in. Although, like Marilyn mentioned, I think there was more to it. Maddie keeps eyeing Blake and me, full of smiles. She keeps encouraging us to stand next to each other and sit together.
It’s actually kind of sweet.
I don’t tell her that Blake broke my heart years ago, that I never know where I’m at with him, that we lead completely different lives, hours apart. I really don’t want to burst her bubble.
And I can’t exactly tell her that he makes my heart beat faster, that every time I see him, I want to touch him, that he’s the best sex I’ve ever had.
He finally gets the ball in and two puts later, he’s over his limit. “That’s a six for me again,” he scoffs.
I’m up next. I set the orange ball down on the AstroTurf, I take my stance, and hold the club steady. I rock my hips, and stick out my behind just so. I catch a glimpse of Blake who’s totally checking me out – in his defence, my skirtisvery short.
With a smooth stroke, I send the ball rolling right through the clown’s mouth, and down to the hole. It almost makes it in, bouncing to settle just a foot off – it looks like a score of two for me.
“Oh, c’mon,” Blake scoffs, not amused in the least.
I smirk at him. “Be a good sport now,” I tease as I put the ball in.
He smiles and shakes his head.
Maddie is up next. She’s pretty good too, and so is Jake. The only one who sucks at this game is Blake.
He’s clearly frustrated, but he’s still so good with the kids, fooling around with them and making them laugh. He’s a big kid himself.
He looks so good today in his beige khakis and white V neck long sleeve. His summer tan and dark wavy hair look amazing against the white of his shirt. I love this dressed-up version of him.
I know I’ll miss this.
Maddie writes down everyone’s score on the scorecard, and we move along to the next hole. Blake is up again. This one looks even more challenging than the last one.
She inches closer to me. “Uncle Blake looks really handsome today, don’t you think?”
I almost break out laughing. “Um… yes, I guess.”
“He’s tall like my dad,” she goes on, “and he’s a really good fisherman.”
“Is he now?” I say, humoring her.
“If you were married to him, you’d have fish every day for the rest of your life,” she points out matter-of-factly. She presses a finger on her bottom lip. “Well, maybe not in the winter. You do love fish, don’t you?”
I smile. “I do.”
“He’s really good with kids,” she adds. “He’s the best uncle in the whole world, better than uncle Tim.”
I stifle a laugh. She’s really selling him.
Meanwhile, Blake is totally losing it – he’s not doing well on this hole either. He throws his club at the elephant.
“Um… he does have a bit of a temper though,” I point out.
“Well,” she says. “If you were married, I would suggest never mini golfing with him.”
“Duly noted.”
Blake has given up and thrown his ball into a nearby bush. “I really hate this game,” he snaps.
We’re all laughing now – it’s very comical. Why is it so funny watching someone lose it? Why do we take so much joy in other’s pain?
