Page 30 of Pity Party
Holy heck, Tim’s family owns Elk Lake Country Club? That’s huge. And intimidating. “Wow!” I exclaim a bit too loudly.
“I know country clubs are kind of passé with our generation, but I grew up there and I really loved it. It’s a sense of community within a community.”
“Do you remember Anna Walker?”
“Of course.”
“She and her husband Chris belong. They thought it was a good way to break into the Elk Lake business community when they moved here.”
He nods his head. “They’re right about that. A lot of deals go down cruising on the golf course or sipping mojitos by the pool.”
I’m unclear what his new job as owner’s son entails, so I ask, “What will you be doing?”
“There’s actually a lot to it.” He enumerates, “I help plan events for members, charity balls, golf and tennis tournaments, and I make sure the grounds and facilities are well maintained.”
“Sounds like it keeps you pretty busy.” I didn’t grow up going to the country club, but my mom and Howard joined when they got married. Howard practically lives there.
“It’s also a great place for kids. I spent my summers there growing up.” That’s probably why I don’t remember seeing him down at the public beach where the rest of us hung out.
I pick up my menu and peruse it—as if there’s any chance I’m going to order something other than the patty melt. “Where were you before coming back to Elk Lake?” I ask.
“California. I managed a golf club in the L.A. area.”
“That sounds pretty swanky.”
“I like Elk Lake better,” he says. “Dating in L.A. is like starring inSquid Game. Did you catch that series on Netflix?” When I shake my head, he jokingly explains, “Lots of blood and violence.”
“So, you didn’t date a lot?”
“Oh no, I dated. But everyone is always looking for the next best thing. I lost three girlfriends to members of the club and my ex-wife left me for an NBA player she met there.”
“That’s horrible.”
“You don’t even realize how bad it is until you come back to a normal place like Elk Lake.”
“I never left,” I tell him. “I mean, I went to college, but then I came right home to join my mom’s business.”
“That sounds wonderful,” he says.
“My mom or Elk Lake?” I ask for clarification.
“Both?”
I’m silent for a stretch before admitting, “My mom has been on my last nerve lately, and while I love Elk Lake, I often wonder if I should have been more adventurous and gotten out.” You know, like to Majorca or Machu Picchu. Maybe Antarctica.
The waitress comes back and asks, “You ready to order?”
Tim and I both get the patty melt and fries which makes me wonder if we aren’t meant for each other. As I ponder this, my eyes cast around the room, and I catch sight of Jamie Riordan. He’s laughing at something Sammy is saying and I’m literally struck mute as a result. When he’s engaging with his daughter, he only has eyes for her. Until he glances my way.
My mouth hangs open like Big Mouth Billy Bass about to sing “I Will Survive.” My stomach plummets like I’m upside down on Space Mountain going double-speed.
“Is he an ex?” I hear Tim ask from what seems like a great distance. Yet it causes me to turn and focus on him.
“Who?”
“That guy, Jamie?”
“No!” Much to my chagrin, I shout this. “I just met him yesterday. He and his daughter are new to Elk Lake.” I further explain, “Sammy sort of works for me at the bridal shop.”