Love on the Green: Abby Murphy’s Path From Beverage Cart to Social Director

Chapter One

“Hey Abby, did you find your replacement yet?” Ryan questioned his wife as he stood with his strong tan arms resting on the kitchen counter.

“Honey, I don’t know why I need to quit. So, what if you are the General Manager I like what I do!” Abby retorted as she poured her second cup of coffee.

“Abby the club members are complaining, and I can not afford to lose anymore members. This economy is tough enough for the club. We used to have 472 members and now we are down to under three hundred. I need to do whatever it takes to hold on to the members we have.” Ryan pleaded as he put his hands on his waist.

“What is their problem with me?” Abby’s voice was a little shaky. She looked down at her coffee, not wanting to show her new husband the vulnerability she felt.

“We went over this last night. Since we were married this year, they feel like you will be my spy. Members want to get away with things from time to time. When you are out there on the courses, they think you are spying on them.” Ryan explained cautiously as he pulled Abby to him.

“What is it they want to get away with? I am just the Beverage Cart Manager. What is it they think I will see?” Abby was getting agitated. She broke away from Ryan and gazed out over the golf course through the door wall. Knowing full well what members at an exclusive golf club do when owners and management aren’t looking. Abby had been working at a golf club for the past seven years. Now thirty, she was enjoying a decent income in a terrible economy. It was 2011 and the economy had been struggling since the financial crisis of 2008, especially for the

golf industry. Abby was happy she had found a position at one of the few popular clubs still open in Michigan.

“Listen honey, members can be fickle. Now that you’re my wife, you will be going to the dances and the Vegas Night. You will attend all the social gatherings that the club hosts. They do not want their wives to be friends with someone. They see this person on the golf course all the time. I told you, if you insist on working you can work in the pro shop or in the banquet center. But I agree with the members. You do not belong on the course socializing with all the guys. This includes female members, for that matter.” Ryan continued to fight his battle. He poured himself a coffee into his favorite black Eagle’s Nest travel mug.

“It is because I am older, isn’t it? I am only thirty and look I have a better body than any of the younger girls that I hired.” Abby turned around. She wore white tight-fitting shorts that fell above mid-thigh. Her sleeveless, baby blue polo shirt had the club logo. An Eagle standing on a Nest was over her right breast. The outfit complimented her tan, legs which were toned and long as well as her muscular arms. Abby was about five feet six inches and wore her long Auburn hair in a messy updo.

“Listen you have only been here one year. It is better for you to make the move now when all the members still like you. So, before we get into our peak season, I want a new Beverage Cart Manager in place. I have got to get to the club, we have a membership meeting at ten. I will see you tonight.” Ryan kissed Abby quickly and headed out the door with his coffee and keys.

As Abby looked out her window over the golf course, the lush green grass was glistening in the morning sun. Abby was a little agitated with Ryan, she loved her new husband deeply. She cherished her new life so much that she was willing to do whatever it took to make him happy. She grabbed her keys and purse and headed out for the club herself. She pulled into the Eagle’s Nest Country Club in her black convertible Saab. She saw Miranda Miller pulling up on the beverage cart. “Hi Miranda when you get a moment can you come to my office?” Abby stopped her car on the brick-paver driveway outside of the clubhouse. Miranda was pulling in on the beverage cart getting ready to serve the morning golfers.

“Sure, I was in at 7:00 today so I am off at noon. Would that be a suitable time?” Miranda asked with the sweet manner she always seemed to have.

“That’s great, see you then!” Abby responded as she pulled away. Miranda gave a slight wave. Abby pulled around to the side of the club house where the pro shop entrance was located. Before she got out of her car, she sat for a bit. She studied Miranda for a moment and thought to herself, Miranda is quick. Abby felt that Miranda was very polite and well mannered. Plus, the members liked her. This will be her third summer here; she is nineteen now so she can manage the responsibility. I don’t think she is planning on college, Abby analyzed Miranda from afar. Oh well, I will see what Eric thinks. Abby headed into the pro shop to consult with Eric, the golf pro that replaced Ryan.

“Good morning, Eric! How many players this morning?” Abby inquired as she entered the pro shop. Eric was heading out with his clipboard. “I’m busy right now, check it yourself.” Eric flung the oak and glass door open as he headed out. Eric was about five feet nine inches, a smaller build. He wore his sandy-blond hair short and spiky. He had a flat face and a crooked nose. His looks fit his personality. Eric’s assistant Dolores was working at the counter.

“Why is he always so crabby?” Abby asked Dolores, trying not to take it out on her. She had chosen a much nicer word than came to mind. Abby didn’t want to be crass, as the General Manager’s new wife she had an image to uphold. This year was going to be different compared to last year when she was just the new Beverage Cart Manager.

“Oh dear, you have no idea. The only time I am afraid of Eric is when he is in a good mood. Then I know something is up. But most golf pros that I have worked with have big egos, except Ryan of course. Your man has always been a gentleman.” Dolores gave her lilting laugh, tossing her head back as she did every time she laughed. Dolores was an older woman she had been at the club for 15 years, every golf season. She was there every day with her sheepish grin, she was only five feet, if that tall. Dolores wore a wig every day. They were all golden blonde. Some were short, and a couple were shoulder length. For being in her sixties, she was in great shape. She managed to maintain her hourglass figure and always dressed in the latest fashions. Today she had a multi- colored scarf wrapped loosely around her neck. She was wearing a navy-blue summer sweater and white Capri’s. Dolores was always as sweet as pie to Abby.

“So how many players are out there this morning?” Abby directed her questioned at Dolores. “Only forty, that is not too bad for early May. Miranda is on the course, right? I just got here.” Dolores was a little flighty, changing direction often as she spoke.

“Yes, Miranda is on this morning. Hey Dolores, can I ask you a question? I have only been here a year. You probably know Miranda a little better than me.” Abby was a bit apprehensive. She wanted to talk to Eric first. He was such a prick, so she thought Dolores might be more helpful.

“Sure honey, what is it?” Dolores asked as she perused the computer screen.

“I am going to be looking for a new Beverage Cart Manager this summer to replace me. I thought about offering the position to Miranda. I was just wondering if you thought she would be good at it?” Abby asked cautiously.

“That is a fabulous idea, the members love her, and she is good! She hits those members about every four holes. She knows how to hustle.” Dolores answered with enthusiasm.

“Do you think the other girls respect her enough? I mean, she is young, but she seems pretty, mature to me, what do you think? Abby inquired.

“Most definitely, she is very polite and yet she knows how to handle the difficult members. Like Mr. Cook and Mr. Adderley, you know they love being difficult. Dolores shook her head, clicking her tongue.

“I have not had to deal with too many difficult members. Mrs. Callahan gave me trouble last year and alcohol was the issue then.” Abby responded. Just then, a couple of the members walked in, so Abby wrapped up her conversation. “Thank you, Dolores. I will talk to you later.”

Abby headed to her office thinking to herself, Miranda it will be. I hope she is interested. It will be strenuous work for such a young girl, being so small. She is pretty, feisty though. She is a speedy little thing Abby thought to herself as she reached her office. She had a decent size office, located just outside the pro shop. She sat down at her desk to go over her inventory. Around 11:00 AM Abby called Ryan to discuss her decision.

“Hey Ryan, I found my replacement. I am going to meet with Miranda Miller at noon today and offer her the job. She is the best beverage cart girl I have. The rest of the staff respect her. Also, she has been here for the past two or three summers from what I have heard. What do you think?” Abby took a breath to give Ryan a chance to answer. Ryan hesitated, “I guess she would be ok. Did you ask Eric what he thought?”

“I tried, he is such a prick. Why is he still here anyway?” Abby was a little agitated with Eric. “Abby, Eric has been here longer than me. He started in “99” I did not start until 2001. I can not believe it! I have been here 10 years already. Anyway, the members love him! You just need to treat him with kid gloves.” Ryan stated.

“That is ridiculous, but anyway.” Abby wanted to launch into a rant about Eric, but she quickly changed her mind. “I talked to Dolores, and she spoke highly of Miranda. Dolores is here more than Eric anyway so I figured she knew who the members would like. Abby explained.

“Alright, well, see what Miranda has to say. She may not even want it. I need to go. The owners are here, and they want to have lunch. I will talk to you tonight. We can decide where to put you this summer. Although, I suggest you take this summer off.” Ryan got in one more attempt to try and get Abby inspired to work elsewhere before hanging up.

“That is not happening, I love to work, and I have only been here a year. I can not have that short of a tenure on my resume. I love you my dear!” Abby hung up the phone and stared at her wedding picture for a moment. She admired her handsome new husband. Ryan was five feet eleven inches, not super tall, but tall. Ryan was a dashing Irishman with a beautiful strong chin and dazzling blue eyes to match his dashing white smile. He had thinner lips and thin black hair he wore cut short. Ryan was a pro golfer and very well spoken. He was the only man that truly seemed to find Abby beautiful despite her flat chest.

            Abby and Ryan met just one year prior at a fundraising dinner in March. Ryan offered her the job as Beverage Cart Manager. He did so only because he was smitten with her. He shared this with her after they were engaged. She started in May of the same year. But they did not start dating until November. The season was over, and Abby was laid-off, as often happens in the golfing world. She took a job in town with the local florist. The flower business always picked up for the holidays, so it worked out perfectly for Abby. The following January, Ryan asked for her hand in marriage. It was a whirlwind romance. Two months of dating and a two-month engagement. They flew to Vegas at the end of February and were married. Ryan was thirty-five and had never been married, it puzzled Abby a bit. Since her history was a bit unsavory, she avoided talking about the past as much as possible. Abby’s phone rang jarring her from her reminiscing.

“This is Abby!” she could tell by the extension that it was the pro shop calling. “Hey sweetie, Dolores, we did not get to finish our conversation. What are you going to be doing this summer?” Dolores asked charmingly. She was the information highway for the employees. Dolores wanted to be the first to know everything.

“I am not sure, Ryan said he would find me something. I know he is looking for a banquet manager so I might think about doing that. I still need to talk to Miranda. I am meeting her at noon today to ask her if she is interested. Oh, so please do not say anything to anyone. I guess I should have mentioned that earlier, sorry.” Abby realized her misstep and hoped the word had not already gotten out.

“Oh, don’t worry, you can always confide in me.” Dolores reassured Abby.

“Thank you! Sometimes I think you are the only one around here that really likes me.” Abby was feeling vulnerable. Since Ryan and her married it was like she had contracted a disease. Very few of the employees spoke to her, other than the basic cordial greetings. During her first season she thought she was making friends with a couple of the club employees. She knew once she married the boss that she would not be as welcome. She had a good relationship with three or four of the female members. However, she thought they might just be trying to get some special treatment.

“Don’t be silly, I have to go Mr. Cook just walked in, by!” Dolores whispered softly as she quickly hung up.

Noon came quickly and Miranda was prompt to arrive in Abby’s office. “Hi Mrs. Murphy, how are you today?” Miranda spoke very properly. She stood in a windbreaker and short Navy skirt.

“Oh please, call me Abby.” Abby said, smiling as she rose to clear off a chair for Miranda. “It’s inventory day I apologize for the mess.”

“That’s ok,” Miranda responded softly, as she helped move folders onto the floor.

“Summer is coming up quick. I wanted to talk to you today. I am considering giving up my position as Bev Cart Manager. I wanted to see if you might be interested?” Abby clasped her hands on the desk. She smiled as she studied Miranda and awaited a response.

Miranda showed instant excitement, “Really me I would be honored. I love the members here. I realize it will be different. I see what you do and what Jenna, the old cart manager, had to do. I know it is not easy, but I know I could handle it.” Miranda responded eagerly.

“Well, we have a lot to talk about. I need to show you how to take inventory. Introduce you to the vendors. Teach you how to do the billing for members. You will have to help plan all the membership events as well as scheduling. Scheduling is the biggest challenge. You will report to Ryan directly unless he has you report to Eric. They talked about changing that over anyway. There is a great deal to cover, why don’t we start training you next week? It would be better for you to finish out your schedule, Thursday through Saturday. If you think you can handle it, let’s have you work starting Monday, 8am to 5pm, for about a week. Then you can make your own schedule.” Abby was full of information. She was excited to hand off the paperwork. It was the one part of her job that she hated.

“I am so excited; I loved being on the course. I graduated two summers ago, and I was not sure what I was going to do. But now I know. I hate to ask, but what does the position pay? I mean I know you work a lot of hours. I just want to make sure I am not doing this for minimum wage.” Miranda turned a little red as she inquired.

“Oh, my goodness, I am sorry I didn’t even think about that. Let me talk to Ryan and I will get back to you tomorrow. It is a salary position, and you still get tips when you work the outings. I just need to make sure Ryan, and I are on the same page. I came to this job with five years of experience at another club. I did not need any training, but I’m sure he will make it worth your while.” Abby looked at her budget sitting on her desk.

“I understand. I am sure it will be fine. I am just thankful you thought of me, I won’t tell anyone until we make it official. I will wait to hear from you. Thanks again!” Miranda rose from her chair and extended her hand to Abby.

“Thank you, Miranda, I think you’ll do a wonderful job!” Abby shook Miranda’s hand as she rose- up to walk her out. As Miranda was leaving the office, Abby noticed that she glanced at herself. She looked into the large gold trim mirror hanging on the office wall. Miranda had shoulder length, wavy, brown hair, blue-eyes, and a girl-next-door style. She was cute as a button with freckles covering her fresh face. She did not wear much make-up, she was a bit of a tomboy, Abby surmised. Abby watched Miranda walk out of her office with a pep in her step. Abby spent the afternoon going over inventory numbers.

It was 6:00 PM before she headed home to discuss her summer plans with Ryan. Ryan was late, he spent the afternoon golfing with the owners. Ryan made it home around 8 pm. “Did you eat dinner?” Abby put her arms around Ryan’s neck. She kissed his cheek as he set his keys down on the counter.

“I grabbed a hot dog on the course. I need to jump in the shower I am all sweaty.” Ryan wiped his forehead on his sleeve. “I love golfing, but the owners are so lousy at it, they make the game more work than fun.” Ryan lamented, showing his exhaustion.

“After you’re done, I want to talk about the summer.” Abby followed Ryan into the bedroom. He grabbed a towel from the closet and headed into the bathroom. Abby stretched out on the bed and continued talking. “I met with Miranda this afternoon. She is excited. I made the right choice.

You and I need to discuss her salary. I told her I had to run it by you. You also need to decide who she is reporting to as well. I know you talked about having the position report to Eric, but he is such an ass.”  Abby expressed her concern. Ryan was showering but participated in the conversation.

“We will have her report to me for now. Eric has too much on his plate to worry about the beverage cart. What is in the budget for salary?” Ryan muttered out through the shower spray.

“Well, you pay me forty thousand, but I told her I had experience. With tips I ended up at sixty-thousand last year. She is only nineteen so you can probably get away with paying her around thirty or thirty-two thousand. I will leave that up to you.” Abby paused.

“She will not do as well on the tips as you did. You are one of the prettiest beverage cart people I have ever seen and impressive too. Do not get me wrong. People really like how you make their drinks so fast. You have all their favorites memorized. Until they get their monthly bill.” Ryan laughed. “Let’s offer her thirty-one, she will be lucky if she gets ten grand in tips. But that is a rather good income for a nineteen-year-old with no college. Of course, she will be working fifty hours a week from June through September. Let’s hope she doesn’t do the math. You need to let her know. During the winter, she will most likely be laid-off. This usually happens from November through February or March.” Ryan was thorough with his advice. “That is, unless she wants to work as a waitress during that time.” Ryan turned off the shower and grabbed his towel. Abby watched from their bed as he dried his muscular legs. His toned arms were already tan and glistening under the droplets of water.

“Come here handsome and show me your moves. Let’s see if you know how to use that driver.” Abby spoke softly. She was tired of talking about work. She wanted to enjoy the handsome man that she was so fortunate to have married. Ryan helped Abby undress and tossed her clothes on the floor. He pushed her back down on the bed. It was not long before his damp strong legs straddled Abby’s lean, tone ones. “I love you, Mr. Murphy!” Abby said with exuberance as they sweated and riled together until they were both satisfied and exhausted.

Ryan rolled over and climbed under the sheet. “I love you too Mrs. Murphy. If you don’t mind, I am going to lay right here for the rest of the night.” Ryan rolled over to face the window and put a pillow under his arm.

“Ok, but one more thing, what will I be doing this summer? I want to make sure I have an answer before Miranda takes my position. I am not interested in freeloading off my new husband and the florist will not need me until the fall.” Abby waited for Ryan’s response but the next thing she heard was snoring. Ryan was out cold, Abby headed to the shower.

The next morning Abby woke before Ryan, she snuck out to the kitchen and put the coffee on. Abby looked out over the course to see the deer nibbling on the grass. She smiled as she poured two cups of coffee. She loved her new home. It was a modest home with three bedrooms and two baths. Ryan had lived here for five years but he welcomed Abby to fix the house as she pleased. He let her redecorate to add a feminine touch. Abby brought the coffee to the bedroom. Ryan was stretching and sitting up, eager for his morning coffee. “Boy I must have fell right to sleep last night.” Ryan laughed softly.

“Yes, you did, you must have been exhausted. Before I talk to Miranda today, I want to know what I will be doing this summer. I want to keep working. I am not good at being just a wife. Remember you fell in love with me because I was a hard-working woman, at least that is what you said.” Abby smiled and kissed Ryan on the cheek as she sat in the bed next to him.

“Well, I know you don’t want to work for Eric. Andrea gave her notice. She is leaving to open her own ice cream shop in town. We need one around here, so I think she will do well.” Ryan took a sip of his coffee.

“Andrea Masterson, she is the Social Director, right? Abby questioned Ryan as she leaned up against the headboard. “Yeah, that might be a decent job for you. You get to meet with the members, make sure they are happy. Plus, you get to plan the parties, you would be good at that. What do you think?” Ryan awaited Abby’s response.

“Andrea Masterson, Masterson, isn’t that Eric’s last name? Is she related to Eric?” Abby furled her brow, thinking it could not be possible. Andrea was so sweet and outgoing and Eric, well Eric was just an ass.

“They’re married! You did not know that?” Ryan looked at Abby with amazement.

“No way, Andrea is so sweet, and she is tall and beautiful. Eric is short and so ignorant.” Abby stated.

“They are a bit miss-matched, but they have been married for four years. She started working for me as a server and then she took the Social Directors job in 06, about. They got married at the club in 07 I believe. I know you will not believe me, but Eric has gotten nicer since then,” Ryan laughed.

“What in the hell does she see in him? Abby said with disgust.

“I have to go; it’s Thursday the weekend begins today in the golfing world you know.” Ryan kissed Abby on the cheek and headed toward the bathroom.

“I will meet with Miranda as soon as I get in. You should plan to congratulate her today after she accepts. I will give you a call. I will have Gail put out a memo to everyone, so rumors will not start flying. You might want to let Gail know I will be the new Social Director.” Abby hollered as she headed down the hall and out onto the deck with her coffee in hand.

“Sounds like a plan!” Ryan hollered from the bedroom. Ryan was dressed in a flash and headed out the door. Abby followed Ryan out the door and headed down the driveway to bring in the trash cans.

“Go back in the house and get dressed. If the neighbor’s see you like that I will start getting calls!” Ryan looked down at Abby’s legs. She was dressed in a short nightie and was wearing a skimpy robe over top. Her toned, tan legs were exposed from the upper thigh down, her minimal cleavage was showing.

Abby smiled and laughed as she darted up the driveway with a dumpster. Abby glanced up at their home, it was soft, white with black shutters. The front walkway was lined with orange blossom bushes that gave off a light sweet scent with every breeze. The deep purple Iris’ had already bloomed. The yellow Daffodils were about to pop. Abby wanted to update the flowers. She was visualizing a whole new garden she would plant this fall. The houses on the course had generous yards that rolled down toward the course. Members lived across the street and next door to the Murphy household in slightly larger homes. Ryan and Abby’s home sat at the end of Eagle Drive. The expansive brick deck off the back of the house overlooked the 10^th fairway of the Eagle Glenn course. The Eagle’s Nest clubhouse had two courses, Eagle Glenn, and Falcon Way. The courses were occasionally featured in Golfer’s World Magazine. They were often referred to as the hidden jewels of the Michigan Golf industry.

 Abby dressed quickly, pulling out her black and gold polo shirt and gold shorts to match. She knew she may have to help at the outing scheduled for the day. She hopped in her car and headed to the clubhouse. Abby was running through her day in her head. She hated talking to Gail, Gail was the club secretary she handled all the administrative duties. The personnel functions fell to Gail as there was no HR department to speak of. Gail was fifty but she acted seventy, she didn’t have any children, just three cats. She referred to her cats as if they were her children. Asking Gail to do anything came with agonizing conversations about her cats and their latest trials or adventures. Abby called Miranda on her drive in. The clubhouse was only five minutes up Eagle Drive. The drive was winding with several hills.

She picked up her cell, “Miranda its Abby, I spoke with Ryan and the salary will be thirty-one thousand. With tips you should be able to get to forty or fifty if we have a busy season. That will be up to you. I know you will do well. What do you think? Oh, before you answer you will be reporting to Ryan not Eric so that should make the offer more attractive.” Abby chuckled and paused.

Miranda practically squealed, “thank you, I will take it! I am so excited. I especially like reporting to Mr. Murphy instead of Eric. Thank you for that!” Miranda replied ecstatically.

“Great, I will let Gail know and she’ll probably be putting out a memo by the end of the day. I am just pulling in the driveway. I would not tell anybody until the memo goes out. That way everyone knows at once.” Abby added.

“Ok, that’s fine, thanks again! I will see you this evening,” Miranda hung up the phone, she wasn’t scheduled until that evening.

Abby went in the clubhouse and straight to Gail’s office. Gail sat in the office on the second floor with the accounting clerk, Linda. Her office was on the other side of the clubhouse from Ryan’s office. Ryan’s office was located upstairs over the pro shop. “Hi Gail, do you have a moment?” Abby asked hesitantly.

“Sure, if you give me one minute. I just need to call Dr. Dempsey.  Ms. Hepburn has an eye infection. I must get her in to see him before she spreads it to her sisters.” Gail responded with her soft, faint voice. Gail was wearing her glasses that hung from a chain. She was plump with gray hair that was professionally styled. Gail was at the salon every week for a wash and blow out. Abby had run into her on many occasions. She was wearing a blazer, it was a loud fuchsia pink, over a white silk blouse.

“Hi there, yes this is Gail Maxwell again. Miss Hepburn has an eye infection. Can I get her in later today? I am off at two. Ok, that would be fine, thank you.” Gail hung up the phone and turned her attention to Abby. “What may I help you with sweety?” Gail rarely used anyone’s name. She used endearing terms; dear, sweety, honey, sunshine. Abby figured she just could not remember any names.

“Gail, I am going to be stepping down as Beverage Cart Manager, Miranda Miller will be taking my place. I need you to put out a memo to the staff please. Please make sure it goes out today. You know how fast gossip starts around here.” Abby smiled as she was speaking. Gail was scribbling on one of the many legal pads strewn about her desk. She will be starting at thirty-one thousand, so make sure you put in the payroll change as well. She starts on Monday. I will send you an employee change form to make sure you have documentation.”  Abby awaited Gail’s response.

“What are you going to do dear? Are you leaving us?” Gail looked up over her glasses. The gray frames were accented with small crystal stones and are now perched on her nose.

“You should hear this from Mr. Murphy directly. I don’t know if you heard that Andrea is leaving?” Abby paused to see if there was any reaction from Gail.

“Oh yes, Andrea told me about the ice cream shop. I’m so excited! It will be walking distance from my cottage on the lake. I guess she is leaving here the end of May.” Gail spoke with excitement.

“That will be nice! I spoke with Ryan this morning. It looks like I will be taking Andrea’s position as the Social Director. I am excited about it! I think it will be fun!” Abby showed her enthusiasm for her new position.

“You’re perfect for that job! You did some wonderful things with the membership events last year. I am so excited for you! I will pretend like I don’t know until I hear it from Mr. Murphy himself.”  She sealed her lips with a pretend zipping as she smiled at Abby.

“Thank you, I know rumors fly fast around here. Ryan wants you to make all the announcements in one memo. I will have him call you right away.” Abby left thanking Gail as she headed to see Ryan in his office. When Abby reached Ryan’s office Miranda was walking out into the hallway.

“Oh, hi Miranda, I didn’t think you were in until this evening.” Abby was surprised to see Miranda.

“I called Mr. Murphy to thank him for the opportunity. He asked me to come in so we could talk.” Miranda responded.

“That’s good, ok, I’ll see you later.” Abby headed into Ryan’s office. Ryan’s office was the size of a pro shop. The room had a deep-green carpet with gold diamond designs. There was a tan leather sofa and loveseat facing two flatscreens on the wall. Both flat screens were playing golf tournaments, the volume muted. A small bar with a few full bottles and empty glasses was staged in the corner. Behind Ryan’s desk, out of an expansive wall of windows, you could see the first fairway of Eagle Glen. If you got right up to the window seal, you could look down on the putting, green. To the right you could see a few golfers on the driving range.

“Hey there handsome. I was surprised to see Miranda here. She is not on the schedule until five doesn’t she live, like, twenty minutes from here.” Abby tried not to sound too inquisitive.

“She’s so excited she just wanted to thank me for not making her report to Eric. I told her she could stop by if she wanted to. She is a sweet kid.” Ryan responded flatly.

“I just wanted to remind you to call Gail, tell her I am the new Social Director. That way she can get the memo out with the staffing change announcements. I am heading out early today I have a 3 PM hair appointment.” Abby informed Ryan.

“Sounds good, the owners are in town until Sunday. So, I won’t see that much of you this weekend. Give me a kiss, Ryan leaned over his desk and pursed his thin lips toward Abby. She kissed him quickly and left his office.

By 2:00 PM Thursday afternoon the memo went out. Abby was not prepared for the backlash she would receive. By 2:15 she had a rude awakening when Eric stormed into her office ranting. “Are you, are you kidding me, Miranda cannot handle that job. She is just going to screw this place up even more!” Eric was red in the face and almost yelling. His voice was softer. Even when he yelled, it showed more in his arm movements. It also showed in his complexion.

“I am not going to put up with your obnoxious behavior, don’t speak to me that way! I have not spoken to anyone that way, ever! Grow up!” Abby lost her temper, but she was not about to be bullied. She rose out of her chair.

“You are clueless, that girl is nothing but trouble!” Eric turned around and stormed out. Abby was agitated and she followed Eric as he went into his office across the hall from hers. Their offices were just outside the pro shop. Abby knew the sound traveled. She did not want the members or guests to hear them. Abby closed the door to Eric’s office behind her.

“What the hell is your problem with Miranda? Dolores said all the members love her.” Abby was looking for answers.

“You do not know her history. I just know stuff about her.” Eric was still angry, tossing golf club covers off his desk into the corner.

“I tried to talk to you yesterday, but you stormed out of here like you always do. If you would just get the stick out of your ass, we might all get along better.” Abby crossed her arms and pushed Eric for answers.

Eric relented a bit, not too many people stood up to him. “I take a lot of crap from these members, and I do it with a smile on my face. Since the new owners took over last year, I can not do it with a drink in my hand anymore. It was easier when I could drink.” He paused without giving Abby any answers.

“About Miranda, you haven’t answered my question. What is it about Miranda that you don’t like?” Abby attempted to redirect the conversation.

“Never mind, give her a chance, I guess. Just keep an eye on her. She isn’t always the most honest. Who is out on the course this weekend?” Eric tried to change the subject.

“Gina and Miranda on Saturday and Carolyn and Gina are working Sunday. But you didn’t answer my question, what exactly has Miranda lied about. She doesn’t steal, does she?” Abby persisted with Eric to find out what he meant about Miranda.

“I’m not at liberty to discuss it, you might want to ask Ryan.” Eric got up from his desk and headed into the pro shop. Abby sat down for a moment and then she headed back to her office and closed the door. She wanted to pick up the phone and speak to Ryan. She figured the conversation might take a while. She wanted to see him. She wanted to see his body language. That may tell her more, she was anxious to find out what Ryan might know about Miranda. She put her mind to her work and just before three she headed out for the salon.

Abby arrived at Jenny’s, the only hair salon in town, with ten minutes to spare. “Hi Abby, I’m just finishing up. I will be with you in a minute.” Her hairdresser, Jenny, addressed her as she entered the salon. Jenny owned the salon, she was about forty-five, Abby guessed. Jenny had a vivacious hour-glass figure with long flowing brown hair. She had one side pulled back with a butterfly clip. Jenny was the former wife of one of the club members, she moved here from South America. Her skin was naturally tan, which made her white smile seem even brighter. The salon was smaller. It only had four chairs. This was the perfect size for the small community where they lived.

The Eagle’s Nest was in Silver Shores; the town was smaller with about 2500 residents. The community was built around three beautiful lakes of varying sizes. The Eagle’s Nest Golf Course and Country Club had a view of all three lakes. These are Half Moon, Crystal, and Silver Lake. Silver Lake was the largest of the three lakes. The hair salon was across the street from Silver Lake. The view was beautiful and made every visit to the salon even more enjoyable. As Abby waited, another young woman came in and took a seat across from her. Jenny escorted Abby to her chair. One of the other stylists showed the young lady to a chair behind Abby.

“So, what are we doing today, the usual?” Jenny asked Abby, while holding up her Auburn locks.

 “I was thinking about going shorter for the summer. What do you think?” Abby had only been coming to Jenny since she started working in Silver Shores last spring. She liked Jenny, she always looked up to date herself, very stylish, so Abby knew she could trust her.

“Short, really?” Jenny spoke with an excited inflection in her voice. “You would look fabulous in a bouncy bob, like a movie star! But you need to be sure, it will be a drastic change!” Jenny paused and held Abby’s hair up around her chin.

“Let’s Do it! My hair grows fast anyways!” Abby responded with excitement. She looked in the mirror. Jenny cut away her long Auburn strands. She couldn’t help but hear the conversation going on behind her. Jenny was speaking to her. She was making small talk. However, Abby focused more on the young lady speaking behind her.

“I just found out; I told her I wouldn’t tell anyone. It is just a matter of time. She can’t hide it much longer.” The young lady was speaking loudly and fast, with frustration in her voice. Abby was sure to get some gossip when she visited the salon. The girl rambled on, “the father doesn’t know. I just figured it out because she fell asleep on the couch and when she rolled over, I could tell. That was just last week. I might have to find a new roommate. I can’t live with a baby. I have a life, I am only nineteen,” the girl went on, excitedly. The stylist nodded and showed complete surprise in her expressions, only tossing in an occasional. “Oh my God” “That is Crazy,” just trying to keep in the conversation. Abby thought the girl was much younger, she looked more like 16 or 17. Abbey had not seen her before. Abby laughed to herself; she thought about all that she went through as a teenager. How many times she labored over things that ended up being nothing at all. Living in a small community brought with it drama just to keep the residents from boredom, Abby surmised.

Jenny finished the cut and blew out Abby’s hair. Abbey was thrilled with her fresh look. As she left the salon, she was a little nervous about what Ryan would say. She headed home and did not expect Ryan home until late. She planned to order a pizza.

When Ryan arrived, she could delve into Miranda’s background and what Ryan might know that he is not telling. What Eric had said was a little annoying and stayed in the back of Abby’s mind all day. Ryan pulled in the driveway at 7:30, exhausted again from another day on the course.

“Oh my God, I love it. You look so hot!” Ryan admired Abby’s new hairstyle, commenting as he came through the door.

“Thank God, I am glad you like it, I was a little nervous. You have never seen me in short hair.” Abby was relieved. She leaned against the counter with her knee bent.

“You look like that movie star, what’s her name Rachel Adams?”  Abby twirled around and framed her hair with her hands.

“Jump in the shower, I am going to order a pizza. Oh, and I have a few questions for you?” Abby poured herself a glass of iced tea and added a slice of lemon to the glass. “Do you want tea? Or shall I make you lemonade?” Abby shouted down the hall as Ryan headed to the bedroom.

“Iced tea is fine. What questions did you have for me, good looking?” Ryan hollered back over his shoulder.

“I’ll wait.” Abby wanted to make sure Ryan was face-to-face with her. She ordered a small salad and pizza for delivery. She pulled two small plates out of the cupboard and poured another iced tea for Ryan. She thought about opening a bottle of wine, but she had not had a drink in over seven years. Ryan mentioned he had quit drinking when he turned thirty. Drinking had gotten him in a lot of trouble, he had told her. Those days were behind him is all he would say. Since Abby had some dark days herself, she was glad Ryan never wanted to talk about their past. Ten minutes passed and the pizza arrived. They settled in on the deck overlooking the golf course. It was a bit warmer than normal evening in May. Their house was not on the lake. They did not have to contend with the breeze off the water, like they did at the clubhouse.

“I can’t believe how different you look!” Ryan fawned over Abby’s fresh look.

Without any pause Abby launched her inquiry. “So, Eric stormed into my office today. Complaining about my decision to give Miranda the job.” Abby looked at Ryan as he looked out over the course. Ryan was not meeting her gaze.

“Oh, Please, what was his excuse?” Ryan responded nonchalantly.

“Eric said he couldn’t tell me. I think he said, I am not at liberty to discuss it. He told me to ask Ryan.” Abby looked at Ryan to see what his eyes might say that his words were not willing to.

“If I do tell you, you cannot repeat it. understand!” Ryan responded sternly.

“My God, what is it? If this makes me look like a fool for promoting her, I’ll be ticked at you!” Abby was showing mild frustration with an added pfft noise. Abby was concerned she may have made a big mistake.

“It’s not that bad and it was not her fault. Last March, before you started,” Ryan paused,” I am swearing you to secrecy remember. Promise me, you will keep it to yourself.” Ryan looked Abby in the eyes awaiting her promise.

“I promise, get on with it!” Abby begged Ryan.

Ryan reluctantly continued. “It was right after we installed a security camera system in the stockroom. Because we suspected the inventory was being stolen, only the former owner Norm and I knew about it. Well, we caught one of the members taking his liberties with Miranda. I am not going to tell you who,” Ryan paused and looked at Abby with a steady gaze.

“I don’t want to know, that’s awful Miranda was only 17 or 18 last year gosh! There is not a member here under fifty-five, is there?” Abby was surprised and appalled. She sat up on the edge of her chair, waiting to hear more.

“I wanted Eric to drop a hint to the guilty member. I hated to let everyone know we put in the camera. So, I confided in him. Well, the security system became club news in a matter of just a few weeks. We got the security system to see who was stealing. We didn’t even think other things like that were going on. Anyways, everyone quickly learned about the security camera. It became a deterrent, which is just as good, I guess.” Ryan stopped to take a drink of his iced tea.

“Did you say anything to Miranda?” Abby anxiously awaited Ryan’s answer. She leaned in eagerly, almost sliding off the front of her chair.

“No, it was clear from the tape the member pressed her into doing something, she may not otherwise have done. Basically, he begged and pleaded. After word got out about the camera, the guilty member walked around here nervously. He remained nervous for the rest of the season. He randomly made a few vague inquiries, trying to figure out if anybody knew anything other than Eric. But I think Eric and I both were pretty, discreet. The person we caught stealing was another member and they resigned after we confronted him. Are you happy? I really don’t like sharing stuff like this.” Ryan was a little apprehensive as he smiled at Abby with his lips sealed tight. Not the normal big grin she was used to.

“I am sorry, after I saw Miranda in your office and then Eric said what he said. I was a little worried it might have been something else.” Abby responded, smiling back.

“What did you think it was?” Ryan raised his eyebrows as he looked at Abby.

“Honestly,” Abby paused, got up and gathered their plates. “I’d rather not say.” Abby giggled and headed into the house.

Ryan chased after her, he started to tickle her playfully, trying to change the mood. Abby set the dishes on the counter and turned to fall into Ryan’s strong tan arms. “I love you,” she whispered in his ear and then nibbled at his neck.

“You better!” Ryan whisked Abby to the living room couch. They fooled around before heading off to bed.