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Fore!(Play)

Chapter 4

Angle of Attack

Angle of Attack: A term describing the relative angle with which the club head approaches the ball at impact, which, in turn, helps determine the distance and trajectory the ball travels.

The contract I present to Jasper is fairly straight forward—at first glance. His position will be the resident golf pro for the Swan Creek Golf Club. As such, he'll be responsible for managing the Pro Shop and its staff. He'll order the merchandise, both equipment and clothing, that's sold in the shop. He'll also plan, organize, and oversee the yearly tournaments, outings, and golf clinics that are held at the course, and he'll represent the club at golf-related public relations events. Although not normally a duty of the golf pro, I'd like him to participate in the weekly and monthly meetings with our head groundskeeper and myself when we discuss the upkeep schedule.

This is all fairly standard stuff. Jasper is over qualified for all of it. Under normal circumstances, it would almost be an insult to offer someone like him a position like this. These are not normal circumstances, however, and whether Jasper wants to admit it or not, he doesn't really have any other choice but to accept the offer. He's one step away from bankruptcy, financial ruin, and the public disgrace that would ensue.

Yet, I don't want to force his hand. I don't want him to resent and hate Marie Dwyer or the Swann Corporation for being forced to accept a position so beneath his qualifications. That's why I'm hoping the next part of my offer will appeal to him and make him excited for the possibilities I want to explore and the changes I want to make at the club. I need him enthusiastic and receptive before he sees his compensation package and the restrictions on his activities in the last part of the contract. I'm dreading his reaction when we finally discuss those.

Mentally reminding myself of the ultimate goal to this little game I'm playing, I paste on a friendly, interested smile and begin describing the part I want him to play in my plans for improving the Swan Creek Golf Club.

"Mr. Whitlock, I'm sure you're aware of the changing demographics of the communities surrounding Swan Creek. What was once an upper-middle class bedroom suburb of Chicago has seen a gradual decline in income and economic opportunities as our more affluent families have relocated to newer, more exclusive neighborhoods. The manufacturing facilities that were once the base of our local economy have either closed or moved to other locations. Where we once had single income families with enough discretionary monies to spend on leisure and outdoor entertainment like the golf, tennis, and swimming we offer, we now have families who struggle to survive even with both adults working full-time.

"Our regular daytime players have dwindled to a few retired or self-employed members who have the means and the time to afford a golf membership. We've had to close both our weekday women's and men's golf and tennis leagues and move our daily lunch service from the restaurant to the snack bar. Most of this is due to decreased revenue from memberships and the rising costs of maintaining the facility."

Warming to my subject, I lean forward, speaking more intensely. "We aren't the only organization that has had to cut services. The local boys and girls club is barely able to keep its doors open, and the schools have drastically curtailed their after school and athletic programs. Yet, there has never been a greater need for physical activities. Childhood and adult obesity have risen dramatically. Mental illness, crime, divorce rates, these are all symptoms of a community under stress. I want—"

I catch myself before going any further. "The Swann Corporation wants to help this community. They want to support the neighborhoods that meant so much to Charlie Swann and his family."

Stopping to catch my breath, I glance up to find Emmett and Jasper watching me intently. "Sorry." I grin. "I guess I'm on my soapbox." Chuckling, I lean back into my chair and speak directly to Jasper. "In a nutshell, Mr. Whitlock, the Swann Corporation has committed itself to making this golf course into a community center for recreational and entertainment opportunities for all ages and all income levels. I've been hired to implement their plans, and they want you to help make their vision a reality."

Jasper doesn't respond immediately. He looks away, staring out a side window, then glances at the framed drawing hanging on the wall behind me. It's an architectural sketch of the changes I want to make to the course and the facilities. He studies it for a moment, and I can see the minute he realizes what he's looking at. His eyes widen with interest. Then he focuses back on me.

"Why me?" he asks, shaking his head slightly. "After everything that … Well, you know—" He waves his hand resignedly. "Why would you want me?"

"Because you're still a celebrity to the people in this area. You're the local boy who worked hard and made the big time. You're a hero to many of them."

"I never wanted to be—"

"I know," I cut him off before he can continue. "But it doesn't matter. They still love and respect you. You'll be the spokesman for this club. With you on board, people will listen when you discuss our changes and how the services we offer can benefit their lives. I'm not a people person, Mr. Whitlock, but you are. I have dreams and plans; I need you to help me make them come true."

Afraid that I've over sold my case, I stop talking and let him consider everything I've said. Once again, his eyes study the drawing behind me.

"You're changing a lot of things," he finally begins. "Not just the course layout but the pool, tennis courts, and buildings." He lowers his gaze to look at me. "Tell me more."

Opening another folder, I take out several photos and lay them out on the front of my desk facing Jasper and Emmett. "Let's start with the pool," I begin. "Our pool is old but still in good shape. It's the standard rectangular shape; deeper on one end and shallower on the other. We're going to keep that pool for diving, for lap swimming, and for water aerobics classes. This is what we're adding to the side and one end of the pool."

I point to photos of a children's water play area. There are slides and in-ground water fountains. A palm tree with hanging coconuts dumps water on the swimmers below. Large in-pool umbrellas provide shade for most of the area. Everything is bright, colorful, and fun. "We've already broken ground on the area and expect it to be ready in four months when school breaks for the summer."

Both men study the photos as I speak. I hear Jasper mutter something about expensive. "Yes, it is," I agree. "We're partnering with two of the local colleges to use their swim team members and physical education majors as personnel. Some will receive credit toward their practicums and others will be paid. The swim coach from the local high school has been hired to run the pool for the summer.

"We'll offer weekly, monthly, and summer memberships, as well as a daily charge. It won't be just for club members either. Anyone in the community can join the pool. Several area daycare centers have already committed to bringing groups of children for swim lessons during the week. In addition, the facility can be rented for parties. A group of parents has even approached us about having an after-graduation party.

"It's true we won't make a profit on the pool, but I believe, in time, it can make enough to cover its expenses."

"And the tennis courts?" he asks, glancing at the drawing again.

"The outdoor courts will be resurfaced and the fencing replaced. "We'll keep two for tennis, but the remaining space will be repainted for pickleball. Our local senior center has a very active league that needs more courts for practice and for tournaments. They'll pay a monthly charge for unlimited use, and we'll rent the courts for tournaments. Eventually, indoor courts will be built, if the usage warrants it.

"You might notice another paved area on the diagram," I add. "Those will be basketball courts. A sport you and Mr. McCarty used to enjoy, I believe."

Emmett chuckles, grinning when he turns to Jasper. "How long has it been since you played a little one-on-one? Want to take me on?" he teases.

"You wouldn't stand a chance, old man," Jasper teases back, with the first true smile I've seen between the two of them. "I can see that gut you're trying to hide under that expensive suit. Marriage and fatherhood have made you soft, McCarty. I'd wipe the court with you!"

Their moment is over much too soon when Jasper turns away with a sad frown. Emmett stares at him, regret for all they've lost plainly visible on his face. Then, with a resigned sigh, he faces me once more. "I still play this course on most weekends," he begins. "I understand you're planning some major renovations to the layout, Ms. Dwyer. I'd be very interested to learn about those, if you don't mind."

Thankful he's gotten me back on track, I nod, and then begin what I hope will be the final carrot that will entice Jasper to sign the contract.

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AN: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Many thanks to Sally for correcting my mistakes.