After the ninth hole, they decided to head back to the clubhouse for lunch before returning to play the last nine. They were seated at a round table by the windows.
"Claire, put your phone away. You know that they are not permitted to be used in the dining room. And what is so important that you need to check it every five minutes?"
Claire's shoulders dropped as she gave her father a sulky look. Meanwhile Kate studied the menu and politely asked Jack, "Everything looks good. Do you have any recommendations?
"The Lobster Cobb salad is one of their specialties. That's what I'm having."
Kate looked back at the menu and read the entree description, "You're right that does sound good. I think I'll have that as well. What are you ordering Claire?"
"Spinach quiche and a side salad. All this golf has made me super hungry."
They ordered a round of lemonade and Jack asked for a beer. Christian then began to discuss his job and a specific case he was working on. Kate was engrossed and briefly wondered if neurosurgery was the specialty to pursue. Jack asked a lot of questions, which took Christian by surprise. He couldn't remember the last time Jack showed a genuine interest in his work.
Bored by the topic of conversation, Claire snuck a peek at her phone under the table. She squealed after reading a text. Christian gave her a reproachful glare, "Put that phone away. I told you it is not allowed in the club dining room." Claire ignored her father and turned to Kate. "Shannon just texted me and asked if we would go out with her, Kyle, Josh and Curtis tonight. She said Curtis specifically asked about YOU and wants to know if you're coming. Oh my god!"
Jack frowned. His lips twisted, "Curtis Shea? The captain of the lacrosse team?" He did little to hide his look of displeasure.
Claire shot back, "What's that 'look' supposed to mean? He's popular and g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s." She turned to Kate as she emphasized that last word. Kate turned red. She didn't appreciate Claire's obviousness.
"Claire. I'm just telling you, he is …." Jack then searched for the exact word to describe him. "Let's just say Curtis is … 'advanced'. All of those guys are. They're a fast crowd." Jack said disapprovingly and looked to his father as if expecting Christian to back him up and tell Claire that she wasn't permitted to hang out with these boys.
Claire shrieked and looked at Kate, "See! Do you see why I'm counting the days until graduation? It's like I have two fathers and I'm being watched 24/7."
Christian looked at Jack, "Obviously, I can't speak for Kate. But if Claire is home by midnight, I don't have an issue with her going out. I trust her judgment."
Claire wrapped her arms around her father's neck and with a girlish voice told him, "Thank you, Daddy!"
"What do you say, Kate? Can I tell Shannon that you're coming too?" Claire asked, trying to use her sad puppy dog eyes on Kate.
"I don't know Claire. I've spent the whole day away from my dad. I feel sort of guilty leaving him alone again…" Her voice trailed off.
"Kate. We're talking about Curtis. Curtis Shea!" Kate resented Claire's enthusiasm and the obvious sexual innuendo. It embarrassed her in the presence of Dr. Shephard and Jack.
"Claire. I'll think about it, if you promise to stop mentioning it anymore. Promise?" She looked over at Jack and saw that his jaw looked stiff and his mouth was in a straight line. He obviously thought little of this group of guys and it bothered her to think that he may also feel the same way about her if she went out with them.
Jack knew that Kate was young and should socialize, but he couldn't wipe away the troubling thought of Kate in the backseat of some parked car being groped by that little asshole. And he was fully aware of how ridiculous he was being. He had a girlfriend, that he was sleeping with and yet he was jealous over a high school jock. He needed a reality check, quick.
As proposed by Christian, they shuffled the pairs. At the eleventh hole, Christian asked, "So how old are you Kate? I ask because you come across as rather mature."
Kate leaned down to tighten her shoelace and looked up at him, "I'm seventeen. I'll be eighteen in February. You're not the first person to tell me that."
Christian smiled pleasantly, "Well, that's because it's true. You know, Claire's test grades and interest in school have even improved since she met you. I'm beginning to wish that your father transferred here when you were a freshman." He gave her a playful wink.
They backed away from the tee to allow Claire and Jack their turn and to discuss their strategy.
"Dr. Shephard, Claire is a lot smarter than she gives herself credit for. I think she feels like she's not because you and your son are so accomplished." Christian looked at her curiously. He couldn't help it, but he appreciated her candor.
"I think that is a fair observation, except the part about my son being accomplished. At least not yet. Teaching is not right for him. I just wish he would see that."
An instinctual urge to defend Jack swept across her. "He's a wonderful teacher that really inspires his students. He makes me want to learn more and be better. I think that's pretty special."
Christian touched Kate gently at the elbow, "We're onto the next hole." Christian and Kate continued slowly up the fairway. Jack and Claire were ahead of them and she could see Claire swatting her brother and then laughing.
"I noticed my son has taken a keen interest in you. It's not surprising though, considering your academic talent. Jack has always been conscientious and that extends to his habits as a teacher. The problem is that his diligence and desire for his students to excel can sometimes be misconstrued, in particular by his young female students." For the briefest second, Kate felt alarm. Had she betrayed her hidden emotions somehow? Was she that obvious?
Instead, Kate coolly answered, as if unfazed by his suggestion, "Really? I guess I can see what you mean. Personally, I've never interpreted his interest in his students as anything other than having genuine high expectations of us. But, then again, I've come across some nutty girls at this school." Kate let out a small chuckle and shook her head as she feigned incredulity.
Christian peered at the girl. He thought he would get her to slip or reveal something, instead she remained unruffled. She was clever, that was certain. He switched the topic again. "Do you think my son should apply to med school?"
Kate sighed as she thought about her answer, "Personally, I think he should do what he wants. But I understand your position. Jack is smart and would probably make a great doctor."
"Agreed, so how can I help him see that?"
Kate stopped mid-step and looked at Christian, "Maybe he'll apply to medical school when he is 100% certain that his reason for doing so has nothing to do with you."
Christian should have been offended, but he wasn't. This virtual stranger was correct and managed to acutely hone in and get to the heart of the matter when it came to his son. He gave her a wide and genuine smile, "Like I said. You're a smart girl, Kate."
Once the game was finished, they gathered in front of the clubhouse waiting for the valets to bring their cars.
As they were saying their goodbyes, Christian faced his son, "Jack, I'm going to take the girls home now and then I'll stop by your apartment. I need to discuss a few matters with you." Jack winced, he recognized that tone all too well and he knew at that moment whatever happiness he had derived from the events of today was soon to be doused.
The first thing Jack needed to do as he entered his apartment was change out of his damp clothes and seek out his shower. He felt grimy and uncomfortable from the sweat accumulated from spending hours on the golf course.
Jack let out a deep, long exaggerated sigh as the strong blast of cool water hit his shoulder blades. After a few minutes he could finally feel some of the tension release from his neck and back, the same tension that had grown steadily since he left the club. And then he frowned, he could hear his father now, he knew what he would want to discuss - his future. Christian would say that teaching was a waste of his talent, a talent that would be better served practicing medicine. Jack had heard it all before, but resented the impending conversation today more than ever before. He resented that his father would spoil this moment - it had been so long since he felt like he had a "real" family since his mother passed away. Sharing laughs and jokes with his father and Claire, he couldn't recall the last time he felt so disarmed in the presence of his father.
And then, of course, there was Kate. He thought of the tiny beads of sweat that formed on the bridge of her little freckled nose and that loud, uninhibited laugh she released when he had hooked his swing rearing the ball way off course. She WAS a curiosity- at times so quiet, shy and unreadable. But in a moment's switch, she was confident and poised. His father's relentless probing failed to unnerve her - if she was intimidated, she never let on.
His thoughts slowly drifted and he was left wondering… Why did she have to be so beautiful and WHY did she have to be only seventeen?
The sound of the doorbell interrupted his train of thought and he then realized he had been in the shower for a while. He quickly shut the valve, grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his trim waist as he headed to open the door, leaving wet footprints in his wake. He didn't bother to ask who it was, he knew.
"Hi Dad, come in," he motioned with a tilt of his head.
Jack moved aside, allowing his father to enter, "Uh… take a seat, get comfortable, I just got out of the shower. Let me get dressed and then we can talk," he said as his father walked towards the living room.
Moments later, Jack emerged barefoot and dressed in his standard weekend wear, a navy t-shirt and broken-in jeans.
He took an obligatory seat on his leather sofa, directly facing his father. Unconsciously, he closed his eyes, sucked in a deep breath while sweeping his hands across his face and up to the back of his scalp.
He then sat up straight and focused his eyes on his father's, "So, what do you want to talk about Dad?"
Christian sighed, but wasted no time, "Son, your MCAT score will become invalid after this year. If you don't apply to UCLA now, you will have to re-take the exam, you don't want-"
Jack's eyes flared as he raised his voice, "I knew it! I was expecting this. This is the only reason you ever come to visit me. Does this conversation ever get old for you, Dad? I told you, I like teaching-"
Christian bellowed, "It is a waste of your time! This whim, or exercise or whatever you're calling it has to end now." Christian paused a moment, immediately realizing that this was not the best approach with his son. So he lowered his voice and gently added, "Please, don't commit yourself to a life you don't really want because you want to punish me-"
"God, Dad! You're such narcissist. " Jack blurted in exasperation. "This isn't about you-"
"Isn't it, Jack? I know I have been hard on you. But you had ALWAYS wanted to be a doctor, it was what you worked so hard for and then your mother and I divorced and you hated me for it. Your mother, she would want you to follow your heart, she-"
Jack burst off the sofa, anger flowing freely now and it was all he could do to control his voice, "Don't talk about Mom, don't bring her into this and try to guilt trip me into doing what you want."
Softly, Christian added, "It is not what I want, it's what YOU want and you know it, kiddo. I can see that teaching is not enough for you. The sense of purpose and challenge you need isn't there. But if you can look me in the eye and tell me that this is what you really want, I promise never to bring this up again. You have my word, son. Just tell me."
Jack looked at him and felt his eyes water. Brusquely, he turned his back to his father and with his head bowed all he could think of was that Christian was right - again. And then he was overcome by a wave of exhaustion. He felt tired, so, so tired of being in this constant battle with him. And he knew it was just a matter of time before Christian would find out anyway. And with a sense of defeat, he turned back to face him. With hands resting on his hips and the sheen of tears visible in Jack's eyes, "Well, Dad you won't have to ask me again. I already submitted my application to UCLA. You can relax now, you got what you wanted."
With tears freely streaming down his face and joy unrestrained, Christian could barely let out, "No kiddo, no … you got what YOU wanted. You just wait and see. I am so proud of you - congratulations!" He reached out to his son and grabbed him into a bear-like embrace and patted his back in the way only men do.
Jack didn't have the heart to resist and accepted his father's hug. He decided to allow himself this moment with his dad. After a few seconds, Jack broke away, hastily wiped the tear from the corner of his eye, "Dad, I think you are getting ahead of yourself, I haven't even been accepted."
"Jack, you and I both know that is not an issue, your credentials are the best," Christian scoffed. "So, when did you change your mind, how long have you been unnecessarily torturing me for?"
Jack let a small laugh escape before answering him, "About a month ago, Dad."
Simultaneously, they each drew a deep sigh and smiled warmly to each other. This felt good and right, finally.
Christian headed toward's Jack's dining cabinet and grabbed the bottle of scotch, "This news calls for a toast, son."
They sat and shared a drink or two. With unbridled enthusiasm he discussed Jack's future. They chatted for a long while as if they were trying to catch up on all the missed conversations they should have had over the recent years. Christian looked around the apartment finally taking notice of his surroundings, "Your place looks a little different, it looks more, I don't know, more 'put together'."
Jack followed the direction of his father's gaze and nodded, "Yeah, Amy picked out a few things for me, I really had nothing to do with it. I just gave her my credit card and let her run with it."
"Well kiddo, it looks nice and it sounds like things are getting serious between you and Amy. She's a pretty girl and seems to have a lot going for her. How long have you been together again now?"
With an unintended bitter laugh, Jack shook his head, "I think nine or ten months, not really sure. But, I think I'm ending it soon, she's not right for me."
Christian's expression tightened and he reluctantly remembered the second reason for his visit. Christian became quiet and Jack was barely able to hear his father's "Oh, I see…"
Christian thought hard for a moment, whether he should have this talk now and spoil the mood. Perhaps it was better to push it off for another day. But, really, Christian was never one for holding back for fear of minor consequences. Jack's future was all that mattered at this point and judging by what he saw on the golf course today and the sudden news of Jack's impending break up with Amy, he knew he had to act quickly.
"She is a beautiful girl, Jack."
Jack nodded, "Yeah, Amy's pretty, but that's not everything. We don't really have that much in comm-"
In a tone as serious as Jack ever heard, Christian interrupted, "That's not who I'm talking about."
Jack tilted his head in apparent confusion, but on a subconscious level he understood what his father was driving at, "I don't, I don't understand-"
Christian repeated, in the same flat tone, "She is a beautiful girl, Jack."
Jack looked down and blinked quickly. Without thinking, he whispered "Kate?" And at that very moment, Jack realized he stepped right into a trap. He clenched his jaw in frustration, but slowly lifted his eyes and met his father's stare with the same intensity.
"You know Jack, I suspected something that first night she came over for dinner. I saw the look in your eyes and how you seemed to be particularly captivated by her. But, I let it pass, deciding to think nothing better of it. But today, the way you both looked at each other and carried on told me a very different story-"
Jack pointed at his father, "You know what, Dad?! You've finally lost it. You're delusional."
With a tight smile, Christian countered, "Am I?"
"Do you really think I don't see or understand you, son? And let me tell you something about this GIRL. As beautiful as she is now, I promise you when she becomes a woman, she will be gorgeous ten times over. But she is not a woman yet, is she? She is a girl, she is seventeen and she is your student for god sakes! So whatever designs or ideas you have, you put them to rest right now. She can ruin your life. Goddamnit Jack! You could forget medical school if you were to be found out. Men go to prison for this sort of thing."
Jack was angry, but the feeling quickly turned to shame and guilt. He had been accurately called out by Christian. Once again, his father had infiltrated his head. But he didn't want to give his father the satisfaction of knowing that.
Then, in his typical subdued manner, Christian coolly added "Careful. There is a line, son and you know it's there. By pretending it's not, that would be a mistake."
Jack shook his head. He could barely contain himself when he responded with subtle disgust, "I guess YOU would know."
Jack blinked a couple of times, but kept his gaze on his father as he began to leave. Christian turned to face him, "It may be okay for some people, Jack. But not for you."