The next morning, James woke up feeling unusually refreshed, the deep kind of rest that settled into the bones after a hard day's work.
As he reached for his phone on the nightstand, a familiar notification pinged. He checked it and he saw that was from the Bel-Air Country Club management — once again, a polite message stamped with the club's crest.
He thumbed it open, already half-guessing what it would say. Sure enough, the notice was clear:
Family Golf & Brunch Rounds. Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Dress code: Elegant golf attire. Guests welcome (registration 24 hours prior).
James smiled lightly. The idea of a relaxed, family-style event appealed to him. His immediate thought was to bring Patty and Leslie along.
It would have been perfect — a casual outing, a chance to spend time with them after weeks of near-constant country club obligations.
But then he remembered — guest registration had to be submitted at least 24 hours in advance. And a small sigh escaped his lips.
