Michael Balkind - Sudden Death

“I’m going to sleep. Goodnight.” “Goodnight,” Joel, Stu and Buddy said.

Tuesday was a better day. No cameras, no autographs, no fights, almost boring. Reid played the front nine in the morning, had a quick bite of lunch, then spent the afternoon playing the back nine. Joel, Stu, Buddy and Reid went back to the hotel at 3 p.m. for massages. Afterward, they went out to the pool, where Reid did some laps, then went to lie down.

The next thing he knew, someone was kissing him and whispering in his ear, “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty!”

Peeking through one sleepy eye, he caught a glimpse of Shane. He pulled her down on top of him and returned her kiss. Although dressed to the nines, ready to go out for dinner, she didn’t complain. They lay there together for a few minutes, just holding each other. It was the most peaceful moment he’d had in two days. “Thank you,” he said. “For what?” “Just for being you.” After another brief hug, he said abruptly, “Now get off me, woman. We need to get ready to go.” She hit him playfully and asked, “Where are we going?” “A restaurant called Lori’s Place; it’s supposed to be excellent.” They passed Howard on their way to the suite and Reid introduced them. Other golfers walking by stopped and stared, probably waiting for an introduction to Shane. Reid wasn’t in the mood for them.

In the suite, Shane sat in the living room while Reid went to change. When he came out, Joel and Stu had joined her. “Guys, you need to move it. We have reservations for two tables at 7:30 p.m., one for you two and one for us.”

They were ready in 10 minutes. Upon arrival to the restaurant, they were greeted by Sal Ferro, the actor who owned the place. He joined Reid and Shane at their table, per Reid’s request. “Why don’t you order for us? You know what’s good.” Reid immediately corrected himself. “I mean, I’m sure everything is excellent but… Oh, you know what I mean.” “No, Reid, what exactly do you mean?” Sal asked, feigning resentment. Reid stammered apologetically. “Take it easy, I was only kidding. I’ll be happy to order for you,” Sal said with a laugh. “I can’t believe you thought I was serious.” Reid rolled his eyes and shook his head in relief. “I don’t know whether to be more embarrassed for what I said or for being so gullible. This is the last time I have dinner with an actor.”

Shane chuckled and said to Reid, “Ha, look who can dish it out but can’t take it.” “Oh, please don’t start with that,” Reid pleaded. “Don’t be so sensitive,” Sal said with a smile. “So, what are you guys in the mood for? The tuna, duck and Beef Wellington are all excellent. My chef is known for them.”

“They all sound so good, why don’t we get one of each and share between the three of us?” Reid said. “I didn’t think I was joining you for dinner.” “Please, join us, Sal. Otherwise I have to listen to him all night,” Shane said with a grin. Taken off guard, Reid responded, “Excuse me?” “Calm down, you know I love you.” Shane leaned over and gave him a kiss. “Very nice, this must be a new relationship between you two. Am I right?” Sal asked. “Very,” they both agreed simultaneously, smiling at each other. “Well, it looks like it’s working.” “It is,” Shane said, with a subtle smile. Reid reached over and covered her hand with his. “Are you sure you want me to join you for dinner?” Sal asked. “Absolutely,” Reid responded. “I’d love to hear what you’re working on;

anything interesting?” “Let’s order, then we’ll share golf and acting stories. I’d love to hear about the Masters, and if you can talk about it, the death threat situation.” Reid visibly tensed at the mention of the threat. “Hey, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, sorry,” Sal apologized. “Don’t worry, I’m okay.” Shane reached over and rubbed his thigh. Sal waved a waiter over and ordered various appetizers and the three entrees. Dinner was every bit as excellent as the rave reviews had claimed. Conversations switched back and forth between Ferro’s movie roles, Reid’s golf and even the threat.

As Reid described the threat scenario, Sal was all ears. Afterward, Sal said, “Sounds like it would make a good movie. What do you think?” “Guess that will depend on the outcome,” Reid said with a chuckle. “Of course it will, but I’m serious, Reid. I’m always looking for a good movie idea. This could be a blockbuster. Just think about it.” “Sal, I think I have enough on my plate at the moment, between the tour and trying to stay alive. Can we just have dessert for now? I need to get back to the hotel.”

“Hey, I’m sorry, that was way out of line. It’s my biggest fault. Every time I hear a good movie idea, I kind of lose my head. I get so one-tracked, I visualize the movie set in my mind and become consumed with it. Please accept my apology. I was completely insensitive.” Sal’s embarrassment poured out.

“Take it easy, Sal, I understand. It’s the same for me when I’m golfing,” Reid said. “I get so focused, I don’t hear or see anything but the ball. I’ll tell you what, if I get through this thing alive, we’ll talk about a movie. Let’s wait and see how it plays out.”

The desserts Sal ordered were like edible art and tasted as good as they looked. Reid and Shane turned down Sal’s offer of after dinner drinks. Reid had to get to sleep at a reasonable hour, and they still had to drop Shane off at Joan’s. Sal graciously accepted Reid’s invitation to the tournament.

The drive to Joan’s was quick. She and Hunter were there with Judy and Jared. Reid said hello and goodbye to everyone and gave Shane a hug. “We’re heading back to the hotel,” he said. “I need my beauty sleep.” Reid was very relaxed during the ride. It had been a good day followed by a great meal with the woman he was falling in love with. He felt good. He was looking forward to a good night’s sleep. He wanted to get in some early putting practice. Buck was coming up and probably had scheduled a late morning press conference. He knew yesterday’s issues were going to haunt him tomorrow. Oh well, he thought, Que sera, sera.

Reid parked the van and went straight up to the suite with Stu and Joel. The lounge was packed with players and caddies. The elevator also was filled with players. One said, “You should’ve kicked Turner’s ass, Reid. He deserved it.” “I’ll do it on the golf course,” Reid said. “Good, hopefully we all will,” someone said. Entering the suite, Reid went directly to his room. He called the front desk for a 5 a.m. wake-up call. He got ready for bed and was asleep minutes after his head hit the pillow.

Reid opened his eyes. Still dark. He looked at the clock; it was 4:59 a.m. He thought, I’ll never understand how my mental alarm clock knows what time it is. He shifted his gaze to the phone and waited. In his mind, he counted down, five-four-three-two-one . Silence. Again, five-four-three-two-one . Again, silence. Rolling his eyes, he tried one more time, five-four-three-two-one . Nothing. He laughed at himself, thinking, I’m more intuitive in my sleep than I am awake. Too bad I can’t golf while sleeping. Giving up, he turned over on his back. The phone rang. Chuckling out loud, he picked up the handset and dropped it back in the cradle. After a few moments, he called room service and ordered breakfast.

As he got out of the shower, room service knocked on his door. He threw a robe on and let in the waiter, tipped him and showed him back out. Famished, he lifted the cover and looked at the plate. “Oh shit,” he groaned. “Not another one.” Sitting on the plate, instead of his breakfast, was a golf ball with a hole through it. Tied to the ball, through the hole, was another blue note. It read: