Balls Fore (Ball Games #4) Read Free Page B

think they’re having a cupcake fight over there,’ says Beth.
    ‘So what time is Cole getting here, Mum? Only I’m doing my speech at two pm and he’s supposed to give out balloon animals.’
    ‘Oh, he’s not coming,’ my mother says, waving her hand in the air.
    ‘What?’ I shriek. ‘You said he was coming. I’ve promised a famous sports person. Oh my God, how embarrassing. What am I supposed to do?’
    ‘Calm your tits, Cam, I got someone else to replace him.’
    I give my mother a death glare.
    ‘Who?’
    ‘They’re here now.’ She points toward the door.
    A vision of hunky goodness enters Kid Zone. He’s looking around as if trying to spot a familiar face. He’s completely unruffled by the children running past him. The larger than normal amount of children run amok as almost every mother’s gaze hones in on the six-foot-plus, smouldering Man God. Can skin look glossy? His does. Smooth and glossy. Well, they do say black don’t crack. His close shaved hair reminds me of the top of a tennis ball. He looks familiar but I can’t recall where I’ve seen him before today.
    My mum runs over and practically drags him back with her.
    ‘Cam. This is Leo Coleman. He’s an ex-pro golfer, currently working at Rother Valley.’
    I hit my forehead. ‘Ah, that’s where I’ve seen you. I saw an advert for lessons in the paper.’
    ‘Ah yes. Well, thanks for letting me come and say a few words. Sorry I’m late. I got lost. I should put the satnav on, but hey, I’m a guy and think I can work it out. I’m hoping I can recruit some of the fathers for golf lessons while I’m here.’
    ‘And the mothers,’ says my mum. ‘I bet there are a lot of women here who’d like lessons.’
    ‘Yeah, I try not to encourage those,’ laughs Leo. He has a booming laugh that makes his eyes sparkle. I think I’m in love.
    ‘Well thanks so much, Leo, for coming here today. Do you want to follow me and we’ll head over to the microphone?’
    ‘Sure. Sorry about running late.’
    ‘No worries. I’m just pleased you’re here.’
    I cough and ask for people to be quiet. Miracles can’t be expected, so it gets quieter, but silence in a kids play centre will never happen.
    My parents come and stand at the front as I start my speech. I cross my fingers that my mother doesn’t cry or applaud like I’ve won an Oscar.
    My eyes scan the crowds while I address the people paying attention. ‘I’d like to thank you all for being part of our one-year anniversary party. When I opened Kid Zone, I never expected to not only run a business but to make a family of the team of staff that work here.’ A round of applause is made for the staff. ‘This business couldn’t succeed without all the parents, carers, grandparents and kids that come here. So, to say thank you, I hope you’ve grabbed some chocolate, a biscuit, a cupcake or all three, plus a free tea, coffee, water or juice. Here’s to another year.’ I raise a plastic tumbler of water. There is a loud cheer and another round of applause. ‘Now, without further ado, I would like to introduce you to our special guest. He’s an amazing golfer. Please welcome to Kid Zone, ex-professional Leo Coleman.’
    The place erupts in applause, the kids copy their parents, even though they’ll have no clue who he is. Leo places the microphone below his mouth.
    ‘Wow, thank you for such a warm welcome, Kid Zone. Now if you don’t know me, I used to play golf quite well and now I’m running lessons at Rother Valley, so if any interested dads want to come see me after my speech.’ He winks. ‘Now I don’t have any kids of my own but know that most children like a balloon animal. So who wants to come get one?’
    As Leo states he doesn’t have kids of his own, Beth walks out of the toilets with Trey in her arms. Her face hones in on Leo’s voice and pales. The next few minutes feel like one of those moments when you try different keys to open a lock and suddenly find the right