Rivers Run Deep

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Cliff's clubs were already in the backseat, but the young man himself could be seen on deck of one of the pleasure boats, his driver over his shoulder and wearing a cap, shirt and tie, sweater vest and plus-fours. He was using the club to point out various features to a young couple who, by the way they were holding on to each other, were either engaged or newlyweds. He spotted Joshua and gave him a nod in acknowledgement, not losing pace one bit as he rattled off the ship's features and cruising offers to the clients.
 
He nodded back and waited, watching the young man sell his wares. He leaned up against the car as he watched, hands sliding into his pockets. He hummed softly, eventually letting his eyes wander about, admiring the boats docked around.
 
Cliff eventually escorted the couple back down the ramp before handing over a card from his shirt pocket. He shook the man's hand confidently and leaned over the woman's paw, ghosting a gentleman's kiss on it. "It was very good to meet you both. Please, take your time to discuss your options and let us know either way, but we do hope that you will allow us to host your reception. Again, congratulations to you both on your engagement and good luck on your wedding day," he said in farewell to them, exchanging a few more pleasantries before standing and watching them climb into their own sensible car and driving off.

Once they were out of sight, he jogged over to Joshua with a satisfied grin. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Chief," he greeted him, "but damn it feels good to be back in the business again. I couldn't turn down the chance to show off the big girl."
 
Joshua laughed and shook his head. "It's fine. You seem to have the sales pitch down flawlessly." he laughed. "If you play golf as well as you do your job, I might be in trouble." He got int he car with Cliff and settled back, sighing happily. It was good to be away from the boat, even if he could see her from there. It was just...really nice. A day off that he was actually spending away from work? He could get used to that.
 
"I think you'll be in trouble either way," Cliff laughed. "I am on the university golf team." He pulled out and headed away from the ships and the docks, and then on towards the golf course. He chatted easily on the way, asking after Joshua's week and such and commenting on silly bits of news that were in the paper recently.
 
"Ah hell. I'm in trouble then." he said before laughing and falling into the casual conversation. It went along easily enough. He had enough stories from his week to keep the drive interesting, and the paper had also been full of things that caught his interest.

When they got to the golf course, he got out of the car and moved to get his bags out. "Couldn't have asked for better weather, huh?" he asked, casting a glimpse skyward. "Not too hot, not too sunny, not to cloudy either..."
 
"And not too much breeze. Couldn't ask for a better day, really," he agreed, grabbing his own clubs even as he tossed the keys to the valet. "What's up Tom, still here?" he greeted the young man cheerfully.

"Yessir, they haven't gotten rid of me yet!" the slightly pudgy calico replied with a smile. "Glad you're back on your feet, we missed you around here," he added with a tip of his uniform cap.

Cliff looked back to Joshua and grinned, leading him up into the clubhouse. "Let's get right out onto the course, we're almost late."
 
The chief nodded to the vallet and followed his friend inside, bag on his shoulder. "Well, lets get going then!" He was excited, to say the least, though he kept from looking like an idiot. It just felt so good to be off the boat and doing something fun with a friend who's only ties to the Coast Guard was his father's business. And being pulled out of the water. Still. It was nice.
 
Cliff checked his watch once more as they passed through the clubhouse, stopping at the benches just outside to change his street shoes for his golfing shoes. That done, he hefted his bag back on and stepped out onto the first tee. It took him a minute or so to get himself sorted: ball, tee, driver, practice swings, and so forth. Finally, he stepped up to the tee and squared himself up, checking down the fairway before taking his first swing. It sang as it hit the ball cleanly and sailed down the fairway. Cliff couldn't stop the grin spreading across his face, which he turned on Joshua. Damn, it felt good to be back on the course.
 
Joshua stopped with Cliff to change his shoes, then walked up to the first tee. He stood off to the side, smirking and watching the young man as he took his time getting squared away. He couldn't help but be impressed by the first swing of the day. He laughed softly and shook his head. "I think I just realized how much trouble I'm in!"

He stepped up to the tee and got ready himself. He decided on a couple practice swings as well, since it had been so long. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He had gone to the driving range a couple times that week to make sure he wouldn't just completely embarrass himself in front of the younger man. He took his swing and watched it go, squinting a bit at the sun. Well, at least he didn't slice it. It wasn't as nice of a shot as Cliff's, but it had done the job well.
 
"Nice one," Cliff complimented as he picked up his bag, shrugging it a bit to get it settled properly. He figured Joshua had been practicing, since he'd first said it had been a long time, but he was nice enough not to mention it. "So, how and where did you learn to play?" he asked instead. "I can't see pretty much living on the river would give you much time or space to have lessons."
 
"My father taught me." he said, looking over at his partner as they walked. "I've played for years. I haven't had the chance to for a while, but I played quite a bit when I was younger. It was something that got me away from work as a teenager and another way for my father and I to spend time together."
 
Cliff grinned at that. "Dad taught me to play, too. He doesn't play much now anymore, his knees aren't what they used to be, but we still get out to the driving range every so often. He still keeps his putter and some balls in his office to knock around a bit. When I was just a kitten, I'd build a little putting course in his office while he was working, and then he'd try to get the ball around it. It was good fun," he explained, grinning at the memory. "Do you like any other sports?"
 
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