Page 31 of The Player's Obsession

“Oh, I forgot to tell you the exciting part.”

“What’s more exciting than tapping him for all the sex you can handle?”

“The football game is Thursday night.”

“Are you saying he gave you tickets?”

“We pick them up at the stadium. But yes, two tickets. He’s dropping a jersey for me to wear to the game, he’ll be by today.”

“Really? It sounds like you had quite the date last night. He’s giving you a game-worn jersey. It will have his name on it.”

“I have no clue. It’s not my priority right now. Having money to pay my rent, my car payment, and food is. Besides, I was not going to take him up on the pretend fiancée thing. I hate it when people lie to me, and I don’t want to be a part of it, but now, I have no choice. Damn, my brother. He’s such an idiot. Obviously, he keyed my place to get in.”

“That’s really bad. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. But, because you went on that date, you now have a backup plan.”

“Ugh, the movie theBack-up Plan. JLo was pregnant on her own because she never found a husband. I assume this scenario would only be worse if my brother had offspring. I’d be taking care of his kids.” I pause. “No, I wouldn’t. I’m not enabling him anymore. I’m done. If he shows his face here again, I will be arrested for beating the shit out of him.”

I didn’t realize my jaw was tight from clenching my teeth together between our banter but I’m feeling the tightness in my jaw. I wish I had a kickboxing bag to vent my anger and frustration. And to think I bailed him out of jail—and paid for his attorney. Mom and Dad didn’t have the money. They probably gave it all to Carlo when he was living with them. I wonder if they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s the issue with addiction, if you’re not immune to the pleas for help and money, it can bankrupt a person quickly. I’m shocked at how fast it mounts up.

“So, call Oliver and tell him you’ll do it.” I picture Lucinda eating buttered popcorn because my life is a shit show of epic proportions.

“How can I pretend that I’m crazy for him? I just met him.”

“I doubt it will be difficult. Besides, you get paid whether it works or not, so go for it. Did he tell you why he needs a fake fiancée? I mean, he can have anyone do it for free.”

“That’s what I said. It must be a bet with the guys or a prank. I don’t know for sure. He said he’s paying me, it’s none of my business.”

“The man has secrets. Who knew?”

“How are you feeling, by the way?” I ask to change the subject. I’m tired of talking about my depressing life.

“Great. Your soup is the greatest cure of all time. You’re a miracle worker.”

“Yeah, if I were, I would be able to fix myself from enabling my brother, and if I did that, I’d have money in the bank.”

“True. So, what will you be doing with your new fiancé?”

“He mentioned a wedding this weekend. It’s at Lake Sebago.”

“Oh, how fancy. And expensive. You need to take advantage of all the amenities. I hear it’s very exclusive and all the rich and famous people go there. It’s like the other Kennebunkport, only situated on a lake.”

“You know, you are talking me into this. I could use a getaway.”

“You need a vacation.”

“I do.”

There’s a knock on my door. I peek through the blinds. It’s Oliver. The man is on top of stuff—my goodness. I wonder if he has sex on a schedule.

“I gotta go, Oliver is here.”

“Remember to say yes,” she says.

It’s nine o’clock in the morning, what time does this man get up anyway? And how am I going to bring up the fact that I’ll take him up on his strange proposition?

More importantly, how am I going to survive a month with the man and not fall in love with him?

That would be my worst nightmare.

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