Page 38 of The Player's Obsession

“That’s not going to have the desired effect on me,” she declares matter-of-factly, prompting a burst of laughter from me.

In Maine, flannel isn't just a fashion statement; it's a necessity for most of the year. I prefer staying cozy and warm. The skimpy outfits splashed across the pages of Vogue are reserved for the glitterati in Miami and Los Angeles, who don't have to bundle up just to avoid freezing.

"You're going to find yourself a really great guy, Lucinda. Your no-nonsense attitude is something I truly admire," I tell her.

She chuckles in response. "I hope you're right. But let's face it, we're all prone to making some pretty poor choices and foolish decisions at times."

At the cashier, we check out our items. I consciously avoid glancing at the final bill. If Oliver is willing to foot the bill for all this, it's a clear sign he's desperate to make Melanie jealous. And that, unfortunately, means he's still in love with her.

We take a much-needed break for lunch. Who knew power shopping could be a cardio exercise? My fitness watch tells me I have tripled my average steps since yesterday. Yeah, because I got off the couch and out of my apartment.

We managed to get all my purchases in Lucinda’s car. The dresses and suits we hang on hooks above her backseat. The rest we shove in the trunk. Then it’s off to lunch.

We stumble upon a restaurant that's refreshingly queue-free and choose a table where we can both comfortably observe the incoming patrons, our backs to the door. During summer, this place is usually buzzing with activity, but now, in the off-season, it's pleasantly quiet. While spotting a celebrity is unlikely, especially with football and hockey season in full swing, you never know.

Out of the blue, Lucinda drops a bombshell. "Don't forget to prep your, uh, lady parts before the trip," she says, a hint of mischief in her tone. "You know, just in case."

"In case of what?" I ask, momentarily distracted from my menu.

"You know," she replies, a knowing look in her eyes.

I sigh. Sure, I can wax. I’m not planning on anything happening. “I’m sure there will be two beds in the hotel room.”

“All I’m saying is it’s better to be prepared,” she remarks nonchalantly, flipping open her menu. Now that she brought up grooming, it hit me— I need to do my nails tonight. I hate paying to have them done professionally. I always screw up the polish as soon as I leave the salon. I’m too much of a perfectionist to live with it that way for a week.

A server brings us glasses of water, and we both order medium rare hamburgers with sweet potato French fries. I’m starving. All this shopping worked up an appetite. We’ve walked miles, and we still have more stores to hit.

“You still need makeup and a better winter coat. Something elegant to go with those fancy boots.”

“What about the wedding? Those Jimmy Choo’s are so high I’ll get a nosebleed from the high altitude.”I find myself with a wet shirt and a damp face. She covers her mouth to suppress additional waterboarding.

I pick up a cloth napkin and calmly blot the water on my face and chest. I can’t contain my gut-breaking laugh at the sight of her spraying me like an elephant’s trunk.

"You'll rock those heels. And that blue dress you picked out for the wedding is the epitome of elegance. Pair it with those faux diamond earrings and let your hair flow down. Seriously, you put it up so often, I'm worried you're going to snap your hair off," she advises.

“Yes, Mother,” I reply with a monotone voice.

“I know you better than you know yourself.”

“That you do,” I say, leaning back against the padded chair. “I’m tired. Why are we doing this?”

“Because it’s a way to get out of debt and get a new lease on life. All you need to do is be nice to Oliver.” She stops talking when the server brings the food.

I chuckle. “I have no reason not to be nice to him.”

She picks up her fork and pauses. “Awe, that’s sweet.”

“It is what it is.”

She shrugs. “Call it what you will. But promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?” I meet her eye.

“Have fun. Just relax and have fun. You’ve done that at least once before in your life, haven’t you?”

“Mm.”

“That’s what I thought. Go along with his plans. He’s always impressed me as a man who knows how to have a good time.”

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