Page 49 of The Player's Obsession

“And where has that gotten you?” Lucinda stands and gives me a long, hard look. “Live your life. Stop getting wrapped up in the family drama. Ignore it, have fun.”

I see what she’s doing. She knows I have a high achiever personality, so she’s making it a game I want to win. This way, I’m motivated to give Oliver and his friends a chance. She’s a great friend.

It’s obvious that I haven’t cut ties with my past. I’m no different than Oliver hanging on to his ex-fiancée. We both have baggage we need to jettison.

“It’s easy to judge a book by the cover. However, getting to know the person under the pretty bow and wrapping paper takes time. Conversely, you are an open book, warm and generous, authentic and true to yourself. Those are all admirable qualities and why I love you so much.”

Lucinda closes the zipper on the designer luggage, and I inhale the smell of leather deeply.

“Did you save me an outfit for the car ride?”

“Wear your white ribbed sweater and the jeans with the black boots.”

“I can do that,” I murmur. I’m anxious about going solo. I’ve never been on a weekend trip with a man. My course load in college didn’t leave much time for fun.

I hug her. “Thank you for saying those nice things about me.”

“It’s time someone validated you for the woman you are.” She returns my hug, puts her hands on my upper arms, and steps back. “Promise me you will have fun. Have a drink or two. Use the spa. I hear it’s incredible.” She smiles.

“I’ll try.”

She gives me the stink-eye.

“Fine. I will.”

She grins. “I have to get to my next job. The flu is hitting my girls. I’m in over my head again.”

“I’m sorry. I should help you.”

“No.” She looks at the fitness watch on her wrist. “You need to get ready. Put your makeup on every day. It might help you with your self-esteem issues,” she teases. “Wear your hair down, it makes you look approachable and vulnerable. Men like that.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“I’ll let myself out. Have a great time. Text me,” she says with a flourish as she makes her exit.

“I will,” I reply, suddenly feeling engulfed by the silence that follows in her wake. It’s mocking me. I’m pathetic. I don’t know how she thinks I’ll fit in at this fancy hotel with fancy people in fancy clothes, but I’ll give it a try.

I’m alone, and it’s as if my Fairy Godmother has ghosted me.

Fuck it. I’m going to do it. I’m going to have fun and be myself. I don’t care if no one likes me. I’m a great human.

I have nothing left to lose at this point, so why should I be worried?

I like Oliver. I know how to be charming and get a man to open up. I’ll crack him like a nut. Who knows? We could be friends or more than friends. This job assignment requires public displays of affection, which won’t be difficult. I’m affectionate, and I don’t have to fake my attraction to him. This weekend will be a walk in the park. By the time it’s over, I’ll be the woman Oliver wishes he had.

My phone beeps. Carlo.

I text him.

Me: Stop texting me, or I’ll block your number. Stealing from me is unforgivable. I want my grandmother’s jewelry back. Until then, I’m not talking to you.

Carlo: It’s temporary. I want to meet Oliver. How is he? Everyone wants to know who you are.

Me: I’m sure you’ll tell the world. Stop texting me. I’m not returning calls or texts. I will block you.

Carlo: Fine. Be that way, I’m not surprised you’ve abandoned me. You’re just like everyone else.

I ignore his attempt at playing the victim. Growing up, we had a roof over our heads, and that’s more than plenty of other kids in Brooklyn. All he had to do was look at the homeless living on the subway or the streets. He’s using what he considers a tough childhood to manipulate me into feeling sorry for him.

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