Page 65 of The Player's Obsession

This is the first time I’ve taken anyone to a wedding. There’s a couple-vibe in the air. Everyone has brought their significant other, whether married or dating. For the single ladies, there will be the inevitable talk: are we getting serious, do you want to get married? We can all blame Beyonce and her song,Put a Ring on It.”

Across the room I see Melanie and Nathan. They’re sitting with the kicker from our team, Cam, and his girlfriend. Like us, they have a bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket. They are all smiles, enjoying the entertainment.

I don’t know Nathan or the kicker all that well. There are many new players on the team. I’m still not sure why I was invited to his wedding unless Nathan thought it would be rude not to include me. I’m not angry at either of them when I see them together now. In fact, I’m happy for them.

What the hell is going on?

Everyone claps for the couple exiting the stage. The emcee thanks them for their performance and says, “Please put your hands together and welcome to the stage our next singers, Oliver and Penelope.” Every head in the room turns to look at us. I’m shocked and want to crawl under the table.

“Did you do this, Travis?”

“Hell no, man. That’s just downright cruel.”

“Someone has it in for you. Who would sign you up for public humiliation?” Darrel asks. He whistles and says, “That’s low, man.”

“What are we doing?” Penelope asks.

To make matters worse, I hear our names being chanted over and over. What is this? Someone’s idea of a joke, a way to embarrass me?

I stand and put my hand out for Penelope.

“We’re doing this!” she exclaims as she takes my hand, and we make our way to the stage.

“What song are we singing?”

“No clue, but I bet Serena had something to do with this. We need this to backfire on her so let’s surprise them.”

We step to the stage, and the emcee asks, “What will you be singing?”

“Let’s doDon’t Go Breaking My Heart,” Penelope suggests. I’m relieved Penelope thinks fast on her feet.

“Oh, good one. Elton John, everyone loves him.” I convey our song to the woman, and she finds the song on her computer. “I’ve never done this before,” Penelope confesses.

“I haven’t either. I love attention but not singing to a room of strangers.”

The emcee hands us microphones and points to a monitor displaying the lyrics. The music starts, and I look at Penelope. Our eyes meet, and she gives me a reassuring smile. I feel better knowing she’s just as nervous as I am, but we have each other’s back when push comes to shove.

CHAPTER28

Penelope

Itap my right boot on the wooden stage floor when the music starts. Having grown up singing this song with my mom, I could do this from memory. “I’ll do the first line,” I say to Oliver. He gives me a nod. I find it’s easier to stare at the lyrics on the screen than to look at him. We’re comfortable putting on a show for people. I’m thrilled we’re putting on a show, but are we faking it?

I know the person I’m with should help me when I need it, which he has— in spades. I wouldn’t be at this party if he didn’t make me an offer I couldn’t refuse. We’re pretty good at working together to solve issues, too. He's protective and showers me with compliments.

“Don’t go…breaking my,” I sing my line. Oliver continues with the next stanza about how he couldn’t even if he tried.

I'm smiling when we get to the knock and the key, as it reminds me of the bellman and Serena knocking on our door. I’m warmed up. This song is my life. I’m wrapped up in Oliver. I gaze into his eyes, the words I’m singing are meaningful. I hope he doesn’t break my heart.

Now we’re at the chorus again. Oliver faces me and we sing to each other.

The crowd is cheering and clapping which makes me happy.

We finish the song, and the audience gives us a standing ovation as Oliver helps me from the stage. I’m laughing, and Oliver is chuckling. “I think we did great,” he says, leading me to the table.

“Yeah, you sing pretty good.”

“Nah, they loved you.”

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