Page 68 of The Player's Obsession

Lucinda: That’s gorgeous. Melanie must be kicking herself. What’s up with her?

Me: She seems okay. She was just talking to Oliver while I took a pee break. His friends are nice, and we sang on stage at the happy hour.

Lucinda: That’s ballsy.

Me: Yeah, but it was fun. We didn’t get booed. That’s a plus.

Lucinda: Sounds like you’re having a great time.

Me: I am. How are you?

Lucinda: Fine, go and have fun. Text me later.

Me: Okay. Love ya.

Lucinda: Love ya more.

I slip the phone into my purse and rejoin my new friends at the table. Oliver must have been watching me because he slips into the seat beside me with perfect timing.

I’m pleasantly surprised by his smooth moves. Will he tell me what happened with Melanie? There must be some unfinished business between the two of them. I’m sure Travis will enjoy a peace accord so they can focus on football instead of Melanie's drama.

“I’m so thirsty,” I say.

“What can I get you?” Oliver asks.

“Water would be great.”

“I’ll be back in a minute. Rose, Stephanie, do you need anything?”

“I’m fine, in fact, Darrel is getting us another round at the bar, and then we’ll probably head to our room.”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Rose politely refuses.

Oliver leaves and returns with a glass of iced water for me. I take long gulps, realizing I am dehydrated. The evening is coming to a close, and we didn’t get a chance to discuss sleeping arrangements. The huge heart-shaped bed is the elephant in the room, and I don’t want to get trampled by it.

CHAPTER29

Oliver

After our slightly off-key performance, Penelope goes with Rose to use the lady's room. I follow them outside the bar to stretch my legs and enjoy a quiet minute to myself. A familiar voice floats in my direction, and unmistakably—it’s the bride. She’s overdressed for the occasion, but it’s her party, and she is as radiant as ever.

Our eyes meet, and everything happens in slow motion as she approaches me. There is a palpable tension in the air, and I hold my breath.

“Oliver, I’m so happy you came. I needed to see you and know if letting you go was the right decision.”

I stand frozen, filled with uncertainty. Is this a joke? It’s her wedding. Is she having second thoughts? I let out the breath I was holding.

I see Penelope returning to our table of friends and realize I’m not jonesing to win Melanie back anymore. The heartache has faded, and I have clarity for the first time in months.

“I cherished our time together, and it hurt like hell when it ended. But now, I realize we both need to move on.”

“I see how close and loving you and Penelope are together. You never looked at me that way,” she murmurs. “I must admit, I’m jealous of how affectionate you are with her.”

“I’m sorry, Melanie. I thought you were the one.”

“Is it serious? You can always get the marriage annulled,” she suggests like she can make me doubt my decisions. Funny, in my bid to make her jealous, I learned I was no longer in love with her. Someone else is occupying my thoughts and my heart. As adults, we have to accept that some relationships aren’t meant to last forever. We might not like the ending, but when the heartache is over, if we’re lucky, we’re left with a few good memories.

“I see. I’ll let you go. I need to get back to Nathan.” With her head held high, she makes her way into the bar. I follow shortly behind her.

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