Page 75 of The Player's Obsession

“Maybe a small one,” I reply, dropping the blanket and sinking into the hot water.

“Oh, and Oliver’s family will be here next week.”

“Meeting the in-laws already? Oh, right, you’re engaged, it’s to be expected.”

“This farce is starting to feel like it’s gone too far. He could have spent this weekend making his ex jealous. Then, at the end of the stay, say Gotcha! So why is he dragging this out for a month?”

“Judging from the amount he’s paying you, I’d say the man wanted to get his money’s worth.”

“Now, I feel like a prostitute.”

“I didn’t mean it that way. He likes you. Did he ever say what was discussed with Melanie?”

“No. And it’s making me crazy.”

“Me. Too. Ask him.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“It’s rude, and he’ll tell me when he wants to. Last night, he did say he wanted me before we—y’know.”

“Mm.”

“Was it just a line? Tell me. You have to be honest.”

“I don’t know. I’m not an empath.”

“Right. What’s your thought?”

“We’ll just have to wait and see. What’s on the agenda for today? I’m living vicariously through you.”

“The spa. I hear champagne is served along with fruity water, well, I guess a cucumber is a vegetable.”

“It’s an antioxidant. You’ll need it because you’ll be partying tonight.”

“Right. I slept, but I swear I could nap.”

I place the phone on the flat part of the tub, wet a washcloth, and open the teal-colored box to find soap beautifully embossed with the letter V.

I wash my face and body as Lucinda rattles on about a friend of hers who caught her boyfriend sending dick pics to another woman.

There’s a knock on the door.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, thank you. I’m on with Lucinda and getting out of the tub.”

“We have to leave in fifteen.”

“Great,” I shout so he can hear me as the tub drains loudly.

“Sounds like you have to go play the billionaire’s wife. Go have fun.”

“I love you. Sorry, I have to run. We keep busy here. Not exactly a relaxing getaway. Hard to imagine them packing more into this weekend.”

I predict something memorable will happen over the course of the next two days. There’s always a takeaway story from family functions and weddings. It’s inevitable a large group of people combined with alcohol is a recipe for disaster.

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