Page 76 of The Player's Obsession

CHAPTER31

Oliver

Iaccompany Penelope to the women-only section of the spa. I’m impressed with the frosted glass doors, each engraved with a gold letter V. It’s not a regular V, this one has an angel wing instead of a solid line on the left side. Whoever does their marketing is a creative genius. The addition of the wing conveys heavenly relaxation in the lap of luxury.

“I’ll meet you in the room later,” I say as I kiss her goodbye.

Letting go of our hands, she steps toward the doors, and they magically open. I spot Stephanie and Rose inside waiting for her and know she’s in good hands. I hope they have their own room. Who knows what Serena is capable of? Then there is Melanie’s admission. Last night was full of surprises, and her regret at us breaking up was unexpected. I’m still in shock. No doubt, this is going to be an interesting weekend.

I head toward the set of doors to the men’s area—the two spas cross in the middle to accommodate couple’s massages.

“Travis,” I say as I stroll through the door. He’s in a fluffy white robe, wearing white spa slippers, and halfway through a Bloody Mary if the celery stalk sticking out the top of his glass is real.

“I know it’s not game day.” Darrel says as he greets us in the common area.

They snicker. “You got that right, it’s all good,” Travis replies, taking a bite of the celery stick.

It’s obvious they are referring to rest and relaxing we’re enjoying.

“Good. Why are you drinking a Bloody Mary?” I question Travis, as he’s more of a wine and beer drinker.

“I don’t know. It seems fitting for the bloody aftermath to come when Nathan calls off the wedding.”

“What do you mean?” Months ago, I would have been happy with the news. Now, I’m horrified that the two of them might break up. “What did you hear?”

“Call it my gut instinct,” he says in a conspiratorial tone. I know his intuition is usually spot on. I run random fucked-up routes downfield, and at times, it’s a challenge for him to get the ball to me. It’s like playing battleship, it might take a while for him to find me. He’s adapted with time, and we’re running plays like a well-oiled Rolls Royce.

I notice an attendant approaching. He’s our age, dressed in black scrub pants and a teal polo shirt with the winged gold V embroidered on the front.

“Great, everyone is here. Mr. Rowe, if you would be so kind as to follow me to your locker,” he says.

“Sure.” I follow him to the dressing room lined with lockers. I pull a key out of one before he leaves me to undress. I wear the robe and slide my feet into the slippers. I fold my clothes and place them in the locker along with my phone and wallet. I slip the key chain on my wrist. It’s made of colorful beads from the Himalayan Mountains, and they are believed to have healing properties.

I join Travis and Darrel, who are waiting for me in the common room. I wonder if we’ll run into other wedding guests. None of the men walking around look familiar.

“What are the guys doing today?”

“No clue. I wanted to keep it the three of us. Tonight and tomorrow are going to be crazy, so the quiet time here is bliss,” Darrel says as he helps himself to the cucumber water.

“No alcohol?”

“I’m pacing myself for later. No need to shock my system this early. It’s a long day, man.” He sips the refreshing water, and I follow his lead.

“Hey, I saw Melanie speaking to you last night. What did she have to say?” Travis asks.

“Um, not much. I wished her well.”

“Are you finally over her? I mean, Penelope is great. Is she the real deal?”

“I hope so, did you see that rock?” Darrel says. “Stephanie stared at it all night. We got married before I made the money I’m making now, but still, you spent a fortune.”

“What’s up with that? I mean, I married in Vegas. Did you two do the same?” Travis digs for details.

“To be honest, we’re engaged, not married. Everyone jumped to that conclusion after the internet rumors and viral videos came out. We’re only staying in the honeymoon suite because the hotel gave us a complimentary upgrade,” I add.

“You devil,” Darrel snickers. “Leave it to you to get free shit. Here you can afford it, and instead, you get comped. You really are one lucky son of a bitch.”

I shrug and chug some water.

---