Page 78 of The Player's Obsession

The new arrivals find an empty corner to occupy. The three of us look at each other, and I nod to the door. We pile out without so much as a goodbye.

“Now I’ll take that drink,” I murmur.

“Ditto,” says Darrel.

“What the fuck happened? That’s too weird.”

“All I can say is that I saw the look on Melanie’s face after your short chat, and I swear her smile was as fake as her tits when she returned to Nathan,” Travis says. This explains his prediction that tomorrow will be full of surprises.

“I swear, I didn’t have anything to do with that. Maybe she’s having doubts,” I say.

We are back in the common room, having helped ourselves to champagne refreshments.

“This champagne not only tasted great, but it didn’t give me a hangover. I need to order a case of this!” I exclaim. The fact that Penelope loved it as well makes it a no-brainer to keep it stocked at home. “I wonder where I can get it.”

“I’d look it up, but no phone,” Darrel teases.

“Yeah, I know. I’ll find it. The beverage director will know.”

“True, good idea. Rose liked it as well.”

We’re sitting and talking with muffled tones to avoid disturbing other guests.

“What was the deal with Nathan? His brother’s expression was guarded,” Darrel points out.

“No clue, I don’t want to know. Maybe Melanie has commitment issues. Let’s just enjoy the hot stones,” I add as the attendant heads toward us.

“Great idea,” Travis says.

We are led to rooms again, this time, it’s for hot rocks.

After a few hours at the spa and a selection of three different healthy meals for lunch, we sit at a table with chairs and couch-like benches.

“I wonder how the girls are doing,” I muse, thinking of Penelope.

“I’m sure they are fine. Stephanie won’t let anything happen to them,” Darrel says.

“She was so sweet to Rose when she met her for the first time at a football game. It’s not easy to find good friends,” Travis states while stabbing at his mixed green salad. “She’s also the den mother.”

“She’s a keeper.” Darrel smiles before biting into his organic turkey sandwich.

After showers, I stop outside the girls’ spa and text Penelope. It’s strange how a few hours apart have me missing her.

* * *

Penelope texted backthat she was getting dressed, so I wait. She comes through the door like a breath of fresh air. Rose and Stephanie are with her.

“Did you all have a great time?”

“Yes, we did, until Serena showed up at the end,” Rose says.

“What happened?”

Stephanie motions for us to walk.

“The walls have ears, and Serena has a big mouth. You never know who is watching and listening. That’s why we worry about lip readers at games giving away strategies,” Rose vents.

“Good point.” We walk until we find an empty corridor. Rose says, “Serena was in a foul mood and claims Melanie can’t wait to see Penelope at the wedding.”

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