Page 81 of The Player's Obsession

“I agree. In fact, there was a bit of a kerfuffle at the spa when her minion, Serena, was there. It seems Melanie couldn’t get out of bed today, and somehow, it’s my fault.”

“That’s terrible.”

“I had Rose and Stephanie with me, so they handled it. We were getting ready to leave anyway. But now, everyone suspects there’s trouble in paradise.”

“Don’t worry about it. Everyone has to work through their issues. Speaking of that, have you heard from Carlo?”

“No, why?”

“No reason. You haven’t mentioned him.”

“I blocked him. And truthfully, I should have done this a long time ago. I wouldn’t be in this jam.”

“What jam is that—strawberry or blueberry?” she asks with a giggle.

“Seriously, I’m falling for him. I can’t help myself. It’s starting to overwhelm me how much I care for him.”

“That’s because you’ve only experienced puppy love before. This is the ‘I want to be with you every minute’ kind of love, and it’s intense. This is all new to you. You’ve been on your own for too long. It’s time you left the safety cocoon of having control over yourself and your environment. You either let him in and take a risk or risk never knowing what it’s like to have an equal partner.”

“That’s it. He might have all the money, but that doesn’t mean he has all the control. We challenge each other.”

“You like a challenge. You’re a tigress when you need to be.”

“That’s true, I suppose.”

“It is. No supposing about it.”

“Oh, happy New Year by the way. I’m sorry I’m not with you tonight like we had planned.”

“I’m just fine. I’m going to make popcorn and watch all the New Year’s Eve events on TV.”

“I’m sorry, I should be there.”

“You’re where you need to be.”

“You’re the best friend ever, you know that.”

“I know. But I’m sure you have something you should be doing now so I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

We end the call, and I turn on the shower. Am I falling in love? CAs the water heats up, I can't help but wonder: Am I falling for Oliver? Is it possible for me to truly open up to him? He’s never given me a reason to question his honesty. The hot water cascades over me, and I feel my muscles relax, turning to jelly. Is this blissful sensation thanks to the massage, or is it a result of my sexy time with Oliver?

After the shower, I look at myself in the mirror and smile. I look different, happy, refreshed, and content. I brush my hair out and braid it before using a bejeweled hair clip to secure it into an easy updo. I’m getting better at using all the makeup products and I’m pleased with the result. I slip into a black cocktail dress with sequins along the plunging neckline. It will have to do for dinner and the Gala. It’s not the Oscars, after all, so I’m not overly concerned about my outfit choice.

I exit the bathroom, and Oliver is waiting for me, looking very sharp in a black suit.

“You look amazing,” he says. He takes my hand, and I twirl around like we’re dancing.

“Thank you. You’re looking very handsome.”

“Thank you. I don’t know about you but I’m starving. Are you ready to head downstairs?”

“Yes, please, I need to grab my phone and purse.”

Oliver takes out his phone and pulls me to him. “A picture, the last one before the new year,” he says.

“Mm, this is a first for me. Normally I stay home and watch TV until the Times Square ball drops.” I grab my phone and purse.

“Well then, tonight we will make up for all those years of missed celebrations.”

---