Page 89 of The Player's Obsession

“Okay, you win. Food it is.” He sits up, and we pull our clothes on. “Do you like Chinese food?”

“Sure, especially egg rolls.”

“I'm on it,” he says, standing and reaching down to help me up.

I hear him talking on the phone as I take my laptop and set it up in his office. I have to be ready to work tomorrow.

Oliver unpacks my roller bag and hangs the clothes in an empty walk-in closet that’s the same size as his.

“This is unbelievable. I’ll never be able to fill this,” I comment when he shows me the final result.

“You’d be surprised and never say never.”

“Right.” That can be said for many things, like love. I never thought there was a man for me until I met Oliver. He’s easy to be with and loving him is effortless.

The doorbell rings, and Oliver leaves to get the door. It must be the food delivery.

I grab my duffle bag and toss it into the half empty closet. I can unpack that later. I find my toiletry bag and place a few items next to the second sink in his bathroom. I’ve never had a his and hers sink before. This whole spoiled thing is something I could get used to.

I can’t help but wonder if Melanie used to put her toothbrush next to this same sink. I reject the thought and remind myself he’s with me now.

I join Oliver downstairs, and he has the table set and plates are piled high with Lo Mein noodles. With all the fried rice and egg rolls, there’s enough food for a family of four.

His phone rings.

I see Melanie’s name on the screen.

“Take it if you want.”

“I don’t want to. I’m not going to be her breakup buddy.”

“Aren’t you curious what she has to say?”

“Are you?”

“I don’t know. My guess is, she’ll make a play for you.”

“You’re all I want, Penelope. I had to trick you in the beginning but now that we’re involved, I want you to stay. Let’s see where this takes us.”

“But we’re engaged, and soon, people will want to know when the wedding is.”

The call goes to voicemail.

“Actually, they think we’re married. We still have time,” he says.

“You’re right, her breakup is all anyone is talking about now.”

“Yes, so the spotlight is off of us.”

“Well, you might want to call her back and see what she wants.” I am kinda curious as to what strategy she will use to get her foot in the door.

He hits voicemail and speaker on his phone. It sounds like Melanie is sobbing.

“Oliver, I’m calling to say I’m sorry. I made a mistake. Can you forgive me for ruining everything? I should have never left you the way I did, for a teammate. It wasn’t right. I know that now. I just need to see you.”

“There it is, she wants you back.”

“Well,” he picks up his phone and texts her, “I’ve moved on. I suggest you do the same.”

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