Page 90 of The Player's Obsession

Then he deletes her number from his contacts. I’m shocked.

It is over. Wow.

We finish eating and put the leftovers in the refrigerator. I’ve never been happier. I’m playing house with Oliver.

He cleans up the kitchen, and I head upstairs to finish unpacking. Even with the recent shopping spree, the closet still looks empty.

He joins me upstairs, and we lay on the bed watching TV. When he pulls me next to him, I melt into his arms.

* * *

The week flies by,and it’s game day. I’m excited to see the girls. We’ve been texting all week in a group chat, but it’s not the same as hanging out in the flesh. I pick up Lucinda on my way to the stadium.

“What’s up with the new G Wagon?”

“It’s not mine. I borrowed one of Oliver’s cars. This will give us more room than my little car.”

“I take it the glass slipper fits?” Her eyebrows raise like she knows the answer already.

“So far, so good. I told you he blocked and deleted Melanie from his phone. I was shocked. I figured she would weasel her way back into his life.”

“She can’t if he’s not playing her game. It looks like Oliver is running his own playbook.”

I chuckle at her football analogy.

“You’ll meet the friends I’ve been telling you about, Rose and Stephanie. You’ll like them.”

“I’m looking forward to warm box seats.” She turns to face me. “Aren’t you nervous about meeting his parents?”

“Terrified.”

“From what you’ve told me, they great.”

“I’m sure they are. That’s what has me feeling shitty for lying to them, well, lying to everyone.”

“Who knows, maybe you two will get married, for real this time.”

“Or maybe we’ll be sick of each other in six months.”

“I doubt it. You haven’t complained about one thing. Your problem is your fear of attachment, which is normal for someone who grew up without stable parents. It’s no wonder your brother is screwed up. That could have been you. I’m proud of you for giving Oliver a chance.”

“Maybe I was under the influence of all that champagne at the hotel and spa,” I laugh.

“Right, and Santa Claus comes at Halloween. I can tell you love the man, you’re glowing.”

“Really?”

“I need to find a man who washes dishes and takes the garbage out. Your man knows the way to a woman’s heart, that’s for sure.”

“Men don’t do that?”

“How many times have you dated a man who lets you run circles around him doing everything while he sits on the couch watching football games Sunday, Monday, and Thursday night?”

“Good point.” I think of Freddy lounging on my couch.

“Speaking of that. When I last saw Carlo he had a man named Freddy with him. I need to break my lease and move my stuff into storage.”

“That’s a good idea. He might be living there.”

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