Page 91 of The Player's Obsession

“I can’t go there alone.” I take my eyes off the road and glance her way.” I need to pack the place up.”

Lucinda looks at me wide-eyed.

“What? Just in case things change. I’m not putting all my eggs in the Oliver basket. We’re still new.”

“Fine. I’ll help you.”

“By the way, how is the cleaning business?”

“Fine. I have new employees and more clients. I can’t complain.”

“Great. I’m using Oliver’s office to work from home, and I go into the office once a week. I’ve grown in popularity. It could be the fancy new wardrobe or the man I’m dating, or both.”

“The man you’re engaged to, don’t mess up.”

“Right.”

“Watch, you’ll get a promotion out of this. People love a Cinderella story.”

“No positions are open above me.”

“We’ll see. I think they’ll create a position and promote you.”

“I want to earn it.”

“You have, but don’t take it unless they offer more money. Otherwise, it’s just a title and more work.”

“True, I’ll keep that in mind.”

We valet park at the stadium and make our way to the box seats. Having a special pass on a lanyard around my neck is exciting.

My stomach rolls, my hands are clammy. I link arms with Lucinda for emotional support. I hope his parents like me, and the Megs win tonight.

CHAPTER 35

Penelope

We find the suite Oliver's parents own and walk into the sound of celebratory laughter and the smells of a pasta buffet and prime rib carving station. I approach an older couple, assuming they are Oliver’s parents.

“You must be Penelope.” The woman smiles warmly and extends her hand. She has platinum-colored hair that’s chin length in the front and tapers up the back.

“Hi, I’m Penelope, you must be Mrs. Rowe,” I say, shaking her hand.

“Oh,” she replies, “that sounds too formal. Call me Emily. This is my husband, Theo.” A tall distinguished-looking man steps forward and joins us.

“Nice to meet you both. This is my friend, Lucinda.” After introductions, Emily takes my left hand in hers. “What a gorgeous ring. Have you set a date?”

“Emily.” Her husband's chastising has Emily winking at me and whispering, “We’ll chat later.”

She seems really nice, which makes me feel even worse about all the lies.

I knew this would happen. Oliver likes to deal with things as they pop up, like a game of Whack a Mole. I get it, he doesn’t want to get overwhelmed. But now, I’m the one left to wing it when the inevitable question is presented. How convenient he’s down on the field while his family peppers me with questions.

Another man approaches. This one as big as a football player. This must be Oliver’s brother. They share the same dark hair and chiseled facial features.

“I’m Michael, nice to meet you.” He shakes my hand politely, and then he turns to Lucinda and shakes hers. “Very nice to meet you, Lucinda.”

Wow, his voice sounds identical to Oliver’s. The way he said Lucinda's name was warm and gooey, like a fresh-from-the-oven brownie. It would be funny if they hit it off.

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