Page 95 of The Player's Obsession

“You didn’t warn Penelope we were going to come over, did you?” Emily gives her son an obvious dressing down with her eyes.

“Nope. You know how I am.”

“Yes, I do. I’m sorry we surprised you, Penelope,” Emily says.

“Don’t be silly, I love having everyone here.”

“Do you have family nearby?” Theo asks as the boxes are opened and everyone digs in.

“No, I’m from New York. I took a job here after I graduated.”

Theo nods thoughtfully.

I pour juice into glasses for everyone, and we all dig in. The bacon is crispy. The omelets are divine. The croissants are fresh and flakey.

“Mom, there’s time for the inquisition later,” Oliver says to avoid talking about Carlo.

“Mom, don’t scare her away like you did, Melanie,” Michael says.

“I did no such thing. She didn’t like to talk about her family, I find that odd.”

“Do you have siblings?” Emily asks.

“I have a brother, Carlo. He’s in Maine, but I don’t know for how long. My parents are in Brooklyn, that’s where I was born.”

Emily nods to Oliver in an approving manner.

Oliver smiles. He enjoys teasing his mother, but I can tell it’s what they do. They respect each other so much that even when they disagree, they speak with love in their heart.

“What are your plans, son?” Theo asks.

“Geez, Dad, it’s not even been a day yet.”

“Theo,” Emily says, as if to warn him. She turns to Oliver and waits for an answer.

“Penelope and I will enjoy the time off. Maybe we’ll take a trip.”

“A road trip or a real trip?” Michael asks.

“I want to go somewhere warm.” He gives his brother a wink so there must be a hidden meaning.

“Dude, you guys just met. Everyone thinks you’re married, and you post pictures of the two of you doing romantic things. It’s like you guys are the real deal. I thought you were only faking the engagement to make Melanie jealous.”

Oliver and I both give Michael a look that could melt titanium.

“Really?” Oliver is annoyed.

Theo and Emily look at Oliver, then me.

“What is going on?” Emily asks.

We’re busted. I am not sure Oliver can sweet-talk his way out of this.

I give him theI told you solook and raise my eyebrows. I’m at a loss for words.

“Well,” Oliver stands and begins to pace. “It’s true, we had an arrangement.” He looks at his mother, who is holding her coffee mug between her hands, waiting for an explanation. “Mom, Dad, I asked her to do it. Michael hatched a plan for me to make Melanie jealous at her wedding. I had just met Penelope, and we made a deal. She went to the wedding with me over New Year’s.”

“Wait, the wedding that never took place?” Emily’s expression is both confused and shocked.

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