Page 67 of Play to Win

Théo spots me, his head whipping around.Emma’s gaze follows.

“Lacey,” Théo says calmly, moving around Emma toward me.“Are you ready to go?”

“I just need to use the bathroom first.”Somehow I manage to speak.

Théo gestures to the room and I walk past him and Emma, giving Emma a hard look.Then I shut and lock the bathroom door and drop onto the closed lid of the toilet, burying my face in my hands.

I’ve never been so confused in my life.

I’m jealous.

How can I be jealous?Our marriage is fake.I don’t really care about Théo that way.

I’m just doing such a good job acting, I convinced myself things are real.That’s it.

If Emma still wants him, maybe Théo is happy about that.

Ugh.

Well, I can’t hide in here forever.I use the toilet, wash up, and arrange my expression into relaxed and cheerful.

Théo is standing at the edge of the living room near the front door, talking to his mom and dad.He extends a hand to me as I walk up to them, taking mine and drawing me near to him.

So confused!

“Thanks for a lovely evening,” I say.

“It wasn’t really lovely,” Aline replies wryly.“But you’re welcome.I look forward to getting to know you better.”She moves and hugs me.

Théo’s dad hugs me too, then turns to his son.“I still don’t understand how you could take a job working for that asshole.He’s theenemy,for Chrissake.”

My eyes widen.

“Mark.That asshole is your father.”Aline nudges him.

“He’s losing his fucking mind,” Mark mutters.“You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, Théo.It’s a no-win situation.You’ll never be able to run that team.The minute you do something he doesn’t like, he’ll fire you too.”

Théo grimaces.“Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, Dad.”

Mark scowls.

“Théo’s super smart,” I say, even though I’m in shock from what I just saw in the hall.“And talented and hard working.He can do anything he sets his mind to.”

I feel Aline’s pleasure at my words.Mark gives me a sharp, assessing look and I meet it head-on.He nods slowly.

Théo slides his hand into mine and squeezes it gently.We say good night and make our escape into the fresh night air.

“Jesus Christ.”Théo blows out a breath as we walk to his car.“Sorry about that.”

“Don’t apologize.You were the sanest one there.Well, you and your mom.”I pause.“And Chelsea.”

“Chelsea?Are you kidding me?She’s nothing but a gold digger.”

I frown as I slide into my seat.I tug on the seatbelt while Théo goes around and climbs in.“I didn’t get that impression of her.”

“You don’t know her.”

“True.But ...”I trail off.I guess I don’t know her.

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