Page 44 of Playing A Risk
“The way I feel about Dorothy is the real thing. I love her, Dad. And if I can get her to see I could provide her with a great life full of closeness and a deep connection, then I’ll marry her.” My heart tightens, my hands sweat, and my pulse pounds in my ears.
Telling my dad how deeply I care about Dorothy brings out my insecurities and vulnerabilities in full force. He could shut this down immediately. Worse, he could take this to the board and get her fired. That would ruin everything between her and me.
Jonah interjects, “Dad, Hunter’s been dating her for a while. If she wanted to take down the company, she would’ve put something in motion. And she’s had a few opportunities to do it, but she hasn’t. Give her a chance. Let him take her to the ball and witness it for yourself.”
“Christ, Hunter. You’ve been in a relationship with her without talking to me about it? That’s the most egregious thing I’ve heard all day.” My dad shakes his head as he spears me with a look of disappointment. “It’s time you fill me in on everything.”
I spend the next thirty minutes spilling my guts about our relationship, leaving out the parts that don’t put Dorothy in the best light.
By the end, Dad finally agrees with our plan to take Melanie and Dorothy to the ball as long as we present it as agroup function. He also gives me the green light to bring her to Christmas dinner.
Things may finally be falling into place. Now, if only I could get her to see it for herself.
I’m in my bathroom, freshening up from my anxiety producing meeting with my dad.
Seeing Jamison earlier wasn’t expected, and talking to him wasn’t even something I considered.
But if I’m going to make myself a better man, I can’t have threats hanging over someone’s head. And I can only hope he listens to my warning because I’m afraid of what could happen if he doesn’t.
My mother delivering that chip to Ava can only mean one thing. Something sinister is in motion and Jamison unknowingly inserted himself into it.
And that right there is even more dangerous than if he knew. He won’t see it coming, which could lead him to his grave. A growing iron vest covers me as I try not to think about what my mother has in store.
Dorothy and Melanie’s voices carry down the hall and into my bathroom. I take a second to enjoy the laughter. I didn’t think I’d hear the sound from Dorothy for a while. Melanie seems to be the key. My insides warm with their joy.
I check my reflection in the mirror. I’d like to say I appear relaxed, but the stress of this situation is scratching away my brave exterior. My red eyes and the dark circles forming underneath them are a dead giveaway.
As I venture out, Dorothy and Melanie come into view, wrestling on the floor.
I thought only boys didthat.
Dorothy tries to pry something away from Melanie’s hands. “Give it to me.”
She swipes her leg up and pushes her foot into Melanie’s hip for leverage. Melanie tries to curl into a ball, bringing her clutched fists to her stomach.
“Not on your life, sweet pea.” She grunts and tries to roll away from Dorothy.
I stop and lean against the wall.
Dorothy’s red in the face and desperately trying to peel Melanie’s hand off the item. But Melanie twists away again and almost breaks free. Dorothy grabs a fistful of Melanie’s hair, stopping her.
“You dirty little bitch.” Melanie laughs through her words. “You sure you wanna play that way? I’m the filthiest bitch you’ll ever know.”
She takes one hand and karate chops Dorothy’s pressure point in her neck. Dorothy’s eyelids flutter.
“Okay. That’s enough.” I rush in to break up their fight before Melanie takes Dorothy out.
I get to Melanie first and lift the tiny little devil off the floor.
“What the hell, Hunter? I was about to win.” She wiggles in my arms.
Dorothy pops to her feet. “Butcha didn’t.”
She laughs like a madwoman and Melanie bursts out along with her.
They’re insane, so I join them in their crazed exchange—I can’t help it.
I laugh as I place Melanie’s feet on the floor.
