Page 96 of Wicked Player
Chapter Thirty-Two
The man was not exaggerating when he said his fish was fantastic. It’s delicious. All through dinner, Colton makes sure to remind Christian that he may be the cook, but that Christian is the reason we are eating this delicious meal. The pride on my boy’s face is priceless, and I want to thank Colton for it, but can’t quite bring myself to.
Following dinner, we venture to the recreation room on the lower floor. We play a quick game of pool, an even quicker game of darts, and mess around on the pinball game. Finally, when eight o’clock comes around, I make use of my prepared excuse. “Well, thank you so much. It was great,” I say. “But we need to get going. Christian has school tomorrow.” I shrug, and feign an expression of sadness. I want to look convincing for Christian’s sake mostly. He pouts and moans because he doesn’t want to leave, but he is only seven, and he still needs a bath.
Just as we’re about to leave, Colton grabs my hand softly. “You have the day off tomorrow, right?”
“Yes…” I say cautiously. “Why?”
“I thought you could come over for lunch tomorrow, and meet my dad.”
Oh, damn… not this again. I’d completely forgotten about my promise to meet his father. It all seems futile now that I’ve convinced myself that I don’t want to move forward with him. How do I explain all this right now, with Christian by our side?
“I don’t know…” I hesitate, at a loss for words.
“You promised,” he reminds me. “You said you’d love to.”
“Yes, I did,” I admit. “But that was before…”
“Before what?”
I blow out a breath. A quick lunch with his dad, and then I’ve fulfilled all my promises. He knows I’m not attending the next party, and I’ll jut simply turn down any future invitations. I’m sure he’ll eventually get the message, and will be quick to distract himself with a shiny new girl.
I finally concede. “When would you like me here?”
He smiles wide. “Noon okay?”
I nod and smile, and wave goodbye. No hugs or kisses of any kind.
“Bye, buddy,” he waves at Christian.
“Bye,” Christian replies with a big grin. “Thank you for the fun night.”
The last thing I see as I close the door is Colton’s infectious smile, and that image remains stamped in my brain for the rest of the night, taunting, teasing, challenging me to still move forward with my plan.
* * *
I’ve worn slim black pants and a white, ruffled blouse. I debated for the longest time over what to wear. What does one wear to meet her on-and-off-again lover’s father? I’m still not sure I should be doing this. What’s the point? I’m not planning on being in Colton’s life much longer, but it seems easier just to go along than to fight with him. It’s just a quick casual lunch after all.
I’m still ill-at-ease as I arrive at the house. Robert is here again today and welcomes me in. “Hello, dear. How are you?”
I smile up at him. “I’m well. And you?”
“Fabulous.” He takes my jacket. “Colton will be down in just a minute. Make yourself comfortable.”
I walk into the living room, and sit on the sectional. I study the colorful painting yet again. It’s starting to grow on me. When I turn my head, Colton is just walking in, dressed casually, and I suddenly feel overdressed.
“You ready?” he asks.
I stand. “Yes… let’s do this.” Truth be told, I am curious about Colton’s father. He’s a legend around here, known as a good family man and a great entrepreneur, not to mention a philanthropist. Unlike his son, no one ever talks ill of him.
Colton takes my hand, and I shiver. I wish he could lose the hold he has over me, the intense sexual attraction I feel for him. Then, it might be a lot easier to pull myself away.
We head to the elevator, and I’m brought back to the last time we found ourselves here. But there are no sexy shenanigans today. It’s all on the up and up. In fact, I sense tension in Colton, and I’m surprised because he’s usually a very relaxed man, too relaxed some might say.
The lift slowly ascends to the top floor, and we finally arrive. “Ladies first,” he says, urging me out. He follows, and closes the door behind us. We find ourselves in the middle of a tasteful entry hall, and I see that the top floor is in fact a wide open concept apartment. The views are equally fabulous up here, and the decor is sparse. The white walls are covered with framed movie posters; The Godfather trilogy, Tarantino, Kubrick. There is also a large collection of guitars and other string instruments hung low on wall. His and Colton’s spaces are actually very similar. I suppose the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as they say.
“My dad is a big movie buff,” Colton tells me. “Always has been. Even before…” His words trail off as he motions me to the grey sofa, an invitation to sit. We both settle in quietly.
