Page 5 of Wicked Player
Chapter Three
Dear Anna Smith,
Thank you so much for your interest in our event. Many thanks for coming to the Rossi Estate, and filling out the questionnaire. It is our pleasure to let you know that you have been selected to participate in the Player’s Game. The evening will take place on Saturday evening, September 6th, and begins at six o’clock. The required attire is cocktail dressy. Please do not be tardy, no more than thirty minutes late please. I look forward to seeing you again, and Mr. Rossi is very eager to meet you.
Your name has already been added to the guest list. Please check in with me upon your arrival. Car parking can be found at the rear of the house. And please note that we do not tolerate driving under the influence. A shuttle bus will be available at the end of the evening to take you back home.
Cheers,
Martha St Clair
I still can't believe what I am reading. I can't believe I was picked. Well, life does come with its surprises.
“What's up with you, Clara?” Theresa asks. “You look like you've just seen a ghost.”
“Oh, I just received an email and it was quite the surprise. I wasn't expecting the response I got.”
“What was it about?” she asks, and I smile up at her. Theresa is quite the Nosy Nellie.
“Oh, it was just about an interview I did,” I tell her, all smiles. “And I got the job.”
Her smile fades. “Oh, no. You're not leaving here, are you Clara? I’ll miss you so much.”
I shake my head. “No, no, no. It’s just a one-off night job. That’s all… just a little extra cash."
She exhales a long breath. “Oh, good,” she says. “Of course you need the extra cash, being a single mom and all.”
I smile, a little ill-at-ease.
“And speaking of extra cash, I'd love to buy another order of your cupcakes, the lemon ones please.”
I smile. “Oh, of course. I can have them ready by tomorrow,” I tell her. “Noonish?”
She nods.
I also sell cupcakes, muffins and cookies on the side. My regulars are my best customers. Theresa knows I need the money, and she wants to help me out. And apparently, my cupcakes are fabulous. It's a win-win for the both of us.
I wonder what I will wear to the party. Maybe Cassie can help me figure it out. I can't wait to tell her about this.
As soon as things slow down and the lunch rush is over, I take the opportunity to call Cassie.
“Guess what?!” I am practically screaming into the phone. “I got in! I got chosen to go to the party.”
“No way!”
“Yes way!”
“I'm so excited for you,” she squeals.
“You are living vicariously through me at the moment, aren’t you?” I tease.
“Of course I am,” she says, “which is shocking because your life is just as boring as mine, even more boring I would say.”
“Well, you don't have a seven-year-old son.”
“Oh, but he makes it more exciting, don't you think? He’s such a cutie.”
“Very true. Can’t argue with that.”
