The Player who Gets Played 22. Loving your Friend

It was the best weekend I've ever had. I was feeling content with my life. I should really step back, but I was going with my gut.

The feelings were too strong to ignore, I wanted her. I was taking all that she would give me. If she wanted the friends with benefits thing, I'll take it. But I've said the words already, I love her. I just hoped that our thing would last and that one day she would at least feel the same way.

Fuck...Winston was right, I'm whipped.

"Sorry about postponing our meet. So, the price is still good? Can you get it fixed and prepped like always?"

"Don't worry about it Allen, I know you're a busy man. But I'm hurt that you still asked these questions." Nate said chuckling, as he prepared the paperwork for my signature.

"So, how about those apartment complexes that we talked about, any progress?" I asked him as I wanted to venture further into the real estate business. And owning a bigger apartment complex would be a great way to move up the ladder.

"I'm going to introduce you to a friend of mine who got me into this business. His name is Andrew Monroe, I don't know if you have heard of him or not. I was in the moving industry for a long time before I expand to real estate..." he said pausing as he directed me to start signing the pages.

"This guy is great, he'd teach you all the tricks in the business. He's not afraid of us being his competitor, because he wanted the business to thrive. With more investor putting their money into the real estate business, he expects it to grow making him, and obviously us more money."

"He sounds like a great guy. Let me know when he's available for a meet yeah?"

"Sure, so...how's the training going?"

"Meh...I'm really behind, woman issues. I'll take my afternoon yoga then catch some waves in a couple of hours." I told him, as I get up to the kitchen and get both of us some cold beer from the fridge.

He chuckled while tidying the paperwork and putting my copy aside for me.

"Trust me she will consume your time, but hey...if she's worth your time you will know. Then you will drop everything for her. Trust me, I've been there." He said as he relaxed back to the sofa and sipped his beer.

"You've met her already at the twins' pool party a couple of days ago. She wanted us to be casual though."

"Ouch."

"Yup."

We talked for another hour before he finally leaves me for another appointment. I continue my daily workout with a yoga routine, then followed by light lunch, and ended it with my swimming and surfing exercise.

It was late in the evening when mom texted me with the detail of the Gala. I sighed knowing that she might feel pressured if I decided to invite her to mom's event. But deep down I was actually curious, would she bail or would she bend her rules for me once again? Just like the friends with benefits thing?

I decided to call her and find out for myself, the worst thing that could happen was she saying no and I was good with that.

Or so I thought.

"Hey... busy?"

"Nope, perfect timing...I was just getting ready for bed."

"Really? Naked?" I asked a bit too enthusiastically, making her let out her sexy laugh.

"No Allen, only when I'm with you. Are you?" she asked giggling on the other line.

"Not yet, do you want me to? I can send you my nudes? I missed you... when are you coming here?" I teased her, making her laugh again.

"I missed you too. Maybe on the weekend, Cherise got me all booked for meetings until Friday afternoon."

"So, what if I pick you up that Friday afternoon and we can do some of the friends with benefits thing. Then on Saturday, we can go to my mom's gala dinner." There I slipped it in perfectly, making me smirk on the other line.

"Wait what? Allen...don't make promises on my behalf."

"I haven't told my mom anything." I sighed hearing her reply.

Well...I did anticipate it already, so why do I still feel disappointed by her reply?

"Allen...I didn't mean..."

"Hey it's okay, we're doing it your way," I said a bit too harshly and regretted it seconds later.

"Right okay..."

"Look, I'm sorry Lou... you're right. We're casual, I shouldn't even ask you. Maybe I'm just tired, how about we continue this tomorrow? I had a very busy day and I'm beat..."

"Okay, I'm sorry Allen."

I felt so stupid for asking the question, now she's feeling guilty and our talk just quickly turned sour.

"Hey it's my fault baby, why don't you rest and I'll call you again tomorrow night."

We hang up moments later, then I drop my head to the pillow and cursed at myself. I tried to sleep it off, but it really bugged me. I was tossing and turning for the longest time until I gave up and called my manager.

"Hey Clara, sorry to interrupt your evening. But I'm letting you know that I'm taking that photoshoot job this weekend..."

"...yeah, no I'm good. I'm fleeing from my mom's gala. Yeah just send me the tickets."

Clara was delighted that I was taking the contract, she even made the cha-ching cash register sound making me laugh at her. At least I didn't lie to her, I was really avoiding my mom's gala. And with her expecting Louise, it was easier for me just to tell her that I'd be working that day.

Having to solve one issue I decided to go to the bar and pour myself a glass of whiskey just to help me sleep better.

But I didn't expect to receive her text, while I was busy pondering about my loveless life.

Hey, look maybe we could make an exception for this weekend. Seeing that you already met my parents, I guess it's fair enough that I meet your mom. (Louise)

I looked at the text, read it several times before I decided to text her back.

It's okay Lou, I have an unexpected photo shoot this weekend and the ticket has been booked. We could come to the next one. (Allen)

Her reply came seconds later.

Oh, so we're not meeting this Friday? (Louise)

I'll see what my flight schedule is and I'll get back to you once I know. (Allen)

I was trying to get my head in the game, I was trying to play in the same playing field as hers. Though I know it would be harder for me as I was in love with her. In love with a friend.