The Game Changer

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

"Gran, I'll be home late tonight," I told my grandmother before taking a sip of coffee. It wasn't that I needed her permission, I just didn't want her to be worried. She and grandpa decided to move back to their home in Texas, but promised me that they will come to visit every month. I know how hard it is for them to be away from the home they stayed in ever since they got married. I couldn't be a baby about it.

"I'll see you soon then?" she asked before sliding a plate of pancake and bacon toward me.

"Definitely," I said, smiling before stuffing bacon in my mouth. I gave her a smile and I earned a laugh. Grandpa came in and ruffled my hair.

"Are you seeing a boy, kiddo?" he asked, raising his eyebrow at me.

Before I could answer, Sunny waltzed in the kitchen. "Good morning!" she chirped.

"Good morning, dear! Sit, sit!" Gran said. My grandfather greeted her a good morning as well. They were quite fond of her, treating her like she was their grandchild.

"Thanks, gran!" She said as she eyes the food on her plate. "I wish I had breakfast like this everyday."

We all laughed.

"Oh, and Rissey's going on a date," Sunny said with her mouth full.

Before I could object, grandpa asked, "is this that Noah kid who keeps coming here?"

"No, no. It's his older brother," Sunny corrected with a hint of teasing.

"You didn't tell me you were dating!" Gran chimed in.

"Guys, please! One at a time," I said. "We aren't dating. Not exactly."

"Go on, Clarisse. Shed some light on the matter," Sunny challenged. She didn't take it well when I told her. She was upset and told me I was on a journey that would only end with me going home with a broken heart.

I sighed and gave her a look. I told my grandparents about the letter, even reciting it to them. I've read it so many times I've memorized it. I told them about the deal I made with Ian.

"Do you really need his help?" Gran asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Gran, he has connections. It will make finding Olivia Moore easier," I replied, avoiding eye contact. I always feel a lump in my throat every time I say her name.

"But what does that have to do with presenting you as his girlfriend to his family?" Grandpa asked.

"It's what he wants. I'm going to meet him later to discuss the plan," I replied. "Don't worry about me, guys. I can take care of myself and I won't let him hurt me. Besides, I'll have Noah there with me, so that should be fun."

"Please be careful," grandpa said.

"We're just playing a game, grandpa. I'll be fine," I replied with a smile. I got up and kissed them both goodbye. I gave Sunny a slap behind her head and said, "you are in so much trouble, Sunny."

"I'll see you soon, okay?" I told my grandparents before hugging them.

"You bet," grandpa said. I bid them farewell and was off to class.

I was distracted the entire day. I kept thinking about the letter - about Olivia. This woman, no matter how much I denied it, was my mother. Is my mother. Then there's Ian and this whole deal. I couldn't help but wonder what made him think something like this would work. And most importantly, why me?

I was drowning in my thoughts until I met Ian at the cafe. I was 10 minutes late because I had to discuss something with my professor. He was already there, tapping away on his phone. As I neared the table, I was expecting him to acknowledge my presence.