The Game Changer

Chapter 13

Dedicated to @napkinperfect :)

Check the panel at the side and say hi to Tanya Summers and Michael David!

Chapter 13

Rissey Montgomery

I found Ian standing in front of the mirror when I entered the room. He was wearing a black suit and, for the life of him, could not fix his light green tie.

"Here, let me help you with that," I offered. I put the down the big mug of coffee I had with me on the table before shuffling toward Ian. He sighed and threw his hands up in defeat.

"I just really hate ties, don't judge," he said. I laughed and started to work on his tie. I kept my eyes on my hands but I couldn't help but feel a bit shy; I knew Ian was looking.

"There," I said when I was done, patting the tie as if to straighten it.

"Hey, you sure you'll be fine here while I'm gone?" he asked as he stuffed his wallet in his back pocket. He then grabbed his watched and put it on. I was standing sipping coffee, the table supporting my weight.

"Of course, I'm a big girl," I replied before taking another sip.

"Alright, I promise I'll make it back - damn where are my keys?" Ian was frantically searching for his car keys, moving around the room like a maniac. He lifted papers, sheets and books in search for the keys. I rolled my eyes and decided to help. I saw the keys sitting on a bool behind me, on table I was leaning onand I laughed.

"What's so funny?" He asked, obviously annoyed.

"Here, sunshine," I said, throwing the keys. He caught it with one hand and shoved it down his pocket.

"Thanks," he said. "I'll be back in time for the gala. If you need me, you have my number. Noah and Alessi's home. Oh, and eat lunch okay? They'll miss you if you aren't there. Also, Alessi -"

"Alessi is in charge of my hair and make up for tonight, and I just have to stand, smile and look pretty. Ian, we already covered this last night, don't you trust me? I'm not a little girl," I said, laughing a little.

"Okay," he said. "I better go."

"Hey," I said, grabbing him by the arm. "Calm down, okay? You'll be fine."

"Thank you," he said, giving me a small smile. He waved before making his exit. Just as he was about to close the door, he turned around and smiled.

"Just so you know, you've got that last part covered already," he said.

"I don't think I'm catching your drift," I replied, setting the cup beside me and furrowing my eyebrows in confusion.

"Well, you're already standing and smiling. And I can't remember the last time you didn't look pretty," he said, winking at the end of his statement. I grabbed a towel that was set on the chair and threw it at him, making him laugh.

"Shut up, Radke," I said.

"If you say so, Clarisse." He smiled, shook his head and closed the door behind him.

I took a deep breath and sighed. I had to constantly remind myself that this was a fake relationship and that anything he did and said would eventually lead him back with Tanya. I decided I didn't want to think about it, seeing as I was guilty of over-thinking in all aspects of my life. I looked around the room; it was a mess. I rolled my eyes, tied my hair in a bun and decided it was about time I tidied up.

As I was piling towels inside one of the cabinets, I found a small box tucked under bed sheets. I opened it and saw trinkets: small shells, carnival tickets, a few photos and a ring. I sat on the floor and went through the box- nosy, I know. I looked at the photo: it was a photo of him and Tanya. Tanya was in a white lace dress and he was in a black suit. They were looking at each other; Tanya had her left hand on Ian's shoulder and Ian supported her by wrapping his arms around her waist. It was like a vintage themed photo shoot that aimed to show off Tanya's diamond ring - and that it did. Very well, if I may add.