Game On

Chapter 1-5

Angela knew it was way past morning, and she didn't care.

Her bedroom was a time capsule, holding both her high-school past and her college years in stasis. Stuffed animals from her childhood on the dresser, Penn State banners on the walls. Old CDs in the rack and a twelfth-grade spelling bee trophy guarding some spare change.

Everything was pretty well the same as the last time she'd visited.

Just before heading off to Philadelphia for her promising law career.

Just before Eric.

She'd sent a brief text off last night before climbing into bed, telling the firm she was sick and taking a few days off.

Now, as she lay there, the smell of coffee crept up the stairs, enticing her to pull open the thick down comforter she'd bundled around her like armor.

The digital clock on her side table read 12:14 p.m.

Half the day gone and I don't care.

A week ago, she would have been dashing around her office dealing with the paperwork of a dozen little cases, making her brand known to the partners. They'd been impressed with her right out of university and offered her a junior position. She thought it was because she'd been at the top of her class and eager, hungry to get to work changing the world.

Now she wondered if it was because Eric had had his eye on her all along.

"You've got a visitor." Her mother appeared in the doorway, cradling a fresh cup of coffee. She wore her usual flowery blouse and jeans, looking refreshed and ready to take on the world. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a tight bun.

"A what?" Angela stared at her.

"A visitor. And it's about time you got your ass out of bed. You can be whiny and upset, but I'll be damned if you're going to spend the entire day up here." She placed the coffee on one of the bookshelves. "I'll be entertaining him while you get your act together and come downstairs. He's on his lunch break, so don't take too long."

Grace spun and walked out of sight.

Angela eyed the thick ceramic mug and did the logic run.

I have to get out of bed to get the coffee.

If I get out of bed to get the coffee, I might as well get up.

If I get up, I might as well get dressed.

If I get dressed—

She sighed and flipped back the blanket.

Coffee better be damned good.