Page 10 of How to Play the Player

Stop it, Quinn. Focus

I inhale deeply, trying to steady my racing pulse. Jonathan is relaxed and confident, while Nathan is rigid with tension. I’m careful not to meet Nathan’s gaze. My laptop screen suddenly becomes fascinating as I feel his eyes burn into me. When I do eventually look up, his expression shifts from open hostility to something more calculated.

The silence stretches for what feels like an eternity until Jonathan breaks the ice. “Thank you, Ms. Clark and Ms. Sandersfor coming today. I’m glad we could make such excellent progress and look forward to making more in the coming weeks.”

So he still wants me working for them. That’s something, at least.

I release a quiet sigh of relief, already mentally calculating what this contract could mean for my fledgling business. After Bethany gutted our client list in the split, this high-profile wedding could be exactly what I need to rebuild. Not just financially—though the six-figure payday would certainly keep my new office lights on—but as a showcase for what I can accomplish on my own. Achieving success in this gig could attract the kind of clients who would decide to seek me out without a second thought, not the other way around.

“The pleasure is all ours, Mr. Knight. We look forward to making this day special for you and Kiera,” Lyla explains.

I interject. “I’ll get started on brainstorming for posts for next week and email you a mock social media schedule by Friday.”

Thinking this signals our dismissal, Lyla and I begin gathering our things when Jonathan’s voice stops us. “Don’t leave quite yet. I have something else to discuss.”

We exchange glances, unsure what he’ll say, but then settle back into our seats.

“Today has given me a lot to think about,” Jonathan continues, “and I think most people would agree that the work you have on your plate, Ms. Sanders, is quite the tall order.”

I shake my head with a warm smile. “I appreciate the concern, but this is standard scope for me. What matters most is ensuring you and your fiancée enjoy your wedding day.”

“I couldn’t agree more. But still, the last thing I want is for you to be overwhelmed by the scale of this wedding.”

Where is he going with this? “That isn’t?—”

“Which made me then think perhaps two sets of hands are better than one.”

“I assure you, if need be, I can hire a part-time assistant and provide consistent communication with you and Kiera regarding my progress.”

Jonathan pauses before turning his attention to his brother. “Nathan, you’ve always been there to lend a helping hand. Not just as your job but also as my brother. I thank you for that. I especially see your strong interest in being involved in this wedding, wanting to ensure things function to our satisfaction.”

“Uh, yeah, I do.” Nathan looks as confused as I feel by this turn in the conversation.

“I’m glad we’re on the same page. You see, my workload at Knight Industries has unexpectedly increased over the last couple of weeks, which will make me less available for much of the planning process for a while.” Jonathan then turns to me with a warm smile. “Which is why I would like you and Nathan to work together.”

I blink, certain I’ve misheard. “I’m sorry?”

Wait, did he just say that?

I glance at Nathan, whose expression has transformed from confusion to horror. “Yeah, come again?”

Glancing toward Lyla, I find her looking just as confused. Across the table, Kami’s momentary surprise shifts to a smirk, as though she’d just figured out what’s going on.

Jonathan continues, unperturbed by our reactions. “Nathan, with you having our best interests at heart, you can work closely with Quinn to ensure everything goes smoothly. This way, if Kiera and I are unavailable, Quinn has someone to direct her questions to. I’m thinking you two meeting twice weekly for planning sessions should be enough, with both of you coordinating media responses and approving all content before it goes live.”

My heart feels like it’s dropping into my stomach. Twice weekly sessions? Coordinating responses? This isn’t occasional contact—Jonathan is essentially making Nathan my equal partner, an arrangement neither of us wants.

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” I say carefully, weighing each word as I try to think of a way to talk my client out of this horrible idea. This contract could make or break my new business, and working directly with my ex is a liability in and of itself. “I’ve managed similar projects independently before. Surely?—”

“I’m sure you have,” Jonathan interrupts with an unperturbed smile that doesn’t invite further discussion. “But this isn’t just any wedding. Knight Industries has shareholders, board members, and tech journalists watching our every move. Having Nathan’s direct involvement ensures seamless alignment between our corporate and personal messaging.”

I look desperately at Lyla, silently begging for her intervention. I need this contract, but at what cost to my sanity?

“We completely understand,” Lyla answers for me, her tone far more enthusiastic than I feel.

I close my eyes briefly, hoping this is some twisted dream. When I open them, nothing has changed. This is happening, and I’m trapped between professional necessity and a personal nightmare.

“J, this is ridiculous,” Nathan interjects, his voice quiet. “Quinn doesn’t need babysitting, and I don’t need?—”

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