Cha
As expected, Anathea’s gamble paid off. This time, she beat Shirley to swiping her card and ringing up the clothes before Shirley could react, then handed the bags to Dayanna.
Naturally, Dayanna was open to putting in a good word for Anathe with Macon now that she’d accepted her gifts.
“It so happens that I’m playing tennis with my husband, Macon, s afternoon. If you have the time, Ms. Jacobson, why don’t you join us?”
“That sounds great.” Anathea’s eyes twinkled, and she sent Dominic a text, telling him to await her good news.
Before long, Anathea arrived at the tennis club with Dayanna. The latter seemed to be in a good mood and even upgraded Anathea to a VIP Diamond member.
Shirley tagged along, too, and kept finding ways to make small talk with Dayanna. She would occasionally and subtly sideline Anathea in her conversation, but Anathea was thick–skinned enough to pretend not to have heard her.
When they reached their destination, the club attendant hurried forward to take their shopping bags, then directed them to the buggy that would take them to Macon’s tennis court.
It was a sunny day, but a breeze picked up just as the buggy rolled to a stop, taking Anathea’s cap with it. Her silky hair danced in the breeze as she instinctively raised her hand to block out the somewhat blinding sunlight.
She was about to get out of the buggy to retrieve her cap. But the next second, a figure appeared before her and blocked out the sunlight. She froze upon catching the familiar scent wafting through the air.
Anathea lifted her gaze. Sure enough, she locked eyes with Gregory
It was the first time she’d seen him in athletic wear. He looked relaxed and dashing, the outfit bringing out a different, unique side to him. He had a sweatband on his forehead and wore tennis shorts that accentuated his long legs.
He didn’t look like he was pushing 30 at all. If one didn’t know better, one might even be convinced that he was in his early 20s.
Anathea averted her gaze instinctively.
Gregory, however, extended his arm and handed her the cap.
Had he picked it up earlier? Anathea pursed her lips but reached out to take the cap nonetheless. “Thank you.”
“No problem,” Gregory replied. For a while, he didn’t take his eyes off her, nor could he bring himself to.
Anathea was beginning to squirm under his intense gaze when Dayanna cut in, “Goodness, what a coincidence! I didn’t think you’d be here, Mr. Sinclair.”
Only then did Gregory look away from Anathea, turning to greet Dayanna.
“Did you and Anathea agree to meet here in advance?” Dayanna teased with a good–natured laugh, her knowing gaze flickering from Gregory to Anathea.
“That’s not-”
But before Anathea could finish speaking, Dayanna eagerly led her to change into tennis clothes. “Come on, let’s get changed and have a friendly match on the court! It’ll be fun.”
Anathea found herself being led to a lounge. She was about to mention that she didn’t bring her tennis clothes when the attendant handed her a new set.
She took it and entered the lounge, which was more spacious than she’d expected. It was more of a suite than a lounge, complete with a couch, a coffee table, and other amenities. Even the bathroom was walled up by frosted glass.
Further inside the lounge was a large bed, and one could see Castenea’s landmark building from the balcony.
1/2
Chapter 557
+25 BONUS
It went without saying that the membership here cost a fortune, considering the large tennis court was built in Castenea, where land was scarce and expensive.
Anathea opened the closet to find a set of clothing clearly belonging to a man hanging within. It was Gregory’s, which meant this lounge had to be his too. Dayanna must have made the arrangements.
Anathea didn’t dwell on it. After all, she only had to change into tennis clothes; she could have done it anywhere. She shut the closet door and padded into the bathroom.
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