Players, Take Your Spot

The café was quiet, except for the low hum of the fridge behind the counter and the tick of the wall clock.

Daisy had closed early for the evening, pulling the blinds halfway down and flipping the Closed sign, even though they technically had another hour before last orders. It wasn’t just any night.

The three women sat at the corner table near the window, leaning forward like gamblers waiting on the turn of a card.

On the table between them lay Thea’s phone, face-up, black screen reflecting their expectant faces.

“What if she doesn't call?” Clara asked, chewing her lower lip.

Thea shook her head, eyes fixed on the device as if sheer willpower might summon the notification. “She’ll call.”

“She won’t,” Daisy said, folding her arms.

Clara sighed. “I know I shouldn't say this but…I don't think Posy will call you, Ms Thea.”

“Posy wouldn’t give you the satisfaction of standing beside her in a white dress. She’s not dumb enough to risk letting you into her fairytale ending.”

“She’s spiteful enough,”

“I'll have to agree with Ms Daisy here,”Clara offered. “ I mean if I were Posy, I would slam the door in your face and sleep like a baby! There's no way in hell I'd risk having you at my wedding!”

Silence. Clara glances between Daisy and Thea and flashes a nervous laugh. “I would never shut the door in your face, Ms Thea. I just meant that if I were in Posy's shoes, God forbid…”

Thea smiled faintly, eyes never leaving the phone. “I know. But Posy isn't the type to miss a chance to rub her victories in your face. She's been that way since we were kids..” Thea offered.

She had thought Posy was just celebrating her wins back then. How could she not have seen the real reason behind her rather scary actions back then?

As if on cue, the phone lit up and buzzed across the table. All three women jumped.

“Unknown number,” Clara whispered, leaning in.

Thea answered, putting the call on speaker. “Hello?”

A familiar voice spilled through the speaker. “Took you long enough.”

“Posy,” Thea said evenly.

Daisy rolled her eyes and mouthed, oh boy. Goodness, she would give a million bucks just to smack the shit out of that spoiled brat!

“I wanted to extend my… generosity. Since you already made a promise to mum and dad about attending my wedding…” Posy went on. “I’ll be sending over your invitation and the maid of honor dress to Daisy’s little café. I don't have your address so…”

“Thank you,” Thea said. “That’s thoughtful of you.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Posy snapped. “It’s charity, really. Everyone knows what you are, Thea. A cheat, a liar. So if you’re planning anything stupid, don’t. You’ll only make yourself look worse.”

Thea’s smile deepened. “I understand. Though, could I ask a small favor?”

A pause. “What?”

“Could you send an extra invitation? For Daisy. She’s a little… sensitive about the whole Rune situation. And she shouldn't have to miss your wedding, you know?.”

Across the table, Daisy choked on her iced coffee. “Thea!” she mouthed.

On the phone, Posy made a sharp sound of disgust. “Why would I invite that barista rat to my wedding?”

Daisy glanced at the one like it was Posy standing right in front of her. She stands on her feet, eyes fixed on the phone like she was about to toss Posy…well, the phone, across the fucking pavement.

Clara drags her back to her seat, placing her index finger over her lips with pleading eyes.

“Well, she's mad about the whole Runes situation.” Thea replied smoothly, “to watch you walk down the aisle with him….that would hurt.” She muttered, trying to sound distant so Posy could fall right into her bait.

Silence stretched, brittle as glass. Then Posy laughed softly. “She's mad about my wedding to Runes?”

Thea smirked. “Well, I wouldn't say mad but you know. She was rooting for us back then and now it's just…it's fine. Maybe it's best not to invite her or agitate her any further..”

“No! She's invited. I'll send one extra invitation.”

“Oh. That sounds great!”

“Of course it does. I did that.” Posy said and Daisy rolled her eyes. Goodness she's so full of herself, that little brat!

“You know, it's my wedding and I'll leave you with a warning. Don’t think I’ve gone soft. If you try anything ..anything….I’ll make sure you get kicked out right in front of everyone. I believe I'm clear?”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Thea said sweetly. “Congratulations again.”

She ended the call.

“Barrister rat?! That foul mouthed little bench!” Daisy cursed, fost clenched and teeth gritted in rage.

For a beat, none of them moved. Then Daisy slapped the table and grinned.

“You brilliant, manipulative witch!”

Clara laughed nervously. “I can’t believe she agreed.”

“I told you it would work. With Posy, you just have to push the right buttons,” Thea said, leaning back in her chair. “That’s her weakness.”

“I'm so glad this is finally coming together! We will see who the rat is when your life is completely over Posy!” Daisy yelled at the blanket phone screen like Posy could magically hear her or something.

“Regardles..” Thea raises her glass of champagne. “We did it !!"

The trip cheered, clinking their glasses that were filled hastily with leftover champagne from Daisy’s fridge.

“Alright then,” Clara said, leaning in. “What’s the plan?”

Thea takes a sip of her drink before setting it back on the table and leaning forward.

“Daisy, your job is Rune.”

“What? That asshole?!”

Thea shuts her eyes. “I know but I'm putting you in charge of him because I know your hatred for him will make you do a great job.”

Daisy pauses and then nods in agreement. “True. But what am I looking for exactly?”

“Yumi.”

“I'm so confused.” Daisy said, setting for her wine glass. Maybe she's had too much to drink and now she can't even think properly anymore.

“I noticed something, Yumi hates Posy.”

Daisy chuckled. “Of course she does. She's sleeping with her fiancee!”

Thea shakes her head. “Its more than that. That night at the bridal shower, she was so angry to be there. It's almost like she wanted to prove that she was way better than Posy.”

“And you know this how?”

Thea smirked. “She sent a text to Runes that day. Something about fucking him better than Posy ever would.”

Daisy's face contorts in disgust. “Eww.”

“And when I found out about her and Runes, she was comparing herself to Posy. Her hatred for Pisy is very deep and…usable.”

Daisy nodded, finally getting a hint of what she meant. Thea used to be friends with these guys and she knew them better than anyone.

“Stay close to Runes, follow his movements. If I know Yumi, and I do, she’ll crack under pressure at the wedding. I’ll make sure she’s on edge, and when she snaps, she’ll go looking for Rune to soothe her bruised ego.”

“You think she’ll make a move on him at his wedding?” Clara asked, incredulous.

Thea’s eyes glinted. “She won’t be able to help herself.”

Daisy smirked. “Perfect. I’ll be Rune’s shadow.”

“And whatever they do…. register it.”

Daisy almost choked on her drink. “What? Thea, that's…”

“I know. Just be discreet. Your testimony will be important for later.”

Daisy sighed, she was scared for a moment. “Alright.”

Clara raised her hand. “Then I’ll be Daisy’s plus one. Someone has to watch her back.”

Thea nodded. “Good. As for me, I’ll be playing maid of honor. Right at the heart of the show.”

“And me?” Clara asked.

“You’ll both have the fun part,” Thea said. “All I have to do is set the stage.”

The café bell jingled, startling them. Seth stepped in first, tall frame filling the doorway, followed by Arian.

Thea’s face softened at once. “You’re early.”

“You didn’t think I’d let you scheme without me, did you?” Seth said, brushing a kiss against her temple as he joined them at the table. His hand settled at the small of her back with easy familiarity.

Clara's eyes flew wide open, this would be the first time she would be coming across the well known Seth Blackwood.

“Y…you're….” The words hung in her throat, threatening to choke her. This was a man she looked up to in her career and he was sitting across her…

“Seth, Meet Clara. My Personal Assistant. I believe she's a fan.”

Seth glanced at Clara, eyes as cold as ever. He stretches his hands for a handshake. “Nice to meet you.”

Clara swallows, wiping her hands with a napkin before shaking his hand. “It's an honour to meet you, Sir. I am a huge fan of your growth and resilience.”

She pulls her hand away, nervous.

“I suppose so. If you're on Thea's team, you're doing something right.” He assured and Clara nodded, unable to meet his gaze.

Arian lingered near the door, eyes scanning the room. When they landed on Daisy, his expression shifted.

“Daisy,” he said.

Her jaw tightened. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to help,” he answered simply, settling on the seat next to her.

Seth sat, rolling up his sleeves. “What do you need me for?” He asked, his eyes fixed on Thea and only Thea.

“Intel on Runes. I know he is into some shady business. I just need proof.”

“I have an inside man in Rune’s company. He’s been feeding me files. Debt reports, shady transactions, personal accounts. It’s all there if we need to burn him publicly.”

Thea’s lips curved. “Funny. I have someone on Runes’ team too.”

Seth stares at her, genuinely shocked by the news. “You are learning really terrible things from me, you know?”

Thea turns to face him fully, eyes twinkling. “I didn't learn this from you, Mr Seth. You got it from me..”

Seth chuckled, he married an evil genius. He couldn't even complain.

Clara burst out laughing. “You two are so similar. Like dark, twisted soulmates.”

Seth nods, that makes sense. “I suppose so.”

He winked at Thea, who only lifted her champagne glass with a smirk.

Daisy cleared her throat. “I'll go get you wine glasses too..”

She slipped into the kitchen to grab more glasses. Finally alone, she exhaled, her heart pounding wild in her chest and it didn't help matters that Arian had his eyes squarely fixed on her.

She reaches for the top drawer, ready to grab a glass from the shelf.

“You okay?”

Daisy jerks back only to lean into Arian's steady frame. He was standing right behind her, hands on either side of the counter, caging her.

She turned slowly, locking eyes with him. He said nothing, watching her move with an intensity that made her bristle.

“Stop staring,” she muttered.

“I thought you’d blocked my number,” he said.

“I did.” She slammed a cabinet a little too hard.

“And yet,” he said quietly, “I saw your last status post last night. Are you playing games with me?”

She spun on him. “Games? You think it has the strength or energy to play games with you?”

“What is all this about then? Uhm? Why won't you talk to me?”

“We had a one night stand, Arian! One stupid, drunken night. It didn't mean a damn thing.”

His jaw flexed. “You think it didn’t mean anything to me? What had happened that night.”

“Did it?” she snapped. She shuts her eyes. “It doesn't matter if it did. I don't care.”

Silence. He stepped closer, invading her space. She tried to back away, but her hip bumped the counter.

“Don’t do this,” she whispered, her heart betraying her.

“Do what?” His hand brushed her wrist, barely there. “Admit that I can’t stop thinking about you?”

Her breath hitched. Damn him.

“You’re infuriating,” she whispered.

“Tell me to leave,” he said, voice low, “and I will.”

She should have. Instead, her lashes fluttered as his thumb grazed the inside of her wrist. Heat coiled low in her belly, and to her horror, a soft sound escaped her throat.

He leaned closer, lips near her ear. “See? You feel it too.”

Her knees wobbled. She hated herself for it.

“Arian..”

He leaned closer, breath warmed on her skin, making it tingle. Her eyes swing shut, allowing herself to enjoy the warmth this man could provide, the feeling he could ignite in her core..

His lips grazed the corner of her mouth, slow and torturous. Another moan escaped her, her own body betraying her again..

“You like it. This. Us..” Arian muttered over her lips. Her brushed his lips over hers ever so slightly, purporting her even more.

“Arian..”

“Daisy! We need you here!” Thea's voice rang out, breaking through the tension between them.

Arian lingered one second longer, then stepped back, giving her space. “This isn’t over.”

She exhaled sharply, grabbing the glasses with shaking hands. “God, I hope it is.”

But the flush in her cheeks betrayed her.

Back at the table, they already had a concrete plan fleshed out now. The five of them sat in silence for a moment, the weight of what was coming settling over them.

The event wasn’t just a wedding. It was a reckoning.

Thea lifted her glass. “To tell the truth?” she said softly.

Daisy clinked hers against it. “To burning it all down.”

Clara smiled nervously. Seth’s arm tightened around Thea’s shoulders. Arian’s eyes lingered on Daisy, unreadable.

The stage was set. All that was needed was for the players to take their positions.