Hired Love

Though most of the family were not entirely enthusiastic about being sent on a wild goose chase, they didn't object when Heather laid out the rules of engagement. They were grouped into small groups of two and once they decoded the riddle, each group had to find the object around the estate. The first group to return with the correct item wins.

The big prize was a romantic night in the Jacuzzi in the garden.

"Any questions?" Heather asked dramatically. Stacy could tell she was enjoying this, being in charge. Though the woman didn't like that her health was a touchy topic for most of them, she never failed to use it for her own selfish desires when the time required.

There was a mumble of negative echoing and then the game began. The couples were grouped already with their significant others and only Benedict decided not to play since he didn't have a partner. Olivia was with her father, Benjamin who only agreed to play because his daughter was excited about it.

"Wee!" Olivia jumped enthusiastically. "Let's go, daddy. We are going to win."

Her uncle snorted, crossing one leg over the other. "Sure, you will."

Benjamin sent him a mocking look. "You're just jealous because you don't have a partner and the only thing you're in love with is your stupid job.

Benedict rolled his eyes, flipping him off.

"Stop that, you two." Heather scolded. "Okay. Let's begin." She dipped her hand in the small bowl on her lap and brought out a folded piece of paper, straightening it. "The first clue is, 'On again, off again, that's all I do. I'm not talking about relationships; I'm lighting the way for you.' You have three minutes."

The entire room cleared so suddenly that Stacy didn't comprehend what was happening until she was running up the stairs with Roman leading the way. Apparently, everyone wanted a shot at the Jacuzzi. Her mother always kept it isolated, letting everyone know that it was not for use. Stacy couldn't remember the last time she'd been in it.

"Lamp," Roman said, dashing up the flight of stairs.

She followed him hastily, praying to God her legs wouldn't give way. "What?"

"The answer to the riddle." He answered. "Do you know where we can find a lamp? You lived here after all. There isn't one in our bedroom."

Our bedroom. It shouldn't have had such a nice ring to it. She did know where they could find a lamp. Her legs carried her to the store room she'd hid in as a child, and she got the item. "Are you sure it's the correct answer?"

He repeated the riddle again, nodding. "It should be." He grabbed her free hand. "Come on, let's go."

By the time they got back to the living room, Matt and Claire were already there. Heather was smiling up at them, gesturing to the night lamp on the ottoman. "Fuck." Roman muttered.

Fuck was right. They'd beat them to it. Stacy sent her sister a chilling glare when Claire smiled smugly at her, the challenge in her eyes unmistakable.

"This just got personal." She whispered under her breath. "You're going down, bitch."

Benjamin reappeared breathlessly, holding a giggling Olivia in his arms. "Yay daddy! We made it!"

"No, we didn't, baby." Benjamin heaved, out of breath. If Stacy hadn't been peeved, she might've laughed. "We came in third."

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Aw," the little girl cooed, and Benedict laughed.

"George! Faster!" Aunt Emma complained, "At the speed, we'll never win the Jacuzzi."

"You're heavier than a sack of onions. I can't go any faster than this." George retorted, his breaths coming out in harsh pants. In his arms was Aunt Emma, and he looked about ready to fling her off. Stacy felt sorry for the man. He loved his wife, but she could be a handful sometimes.

Roman laughed and his hands closed around Stacy's waist from behind. She froze in surprise for a few seconds, then relaxed after the conversation with her mother earlier surfaced in her mind. She needed to work on her acting around Roman. Behaving like a deer caught in headlights whenever he touched her kind of defeated the entire purpose. She leaned back against his chest, enjoying the feel just a bit too much. Aunt Phoebe and Mitch came in last, panting like Usain Bolt on steroids.

Benedict rolled his eyes. "What took you so long?"

"It's shameful to say but we couldn't figure out the answer and then Phoebe had to go feed the baby and I'm so freaking tired." Mitch replied, pressing a hand to his chest. "Having a baby is hell. I'm never doing it again." Aunt Phoebe said, falling on a couch.

"Which, the activity that leads to the baby or the follow-through?" Benedict asked. Roman chuckled above her and Benjamin covered his daughter's ears.

Aunt Phoebe sent him a glare. "Shut up. You know as well as I do how amazing the former feels. I'd rather cut my ears off than give it up."

"I second that." Claire added with a laugh.

Of course you do. That's why the man standing beside you isn't my boyfriend anymore.

After a few laughs, Heather cleared her throat. "Okay. The first group to reach ten points wins. As it stands now, Claire and Matt are leading with a sounding five points, Roman and Stacy are not too far behind with three points, Benjamin and Olivia are following behind with two points. Emma and George are fourth with one point and Phoebe and Mitch have no points at all."

"That's not fair!" Aunt Phoebe whined. "I want out."

"Me too," Mitch added with more force.

"No way. We're doing this and seeing it through to the end. Don't you want some alone time in the Jacuzzi?" Heather asked.

"Well," Phoebe drawled uncertainly. "It doesn't sound bad but we're last."

"With zero points." Mitch added, causing Matt to chuckle which he unsuccessfully tried to cover up with a laugh when Aunt Phoebe glared at him.

"No one is quitting until someone wins." Heather said firmly.