“A signature drink, apparently.” I push away the cocktail.
Thick lips split into a grin. “You’re funny. Beautiful too.” He nudges my knee. “Don’t get shy. What are you looking for?”
“Nothing,” I say, matter-of-fact, and straighten my glasses. “I wanted degrees, not a life partner by a certain age. Love will find me when I’m ready.”
He nods. “Any traits you like?”
“Someone who makes me laugh and accepts my quirks without trying to change me.” I smile to myself. “Someone kind, considerate, and honest. Loyal. Someone I’m enough for, who won’t dim my sparkle to shine on their own.”
Despite my best effort, Antonio skates back into my mind.
The hours we spent together in the hospital.
The care we held for each other throughout a long-distance friendship.
Our home improvement trip that ended in a paint war.
Video games.
Vegas.
He makes me feel comfortable to try new things. To explore more. To be me.
Antonio checks many boxes, but he isn’t wired for love in a romantic way. Going cold turkey from each other is the safest solution. Minimal contact to ease back into random texts and late-night calls will fight off any physical attraction.
“I fly out for a client meeting in the morning, but I want to see you when I get back.”
I smirk. “I’ll have to check my calendar, but I should be free. Good luck with the bidding.”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “Don’t need it. I put down two grand in your name.”
The water I gulp goes down the wrong pipe. Who in their right mind drops thousands for a chance at a date?
“Too much,” I push through a cough.
“It’s a start. Your sister is doing good work. As for us, I look forward to exploring more ways to collaborate.”
Kieran walks over to the bidding table in the corner. He grins at something Marcela says when she passes by and winks at me before leaving.
Two thousand dollars—in this economy!
Marcela rests her forearm on the bar and motions for water. “Look at my little grown sis, pulling dates from the bar. And he bid thousands on himself? That man in sprung.”
“Hardly.”
“Thousands.” She emphasizes thes.
“It’s for a good cause, and the fish is good,” I counter.
“Thousands.” Her voice rises an octave, drawing my frown. “Fine,” she sighs. “I’ll leave it alone.”
“Thank you. I don’t want to make a big deal about Kieran’s—” I roll my eyes and laugh at her palm propping up her chin. “Change the subject, please.”
“I’ll let you off this time. Your bestie brought in a nice amount. Five thousand, to be exact.”
“What?” My stomach plummets.
“Antonio was a last-minute entry. We’ve had a player from the Steel for the past two years. Lisa went back and forth before she got outbid and stormed out. Serves her crooked-ass wig right.”
