“There she is,” Cheryl states, looking over at me, her face a bright smile wearing a light-blue, off-the-shoulder gown. “I don’t know how you did it”—she throws her hands up—“but it’s so pretty.” I can’t help the smile that fills my face. The nerves from today are going away a bit, as I look around, seeing the little seating areas I fought for. They are scattered all around the little lounge area. A cast-iron railing is in the middle of the room and you can see five doors that lead to the outside where the big terrace is. We even have seating out there if people want to get away from the noise.
“It’s the best we’ve ever seen,” Dr. Visabell declares proudly.
“I mean, they aren’t saving lives like us,” Trent jokes, laughing and the other men share a look and then chuckle, “but they help with the budget.”
“That they do,” Dr. Visabell confirms.
“Why don’t we go and get something to drink?” Trent suggests. “I’m going to need all the help I can get to stay awake tonight.”
“It’ll be a fun night,” Cheryl assures him, “and we get to dance with the bachelors tonight to help show them off.”
“Is that really necessary?” Trent questions. “A couple of them might not bring in any money but?—”
“Yes,” Cheryl says, laughing, “it’s necessary. We have to make sure those bids are up there. We already got a million-dollar donation from one of them.”
I gasp in shock. “What?” I put my hand to my stomach.
“Yes, and that was on top of the two million he donated to the children’s wing,” she shares. “That Kirby Materson is a gem.”
My eyes go big and they immediately go to Trent, whose jaw gets tight and he snorts. “Can he really afford it?” He chuckles. “Isn’t he just a hockey player?”
“They get paid pretty well.” Dr. Visabell laughs. “I think I saw someone who signed eight years for one hundred and twelve million dollars,” he says and then looks at me. “Doesn’t your family play hockey?”
“They do,” I confirm proudly. “My grandfather is the all-time leading scorer to this day. But my cousin Dylan is biting at his heels.”
“He’s adopted,” Trent retorts and my head whipping to him.
“He’s my cousin,” I declare and then look back at the group. “If you will excuse me, I need to make sure everything is done before people arrive.” I look at the group before I look back at Cheryl. “Shall we go and bask in our success?” I ask her and she smiles at me.
“We shall.” She nods and we walk away from the men. I try not to let Trent and his attitude get to me tonight. I don’t know why I thought it would be different. When it’s not about him, he doesn’t really think anything is important.
I walk in and see all four walls are covers in a white drapery, the drapes pulled away from the door as you step in. Fifty tables are all scattered around the room, around the big dance floor that has been covered and is white, with the hospital’s foundation name in gold across it. I walk past the tables with the white-and-gold chairs to the back of the room, seeing the long tables filled with silent auction prizes. I look over toward the doors, seeing the men come in and head over to one of the eight bars we have set up all around the room.
The DJ is on a stage at the back of the room, right next to the door. “We did it, Cheryl,” I tell her and she smiles at me. “We need champagne.” I spot one of the waiters walking around with a tray and hold up my hand. He comes over and I grab a glass for me and then one for Cheryl. “To an unforgettable night,” I toast to her, not knowing just how true it would be.
I take a sip and then spot the event planner. We walk outside, seeing the seating chart being placed in front of the open doors. “Here we go,” Cheryl says, once people start arriving.
I’m standing by her at the front door, making sure to greet everyone. I look up to see the television screens we had put up, playing the video of the bachelors on a loop. I even added a clip of the sport they play so you would be able to see them in action.
Darryl is the first of them to arrive, smiling at us. “After tonight,” he says, leaning down to kiss my cheek, “we are even.”
I laugh. “And you walk away with a—” I point at him, not saying the B letter.
I am joking with him when I look over and see Kirby walk in, a tall brunette on his arm. She’s wearing a gold satin dress that fits her every curve. My stomach gets tight when I look over and see him looking at me. He’s wearing a custom tux, no doubt, because it fits his broad shoulders like a glove. He walks up to us. “Hello,” he greets us, leaning to kiss Cheryl’s cheek and then coming over to me and I think I hold my breath, feeling his bearded cheek on mine. “You look beautiful,” he whispers in my ear and I close my eyes, and just like that he’s taking a step back. “This is Kylie,” he introduces his date. “This is Cheryl and Lexi.”
“You look familiar,” Cheryl says to her and she smiles.
“I work at the hospital, fourth floor. Day surgery coordinator,” she explains softly, then looks at me. “I love your dress, it’s stunning.”
“Thank you,” I reply softly. “You look just as amazing.”
“Please check and see what table you are sitting at,” Cheryl urges him, “and keep a dance open for each of us.”
He looks at both of us. “It’ll be my pleasure.” He nods before walking into the room.
I stand up with Cheryl, smiling and greeting everyone, and when I finally go in, the music is in full swing. I’m making my way to the table when I look to the side and see Trent with a group of his friends, walking out of the room toward the outside, probably to go and smoke the cigars he usually has. He hasn’t even come to look for me or check in on me once.
“If I can have everyone’s attention,” I hear Cheryl in the microphone, “and if I can get my co-chair up here.” She looks around. “And, of course, our ten bachelors up for auction.” She laughs as I make my way to the middle of the dance floor where she is. I look to the side and see Darryl coming from one side with Kirby beside him. “Our two co-chair bachelors,” Cheryl introduces them and Darryl goes to stand at her side and Kirby stands by mine. The rest of the guys line up beside them. “Thank you all for coming.” She starts her speech. “When Lexi and I came up with this idea, we didn’t know if we could pull it off. But Darryl was our saving grace.” She points to him. “He helped get us in touch with these fine men so that we can have what I think will be the best bachelor auction ever put on.” She laughs and I nod my head. “So get your checkbook ready.” She holds up her hand. “We will be opening the dance floor with the bachelors.” She nods to the DJ, who waits for her cue, starting a soft ballad. “Darryl,” she says his name, “you are my number one dance.”
