“An anonymous donor has bid ten thousand dollars on NEU’s very own defensemen, number three, Hendrix Hunt!” Brody says loudly into the microphone, elevating the energy somehow. “So, is there anyone who wants to outbid that?”
There are a lot of boos and some full-on tantrums happening, but no one challenges the bid. I’m not surprised either because, holy shit, that’s a lot of money.
“All right then,” Brody drawls, walking beside Hendrix. “Going once, going twice … sold, to the anonymous donor who was very certain that they wanted to win this good-looking dude tonight.”
My heart sinks. I knew someone would bid on him; I just didn’t know who it would be. And with that kind of money, it’s obviously someone who really wanted to spend a few hours with him. Subtly, I look around the room, trying to see if anyone steps forward to stake her claim. But a moment later, he’s released from the stage, and it’s the women athletes on deck.
“Go get ’em, babe.” My mom winks.
Meanwhile, my dad flashes his bidding paddle at me. “Got mine ready,” he says cheerfully, in true Cam Hardy form, whilemy mom’s eyes widen, as if she’s trying to relay a message to me or something.
Smiling at them both, I follow the rest of the girls out back, chewing my lip the entire time because, to be honest … I’m terrified of who is going to bid on me.
And then I remember that my dad is here. And let’s be real; no one is going to outbid that man when it comes to his kid.
Behind the curtain,I peer out into the crowd from where no one can see me, and my heart breaks inside my chest as Hendrix outbids everyone to go on a date with Margo.
Margo. The meanest girl I’ve ever met. Someone who repeatedly makes sure I know how much she can’t stand me. That’s who he’s choosing right now.
Seeing the guy I can’t get out of my head bid on anyone would be hard, but seeing it be Margo? That feels like a thousand stabs to my heart. And when she walks back, smiling, I have to fight the urge to trip her because my mom raised me better than that and would likely wring my neck.
Seconds before I’m announced, I squint into the crowd, seeing Cash standing next to my dad as they whisper to each other. My dad almost looks sad, but maybe it’s my imagination.
“Now, this next one is my baby niece who isn’t really a baby anymore. This girl grew up watching me and her daddy play hockey, and I am so proud to see her here, at NEU, making a name for herself out on the ice.” Brody’s back is to me, but in my mind, I can see his huge grin. “So, let’s dig deep in those pocketsfor Isla Hardy. But, let me add, if you try anything inappropriate, I’ll personally pay you a visit.”
My heart is racing. I clench my fists together, grossed out by how sweaty my palms are as I make my way onto the stage. My legs are shaky, and right now, all I care about is not falling down in front of a room full of people.
Brody starts the bidding, and I’m equally disturbed and flattered by how many paddles go up as he reads off information about me.
“Isla enjoys all things competitive, Double Stuf Oreos with milk, going to the movies, and of course, watching the Bruins play.”
I’m shocked when my dad never raises his paddle, and when my eyes find his, he shrugs and jerks his chin toward Cash, who continues to bid higher and higher.
I frown, not understanding why Cash is bidding on me or why my dad is letting him, and within a few minutes, it’s announced that he’s the highest bidder.
And it looks like I’ll be going on a date with Cash.
Before I exit the stage, my eyes sweep the room, stopping once I feel Hendrix’s gaze connect with mine. I expect him to look pissed or upset. Instead, he looks weirdly at peace.
Why shouldn’t he be though? He gets to go hang out with Margo.
TWENTY-SIX
ISLA
I’ve beenaround Cash countless times, and yet, right now, I don’t even want to walk from behind the stage and face him because I’m scared that he suddenly thinks he has feelings for me. I mean, why else would he bid thousands of dollars for a date with me when we have family dinners anyway?
Dragging my feet, I walk out into the crowd to find my dad, Tripp, Cade, Cash, and a few others standing around.
Once my dad sees me, he smiles, jerking his chin toward Cash. “This guy asked nicely if I’d sit this one out. I hope you don’t mind.”
My eyes float from my dad to Cash, and I shrug. “Um … no. It’s all good.”
“So, what are you kids going to do for your date?” Tripp says. “Put on your goalie gear and shoot pucks at each other?”
Cash chuckles. “Hey, that actually doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” Swallowing, he suddenly grows nervous. “Nah, actually … I did that for a friend. He’s the one who really wanted the date with you.”
“What?” I whisper. “What do you mean?”
