Goal: Make the subject smile and have fun at the Fireman’s Ball.
To note: Subject likes black coffee in the morningand beef jerky in the afternoon. Lives alone and is tidy. Hobbies include cooking and hiking. Personality: arrogant, grouchy. Appreciates himself.
Okay, I added that last one, but am I entirely right about that now that I’m getting to know Patton?
Danger Zone: Don’t mention his father unless he brings it up first.
There is more, but I don’t have a chance to read it, because this is incredibly problematic, partly because I haven’t mentioned the not-date and somehow that has remained private, not to mention I’m not entirely keen on deceiving Patton, despite our history.
“This feels manipulative,” I say quietly.
“It’s a masterpiece!” Thomas gestures at the board like it’s a work of art.
Mindy says, “You’re a people person, Winnie. This is what you do! You read people, anticipate their needs, and make them comfortable. We’re optimizing for your success.”
Wringing my hands, I shake my head slowly. “I don’t know?—”
Mindy plants her hand on her hip. “We took a pool. A hundred and twenty bucks says you can’t do it.”
Oof. I do need the money.
“Plus, you’ll avoid interpretive dance routines while in a mascot costume after eating chili dogs at the Parks and Recreation Regional Convention.”
I pull a face, already feeling queasy.
Pauline catches my gaze and raises an eyebrow like she sympathizes, but just can’t resist rubbernecking. Plus, there’s the issue of the money. I’ll take it wherever I can right now.
“Fine, I’ll do it, but not like this.” I gesture to the whiteboard.
“We’re just observing,” Thomas says oh-so-innocently.
“I’ll do it my way. You three stay out of it, please.”
I’m about to go hide in the supply closet when I pause by the door. “Why are you guys doing this?”
“Winner takes all!” Thomas lifts his arm above as if leading a siege.
Pauline sighs like she’s auditioning for a telenovela.
“Someone has to do something about the flirty eye tag you and Patton play.” Mindy winks.
“We do no such thing,” I mutter.
But this is how I end up at the old firehouse two days later with homemade sandwiches, chips, and a tray of Grandma Joyce’s brownies. The crew continues to work on renovations—Austin balances on a ladder and Scotty measures something with a yellow tape. Hayes paints the trim like a modern artist. Reese assembles a table. Patton is in the middle of it all, doing a bit of everything like the capable man he is.
Focus, Winnie.
“Lunch delivery!” I announce.
Everyone stops working.
Austin climbs down. “Food!”
“Homemade sandwiches. Grandma insisted on the brownies.”
“I love your grandma,” Reese says, already reaching for the basket.
Patton approaches more slowly, eyebrow raised. “What’s this?”
