“Well, not tonight, you don’t. Tonight we’re the bosses and you’re coming to the bachelor auction to bid on hot guys whether you like it or not.”
I rolled my eyes and let them drag me downstairs. I put my shoes on and my jacket with little fanfare, succumbing to this forced fun. I was thankful I’d already fed the cats.
As the cold Mayberry winter breeze hit my face when we stepped outside, I’d accepted my fate for the night. I just hoped it would be a better distraction than my previous attempt.
We drove all the way to Cotton Beach and entered the Outpost. The bar-restaurant usually resembled a man cave or a log cabin inside, but tonight it seemed to have been turned into an elegant event space. The stage that had been erected on one side was surrounded by thick crimson curtains. Banquet-style tables dressed in expensive tablecloths and chair covers made up the floor. Floral centerpieces that included wreaths, Christmas balls, and fairy lights completed the look and matched the wreaths and fairy lights on the walls.
“Wow. They really did this place up,” I mumbled as the girls registered our names, and we were handed numbered paddles by Duke’s boyfriend, Azrael.
“Enjoy,” he said, and we found three empty chairs when Hwan showed up on stage with his signature pink hair and addressed the audience.
“Wow. What a hunk. Am I right, everyone? And if you were too straight for Cooper, let’s see how you feel about our next sexy firefighter.” He glanced down at his clipboard and grimaced.“Oops. Next up is my ex-boss. Nobody tell him I called him hot. Give it up for Cole!”
I had to do a double take at the name.
Had he… had he just said Cole?
9.Cole
“Give it up for Cole!” Hwan said again and turned to look at me, his smile unwavering, but his eyes sinister. “Come on out, honey. We don’t bite. Much.”
Something in his expression told me I’d be facing consequences for a long time if I didn’t do as told. And if anyone could come up with creative punishments, that was most certainly Hwan.
I still remembered what happened to the employees at the Grill who didn’t bother participating in his Upsell Bingo Challenge. I shuddered at the thought of having to sing karaoke in front of dozens of strangers trying to get through their meal. Though I wasn’t going to lie; it had helped the restaurant through a tough time so no one could be mad at him. Least of all Carson and me.
I gave the necklace Enzo had given me before he ditched me backstage a rub and sighed.
“Rose Quartz. For good luck. And…”he’d said and drifted off, but I knew what he’d been implying.
Love.
For good luck and love.
As if love was as easy to find as rubbing a crystal like a dick and hoping it shot its psychic juices all over you.
I rolled my eyes at myself and tucked it under my uniform, focusing on Hwan, glaring at me from the stage.
I had no choice but to put one foot in front of the other until I reached Hwan and everyone in the audience applauded.
“There he is. See? I told you; you don’t need to be shy. Everyone loves you already.”
I forced a smile, and Hwan smirked.
“Don’t keep staring at me, mister. Face your bidders. Let’s get this auction rolling!”
My smile turned into a scowl and a huff, but I faced the audience anyway.
Deep breaths, Cole.
You’re doing this for a good reason, Cole.
You can do this, Cole.
Bright lights blinded me, and I shielded my eyes until they adjusted somewhat, and I could tell some of the faces ogling at me.
Naturally Enzo and Lilian were sitting at the front, and as soon as I looked at them, Enzo made Ella, who was in his lap, wave at me. I wasn’t a monster, so of course I waved back at my daughter, then scanned the rest of the crowd if only to mentally prepare myself for the absurd individual who would buy a date with me.
“So… guys, gals, and non-binary pals, here we have Cole Williams. Some of you may know him as the co-owner of Carson’s Grill. Some of you might be familiar with his work as a first responder. A few of you may know him as the Grumpy Single Dad of Mayberry Holm.”
