“Would you like to come, Mr. Hale?” Mindy asks sweetly, and my heart rate practically doubles. Then it slows considerably with her next words. “We’re making Grinch cookies, so you can be our model.”
Perri howls with laughter, and I plant my hands on my hips in mock indignation. “I pay both your salaries, and all you do is abuse me.”
My sister regains her composure and gives my shoulder a shove. “Oh, calm your tits, bro. If it will make you feel better, I’ll let you buy me some chips and queso too.”
“Wow, how generousof you,” I drawl.
“We should have named you Dyson,” I announce, watching my tiny sister inhale her fifth taco. “Or Hoover.”
“I prefer Roomba,” she corrects, grinning at me across the table. “Because I’m smooth and handy to have around.”
“Well, smooth operator, you have green sauce on your shirt,” I comment dryly. She doesn’t but making her look down in panic is part of the big brother handbook. Chapter two, I believe.
“You butthead,” she scolds, flinging a flour tortilla frisbee-style at me. I catch it and bite off a chunk. I’m about to ask her how work is going when my phone rings. Checking it, I see it’s Auburn Bouvier.
“Do you mind if I grab this? It’s Auburn.”
“Sure, and tell him I love that new sparkly pink dress that’s coming out soon.”
I nod and answer. “Bouvier, how are you?”
His voice is deep and friendly. He used to be such a grumpy bastard until Gianna came into his life. “Doing great. The kids are growing like weeds and making me feel old.”
“You are in your forties now,” I point out, looking over at Perri, who’s motioning up and down her body to remind me to tell him about the dress. “I’m sitting here with my sister, and she said she hates that new pink dress you’re putting out.”
“I do not, Auburn. I said it’s fantastic,” she calls, loud enough he can hear her.
He chuckles in my ear. “Tell Perri I’ll make sure to send one in her size to our Houston store with her name on it.” I relay the message, and she fist pumps before going back to her tacos. “Anyway, what I was calling for is the charity event we’ve been working on. It’s to provide orthopedic surgeries and aftercare for kids whose families can’t afford it. It’s really special to me and Gianna.”
Their adopted daughter, Jane, spent several years in an orphanage in New York. She was in a wheelchair, unable to walk until the Bouviers adopted her, so I know this charity is very personal to them. They could certainly afford the surgery, but there are so many kids out there who can’t.
“It was in Dad’s notes, so I’m aware of it, but can you tell me more?”
“It’s going to be a ball held next year. Gianna is spearheading on our end since Bouvier is a major sponsor. Your dad indicated that Hale Cosmetics would do the same.”
“Of course,” I say. “We’re happy to sponsor. Just let me know what I need to do.”
“It’s going to be fucking huge, and I know you’re as busy as I am, so you’ll need to choose someone to be the point of contact for your company. Someone who can plan and organize an event of this magnitude.”
“Sure thing,” I agree.
“We recently got a third major sponsor. Since we have cosmetics and clothing covered, I wanted someone in the jewelry industry.”
The back of my neck prickles. “You got Tiffany’s? Harry Winston?”
“No, actually it’s Carlisle Jewelry. The son, Grant, will be in charge of this for them.”
The prickles on my neck turn into heat. Dammit, I hate those assholes, and now someone from my company is going to have to work closely with Grant fucking Carlisle.
I guess I’ve been silent too long because Auburn asks, “Is something wrong?”
I shake my head, even though he can’t see me. “No, no, not at all.” There’s no way I’m mentioning our family history with the Carlisles when all he’s trying to do is provide medical care for kids. It seems petty in comparison. “I look forward to working with you on this. Can I get back to you with my person?”
“Of course. Just let me know, and we can talk more in January.”
That reminds me I need to get Mindy to book my trip. The beginning of the year is always hectic and not an ideal time for me to travel, but I’m not missing out on this tournament.
“What was that look on your face?” Perri asks as soon as I hang up.
