Cobie casts her a quick glare.“The bidder does have the option of spending their time with the volunteer at a restaurant or at their house or…anything else, really.However, it’s explicitly stated in the volunteer’s contract that there is no expectation of funny business.”
“AKA sex,” Lexie clarifies for everyone.“Got it.”
Yeesh.Talk about a sticky situation.I mean, if Cobie’s goal is to make money, there’s definitely an opportunity here.I gotta give the girl credit for making such a bold choice, even if it’s for a good cause.I also see why she’s struggling to find volunteers.It’s risky as heck.
“Come on,” Cobie begs.“And the best part is all volunteers will be entered to win a weekend getaway to Hawaii as a thank you for their participation.So, see?It’ll be great.”
“Sorry, Cobes,” Violet says.“But as you may recall, I kind of have a boyfriend, so?—”
“That’s the beauty of it,” Cobie argues, and honestly, I’m impressed.Her tenacity is unmatched.“My brother’s a billionaire.There’s no way he’d let anyone else win a night with you.Hell, I bet most people would attend just to see the bid play out, and buzz is exactly what this auction needs, you know?Come on.It’s for charity.”
To be fair, she makes a good point.I can only imagine how much money Jagger Harden would shell out if his girl was on the stage for an auction.
Blowing on her coffee, Violet suggests, “Why don’t you ask Jagger to write a check or something?”
“Or better yet, your dad,” Lexie quips.“The guy has more money than anyone in the state?—”
“That’s not the point,” Cobie argues.
“And what is the point?”Violet asks.It isn’t rude.It’s honest.Like she’s trying to genuinely understand without crapping all over Cobie’s idea.
“Because this is a test, okay?”Cobie deflates.“I know how my dad operates, and if I don’t prove that I can bring value to my family, he’ll send me away again.”Her chest expands on a deep breath.“That’s why I need volunteers.That’s why I need to make a splash and put together something…eventful.Something that stands out.”
It could work.It’s crazy.And bold.But it could definitely work.She simply needs a few more people to buy into her vision, and it could take off like a rocket.The question is…who?Who will be the first to give their stamp of approval?To help make this girl’s insane plan valid?
“Well, shit,” Lexie mumbles.
“Please?”Cobie pushes.“I need to bring in at least twenty grand worth of volunteers.”
“Twenty grand?”Lexie sputters, her eyes bulging.
That isn’t pocket change.That’s…a lot of money.And she’ll need more than one or two volunteers to reach it.
“Who else do you have?”Violet asks.
“So far?”Cobie grimaces, and I brace myself for bad news.“No one, but as soon as I get one volunteer, it’ll snowball,” she rushes out.“I know it.”
Lexie gives me a look, hinting she’s less than convinced.“And if it doesn’t?”
Cobie’s hands make a prayer motion.“Come on.Please, please, please?Besides, it could be a really fun night.”
“For you,” Violet grumbles.
“Oh, come on.You know it’d be fun to watch Jagger salivate all over you.And can you imagine how good the sex will be when he cashes in?”
“Cobie!”Violet squeals.“He’s your brother!”
“I know.It's gross.”The girl looks like she might actually vomit.“I probably need to work on my pitch, but I’m desperate here.Please?Please help me out?”
Violet’s lips bunch on one side as she stares at Jagger’s little sister.“Fiiiine.I’ll do it.”
“Yes!”She bends down and pulls Violet into a quick hug.“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”Letting her go, Cobie turns to Lexie and me.“What about you two?”
“Can’t.I’m busy that night,” Lexie starts.
“I haven’t told you a date yet.”
“Still going to be busy.”
