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ChapterFifteen
BRYCE
Stopping by the bank had become something I dreaded. I wished, for the hundredth time, that I had chosen to bank somewhere else, where they had basic twentieth century features. Like a drive-thru.
Instead, the State Bank of Minden resided in a building that was 150 years old, gorgeous white stone and not a single modern convenience, aside from the heating and A/C added in the ‘70s. I stood in line and prayed to get the other teller. Gladys spotted me, though, and quickly ended her conversation to wave me forward.
“Good morning, Gladys.”
“Captain Storm,” she said with a raspy giggle. “I’m so glad to see you. I’ve been telling my Trina all about how you can’t wait to go on a date. She loves to see movies, you know.”
I’m sure my eyes bugged out of my head. “You what now?”
Gladys waved a hand. “Oh, don’t be shy, Captain. She’s a nice girl. A bit strange with her whole blacksmithing hobby and medieval costumes, but don’t let that fool you.”
I sputtered, “A-actually, I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood. I don’t intend to take Trina out on a date.”
“Well, of course not, silly. She’s going to take you on one. I gave her my entire Christmas bonus to bid on you at the auction. Four hours should be long enough for the two of you to get past this little game you’re playing.”
I clenched my jaw and forced a smile. “Actually, Gladys, I have a girlfriend. And I don’t think she’ll take too kindly to someone trying to steal me away.” The straight-out lie tumbled out, and I internally grimaced. Ooops. What happened tolet them think what they want?Apparently, word wasn’t getting around quite fast enough.
“Girlfriend? That’s the first I’m hearing about it.”
I tipped my head to the left. “Well, it’s kind of new. But she was an old flame, so things are moving kind of quickly.” The tangled web just kept growing. What was I doing?
Gladys looked shell-shocked as I grabbed my cash and the receipt from her hand.
“Thanks. Have a good day.”
“Wait! Who is she?”
I held a hand up in farewell as I nearly sprinted out of the bank. Probably looked like I just robbed the place.
I pulled out my phone and texted Krystal.
BS: Special favor to ask you. I’m going to need you to win me at the auction.
BS: I’ll front the money. But I’m begging you.
KD: Sure, no problem. What’s the big problem?
I sighed in relief.
BS: Just an especially aggressive woman who thinks I’m her future son-in-law.
KD: Hah! Okay, no worries. Fits right in with our plans anyway.
BS: You’re a lifesaver.
The auction was still a month away, but hopefully I could avoid Gladys and her renaissance fair blacksmithing daughter until then. With Krystal all lined up to outbid anyone else, I would be in good shape. Plus, I wasn’t likely to find myself cleaning the gutters on anyone’s roof that day like some of the guys.
I had a bit of time before I needed to pick up Krystal, so I stopped by the fire station to chat with the Chief about the auction and let him know where things stood.
I knocked on his doorframe and poked my head in.
“Hey, Chief. You have a minute?”
He waved me in. “Hey, Storm. What brings you here? Didn’t we talk about days off meaning steering clear of this place?”
