AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s a fundraiser that’s been around for decades to help raise money for structural repairs around town and such.” He taps his chin in thought. “Unfortunately, it’s too late for you to register, but if you find a woman you like, I’ll bid for you.”
Sounds incredibly old-fashioned to me, but at this point, what other choice do I have? “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try.”
Sam claps as if satisfied with his plan. “You’re one crazy son of a bitch, Rowan, but I appreciate you keeping your word. You could have easily told me to piss off and denied me the place altogether.”
The question of the hour: why hadn’t I?
Once I’m given the details for the evening, I say goodbye to my cousin, and promptly collapse onto the couch in an exhausted heap.
“What the fuck have I done?”
Chapter Six
Molly
It took me, Dad, Brody, and the girls two days of non-stop work to prepare for the fundraiser. We worked tirelessly to get it all pulled together in such a short amount of time, but luckily for me, Raul’s love language is money, and he came through for me with batches of gorgeous blooms. He even offered a van and a couple of his guys to help us with loading and unloading the arrangements, wreaths, and garland.
So, basically, I owe the man both of my kidneys, and Piper, too, who didn’t hesitate to be moral support for my first big event.
“Well, babe, you’ve outdone yourself.” She clinks the rim of her champagne flute against mine, then scrunches her face. “Take that, Lisa!”
Sam was so pleased with our work that he offered my crew a complimentary meal, followed by endless glasses of champagne if we cared to stick around.
Nadine and Ruby left shortly after we finished setting up, but Piper convinced me to stay for a few drinks to celebrate a job well done—and to people watch, of course.
“It does look pretty good, doesn’t it?”
The tables in the banquet hall are elegantly decorated with vases of cascading pink and white flowers, along with various other fresh cuts mixed in for a pop of color.
Snagging a chocolate-covered strawberry from the dessert table behind us, I chew a bite while thoughtfully gazing around a room filled with people in formal wear, ranging from gowns to tuxes, clinking their glasses and chattering cheerfully between bids.
I glance between all their perfect, attractive faces and wonder if they know how lucky they are to be effortlessly beautiful. To be normal.
Piper bumps my arm. “Jeanie would be proud, that’s for damn sure.”
My smile warbles at the mention of my mom.
After fulfilling Sam’s order, I was left with enough money to restock the flowers I had to pull from the shop and stave off the bank for at least another month until I figure out my next move.
Dad wasn’t happy about me giving him the money or telling him I know about what’s happening with the house, but he and I both know there aren’t enough repair jobs in this town to make up for what he owes. At least for now, he can breathe a little easier, and my secrets are still safe with me.
We’re situated at the back of the room, speculating what we think each guy plans to do with the woman he’s won.
When an older man with a snow-white beard and a big round belly bids twenty thousand on a gorgeous brunette, Piper smirks. “Ooh, he’s definitely got a Santa kink. Ten bucks says he asks her to sit on his lap.”
I can’t stifle my laughter quick enough, earning a few glares from the nearby tables.
Piper’s sleek, long sleeve dress hugs her body, stopping just above her knees, and her black rhinestone heels are a perfect match—but, of course, their stares linger on me and my overalls.
I’m a fish out of water. I don’t belong here, and I suspect they all know it.
Piper lifts her glass, gesturing at the next woman walking on stage. “Do you think they actually enjoy this?”
Every one of the women we’ve seen tonight has been decked out from head to toe in sparkles and expensive, colorful gowns that probably cost more than the fifteen grand Sam gave me.
“This is their element, so probably.” I pause, appreciating the confidence it takes to get on stage in front of a bunch of hungry wolves. “Shit, being wined and dined by some rich dude sounds pretty damn fun to me.”
She snorts. “No way you’d catch me on a date with any of these geriatric ass-grabbers.”
