To try to bribe her with that stinks.
When our orders are ready, we carry them back to the elevator and take the car to the penthouse where the big meeting room is. We squeeze in next to the sports team, and I smile at Lisa, who’s probably my closest friend here at work.
I’ve known her for ten years. She joined the sports team after she graduated from college. She was a mature student because she spent most of her late teens representing the US in gymnastic competitions, until she broke her neck during a dismount.
It took her a year to recover and she was told she’d never be able to compete again. Where most people would give up, Lisa pulled herself together and decided she wanted to be in sports reporting.
She’s as strong as hell and can give the jocks in the sports department as good as they get. And though we’re mostly work friends, I know she’d be there in a minute if I was in trouble.
And I would be for her, too.
“Look at him,” she says shaking her head. “He thinks he’s the shit.”
I follow her gaze. Michael is sitting at the front next to WVFY’s owner, Donald Regan. His eyes catch mine and I lift my brows at him.
I know your game, sunshine. And I’m going to beat you at it.
“Okay everybody, I think we’re all here,” Donald says. “So let’s get to it. We’re here to go through the arrangements for the charity ball. Our emcee for the night – Michael Rimmer – has kindly agreed to lead the meeting.” He looks at my boss. “Michael, take it away.”
I eat my bagel as Michael talks about the timings and reminds us we all need to wear dress formal clothes and to be ready to mingle with the guests. I kind of tune out because it’s the same every year, and let’s face it, I’ve been working here for longer than I care to remember. It’s only when Madison elbows me in the waist that I blink and pay attention.
Michael talks through the lots that have been donated by our patrons. There are days on a yacht and vacations and artworks being offered. Everybody oohs and ahhs even though they’re way out of our price range.
“And now to the WVFY teams,” Michael says, and Madison shifts uncomfortably next to me. I shoot her a reassuring look.
“The news desk is giving away the chance to present the news, plus lunch with the beautiful Lorena.” Michael smiles widely at her. “And of course the sports team have offered tickets to a college football game plus dinner. Well done. And now to the weather team…”
“I’d like to be the one up for auction,” I call out.
Michael blinks. “It’s okay, we have it covered, don’t we, Madison?”
“Change of plan,” I tell him. “I’ll be doing it.”
One thing about Michael is that he likes to get his own way, but he likes to kiss ass more. So when Donald nods approvingly he clears his throat and makes a note on his pad. “Okay,” he says. “That’s fine. Sophie West will be having dinner with the highest bidder.”
Madison breathes a sigh of relief.
Lisa leans over to me. “You’re really going to let him auction you off for dinner?” She has the same view as me on this. Maybe more so. She’s worked hard to succeed in what’s traditionally been a man’s game and to be auctioned off because she’s a woman feels wrong.
“No,” I tell her. “I’ll think of something else.”
“You don’t have much time. The auction’s next weekend.”
“I’ll come up with something,” I tell her resolutely. There’s eight days until the charity ball, even with my stupid workload I should have time to make a plan.
“Good luck,” she whispers as Michael glares over at me. “I think you’ll need it.”
* * *
LIAM
I pull my car into Myles’ and Ava’s driveway and park. The lights in the big house are blazing, so I climb out of the driver’s seat and walk up there to let them know I’m home before I head back to the bungalow.
Home. The word makes me smile because this isn’t my home. And yet there’s a warmth to this house that’s completely missing in my place in New York. I spent the flight here actually looking forward to seeing my brother and his family. Looking forward to spending time with my nephew and seeing how he’s changed in the week that I’ve been gone.
I knock on the door and Ava opens it, smiling when she sees me. “How was your flight?” she asks me, stepping to the side to let me in.
“Not too bad.” I lean down to kiss her cheek.