Page 22 of The Pucking Wrong Man

People were staring as we started through the crowd. Usually it was at me, but with Geraldine’s hot-pink flamingo cane, I couldn’t be sure.

I craned my neck, trying to find her. The room was filled with people, dancers still in their costumes and audience members giving them flowers and congratulations.

Should I have brought flowers? I was starting to sweat. I didn’t sweat like this when I was getting ready for Game 7 of the Finals four years ago. And now, I was dripping like a fucking pubescent teen.

Where was she?

“Mimi, I’m just going to drop you off at the drinks and do a loop, alright?” I asked, not proud of how frantic I sounded. Three people had tripped over her cane so far, and if I had to wait any longer to find my girl, that cane was going to become even more of a hazard...because I was going to start beating people upside the head if they got in my way.

“Go get your girl, Camden James.” She leaned forward and got way too close to my ears with those dentures of hers. “After this, no one’s going to be listening to Agatha bragging about her cat flushing the toilet. As if anyone cares what that old liar has to say, anyway. My news will be much more exciting.”

“That’s nice,” I murmured as I scanned the room, trying to find her.

After leaving Geraldine by the bar—where she immediately started flirting with the twenty-something bartender—I pushed through the crowd like my ass was on fire.

My phone buzzed repeatedly in my pocket, and I cursed in frustration as I glanced around one last time before pulling it out.

Logan: Hey, Grampalicious, how’s the hot date going?

I snorted, hating the small smile on my lips. But that was kind of funny.

Ari: Who put Rookie in this chat.

Logan: Can I have a cooler nickname? Like Super Stud or Sir Scores-a-Lot.

Ari Lancaster removed Logan York from the chat.

Ari: Who the fuck keeps adding him?

Walker: I’m pretty sure you do...

Ari Lancaster removed Walker Davis from the chat.

Lincoln Daniels added Walker Davis to the chat.

Walker: It’s good to be back.

Ari: Simp.

Ari: Thanks, Golden Boy, for the support.

Linc: ...

I quickly typed out a “...” for good measure, despite still not knowing what it actually meant.

Ari: Nice try, James.

Linc: But how is the date going, Grampalicious?

I scoffed.

Me: I hate you all.

I threw the phone in my pocket, not wanting to text anymore or speak to anyone until I fucking found her.

Someone with a tight ballerina bun passed by, and I followed her desperately.

“Excuse me,” I said, reaching out to tap her on the shoulder.

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