Page 21 of Fake-Off with Fate
For some reason, I feel the need to share, “She left me for a billionaire she met on a fashion shoot while she was in Europe.”
Ashlyn wipes her mouth delicately before announcing, “You’re better off without her then.” Furrowing her brow in concentration, she adds, “I might know of a couple single ladies who live in town, if you’re looking.”
“No, thank you.”
Ashlyn’s eyes suddenly pop open widely, and she announces, “Jamie, I’ve just had an idea!” Before I can ask what that is, she says, “I need the help of the Ice Breakers after all.”
“No kissing booth,” I remind her.
She shakes her head vigorously before announcing, “I have something even bigger in mind!”
CHAPTER 11
ASHLYN
I would haveto be totally blind not to notice what a total smoke show Jamie Hayes is. Even so, I’m not interested. My whole life is in LA and as much as I claim I can’t find a decent guy there, I’m not going to move for any man. If I’m meant to find love, the Universe will have to arrange for him to show up in Southern California and trip over my cart at Whole Foods.
Still, my attraction to Jamie has made me realize there’s a way that he and his teamcanhelp Maple Falls. As the newest club to be let into the NHL, they’re getting a lot of press right now. That’s something we can use to help the town make the money needed to buy back our land from Alexander MacDonald.
“Jamie.” I take a breath before asking, “How do you feel about bachelor auctions?”
He stares at me with those handsome big blue eyes of his, and my stomach drops like I just got off my fifth straight ride on Space Mountain. “Excuse me?”
I spend the next few minutes telling him about my phone call with Alexander MacDonald’s lawyer, and the repercussions to Maple Falls if that land is claimed. Then I tell him about Marcy’sidea that the town make a reasonable offer for the land so we can keep it without upsetting our entire way of life.
“You think you can raise that kind of cash by auctioning off dates with hockey players?” He teases, “You have no idea where their mouths have been.”
“The Ice Breakers are all everyone is talking about these days. There must be a way we can leverage that.” I excitedly add, “We could get women from all over the Pacific Northwest, or even farther, to come and bid on you. Of course, the auction will only be part of the plan.” Another thought hits me. “Maybe we could have a raffle for people to win rink-side tickets. Or, wait for it …”—I pause for dramatic effect before adding—“we could host a wet t-shirt contest for the hockey players!”
“It sounds like you’re going to treat us like meat.”
Shaking my head, I assure him, “It’s not demeaning if you’re doing it for a good cause. I promise.” Although what I’m really thinking is that turnabout is fair play. If anyone is going to be objectified, it’s nice it won’t be women. Unless they want to be, because you know, two and half mil is a lot of money to come up with.
Jamie doesn’t respond right away. Instead, he takes a bite of his burger and seems to give my suggestion some serious thought. After two more bites, he announces, “I don’t hate the idea. It shows we’re community-minded and serious about helping our new town.”
“It really does!” I tell him, eager to have him onboard.
“I’ll have to talk to Dale about it first. I can’t guarantee participation from the team, but I will certainly encourage them.”
“Who knows?” I say. “Maybe some fabulous woman will bid on you and you’ll fall madly in love. Then you can show your ex you’re not sitting around pining for her.”
“I’m not going to be involved,” he says, like he didn’t just agree that it was a good idea.
“How can you ask your teammates to do it and not participate yourself?” I want to know.
“I’m not doing it,” he repeats.
Peggy’s arrival momentarily breaks the tension. “You ready for your pumpkin pie, honey?” she asks me.
“Yes, please. But bring two.” I glance at Jamie and tell him, “I don’t share pie.”
After Peggy walks away, I add, “I suppose it doesn’t matter if you do it or not. I just need enough members of your team on board so that we get a lot of good press.”
“When are you thinking of having it?” he asks.
“Tomorrow, if we could. But we’re going to need time to get the word out. Maybe in a month?” I suggest. “I’ll need to discuss it with my dad first.” But not until he comes home and is on good terms with my mom.
We eat the rest of our meal with minimal conversation. I suppose we’re both lost in thought. I’m thinking that as much as I hated the kissing booth idea, I’m in love with a bachelor auction. Not only are we guaranteed to make decent money, but I figure both Maple Falls and the Ice Breakers will benefit from the buzz.
