Page 71 of Candy Hearts
“To be fair, I don’t think I did much with Benji that he hadn’t done before.” That wasn’t quite true though. They had done plenty that was new and exciting for both of them.
“I’m drunk,” Rosie said. She was wearing denim on denim with a bandana headband and bright red lipstick that was slightly smeared.
“I can see that.”
“I’m glad you’re a good guy. So many guys aren’t.”
Sasha laughed and grabbed her sister around the waist. “Okay, sis. Let’s cool the drunken earnestness for a few minutes.”
A local drag queen named Ms. Gena Ross was introducing a new bachelorianon the stage, to the hoots and hollers of the audience, so William’s attention was diverted. This bach was a teacher who enjoyed playing chess, competing in drag king competitions, and watching cartoons. She was offering up five hours of personal Spanish language classes.
Once bidding started, William waved to the bartender. A few minutes later, the bartender plopped a manhattan down in front of him.
“Sasha, what day do you and Rosie usually have brunch with Benji?” William asked during a lull.
She shrugged. “Depends on his work schedule. Why?”
Robin laughed into her drink.
William said, “No reason.”
The crowd on the dance floor cheered as bidding ended on the teacher. They were using this cool bidding app, and the bids were transmitted onto a huge screen by the stage. All the audience had to do was press a button on their phone to increase their bid.
William lifted his glass to his lips as Ms. Gena Ross said, “And our next sexy single is a hot-ass mechanic. Everyone give a big gay welcome to Benji Holidaaaamn.”
Benji marched out on stage. He was wearing jeans, combat boots, and a black sheer tank top that showed the pink harness underneath. The glass in William’s hand slipped from his fingers, sloshing his drink over the sleeve of his Henley. He caught the glass before it spun onto the floor.
Benji Holiday, standing proud on that Candyland stage, completely knocked William apart.
“Benji is a pretty boy who likes to get his hands dirty,” Ms. Gena Ross said. “He knows the best automotive lubricants and isn’t afraid to use them. In addition to being real fabulous at changing your oil, Benji enjoys pancakes, college basketball, and all things lace.” Ms. Gena glanced down at the notecard in her hand and back at him. “You are a study in contradictions, honey bun.”
Benji laughed, his face noticeably rosy, and William’s heart seemed to launch toward him.
Ms. Gena Ross continued, “Why don’t you tell your adoring fans what you have on offer, big guy? I have it on good authority that it’s a bit special.” She handed the mic to Benji.
Benji shuffled his feet, all aw-shucks cuteness in his shit-hot harness, and took the mic from her.
“Hi, everyone,” Benji said, his voice wavering. William stood. He wanted to rush up there and soothe him. “I’m offering an oil and filter change, but I don’t want anyone to bid on me. Well, except one person. Don’t worry. He’s rich. He can afford me. His car sucks to service too, so I’m kind of a steal.”
The crowd laughed, and William’s breath snagged in his throat.
Benji continued on. “William O’Dare, a week ago, we talked about love and relationships and finding our perfect matches. I said I thought love was big gestures and explosions and billboards. You said it was in the small stuff. I think it might be both. I want the small stuff with you. The little disasters. The flat tires, the lost keys, the sick days ... the power outages. But you also deserve the grand gestures because you’re kind and generous and accepting and so fucking hot.”
William pressed a hand to his rabbiting heartbeat.
Benji met his eye over the heads of the crowd. “This is a grand gesture for you, by the way. Was that clear?”
William yelled, “Yes!” An impulsive, untamed happiness burst through his chest.
Benji grinned. “I trust you. I want you to be my valentine for a bit longer. Like, a lot longer.” He handed the microphone back to Ms. Gena Ross to much whistling and cheering.
“Well, smack my ass and call me Cherry. I was not expecting that,” Gena said. “Since William O’Dare owns this fucking club, and I suspect he can afford it, I say we start the bidding at one hundred dollars? And so help me God, if any of y’all monsters bid, I’ll chuck Benji off the stage at you.”
William rushed toward the stage. The crowd split and made room. He jogged up the steps to the stage. Benji grinned at him. He had sweat beading in the notch of his throat and a flush high on his cheekbones.
“I was planning a grand gesture foryou. You beat me to the punch!” William laughed, joy almost overwhelming him.
“Really?”
