Page 4 of Playing for Keeps
I’m having a lazy Saturday afternoon, curled up on the couch with a romcom playing and a can of soda in my hand. Just as I’m settling into the storyline, my phone buzzes beside me. Ash’s name lights up the screen, and I smile.
I answer and lift the phone to my ear.
“Hey, Ash. How are you feeling?” I ask, pausing the movie with the remote.
It might have been a couple of months since the terrifying incident at school, when that unhinged janitor attacked her, and she’s doing her best to seem okay, but I’ve known her too long not to see the cracks beneath the surface. It’s really affected her.
“I’m okay,” she says. “Ben’s been taking good care of me.”
Relief washes over me. After everything they’ve been through, it’s good to know they’re in a better place now. She deserves a little peace.
“I’m really glad to hear that.”
“What are you up to?” she asks, but there’s something off in her voice. A slight wobble, like she’s hesitating.
“Not much. Just watching a movie. Why?”
“I hate to ask,” she says quietly. “But I need a favor.”
“You know the answer will be yes,” I say without missing a beat. “What do you need?”
“I’m supposed to be meeting Wyatt at a charity auction in Phoenix,” she says. “He’s one of the bachelors being auctioned off, and I promised I’d go and bid on him, just to make sure he doesn’t end up with some crazed fan. I offered months ago, before…” She trails off, unable to finish the sentence.
I close my eyes and sigh. The last thing I want to do is drive two hours to Phoenix for half an hour with Wyatt, to then drive two hours home, but how can I say no?
“Ben and I were staying over in Wyatt’s guest room,” she adds quickly. “You won’t have to drive home tonight.”
“And Wyatt’s okay with me coming?” I ask.
“Of course he is,” she assures me before laughing. “He just wants someone he knows to bid on him.”
“What would I wear?” I ask, nerves fluttering in my stomach. Going to an event like this is not in my comfort zone. I love a night out with Ash and a few close friends, but I’m not one for big social events.
“What about the long sequin dress you wore to the awards ceremony with work?” she suggests. “You looked incredible in that.”
I frown. “You don’t think that’s too much?”
“No, it’s perfect. The event is at the Fairmont. It’s a nice hotel, so it’ll be dressy.”
I sigh. “Okay. What time do I need to be there?”
“Seven.”
My eyes widen. “Ash, it’s almost four now.”
“I know, I know,” she rushes out. “It’s a lot to ask. I’m sorry, Ivy.”
“I’d better get in the shower,” I say. “You owe me, Ashlyn Brookes. You and Wyatt!”
“I swear I’ll make it up to you, and you never know... you might end up having fun.”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, maybe. I’d better go.”
“Thanks, Ivy. You don’t know how much this means to me,” Ash says, her voice soft.
“Oh, wait!” I say quickly before she ends the call. “What’s Wyatt’s budget for the bids?”
“Unlimited,” she says, laughing. “Go wild.”
