Page 3 of Fools in Love

He turned around, his dark eyes meeting mine. “It’s a favor for a dear friend. You will be on your best behavior and do whatever you’re told. And I do mean, whatever. Besides, she requested you specifically.”

“Why would she do that?” I asked, wondering if it was the curse of the calendar continuing to haunt me.

“The hell if I know,” he said before heading upstairs.

This was going to be the worst night ever.

HERE GOES NOTHING

APRIL

Ihad no idea what to expect, but the event space I walked into wasn’t it. It was gorgeous—dare I say, classy even. Floral arrangements filled the room, candles were glowing, and twinkling lights dotted not only the trees that had been brought in to mimic a miniature Central Park, but they were also spread throughout all of the decor—from the multiple bars to each entryway and exit.

There was a large stage, obviously, for the guys to eventually strut their stuff all over, and seating was set up all around for what I assumed would be a plethora of screaming women.

Do women scream at this kind of thing?

The chairs were pretty though with white tulle and overstuffed padding. It looked more like a high-profile wedding reception than what would be a bachelor auction. I wanted to smack myself silly. Of course this wouldn’t be some rinky-dink affair. My old boss was in charge of the event.

Speaking of, I noticed Sheila in the distance, laughing with some ladies as she sipped what looked like a glass of white wine. Her head tilted up, and I knew the second she spotted me.

I watched as she excused herself and started speed-walking in my direction as fast as her high heels would allow.

“April, darling.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek. “You look gorgeous. What do you think?” she asked, waving a hand around the room.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” I complimented, knowing how much she thrived on words of affirmation. It was her love language. “It’s not at all what I expected.”

Her bright blue eyes scanned my face before a grin lit up her face. “And what did you expect? Some trashy number? You know me better than that.”

She mocked offense with her questions, but I only shook my head before responding, “I’ve never been to something like this before, so I was picturing moreMagic Mikeand less JFK Jr. wedding reception.”

Her smile suddenly dropped. “I always liked that boy. Tragic, losing him that way. And those poor girls.”

My mind instantly flashed back to all those years ago—when the city of Manhattan had mourned the loss of their golden prince. His death had cast a long shadow over the city that lasted for weeks.

“I see you have your number.” She changed the subject, tapping the auction paddle I held at my side.

I’d been given it upon check-in, even when I’d said it wasn’t necessary and that I didn’t need it. Apparently, everyone in attendance received one regardless of whether or not you intended to bid on a stranger.

We had also been given a brochure, detailing each bachelor’s name, occupation, and where you got to go on your date if you were the winning bidder. I’d had no idea how planned out these things were. I’d just assumed that if you won the guy, you figured it out on the fly and did whatever you both wanted.

Not in this day and age. No detail was left to chance. Every single aspect was meticulously prepared. Safety was the number one priority. It even said so on top of the brochure.

“I really don’t need it.” I waved the paddle in my hand, but she smiled a little too smugly, and I wondered what she was up to.

“Trust me, April, you do.”

I had no idea what that meant, but she turned on her heel and told me she’d see me before the auction started.

What the hell was I supposed to do until then?

I DON’T WANT HIM

APRIL

When Meredith finally arrived—dressed to the nines, I might add—I let out a sigh of relief. No longer was I standing in the corner alone, avoiding all contact with people I didn’t know, checking my emails incessantly, pretending like my work couldn’t wait a few hours.

“Your hair looks so pretty,” she complimented the waves I’d spent hours putting into my long hair, and I instantly ran my fingers through it.

---