Page 59 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

He nodded sheepishly. “Yes, sir. Sorry, guys.”

“Now, I want you all up on that stage looking like prizes. Let’s forget the drama and raise some money for the kids.”

The team whooped in agreement.

“You can let the emcee know we are ready to start the auction,” Jonas said to Braydon.

Braydon nodded as he walked up the steps of the stage to the sound booth.

Moments later, the players were announced one by one. Jonas heard the crowd go wild with cheers and was happy to hear the amounts shouted out. A few players were waiting by the steps to be called. Jonas spotted Nico and walked over.

Nico looked him up and down as he approached. “I’m not apologizing to you,” he said.

“Look, Nico, as much as I would like to kick your ass off the team, you’re under contract. I’d have to jump through quite a few hoops to make that happen, and it’s not high on my priority list at the moment. But if you ever lay your hands on me again, I can make it a priority.”

Nico remained silent.

“If you can’t respect me, at least be respectful of the team. Of the sport. Of my father’s legacy.”

At that, Nico looked at him and nodded slowly. “Okay.”

Nico’s name was called up to the stage and the crowd really went wild. He was a fan favorite. There was no denying that. Jonas really hoped they could put this behind them. He sat on the steps, holding ice to his eye. He didn’t want anyone to see him like this and make any speculations. Jonas listened as the bids grew higher and higher. Nico was auctioned off for $11,000. The highest of the day.

The players excitedly clambered down the stairs, slapping each other on the back proudly. Jonas stood and shook their hands.

“That was some auction. This will undoubtedly go down as the highest profiting charity event we’ve ever had. Thanks, boys.”

They whooped and hollered, and began chatting animatedly about who they were auctioned off to.

“Did you see the blonde cougar who bid on me? Those things can’t be real,” said Chad.

“I got someone my grandma’s age,” said Kenny warily.

“Nico, you lucked out with that brunette,” said Chad, slapping him on the back.

“Right? She didn’t have to pay me to take her out. I would have done it for free.” Nico winked.

Jonas forced a smile as he listened to their banter, but internally he was only thinking about Mae. He kept telling himself that if he could just talk to her again, she would understand. Even though he said it, his mind was a traitor that wouldn’t allow him to believe it. He knew he had broken her heart all those years ago. It had been a mistake then, and it was a mistake now. How many chances was she really willing to give him?

“Why the long face?” Braydon put an arm around him.

“Just tired,” Jonas lied.

Braydon looked at him knowingly. “You should go find her.”

“But the festival…”

“I can handle it from here. It’s almost over, anyway. Plus, you heard the auction. This is our most successful festival yet. Your dad would be proud.”

Jonas shrugged. “I don’t know about that.”

“Well,I’mproud of you, Jonas. Now go.” Braydon gave him a little shove.

Jonas smiled at him before quickly finding the exit. He called his driver, who met him where Mae had left him earlier. He tried calling Mae as he slid into the backseat. Her phone was still off. He sighed frustratedly.

“Where to, Mr. Matthews?” asked his driver, looking back in the rearview mirror.

Jonas thought for a moment. Maybe she was at his place. Not to stay, but probably packing her things.

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