happy to be part of such an amazing event. I’ve decided to split my bid with my beautiful date so that both of us can make a charitable donation to two separate places.”
“What a great idea, Hudson,” the woman said. “Can we speak to your date?”
“Not tonight,” I said. “I’m about to whisk her away to begin our whirlwind romance.”
The woman and I laughed and that seemed to be good enough for her.
She wandered off and I reached back for Mary’s hand.
“She’s gone,” I said.
“Good,” Mary said.
Mary stepped up in front of me again.
“Care to tell me what that was about?” I asked.
“I just don’t like that stuff,” Mary said. “That talking, laughing and commenting. I’m good. I just want to get out of here. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“But it is happening,” I said. “You can walk away. But you’ll regret it. So here’s what we’re going to do, love.” I took her hand and put it to my chest. “I’m taking you out on that date. First off, I won the bid. Second, I owe you an apology in the form of a nice dinner. I’m not some rich prick. And I’m sure you’re not some grumpy beautiful woman.”
“You don’t know anything about me,” she said.
“Even more of a reason to go out on a date,” I said. “I’ll have someone get in touch with you soon.”
“Oh, you can’t make your own plans?” Mary asked.
I backed away from her and smiled. “I’m a billionaire. I don’t have time to make phone calls and make plans. I snap my fingers and things happen.”
“That’s just you being an asshole,” she said with a grin.
I laughed.
Then I snapped my fingers for good measure.
Her gesture of good measure?
Lifting both of her middle fingers and smiling even bigger.
Chapter Twelve
Jane (Mary)
The car came to a stop and I was spoiled enough already that I sat there waiting for the driver to open the door for me.
When he did, I slid out of the seat, taking his hand so I could stand up without falling and having my dress go up, giving him a show.
“Have a great night, ma’am,” he said. “Care to have me walk you to your door?”
“Not unless you’ve got chocolate, vodka, and you’re packing twelve inches of regret.”
The driver coughed and touched his chest.
Too much?
And honestly… the chocolate and vodka would suffice.
I did not need twelve inches of anything.
Maybe twelve inches of extra space from Hudson back at the auction. Or maybe twelve inches - or seconds - of time. To save Violet from twisting her damn ankle, thus fucking up my night (and now my life).
It really wasn’t that dramatic.
My plan was still in place. In a sense.
Faye’s apartment was empty.
Meaning I could easily pack my bags, write my note to her, and get the hell out of there.
What was Hudson going to do? Try to track me down?
Stand in line, buddy.
I laughed, in a sad way.
I stopped laughing when I entered Faye’s apartment.
It was dark and empty.
Kind of like me.
I sucked in a breath and wanted to cry.
Faye sent me a text.
How’d it all go????
I put my phone on the counter and poured myself a much-needed drink before answering Faye.
Bigger question - how’s your grandmother?
I sipped the vodka and looked across the kitchen and out the windows.
The right thing to do was leave.
Before anyone else gets into trouble. Or got hurt.
It’s not good right now. All I can do is wait. I talked to Bridgette. About tonight.
I swallowed hard and shut my eyes.
No. Fuck. No.
I felt like calling Faye. But I feared I would end up stammering.
So, I let my thumbs do the stammering.
The event went great! A few hiccups I’m sure you heard about. But the rest was smooth. A lot of money was donated… or bid or won lol. I’m sure you’ll get a great review. Let me know when I can work again! ;)
I sent the message and hated myself for it.
I took another big gulp of the vodka and waited for Faye to respond.
You should stay! I told you that. After tonight, I can get you a job. Easily. Think about it. Don’t trash my apartment. And no dirty sex in my bed!
I laughed.
What about mediocre sex in your bed?
More vodka went down my throat.
Faye responded.
Oh, Jane, if you’re having just mediocre sex, no wonder you seem like something has been bothering you. I can tell you where I have my neon green suction cup friend…
I cringed. And I laughed even harder.
No thanks. Bad