Page 85 of Puck Me Secretly

Dad sat across from us with his arms crossed.

I spoke slowly. “This is the first I’ve heard of it, but it sounds like a good cause.”

“It’s an amazing cause. Last year we raised enough money to keep the doors open for eight women’s shelters across the country for twelve months.”

“That’s very impressive. What do you need from me?”

“I need you to sign off on the outfits for Max. Our policy is to get approval from the GM or assistant GM.” She handed me the file. “These are the possible outfits that we would like him to wear. He’ll be the month of December, which is quite an honor since that is our most popular month.”

My eyes widened as I took in the three proposed sketched outfits.

The first was a sketch of black underwear and a pair of skates.

The second sketch was nothing more than a white sports towel around the waist.

The final sketch showed that he’d model naked except for a helmet strategically held in front of his private parts.

I looked up at Andrea with concern. “Where are the clothes?”

Dad coughed, covering his laughter.

“Max would be positioned so that his photo would remain tasteful. This isn’t Playboy, this is a charity calendar.”

“Max approved this?”

“Katrina approved it.”

I stalled. “Has Max seen these?”

Dad reached forward and grabbed the sketches. The smile on his face grew. “He’ll do it.”

“What?” I lifted my head. “Don’t you think we should confirmwith Max?”

“Nope. He’s in.”

“That’s amazing.” Andrea stood up. “The photoshoot is on Friday and Katrina said she’d attend with Max. We really appreciate this.”

Dad stood up and shook her hand. “It’s my pleasure.”

After she left, I turned on Dad. “Why did you approve that? I don’t think Max has seen those sketches.”

“I know he hasn’t.”

“Why is this funny to you?”

“Rory, you’re the one who said you wanted him to win the public over. This is for a good cause.”

“Not like this!”

“The guy needs to learn that we have rules. This should have been approved.”

“That’s a Katrina issue.”

He ignored that fact. “One more thing. I don’t want Katrina to attend this photo event.”

“Why not?”

“Because she has an agenda with Max and I don’t like it.” His voice sounded thoughtful. “You go with him instead. Let them both know.”

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