Page 24 of Mr. Aster
“That’s fantastic, and yes, I’ve met her. Her parents own this winery,” I said, annoyed that he was playing coy. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, I think she fucking hates you, man,” he laughed, and I could only roll my eyes.
“She and I didn’t get off on the right foot. For some reason, she takes everything I do to improve this place as a personal insult.”
“Really?” he said dramatically, stifling a laugh unsuccessfully. “You mean to tell me that she’s not finding your pompous ass to be the kind and decent fellow everyone knows you’re not?”
“John, cut to the chase, please. What the hell are you laughing about, and why we’re even having this conversation.”
“I swear, I’m not trying to laugh, but I think it’s hilarious,” he cleared his throat. “Oh, come on, Seb. It won’t be all that bad. Like Dad and I discussed, you’ve been in a dark place for a long time. Something or someone needs to pull you out of it.”
“Itwon’t be all that bad? What exactly is theitthat you’re referring to? Because if it’s me being anything more than that woman’s dad’s boss, you’ve all lost your minds.”
“Good,” he quickly said. “No one expects you to date her or anything.”
“As if,” I answered, feeling my heart hammering in my chest at the thought that my father would betray me in such a way. The idea was preposterous.
“But it was her idea to host something that might allow you to meet a woman of your status. You know, get back in the game and out of this walking dead life you’re in.”
I felt the blood leave my face, “Did you just say it washeridea? How many people know about this? I swear to God, if?—”
“Jim and Dad quickly latched onto her idea to generate buzz and stimulate income for the winery, which they had no idea was such a money pit. Dad called meafterJim did to ensure I support you in a healthy way. He is worried about you, Seb,” John said.
“What the fuck is going on? What has this woman planned, to pimp me out so this shithole can start making money instead of taking it from our personal accounts?” I seethed.
“A Billionaires Bachelor Benefit charity event. Where eligible bachelors will be auctioned off to date. The auction for the date starts at a million dollars, which you and I both know is pocket change for the women in our circles, and it’s a beautiful contribution to charity. The funds will be divided, seventy percent to the winery and thirty percent to the women’s shelter that Jim’s wife runs. It’s for tax write-offs, of course.”
I stared intently at the pool, shocked that the anger coursing through my body wasn’t boiling the water from my furious gaze.
“I will not be attending,” I said, shocked beyond all belief that Darcy would pull this shit on me.
“From how Dad made it sound, you have no other option. You’re the one who keeps adding up the coin that needs to be thrown at that winery, so it’s time you chip in and help pay shit off,” he said.
“So, this is a personal bitch fit that our father is throwing?”
“No, I think the only one this is personal to is Darcy. Like I said, you must’ve really pissed her off because she pitched it in such a way that even our Dad took the bait when Jim proposed it to him this morning.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the audacity of this bold woman who wanted to get even with me. Well, I could play petty, childish games, too, and her cute, sassy way of getting back at me was about to backfire in her adorable little smartass face.
“You still there?” John asked while my mind went in a hundred directions about how to get retribution for the idea she probably came up with while drunk on the yacht.
Jesus, who would’ve known I shouldn’t have let the woman out of my sight after pissing her off?
“I’m here. This is truly unfortunate,” I sighed and feigned frustration.
“How so? You’re the most eligible bachelor in the land. Every available woman, and a lot of men too, for that matter, is dying to get a date. You’ll have the highest bid on your ass for sure, at least twenty million.”
“Is that so?” I smiled, excited to ruin everyone’s plans for my life, especially Darcy’s.
“Well, I’m not a bachelor,” I lied. “You see, Darcy and I sort of have a thing. Everything you might’ve heard about how much we hate each other is far from the truth. I’m quite certain Darcy was just drunk, and?—”
“I know you think I’m a complete idiot, Seb,” John said through more laughter, “but I’ve met a lot of people who think you’re a self-righteous prick, and she’s got the look, okay? Thiswoman hates you, and I can hear your disdain for her in your voice. You’re just a chicken shit, and you don’t want your handsome ass auctioned off.”
“I swear to God, John.”
“No need to bring God into it. I just had to give you a heads-up before you got ambushed. You’re the type who needs to prepare yourself, and you’ve already been through a lot.”
“Well, I suppose I appreciate the heads up on this one, especially because Darcy Burke conjured this plan, and it somehow met with our father’s approval. But I promise Darcy will go through more hell than she thinks she’s planned for me.”
