Page 96 of One Little Mistake
“I made the plan for Summerfest, and Halton is being even testier than normal.”
“He wants to auction me off,” Halton bellows. “He wants to auction me off for a date.”
“I told you that you could have the first pick. It doesn’t have to be ‘date the billionaire’.”
“For fuck’s sake.” Halton throws his hands in the air, and I’m confused but secretly loving his discomfort.
“You can do the kissing booth if you’d rather,” Colton says happily.
“You’re out of your goddamn mind if you think I’m signing up to kiss a bunch of strangers. Haven’t you ever heard of herpes, Colt? Jesus, have you even thought about this?”
“I have,” he says calmly. “I went over everything with GG, and she agrees. It’ll make Summerfest what it used to be. The Westbrooks will be responsible for bringing nostalgia back.”
“No,” Halton barks.
“Hold on. What’s going on?”
“So glad you asked, big bro. We’re going to market ourselves as the approachable billionaires—the ones who want the town to succeed on its own merit for a long time to come. To do that, we’re going to make ourselves accessible for the entirety of Summerfest.”
“Oh-kay,” I drawl. “That doesn’t sound so bad. So what has Halt’s panties in a twist?”
“One way we’re going to show we’re everyday people is to put ourselves out there. We will be sponsoring Burke Hollow Happily Ever After.”
When I don’t respond, he continues, “I told him he can either do the bachelor auction or the kissing booth, but he has to do one of them. I’ll do the other. I’m going to stick Ash in the dunk tank.”
“What the hell is Easton going to do?” Halton’s sulking tone doesn’t fit with his scowling face, and I laugh.
“He’s the MC, so he can’t participate in the events.”
“Such a shame,” I playfully grouse.
“Easton is as much of an asshole as I am … why is he the MC?”
“Because, you big baby, the town already knows him. He’s put in the time, and since he looks like he’s wearing a homeless person’s clothing, I’d say he’s paid his dues.”
“Yup, this is going to be the best Summerfest yet. Just ya wait and see, Fibby.”
In slow motion, we all turn to face GG. I already have my name. She matched Lexi and me almost a year ago. So that means whoever she’s calling Fibby is her next target.
“GG?” I finally ask.
“Times not right. But it’s coming. And when it does, there’ll be fireworks for sure.”
“What the hell is she talking about?” Colton whispers. “Who is Fibby?”
I see the panic all over his ordinarily smiling face and shrug my shoulders. Then, desperate to see Halton’s reaction, I turn to my left to find he’s snuck out. Again.Interesting.
“Summerfest for the ages, that’s what it’ll be,” GG continues more to herself than anyone in particular.
“I’ve got to get out of here. I’m going to find Rylan. See ya later.”
Raising my fist, he bumps it. “Welcome to the chaos.” I laugh.
“Yeah, this chaos just keeps getting weirder, though.”
My laughter fills the room as he leaves the lodge.
“Oh, that boy ain’t seen nothing yet,” GG cackles ominously.
