2. Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Lucy
I meet Stella backstage. The way she looks right now—flushed, flustered, like she can’t quite process what just happened—makes me grin.
"Stella,” I exclaim, grabbing her arm. “Oh my God. Pete Callahan just bought a date with you!”
She presses a hand to her chest as if she needs to catch her breath. "I know. I can’t—I still can’t believe it. What kind of date do you think he’s going to plan?"
"Something romantic and rugged. Knowing Pete, it'll probably involve a bonfire, the wilderness—” A wicked grin stretches across my face. “—and those strong, capable hands of his doing unthinkably wonderful things.”
Red splotches of embarrassment creep up Stella’s neck. “Don’t be ridiculous, Lucy.”
“I’m serious! You’ve got yourself a sexy mountain man version of a Jane Austen hero."
Stella shakes her head, but a nervous giggle passes her lips. "So, Pete Callahan is my Captain Wentworth?”
"Stranger things have happened,” I say with a shrug. “And honey, did you see the ferocity in his face as he bid on you? I feared for the lives of the other men.”
“I think he just cares about the library. He knows we need the money.”
“No way,” I say, rolling my eyes. “He spent that money on you . You could have been raising money for the Anti-Tree League or something, and he’d still have bought that date.”
Stella raises an eyebrow. “The Anti-Tree League?”
I shrug. “It could exist. I’m sure there’s tree-hating wackos out there somewhere.”
We look at each other for a moment, and then we both burst into laughter.
Stacy, the charity auction’s organizer hurries into the room, looking slightly panicked. “There you are!”
Stella blinks in confusion. “Do you need me for something else, Stacy?”
Stacy waves a hand dismissively. “No, no. Mr. Callahan will reach out to set up the date with you this week. I’m looking for Lucy.”
She’s looking for me? “Why?” I ask, crossing my arms.
“One of the participants had a panic attack. She nearly passed out on stage, and now we can’t calm her down enough to go back on. I need you to stand in for her. I’m desperate—please!”
“What’s the charity?”
“The Anti-Tree League?” Stella whispers in my ear.
“Shhh,” I hiss, giving Stacy my full attention.
“The Brassiere Initiative,” Stacy says after a quick glance at her clipboard. Seeing the blank expressions on mine and Stella’s faces, she adds, “It’s a great charity. They provide bras for women and girls who can’t afford them.”
I think about it for a moment. I hadn’t planned on participating in the auction. But the Brassiere Initiaitive does sound like a worthwhile charity.
And maybe Tank’s still out there…
Will he bid on me?
Will he win?
Stacy stares at me imploringly. She presses her hands into a praying gesture and mouths the word, “Please.”
“I can support that,” I say with a nod. “And who knows? Maybe there’s another Captain Whatsit for me, too.” I nudge Stella playfully.
Stella laughs. “Captain Wentworth!”
I wink at her. “Whatever you say, Future-Mrs.-Callahan.”