Chapter Sixty-Two
Carlos
Several weeks later
“Is everything set?” I asked Dusty and Hale, as the limo Fiona rented pulled up to the fancy hotel where the Squire Foundation gala was held at every year.
“Bailey’s in place for the livestream. Kace and Tyrell are getting everyone hyped and excited. I’ve been tagged a number of times by people who are there and waiting,” Dusty replied.
“Mercy is also ready with the livestream. We’ve got the hoverboards,” Hale added.
“I can’t wait for you to see how nice everything looks. Saoirse and I worked really hard earlier today getting things set up,” Fiona said.
“It will be beautiful,” I assured.
Fiona had very quickly assimilated with the MASOs, making a bunch of friends and having a great time being on a committee.
I looked at my phone. There was a picture of Gwen’s face.
Gwen
Where are you?
I sent a picture of my face back.
Me
About to get out of the limo.
Gwen
Limo? I think we’re behind you.
The gala coincided with her having to come back for her kidnapping trial.
Dusty looked over at me. “Is that your PR person telling us to be on our best behavior?”
“No. It was Gwen.” Honestly, this was our best behavior. We weren't doing anything wrong. All we wanted was for our first official appearance as a pack to be memorable.
“I wish we could’ve brought Ispín,” Fiona replied, checking the app on her phone that would bring up the doggy cam.
Saoirse had insisted on that and a puppy enclosure after Ispín had gotten himself lost, ate up some shoes, and hidden from us in the couch cushions. She’d been starting to train him.
We watched as the people in the car in front of us got out. I wasn’t sure who they were, but the crowd seemed to know, as fans, media, and such gathered on both sides of the velvet-rope-lined red carpet.
It wasn’t just hockey players and their packs that came to this, but a lot of wealthy people who donated to the foundation, those in politics or high-profile positions, even some celebrities.
With this also being Mr. Longfellow's retirement party, it drew in all the people that he’d done business with as the Knights’ general manager for so many decades.
“Are you going to be alright?” Dusty looked to Saoirse.
“If I can rappel off the building, I can handle this.” She gave him a smile then looked at Fiona.
“She’s got this,” Fiona assured.
We all did.
It was our turn to get out. Somebody came around and opened the limo door. Dusty exited first and helped out Saoirse, then Fiona, as Hale got the hoverboards.
I paused as I got out. Was the crowd chanting?
No. They were singing.
Half of them were singing Guacamole, and the other half of them were singing the Cookie Song.
“Wow, we should do something especially nice for Kace, Tyrell, and Bailey, because I wasn’t expecting this,” I told Dusty as Bailey caught our eye and nodded.
I’m not sure why Hale’s sister Grace had a bunch of hoverboards left over from something at her work, and why she thought it was a good idea to give them to us.
Still, we’d make great use of them. Fiona had spray-painted them silver. They were little electric skateboard-type things that you controlled with your weight. We’ve been practicing with them around the neighborhood, much to the delight of the kids that lived nearby. Hale also made some videos.
Both Hale and Dusty were livestreaming this. Oh, I was very excited to do this as a pack.
“Ready?” I helped Fiona up onto her hoverboard.
“So ready,” she replied.
Fiona was resplendent in a silver dress that was full of beads and little gems. It made her look like the absolute queen she was, especially with her hair up and her jewelry that she got permission from her father to wear. It was her mother’s.
Saoirse wore a strappy silver gown with a low back and a high slit, making her look lethally gorgeous, like she was in a spy movie.
Us guys all wore silver vests and ties with our black tuxes. Hale cleaned up incredibly well. Both my mates looked absolutely divine.
Everyone cheered as we entered the red carpet on hoverboards. Dusty was first. Saoirse and Fiona behind him, holding hands, Hale and I taking up the rear.
Dusty waved as the singing turned into people chanting Pack Himbo.
I hope people weren’t too disappointed when we actually chose something else, but this was really fun for now.
Lots of people were taking photos and filming us. I waved and squeezed Hale’s hand as we made our way to the end, where there were more reporters, another photographer, some of our media team…
…and Kylee. Who looked exhausted.
Kace and Tyrell met us there to take the hoverboards.
“Thanks, man,” I said quietly.
“Of course. That was incredible,” Kace replied.
“We're very excited to see Pack Himbo out tonight,” a reporter said.
Kylee went to step in, but Dusty was already replying.
“We’re excited to be here. The Squires do really important work. Carlos was a Squire, of course our pack is going to support such a noble cause,” Dusty replied.
“Hale, you’ve been spotted on the local racing scene, but in an orange car not a pink one,” somebody else stated as we moved into the interview area.
“Yeah, I’ve been getting to know some local racers and it’s been great fun,” he replied.
“Let’s keep everything moving along.” Kylee sighed as she pushed us out of the press area. “Hoverboards? At least it wasn’t fireworks.”
“Was that an option? You know I can twirl flaming batons?” Fiona offered.
“That sounds hot.” I laughed, giving her a kiss.
Somebody rushed over to Kylee. “The Pack Himbo entrance is already going viral. There was a link in both livestreams, and donations are pouring in.”
“Well, it’s for the kids.” Kylee sighed again.
“Kylee, I hope at the end of the season you have a massive vacation planned, because you look like you need it. You work so hard,” Fiona said as Kylee moved us toward the step-and-repeat.
“That sounds like a great idea.” Kylee nodded.
Gwen, Tenzin, and Clark entered the interview area.
“Don’t let them ask Gwen about the trials,” Kylee directed and the person ran off.
The five of us went through the step-and-repeat. It was a fancy background with the Knights and Squires logos on it. Our photos were taken. Then we were ushered into the room where the reception was held. The dinner would be in a different room.
“Mi Reina, this is beautiful,” I breathed as I took it all in.
The room was full of balloon arches in black and silver, and so many flowers.
Little standing tables glowed with electric candles.
There were two bars and people passing champagne and hors d’oeuvres, along with the table that looked like one giant charcuterie board.
“I’m so pleased with how it turned out. The other people on the committee are absolutely amazing,” Fiona replied.
Mercy bounded over to us, “That was fantastic. Your livestream hit some pretty good numbers.”
“Thanks for doing that.” Hale gave his sister a hug.
Grif, Dean, Jonas, AJ, and Verity joined us.
“Verity has the best dresses,” Fiona said softly. “Maybe I should go shopping with her next time, though shopping with Anita was an incredible experience.”
Having been shopping with my sister, incredible wasn’t the word I would use, but I’m glad Fiona was getting along with her.
“Giving Kylee a panic attack already?” Verity asked.
“We just wanted to make a splash. This is our first big event together as a pack,” I explained.
“It looked fun. Do you think they operate on the ice?” Dean asked.
I sucked in a breath. “I don’t know. We should try that.”
Verity turned to Hale. “How are classes going? Is everything working out with commuting and your research?”
“I’m glad I kept my place in the Circle. But yeah, things are going well. This lab collective that Baba hooked me up with is incredible,” he replied.
“I’m so glad. Have you heard about PhD programs yet?” she added.
“Um, yeah. I got some acceptances. I want to talk to you about them, but I’m leaning toward NYC State, which is where the professor with the incubator lab works. His stuff is really fascinating.” He lit up excitedly.
We’d heard all about the professor, and we made sure we celebrated every single program acceptance.
“That’s great. I’m so proud of you, of all of you,” she said.
“That means a lot, Verity,” I replied.
“Let’s get some drinks and snacks.” Fiona tugged on my hand.
Verity and Hale went off to discuss PhD programs. Dusty was talking to someone, but Saoirse came with us. We went and got some drinks, then headed to the fancy charcuterie buffet.
Gwen came over to us with Tenzin and Clark. She wore an absolutely stunning dress in what I could only describe as Captain Everything blue with a red ruffle underneath. Clark and Tenzin wore Captain Everything vests and bowties with their tuxes.
Captain Everything was Clark’s favorite Defender League character.
“I loved that entrance so much,” Gwen told us.
“Gwen, that dress is fantastic. Where did you get it?” Fiona gave her a big hug.
“It's one of my mom’s. Carlos’ cousin’s wife helped me find someone who could alter it, since I’m a lot taller than my mom, but she has so many beautiful dresses. It’s really fun wearing them, it’s like her being with me,” Gwen said.
Fiona’s hand went to her necklace. “Same. I haven’t thought of wearing her dresses, just her jewelry. That's a really good idea.”
The two of them had their heads together and were talking. Saoirse sipped her drink and kept watch.
“How is the trial going?” I asked softly.
“I hate seeing her have to go through it. But I’m glad he’ll get what he deserves,” Clark replied.
“Good.” I glanced over at Hale and Verity. There wouldn’t be a big public trial for Hale being kidnapped. But Clegg and company would be punished for what happened.
Mercy, Valya, and some others joined them.
Dimitri came over to us, holding a drink. “That was quite the entrance.” His gaze flickered over to the ladies. “The Tigres have really turned around. If they keep this up, they might actually have a chance at the playoffs.”
“That would be something,” Clark agreed. “Carlos, Gwen says you’re going to be on a TV show?”
“Um. yeah. Dusty and I are doing a guest role on a telenovela together. I have a pack to support.” I grinned. I was looking forward to it. I might have a new sponsor, too.
Dusty joined Saoirse, putting an arm around her waist.
“I’m very happy for you. I am looking forward to your housewarming party. I want to meet the puppy,” Dimitri said.
“We’re pretty excited,” I replied.
Kylee came over to us. “If you’re just going to stand around talking to each other then I’m pulling you in to meet the children.”
We followed her to meet some of the participants in the Squires program. Kylee brought a few more people over, including Grif.
“Hey, do you have Lucky,” I asked Grif as we finished up. I looked around, Hale was with Fiona, who was examining the auction items.
“Dean has him. His bowtie matches us,” Grif said,
I went over and found Dean. “I’m borrowing Lucky for pictures.”
Gathering up my pack, I brought them over to one of the photo walls.
“Lucky, you look fantastic.” Hale pretended to take him from me.
Fiona shook her head. “I still don’t understand the imaginary cat.”
“You absolutely should borrow him when you come up to the Circle and take him to the Titty Tank for a lap dance. If Candy’s working, I’m sure she’ll be up for it,” Hale said.
“That’s perfect,” I replied.
“I’ll take photos for you.” Bailey joined us. Dusty had gotten her a photographer pass. Tyrell and Kace had other things they had to do tonight, so they’d left right after the red carpet.
She took a bunch of pictures and showed one to us. “Can I put this on your official account?”
He looked at us. “What do you think?”
“I love it,” Fiona replied.
“As long as you don’t name me,” Saoirse added.
“Tag me?” Hale asked.
“Me, too, please,” I agreed. “Lucky, too.” Did Lucky have an account? He should.
“The dining room is now open. Please take your seats. Auction items will close in half an hour,” someone announced.
Hale offered Fiona and me his arms. “Shall we?”
Fiona took his arm. “I think we should.”
“We should.” I took his other arm. Then, I grabbed Dusty and linked my arm with him. Saoirse took Fiona’s, so we were in a line of the five of us.
“You look great.” Bailey took another photo.
My pack was pretty great. Yep, it was time for Pack Himbo to enter the party.