Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Once Lauren felt confident that everything was ready for the evening’s festivities, she’d rushed home to change into something more appropriate for a formal gala. She’d chosen a comfortable burgundy gown with a skirt that was more billowy than formfitting so she could move around quickly and easily, just in case there were any potential issues that might arise that she needed to take care of during the course of the event.
While Aurora and Billie encouraged her to enjoy the festivities, Lauren was always aware that she was still on the job and had her eyes on everything as the evening progressed, making sure the event ran smoothly and efficiently. There were small fires to put out, which was normal for any big venue, but for the most part the welcome reception and dinner went off without a hitch, much to her relief.
By the time the bachelor auction was announced, Lauren found herself relaxing a bit, since the most crucial parts of the evening were now behind her. She met up with her coworker and good friend, Skye, and accompanied her as they joined the rest of the single women gathering around the stage.
“So, I told Tripp yes to his offer,” Skye said once they’d found a place, referring to her old flame she’d recently hooked up with and the fact that he’d volunteered to give Skye the baby she wanted so badly—by impregnating her the old-fashioned way instead of the insemination process she’d originally planned on. “And he asked me to bid on him, no matter the amount, so that he wouldn’t have to spend the weekend with any other woman.”
Grinning, Lauren looped her arm through Skye’s, happy for her friend, and equally impressed that Tripp—as one of the bachelors up for auction—had his sights set on only one particular female in the crowd. “That’s because he’s a stand-up guy with morals and integrity. I mean, why would he want another woman when he has you?”
A blush swept across Skye’s cheeks as she rolled her eyes at Lauren. “He doesn’t have me.”
Lauren waggled her brows playfully. “Well, technically he will be ‘having you’ for the foreseeable future until you get pregnant.”
Skye shook her head at Lauren’s comment, but was smiling as they watched all the bachelors gradually take their places on the stage. Lauren didn’t miss the way her friend’s eyes remained on Tripp, who’d also found her in the throng of women and gave her a sexy smile that made Skye blush all over again.
As the men continued to take their positions, Skye managed to tear her gaze from Tripp to glance at Lauren. “Okay, so which guy did you decide on for yourself?” she asked curiously.
Considering they worked together, and were good friends, Lauren had told Skye about her idea of buying a bachelor to take to her sister’s wedding when they’d gone out for drinks the previous weekend. After solidifying her plan with Tara, Lauren had taken a good, long look at her options and had settled on a guy she deemed the best man for the job as her fake boyfriend.
“His name is Neil Pierson, and according to the information he sent in, he’s an accountant,” she told Skye, waiting for the man to arrive onstage so she could get an in-person glimpse of him. She hoped he at least looked somewhat like his photo, which had depicted a mild-mannered, but decent-looking guy. “I decided to go for someone boring but dependable who will hopefully be willing to fake date me at my sister’s wedding and help convince my family I really am happy.”
“Which one is he?” Skye asked curiously.
Lauren frowned, realizing that all the other men in the brochure had taken their places, except for Neil. “In the brochure, he was the last guy listed, but his spot is empty.”
Skye patted the arm that Lauren still had linked through hers in a reassuring manner. “I’m sure he’s just making his way through the crowd to the stage.”
Lauren nodded, because that probably was the case.
Her cellphone, which she’d tucked into the pocket of her gown, vibrated. Hoping it wasn’t someone on the Meridian staff texting with a problem she needed to handle, she pulled out the device and was surprised to see a text from her mother instead. She opened it up and read the message.
I know you’re at a work event this evening, but I wanted to let you know that Gramps had a mini stroke this afternoon. It was very mild and he’s already home from the hospital and is doing fine, so there’s no need to call tonight.
Despite her mother’s reassuring words, panic surged through Lauren at the thought of anything happening to her gramps.
“Crap, I need to call home,” Lauren said, her stomach twisting with anxiety as she glanced at Skye. “Apparently, my grandfather had a mini stroke earlier this afternoon. My mom says it was mild and not overly serious, and he’s already home from the hospital, but I need to hear for myself that he’s okay.”