Corrupting Cupid by Effie Campbell

Author:Effie Campbell [Campbell, Effie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-29T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

EVA

Jack, Bill, and the handful of other patrons grumbled as I lined up paint pots on the counter.

‘Come on, guys.It’s time to drink up. You know I’m closing early today,’ I said, turning off the cash register and moving empty furniture away from the walls.

‘You can’t paint the bar pink,’ Jack said, exasperated, as he knocked on the top of one of the paint tins.

‘It needs a freshen-up.’

‘The wood is perfectly fresh,’ Bill added, a scowl marring his face.

‘I know you guys have loved this bar for decades. You were fond of my grandfather, and I’m sure it holds many memories for you. Times are changing, though, and the bar needs to change with it. It’s just a lick of paint and a few décor details. Nothing too drastic.’

‘Why?’ Jack asked, swilling the last dregs of his beer around the bottom of the bottle.

‘I’m hosting a Valentine’s night. There’ll be an auction to win a date, and my friend Penny is going to help with cocktails.’

Bill slammed his glass down onto the counter, making me jump. ‘Your grandfather would be disgusted.’

A huge lump formed in my throat, threatening to make me cry. ‘My grandfather was always proud of me. He wanted me to take over this bar.’

‘He didn’t want you to tart it up and sell it to the highest bidder, though, did he?’

‘Jeez, Bill. Leave her alone. Rusty wouldn’t have wanted you harassing her. She’s right. He’s not here. And if he were, he’d have been thrilled to have her at the helm. No matter how long she stays.’ Jack faced me and gave me a soft look. ‘He never stopped talking about you and your life in London. Rusty would show me printed versions of every picture you sent him. Don’t regret your time away. He wanted you to see the world. In all his years, he never left Coal’s.’

‘Thank you,’ I said as he finished his beer and stood up, giving me one of those knowing old man nods.

‘C’mon Bill, let’s see if Betsy has any pie left at the diner.’

Not even ten minutes later, while I used a screwdriver to coax a paint tin open, Penny appeared at the door. Poking her head in, she grinned.

‘I have four guys for your auction, and they are all fit as fuck.’

‘Four? That’s amazing! Thank you. I’ve got one guy signed up, too. Do you think anyone will come? Not sure my regulars will be the target audience for bidding on hot guys.’ I offered her a drink, but she shook her head.

‘It’s fine. I took the liberty—and please don’t be mad—to set up an event on my socials. I invited pretty much everyone I know over twenty-one.’

‘You did?’ She’d had no benefit to helping me, and I couldn’t believe she’d been so generous with her time.

‘I did. And it’s gone nuts! Look.’ Penny held out her phone, and I scrolled through the event page. People were excitedly messaging and tagging each other in it. A flicker of hope built in my chest.

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