Sidelined: Cinnamon Roll Saviors by Sarah Everly

Author:Sarah Everly [Everly, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

NOA

The summer heat infiltrated the tiny conference room. While I’d originally chosen to volunteer at Little Birds because nearly eighty percent of the money raised went directly to underserved children in the Norwalk area, I wouldn’t have balked at the organization putting some aside to move out of the first floor of a ramshackle building with floor-to-ceiling windows that kept the office burning hot in the summer and freezing in the winter.

“As far as tables…” Shayla flipped a page and ran her finger down the sheet. “We have ninety percent reserved and seventy-five percent paid. We’ve reserved six tables for the men going up on the auction block, and each of our corporate sponsors have reserved five.”

“So how many does that leave?” Tony asked as he knocked his glasses down, peering at Shayla over them.

“Seven.”

“And we’re a month from the auction? That’s pretty good. Better than last year,” I said.

Shayla shot me a grateful smile. She had taken over as director right after I’d started volunteering. Since the organization and most of the board members had been there for decades, we’d bonded as the newcomers, turning a professional relationship into a warm friendship.

Rob groaned. A suppressed groan, in his defense, but audible.

“Why don’t we move on so Mr. Bayard can get on with his day?” Shayla asked, beaming a bright smile at the rest of the board.

Diego had volunteered to represent the players, but last-minute commitment had resulted in me asking Rob to fill his seat. Rob had begged off in every way possible: He didn’t even want to be auctioned off, he had to pick up Mila, he was sore from practice. But I’d coerced him downtown with the promise of my undying thanks and a commitment to taking Mila to the Children’s Museum. Again.

“Sure, I have the lineup right here.” One of the volunteers passed the event schedule around the room, the neatly typed list outlining hors d’oeuvres, music, and when each player would be auctioned.

I didn’t need to check the sheet to know my place: first. Early in the evening, when everyone’s attention was still focused on the food and the open bar and schmoozing with the other attendees. And at the end, Diego.

Or, rather, Rob.

“What the fuck am I doing at the end of the night?” Rob spluttered. “I’ve got a sitter.”

The college-aged volunteer gulped, her eyes darting between Rob and Shayla. “Well…after last year…we had interest…”

“You’re making her nervous,” I muttered to Rob. “Be nice.”

He sighed. “Fine. What the hell am I doing being auctioned off last?”

I rolled my eyes as the young woman resumed her stammering.

Shayla held out a hand. “Relax, Jes. Mr. Bayard, you’ve moved to top billing. That’s good news for you and the organization. Companions gushed about what a wonderful job you did last year in their ad campaign, and there’s been a huge amount of interest in winning your services at auction.”

Rob muttered a swear under his breath before clearing his throat. “I’m only offering ad work for Companions. No one else.

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