Page 31 of Bid For Me
“Candy…he was seen. In the tabloids.” I pause, trying to collect myself, but I can’t hold back the hurt any longer. “He’s out partying with other women. There are photos everywhere. He told me he was away for work in Edinburgh, but clearly, that wasn’t the case.”
“What?” Her tone goes from sympathetic to livid in a heartbeat. “Are you serious? He told you he was in Edinburgh?”
“Yes. And I believed him, Candy. I thought we were…I thought we were something more. I feel like an idiot.” I swipe away a tear, not wanting to cry over this – not at work, and definitely not because of Seb.
“Listen to me, babe. You’re not an idiot. You’re one of the smartest women I know, and he’s the one being a jackass. It’s his loss, Elle, not yours.”
“Thanks,” I mumble, feeling marginally better but still humiliated. “But it’s not enough. I want him to regret this, Candy. If he’s willing to treat me like some afterthought, then I want him to know exactly what he’s throwing away.”
Candy pauses, and I can practically hear the gears turning in her head. “Alright,” she says, her voice taking on that sly, determined edge I know too well. “If he wants to be out parading around, then so can you. In fact, I know just the place to make a statement. Why don’t you meet me after work? We’ll remind Seb exactly what he’s missing out on.”
I smile, a little of the weight lifting from my shoulders. “You really think he’ll care?”
“Elle, he’s mad about you – just too thick-headed to admit it. Trust me, you’re going to turn more than a few heads tonight.”
I feel a surge of excitement building through the haze of anger. I know it might seem petty, but after months of hiding, of waiting for him to open up and take things to the next level, maybe this is what I need.
“Alright,” I say, my voice steadier. “Let’s do it. Let’s make sure he remembers who I am.”
After what feels like an eternity waiting for closing time, the boutique door chimes just as I’m turning the lock to close up. It’s Candy, stepping in with that infectious grin of hers, bundled in a scarf and clutching two takeaway coffees. Relief floods me just seeing her.
“Thought you could use this,” she says, holding out a coffee.
I take the cup gratefully, breathing in the comforting smell before taking a long sip. “You are a literal lifesaver.”
“Obviously,” she laughs. “So, are you ready to blow off some steam?”
I nod, a spark of excitement cutting through the lingering hurt. “Absolutely. Though I didn’t know ‘blowing off steam’ required a wardrobe update.”
“Oh, it does tonight.” Candy grins as she loops her arm through mine and leads me down the street toward the row of high-end shops the second I’ve locked up.
We start at a designer boutique with rows of shimmering dresses and accessories, and as soon as we step inside, Candy’seyes start scanning the racks with purpose. While she peruses, I can’t help but notice how good she looks – happy, vibrant.
“So,” I say, pulling out a sequined dress, “tell me everything. How are things going with you and…well, all your guys?”
Candy’s eyes light up, and she gives a little shrug. “It’s…amazing, honestly. We’re all living together now, and they’re all so different but somehow just…perfect, you know?” She glances around to make sure no one’s within earshot. “Things at work are good, too – though we’re in planning mode for an event around New Year’s, so it’s been a bit intense.”
“Candy, that’s amazing,” I say, beaming. I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy at how much she’s grown into herself. “But I feel a ‘but’ coming.”
Her smile fades just a bit, and she bites her lip. “Well, recently, they’ve started dropping hints. You know – about maybe wanting…kids.” She lowers her voice, looking almost bashful. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve thought about it. And I know they’d be amazing dads. It’s just…”
She trails off, and I know exactly where she’s going. Candy has been through so much; losing her parents at such a young age has left scars that run deep.
“Just what?” I ask softly, sensing she needs to let this out.
She sighs, running her fingers along the fabric of a nearby dress. “I love them so much. But I can’t shake the fear. What if…something happened to me? Or them? I don’t think I could handle that.”
“Candy,” I say, putting a hand on her shoulder, “first of all, those guys would never let anything happen to you or a child of yours. You’ve practically got an entire security team with those five.”
She laughs, though her eyes are still clouded. “True. But I still wonder if I’d be able to do it. Sometimes I don’t even know if I’d be a good mum.”
“You’d be an amazing mum. But you don’t have to decide anything right now,” I assure her. “And when the time’s right, you’ll know. And just imagine – five loving dads doting on a baby. They’d be so spoiled, they’d probably need an extra room just for toys.”
That makes her smile again, and she reaches over to squeeze my hand. “Thanks, Elle. You always know what to say.”
We turn back to the racks, and I pull a sleek, dark green dress off the hanger. “What do you think of this one?”
Candy’s eyes widen in approval. “Oh, that’s stunning! Try it on. And I’ll go pick out a few more things while you’re at it.”