Page 43 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“And do your parents know we are friends or do they think it’s something more?” he asked.

He opened the front door, stepped out, she followed and scrunched up her nose where he couldn’t see her.

Why couldn’t she get a read on this situation? Or why he was even asking.

“I told them we work together. That’s it. Do they know I’m showing you around the island some, or we workout at the same gym? Sure, it’s come up. Why?”

“No reason,” he said. They climbed into his SUV, then he drove to the casino.

Yep, got nothing more out of him and wasn’t surprised either.

Her parents were already there, her mother helping to get things ready, her father just in the casino.

She was tempted to pick Luca up, but this worked out just fine.

It didn’t take long to get to the casino.

“They’ve had it here for the past few years. I didn’t tell you, several years ago they auctioned off members of the family.”

“What?” he asked, turning to look at her.

“You should see how wide your eyes are. It’s not likethat.”

“What am I supposed to think?” He nudged her arm. “Were you part of it?”

“No. I was doing my residency and not even around. There were a few people who got bid on for dates and the funny part, they ended up married.”

“No,” he said, turning to look at her. “Tell me you’re joking.”

“I kind of wish I was. I don’t know why I haven’t even thought of that in years. Let’s see, Emily Rauch, she owns Atlantic Risewith her sister. Her husband, Crew, was her mailman, still is, but he bid on her for a date. Guess they both had a crush, but he pushed it and it worked out.”

“I guess that is one way to get someone’s attention.”

“Hailey Bond, her husband, Rex, bid on her for a date and it bombed.Reallybombed. We heard about this all later. Then they came into contact months later and tried again, and they are married with two kids. The same with Emily and Crew. Two kids.”

“Who else is there?” he asked. “This is fascinating. Don’t tell me it’s all the same fundraiser. Like that year.”

“Oh, it was.” She was nodding her head at him. “It’s the only year they did it. Bode Bond. His wife, Sam. Sam’s parents bid on him to do work in their house. Of course at the time he’d never met Sam or anything like that. But later they met through work and it just was one of those funny things.”

“One of those funny island things I’ve read about?”

Her head swiveled fast. “You know about that?”

“I didn’t right away,” he said. “I’ve had time on my hands being off.”

“And me not being around to entertain you.” She smirked and wiggled her eyebrows.

“I never used to need to be entertained, but I’m not complaining. Even having to put this suit on.”

“I noticed you ditched the tie.”

“Sorry. I hate those fuckers.”

She giggled and then immediately covered her mouth, surprised by the sound. She couldn’t remember the last time anything had pulled that reaction out of her.

“My brother says the same thing,” she said. “I don’t think many people will wear them. You’ll be fine.”

“I’m not going back for it,” he said. “So ithasto be fine.”