21. Charity Dinner

CHAPTER 21

CHARITY DINNER

AT BATHTUBS AND BLOSSOMS GIN DISTILLERY

I'm bummed we won't see you tonight.

Lee frowned, reading Mac's private text to him.

I'd stop by afterward, but I don't know how long I'll be there.

It's fine. You'll have fun. I heard that place is sweet. Bucket list when I can afford it.

Is that you fishing?

Lee smirked as he texted. He had money. He could afford it. Hell, he was writing a big fat check to the Bathtub's owner's favorite charity.

Maybe…

Consider it done, but it might have to wait till after the season.

I can be patient.

Lee suspected that part was true. Mac seemed to have patience in spades. Probably had to do with being in customer service his whole life.

It's a date then, or well, you know what I mean. The three of us will go. My treat.

I'll hold you to it.

He held up his phone in front of the full-length mirror and snapped a shot of himself, then sent it to their group chat because it felt weird having a private conversation.

Drew:

Nice! You look great.

Thanks. Look good, feel good.

Do Good.

Do Good.

Lee laughed at their simultaneous messages.

Definitely doing good. It's for a good cause.

Yes! I'm so freaking jealous of you right now. Bathtubs! That's life goals right there.

Lee stared at Drew's message. These two were like one mind split into two bodies. How were they not together?

Mac:

That's what I said. Lee's got us covered, though.

Drew:

Yeah? Sweet. I'm there.

Mac:

*laughing emoji* Of course you are.

Lee sent his own smiling emoji.

I promised, but it might have to wait till after the season. Or maybe during our bye week.

*heart emoji* That's sooner rather than later.

Mac tacked on a smirking grin.

His phone pinged a new message from Yowie?—

I'm here

—followed by a knock on his door.

Gotta go! I'll text later with the deets.

Mac:

Have fun!

Drew:

Watch your carbs.

Drew pushed, then added,

I expect pictures.

Lee tucked his phone into his pocket, smoothed down his tie as he glanced once more into the mirror, and then went to open the door.

Chester Monroe, owner of Bathtubs and Blossom Gin Distillery and partner of their team punter, Garrett Stevens, met them at the valet stand. He welcomed them and shook their hands before giving them the lay of the land. Millionaires and the wealthy elite of Austin and its surrounding areas would be inside, all wanting their five minutes with a professional athlete.

"Don't be surprised if you're propositioned by the single women, and maybe even some of the married ones. I swear, money makes people stupid."

Lee chuckled along with his teammates. He was almost one of those stupid people until his aunt put the kibosh on his plans.

"My staff will be passing around hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, followed by a sit-down meal. You'll each be at your own table. Steak good for everyone?"

Jakes' stomach rumbled, replying for all of them.

"Excellent. Preference on drinks now… alcoholic, non-alcoholic, sweet, dry, beer, wine, gin?"

"I'd like to try one of your non-alcoholic gins, but we all need to watch our caloric intake."

"Says you," Yowie rumbled.

"Says Drew," Lee countered.

"Boyfriend trumps alcohol; I see how it is." Yowie deadpanned.

"He's not?—"

Yowie's fast grin had Lee shutting up. He'd been teasing, Lee belatedly realized. He wasn't sure how to feel about that. On the one hand, hearing Drew called his boyfriend flipped a little button on his heart, but there was Mac to consider.

"I'm not here to count calories," Chester broke in. "Lee wants one drink and then sparkling water with a twist. Done."

Jakes agreed to the same, while Yowie chose a beer to start and then said he'd also switch. Considering Yowie was the designated driver for them, Lee was fine with the arrangement.

"Mr. Young, since you've been here before, I'm going to cut you loose. You'll end at table three, so start over on one. Mr. Matters, Mr. Jacobs, you're with me for the first round of introductions. I'll point out which table you'll be at, too." Chester led the way into the small function hall set with three tables of eight people each. He headed straight for the cluster of people at the farthest table, the one marked three.

Having worked enough of his mother's events, including many small fundraisers like this one, Lee realized that they'd start with the tables they wouldn't be seated at. His thoughts were confirmed when Chester said, "Mr. Matters, you'll start here for appetizers, then rotate to table one for dinner, and end at table two for dessert. Everyone, this is Lee Matters. Grown on fresh Jersey corn and tomatoes, he's playing safety for the Austin Troopers. Lee's coming off his first preseason game with two interceptions. And this is Chris Jacobs, also a rookie on the team. Mr. Jacobs also plays for the defense as a line tackle. He recorded three tackles in his first game." A small round of applause went up from those gathered. "Mr. Jacobs, this way, please."

Lee watched as Chester guided Jakes to table two before turning to face seven of the best-dressed people he'd ever met. Not one face was familiar, unlike when he worked for his mother and had gotten to know many of the television and vocal celebrities who called New Jersey home. Of course, Austin boasted many big names of their own, including (or so he read) Jensen Ackles. His mother was obsessed with Supernatural, and Lee didn't mind watching… Dean was swoon-worthy.

"Hello," he said, breaking the ice, and thankfully, those gathered took it from there. They introduced themselves and asked both serious and ridiculous questions. Mostly he dodged any he thought were overly personal, such as if he had a girlfriend.

He enjoyed the non-alcoholic gin he tried, the hor d'oeuvres were delicious as was his meal, and Lee couldn't fault the company. When they discovered his background working upper-class events, they asked about certain celebrities whom he'd met. Of course, he gave away little, respecting both their privacy and his mother's business.

At the end of the night, he withdrew the envelope containing his donation from his jacket pocket and left with his teammates, but not before thanking Chester for a surprisingly wonderful evening. He yawned a few times on his way home, but he didn't forget to text Mac and Drew.

Had a great night. Come over tomorrow for dinner. I'll cook.

*thumbs up*

I'll be there.

Lee dropped his phone on his nightstand and got ready for bed. He slipped between the sheets, smiling as he curled around a pillow, already looking forward to seeing his friends.