Chapter 73
Gilbert murmured, “Maybe it’s time I found myself a woman.”
A woman? Where should he even start looking? It was not like he could snap his fingers and have one appear.
For the past few years, he hadn’t thought much about it. Although Sherilyn was overseas, they were still technically married.
But at the moment? Who should he hit on?
That evening, without making plans with Derek or Yates, Gilbert headed solo to the Neon Nights Bar. The VIP booth facing the stage was reserved for him, as always.
When Colin heard Gilbert had arrived, he couldn’t hide his glee.
Rushing over to greet him personally, Colin beamed, “Mr. Gilbert, welcome back.”
Gilbert lounged back, one arm draped over the back of the sofa, the other tapping rhythmically on his knee. “Which number is she tonight?”
Of course! Colin internally celebrated. ‘Mr. Gilbert is here for Sherilyn! She’s my golden goose!”
But Colin played coy, “Mr. Gilbert, we’ve got quite a few ‘shes‘ here. Who are you asking about?”
Gilbert chuckled and pointed at him. “You sly dog. Who else would I be here for? Who else have I barged into the dressing room for
“Right, right,” Colin chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “She’s up after three more acts.”
“Hmm?” Gilbert raised an eyebrow. “The schedule’s not fixed? Comes on earlier some nights, later on others?”
“That’s right,” Colin hurried to explain. “It all depends on the draw the girls get.”
A draw? What kind of draw?
Realizing Gilbert was out of the loop, who had not been around for a while, Colin took the time to explain the Dance Queen contest in detail. Then, with a hopeful grin, he looked at Gilbert. “Mr. Gilbert, what do you say? Care to join the fun?”
Intrigued, Gilbert gestured for Colin to come closer. “Remember, no matter who else bets, always put me down for an extra half a million.”
Colin’s face lit up with joy. Trying to suppress his smile, he nodded eagerly, “You got it, Mr. Gilbert. Thanks on her behalf.”
1/2
1017
Then he asked, “Mr. Gilbert, what’s your poison tonight? I know we’re not the fanciest place, but if you let me know beforehand, I’ll ensure we have it ready for you.”
Gilbert gave him a look. The old fox was trying to milk him for drink money.
He waved Colin off. “Let her pick. Whatever she likes.”
“Right away, sir!” Ecstatic with this windfall, Colin rushed to find Sherilyn.
Colin cried out of excitement. “Sherilyn! You’ve struck gold!”
“What’s got you so excited?” Sherilyn was puzzled but joined in the laughter.
“You’ve got yourself a benefactor!” Colin was so excited that he was practically bouncing. He made a gesture, “This benefactor says, no matter the highest bet, he’ll top it by half a million dollars!”
That was indeed a benefactor! How high the bets would go was anyone’s guess, but an extra half a million was nothing to scoff at. No wonder Colin said she didn’t understand the world of the wealthy. They indeed spent money like water!
“Get ready!” Seeing her still applying makeup, Colin added, “I won’t keep you. It’s not the right time for you to show up out there. Don’t worry. Once the contest is over, you’ll meet him. Rest assured. He’s not some bald, middle–aged man!”
“Okay.” Whether the benefactor was a bald, middle-aged man, Sherilyn didn’t care. She was ready to serve drinks without issue.
Back at the booth, Gilbert waited, relaxed and unhurried.
Finally, the stage lights dimmed. Was it S’s turn?
The music started, and countless tiny lights lit up, their reflections rippling like water waves. The sound of flowing water filled his ears. And then, she emerged from the water.