#( event: covington's 12th annual valentine date night auction )

[ahalyaxreddy]

WITH: @dakotaheise LOCATION: covington's 12th annual valentine date night auction

Though her first time participating, it was not her first time attending one of these events. She’d been here since the inaugural Valentine Date Night Auction ten years ago. She’d just moved home and though she’d been too young to consider either participating or bidding, she’d reveled at the pairs that left the stage. The tables that lined the venue waiting for some soulmates to find each other. It had been a rather romantic notion to her twenty-one year old self. Hitting it off through an auction and having a happily ever after. She’d found her ex through an event much like this one. Yet now, rather than walking through the crowds with him beside her, she was making a beeline for the table by the kitchen door. If there was one thing she learned about these events. It was that the best hors d’oeuvres were snagged before they made anywhere to the middle of the room. Yet, it appeared the table was already occupied and Ahalya contemplated having some shame and not interrupting the stranger. But as she saw the last of the fried macaroni and cheese ball plucked off a tray right before her eyes, she knew that there was no helping it. “Sorry, do you mind if I use just a tiny side of the table? My feet are killing me and I desperately need a place to hide them.” The tablecloth long enough to conceal the brief respite she needed from her heels. It’d been far too long since she’d last worn this, or any, pair.

[wyattxabhrams]

WITH: @drewparrish LOCATION: covington's 12th annual valentine date night auction

“Be honest,” Wyatt said as he found Drew in the crowd following what had been a heated auction. One where his sister had made a public showing of her affections for an old flame. Maybe not so old. The younger Parrish was one Wyatt had kept in touch with. Cruel, perhaps. To ice out the man who’d been with him through it all for that very reason while holding onto his relationships with those he’d let see less of him. Maybe if Ryan had left Covington, found him at a time when he was no longer running from anything and anyone associated with his hometown, things would have been different. But it was what it was. “Which Abhrams did you actually want to be spending your evening with?” Wyatt would be cocky enough to say the obvious answer would be him. Which was the answer he was expecting for the younger man to give. Any other response and he’d have to seriously consider changing who his favorite Parrish brother was back to his childhood friend.

[covingtonrp]

On behalf of Children’s National, we would like to thank everyone for their donations during Covington’s 12th Annual Valentine Date Night Auction. The results of the auction are as follows below.

AHALYA REDDY.................... RENZIE NAIPAUL

BEK TURAN......................... . WYATT ABHRAMS

BLAIR MORENO.................... JACE HARLOW

DREW PARRISH.............. ...... TESS ABHRAMS

GEORGIE ABHRAMS............. SAMARA KHANNA

KAIRA JOSHI.......................... ROMAN WAGNER

REYHAN SOLMAZ................. CALEB RHODES

RYAN PARRISH...................... ELIANA ALMEIDA

SARAI AYUTTHAYA................ KWAME MENSAH

AIYLA DEMIRCI...................... HARLOW MILLER

DATE DETAILS:

Dates Begin At: 10:00 PM

Dates End At: 12:00 AM

MOD NOTES

Now that results are in, we recommend you get with the player you’ve been paired with to plot or discuss what will happen next between your characters (unless you choose to write it out on the dash!)

Dates go on for 2 hours minimum before your character can clock out. Though, if you both want, time can also run over. That’s entirely up to you and your partner.

At the end of the night — EVERY COUPLE must share a kiss at the stroke of midnight per auction rules. Though it’s up to you how they kiss, where, and for how long. You can get by with a kiss on the cheek or the hand, or your characters are free to do more. Whatever you and your partner decide and deem most appropriate.

For new characters who weren’t here when bidding started, you are welcome to still participate. We invite you to reach out to other players with new muses to see if they’d be interested in plotting something out. Although, participation is NOT mandatory.

Interactions can begin starting today! Jan. 28 through Feb. 14 OR until your thread(s) end.

Have fun!!! Any questions regarding this event and you can ask us via the main or on discord.

[ahalyaxreddy]

WITH: @samaraxkhanna LOCATION: covington's 12th annual valentine date night auction

Well her date was nowhere to be found, so Ahalya was left weaving through the crowds in search of one of two things: someone she knew who she could vent to, or a bottle of something to cut her bitterness at the night’s outcome. She instead ended up running into someone who at a time might have been the former and brought the latter. Now, she was only gave Ahalya more of a reason to seek that drink out immediately. “Sorry, sorry, I wasn’t looking,” she said haphazardly, giving Samara’s dress a scan to make sure that she didn’t end up causing anything to spill on her. A wave of relief passed over her upon completing her inspection and finding no damage done. The last thing she needed was to be ruining someone else’s evening as well.

Glancing up at Samara, she put on another feigned smile, even if the compliment was a genuine one. “You look amazing.” In the past, she’d have pretended to shower her with dollar bills, and made a whole spectacle out of it, because her ex-best friend looked like she could easily bankrupt everyone in this room. Given the present condition of their tenuous relationship, she kept her compliment demure and polite. Though her eyes cast around the room quickly, wondering if the ex she learned from Harlow was in town was here. Roman. “Oh, by the way, thanks for stopping by the party. Amma loved the present.” Leave it to Samara to be perfect in everything she did, down to gift giving.

[ozanxbulut]

location: Covington’s 12th Annual Valentine Date Night Auction.

status: closed for @blairmoreno

What was another social event to stack on top of the other dozen he had attended since the beginning of the month, right? This one, at least, would be not related to work and he'd be sharing the space with people that he actually liked, for the most part. Despite not having any plans to participate on the auction, simply because he didn't know how to feel about the entire thing. He would have been interested on getting a date with a certain special woman, or even a close friend, but he decided to opt out simply because he didn't want to overcomplicate things. He knew that processing things in a healthy manner was not a specialty of his, therefore, he sat this one out but chose to attend and cheer for those he considered his people.

There were surprising pairings, he couldn't lie, but one that did not surprise him was Blair and Jace. He'd seen it coming, even if he hadn't really seen Blair since she'd arrived back in town. Jace was as close to him as one could be, so Ozan had learned of her coming back a while ago. He had also avoided her as soon as he'd found out. Truthfully, he wished her no ill and he knew that being upset over something that happened years ago was a bit ridiculous. He didn't think he was upset anymore, it was more of a pride issue now because even now that she was back, Blair hadn't even bothered to approach him. They weren't as close as she was to other mutual friends but it still felt a little personal in a way.

All things considered, the night hadn't been boring and watching the bidding had been quite the experience, so he'd been distracted all throughout. Because he wasn't Ozan Bulut if he wasn't distracted after all. Somehow, someway, the next time he looked to his right, it was Blair standing right next to him. "Well, shit." He mumbled, looking down at his glass of water to try to come up with an excuse and finding it still pretty full but nevertheless saying, "I think I need a refill."

[ahalyaxreddy]

Ahalya listened to Harlow complaining and she couldn’t help the way the corners of her lips immediately quirked up. While her night had been an absolutely disaster, listening to Harlow recount her woes with such descriptive language made her frown immediately turn upside down. And though she didn’t think that Harlow did it on purpose, just being herself was enough to completely improve her mood. Of course, she was sad for her friend that she did not end up riding off into the night with her hunky man for a night of endless pleasure. It seemed she would be relegated to her vibrator for yet another evening. But she also couldn’t help but laugh as Harlow finished sharing what their conversation involved. “You should have told him about your low fat, low carb, high protein brownies Har. He would popped a ring out sooner than you pop out those chocolate croissants in the morning.”

Amusement twinkling in her eyes, Ahalya laughed openly at the suggestion. “How kinky. I didn’t know you were into that kind of stuff.” She teased, bumping her shoulder against Harlow’s playfully before her best friend stole the drink she’d been sipping at, downing it in one go. Apparently, the conversation had been that bad. But then again, what was she expecting? “I’m always saying. There’s a reason that men like him are still single. And the reason is usually obvious the second they open their mouths.” He looked like an adonis, but he spoke like a frat boy. So, she sympathized and sighed with a shake of her head.

“I hope I can retire my duties sooner rather than later. But tonight is just not that night.” Which was precisely why, at the question of whether she intended to stay any longer at the auction or preferred to go home, Ahalya quickly linked her arm through Harlow’s. “I might not be all muscly and chocolate, but I promise you a much better evening than any man here could. Run away with me, Harlow Miller. Be mine tonight.” She threw out all the most dramatic and corny lines she knew, adding a flair of drama to her voice before breaking into a soft laugh. “Seriously, let’s go. I’m so exhausted and I need to get out of this dress and these heels.” | @harlowmiller

FIN.

"You're right, I did say I was looking for some no-strings-attached fun tonight, but Mr. Hot Chocolate turned you to be Mr. Hottie McMuscles. He won’t shut the hell up about his gym routine and his car. Girl, do I look like I care about what he eats, and the car he drives? All I wanted was his anaconda, but there’s only so much bragging I could take. He killed off my libido faster than a fire extinguisher could put out a fire." Was she frustrated? Yes! The first time she put herself out there, turned out to be a disaster.

She shook her head with a laugh. "Should I just shove a sock in his mouth and ride him?” The thought had her laughing even harder. Nope. There was nothing appealing about a guy who was full of himself. A sigh left her lips, before she grabbed a drink—gulping it down swiftly. “I don't think I'll be having a good time like that. As fine as Mr. Hot Chocolate is, his personality is a boner-killer." The funny part was, she didn’t even have a dick. Yet with the way he was talking, her girly bits might was as dry as the Sahara desert.

"I'm not ditching the idea of a no-strings fling altogether. But I do think I need more than just a hot bod to hold my interest. Even a casual hookup requires at least a mildly interesting conversation partner." Good for those who could go there without talking, but she wasn’t one of them. "Thanks for trying to be my wing woman tonight. I know your heart was in the right place. But maybe I'm just meant to keep that vibrator humming a little while longer. I could always get a stronger one." She wiggled her brows at her best friend. "In the meantime, how about we ditch this sausage fest?” She paused, thinking about her words before adding, “Unless you want to try your luck. Just because I can’t get laid, it doesn’t mean you have to leave empty-handed, too.”

[camgarza]

location: Covington's 12th Annual Valentine Date Night Auction

status: closed for @jaceharlcw

Completely ignoring the red wine in her right hand, Cami glared at the lowball in her left. Had she realized ahead of time they’d stretched the night's theme this far she probably wouldn’t have bothered. 

Seriously. 

From its whiskey to the heart shaped ice clinking against the glass the damn thing practically screamed ‘lower your inhibitions and bid on love’ - not peace offering.

Which is what it was. A peace offering. A liquored up olive branch, if you will, and her surefire way of getting this conversation over with so that she could, hopefully, slip out and head home before they actually started the bidding.

Call her crazy, but the last way she wanted to spend the rest of her evening was watching from the sidelines as her ex-husband won himself a date.

Because he would. She knew he would.

Sidling up next to Jace in perfect silence Cami pressed the drink (his go to at an event like this) against a suitclad arm. That little nudge was her only greeting. Well. That little nudge and a delicately arched brow. "Unless your tastes have changed in the last two years?" In drinks, in women— She could've meant either one.

[ahalyaxreddy]

WITH: @drewparrish LOCATION: covington's 12th annual valentine date night auction

Playing with the two tickets in her hand, she wondered if the move was to use both right before her date, or if it was better to get up on stage slightly buzzed. Maybe take the edge off about throwing herself into the running for something as silly as a Valentine’s Day auction. Was it better than getting on the apps again after almost six years of being with the same guy? Did she even know what dating was anymore? Not that this dating. It was far from it! But somehow, the option of auctioning herself off still seemed more palatable than swiping through countless men she recognized from town. Maybe this auction would have attracted new faces that she didn’t know. One known face she was always happy to see was Drew’s. Reserving those drink tickets for later, Ahalya set off the cut her nerves by spending it in familiar company. “Look at you all cleaned up now that you’re a hot shot corporate employee.” A roundabout compliment to say he looked very dashing. “I have yet to hear from you about the performance of my 401k.” Her nonexistent 401k, seeing as she had barely any savings, let alone retirement savings. “Or is that not what you do?” Ahalya's lack of financial literacy was peeking through. To distract from her own potential ignorance, she directed the conversation away from his career. “Was I seeing things or are you one of the guys up for auction tonight?”

[ahalyaxreddy]

WITH: @ryanparrish LOCATION: covington's 12th annual valentine date night auction

“Well, well, well,” leave it to Ahalya to start off in the most dramatic way possible as she slunk to Ryan’s side amid the crowds of people. He was pretty easy to spot seeing as he was sort of a giant among mortals. In more ways than one, it seemed. “If it isn’t Covington’s most eligible bachelor.” Her voice teasing, slow and deliberate with each word, she raised her brow a few times playfully. Yet her words were sincere. She’d witnessed quite the exhilarating bidding war for Ryan’s affections, an unsurprising turn of events perhaps. With but an hour to kill before the dates officially started, Ahalya figured she’d get her socializing in for the night, justify her everything shower and this dress by staying more than the allotted hour before going home at the stroke of 10. “You could sign a book deal. I hear men’s dating coaching is all the rave these days. Maybe start a podcast.” The teasing would eventually conclude. But it was a lot easier to jest about others who’d had a more successful run than herself. “I’m honestly surprised you’re even here, let alone auctioning yourself off.”

[ahalyaxreddy]

Ahalya, though very expressive with her emotions, felt a comfort in the simple embrace of her friend. There was a warmth in Reyhan’s presence that was hard to put into words. Maybe it came from the fact that they had bonded during one of the darkest points in Ahalya’s life, but in her presence, there was safety and reprieve. And tonight, when she had taken one too many emotional hits, the mere presence of the familiar and welcome face helped ease the negativity that was looming around the corner. Reminders of the life that she had given up, the life that she could have had, the lack of direction in the future that spanned before her. All of those pesky thoughts could be silenced for a few minutes, and she wasn’t sure if she would ever be able to fully express to Reyhan how much she valued her friendship.

Swooping in, as if she were truly an angel determined to shoo away all negativity, the little kiss she gave Ahalya had her heart swell and the first genuine smile of the evening peeked out from the shadows. She returned the favor, planting a quick peck on the other’s cheek. “There, now I can say I was kissed and that I kissed someone. And definitely someone I would rather kiss than anyone else in this room.” She scanned the attendees, deciding that yes, she would prefer Reyhan’s company to that of anyone else in the moment. Her rationality overpowered Ahalya’s desire to wallow, and she nodded. “No, you’re right. But I would rather assume that he just didn’t have the money than wonder if something bad happened, you know.” Because in the grand scheme of things, the auction was a small blip in her life. Given the frivolity of the event, Ahalya didn’t want to console herself by assuming something more serious than it warranted.

“You and me both,” Ahalya affirmed. She preferred not to be in center stage, at least not during these types of events. Maybe that was precisely the reason that Ahalya preferred to stay in her comfort zone, not venturing too far beyond. At the mention of Kaira, her ears perked up. But she knew that this was neither the time, nor the place, to ask Reyhan about why Kaira was unhappy with her bidder. Maybe Reyhan knew something about Roman, and, being the protective friend that she was, now she suspected that maybe the man had crossed two of her friends. Which was why, rather than broach the subject in the moment, she made a mental note to bring it up the next time they hung out. For tonight, she just decided to put the rest of the night behind her. “Next year, we can donate directly to charity and take each other out.” | @reyhansolmaz

FIN.

Despite not being the cuddliest person around, Reyhan had her moments. Usually, they were shared with Kaira, since she was the one Reyhan felt more comfortable being around with, however, there were occasions, such as this, that the young editor allowed herself to lower her walls for a bit and breathe easy. It wasn't that she was cold or distant... she just took her time letting others in.

When Ahalya mentioned going home and kissing a pillow, Reyhan shook her head and clicked her tongue. She leaned in and planted a kiss on her friend's cheek, double-checking if she hadn't left any sort of trace of her lipstick behind. "There. Now you have kissed someone other than your pillow. Or even better... you were kissed." She teased Lya as s soft chuckle escaped her lips. Valentine's was usually a time people, especially the women Reyhan had in her life, were often found moping around, and the young editor was no immune to it. "But who knows, Lya... maybe something came up and he had to leave? A family emergency or... I don't know?" Because that wasn't the guy's first bid, so it wasn't like he didn't want to win a date with Ahalya.

When the spotlight was placed on her, Reyhan shook her head. "Gosh, don't even remind me of that! I don't think I've felt so embarressed! As you can see, I don't do well with being the center of attention." In fact, she wished she would, but, unless she was working, Reyhan tended to linger in the background. It was better that way. "I know him, yes. He's a good friend." She offered Lya another smile. "I was going to set him up with Kaira, since she too wasn't happy with the result of her action, but I don't think we're allowed to do that. Maybe next year we should be the ones bidding." Hopefully, by next year, Reyhan would spend her Valentine's in the company of someone else and just bid for fun, but considering her lips, she'd better not to get her hopes high. / @ahalyaxreddy

[wyattxabhrams]

“Really?” He was intrigued. Their paths only crossed when one or the other was on their way to their next destination. And the conversation had rarely veered towards where they were heading off to next. Or why they’d moved in the first place. He knew just enough about Bek to consider her a friend. But not enough to understand why she would be equally flighty. “Why?” Though as he asked the question, Wyatt knew he would not answer if it were posed to him.

He’d run from the town and its expectations, its disappointments, in search of a clean slate. A place where his surname meant nothing. And Wyatt had found his home. Not in Covington. But he had laid his roots. He wasn’t sure if Bek had decided to return to their hometown for good. But had she been running like he was, he wondered if she was also a temporary guest. He knew that between the two of them, his departure was guaranteed. Would their paths end up crossing in another city once again? Or was she bound to Covington now?

Yes, she was not one who sought attention. And Wyatt flouted it only in this town. Having been in the spotlight since he was born, whether on stage or in school, they’d met at a time when he’d been seeking refuge. As had she. And though neither knew what from, the desire to be hidden was shared. “And yet you did. Was it a dare or a New Year’s resolution?” Because while he agreed that she didn’t seek attention, heading up on stage to allow the entire town to bid definitely didn’t accomplish that.

“Of course, I’m thoroughly flattered,” he joked as she retwisted her words that he had first twisted to suit his interpretation. Nevertheless, her ability to do so was impressive. He’d say she had a future in politics, but Bek said she hated drawing attention to herself.

Though she speculated about his prospects and Wyatt took a sip from his own drink with a shrug. “Sure,” he began, not denying that both in Covington and back in D.C., he had a fair share of people trying to pander. For different reasons, but it came with the territory. “But it’s better when it comes from someone who isn’t singing my praises or offering to fall at my feet.” And at this he nodded towards her. | @bekturan

"Flightly?" Eyes bright and dancing with amusement, Bek's smile tightened until what what was left to dangle off the edge of her lips came closer to a smirk. "Well, Abhrams, I guess if you're a bird I'm a bird, too."

After her accident, once she was considered as recovered as she'd ever be and fully capable of living alone, she ran from Covington and kept running.

It was only a wedding that never happened and the heartbreak that followed that saw her returning home. That finally inspired a craving for the kind of comfort and familiarity nowhere but the streets that raised her could bring.

She wasn't sure why he came back, or why he left in the first place, but the fact remained: Wyatt sure as hell wasn't the only one of them likely to find that sort of accusation thrown at their feet.

So with a scoff and a playful roll of her eyes Bek took his ribbing in stride. Mostly, because she saw it for what it was, but also because she couldn't recall a time she'd ever heard Wyatt laugh like that.

It was... nice.

"I realize we never sat around to whisper our deepest, darkest secrets and braid each others hair, but you probably know better than most that I'm not one for seeking attention."

Hadn't they met in the first place because she'd been hiding?

In a rare moment of vulnerable honesty, she shrugged. "Getting up there in front of everyone to be gawked at wasn't easy for me." To willingly invite the risk of judgement, ridicule, or being measured and compared against other, probably more desirable options— It was basically Bek's worst nightmare come true.

"I started the night miserable over the entire concept, yet I'm ending it surprisingly happy at the outcome. How is that not the highest form of compliment?"

Again, her eyes zeroed in on his face. She paused just long enough to sip from her drink. "I'm pretty sure you probably have enough women singing you praises and offering to kneel in worship at your feet." He was Wyatt Abhrams for fuck's sake; being on the receiving end of routine ass-kissing was practically his birthright.

"I highly doubt you're in need of a more thorough ego stroke from the likes of me." | @wyattxabhrams

[ahalyaxreddy]

It was a great question and Ahalya almost wished that she did. It would have spared her the agony of standing up on stage, dreading the possibility of no one bidding. Or worse, someone she hated. It was times like these she wished she’d been born with deep pockets that could allow her to purchase the affections of someone she had her sights set on. Though the question remained unanswered. Was there anyone in the crowd that she was pining for?

“Not really. Hoping for not the worst rather than the best at this point.” She answered honestly, looking over at the woman she somewhat recognized, though maybe not fully. “I’m too poor to bid, so I’m selling myself instead.” The context spoken aloud for the first time, she gulped as the thought of backing out crossed her mind not for the first time that night. What was she doing? Her name entered on an impulse, driven by a stupid Instagram post by her ex. And now she was regretting every single moment of it. “What about you? You look like a billion bucks. Are you participating or bidding? Just here for the drinks?” | @camgarza

location: Covington's 12th Annual Valentine Date Night Auction

status: open to (0/3) replies.

Cami almost wanted to laugh. What was she doing?

She'd asked herself that question at least a dozen times since arriving. Hell, she'd been asking herself that since she even pulled her dress off the back of her bedroom door to get ready. Compared to the other wallets in the room she didn't stand a chance at winning any bids. Didn't want a date, either, if she was being honest.

She arrived alone and would no doubt go home alone, but— Yeah. Okay. Maybe that didn't mean she had to spend every in between moment that way, too. Locking eyes with another guest lingering on the fringes of the room she sipped her drink, her lips parting ways with the rim of its glass to smile.

"Got your sights set on anyone special tonight?"

[wyattxabhrams]

Wyatt had long stopped caring what was said around town about him and his family. It had been nearly two decades since he step foot in Covington, and it was not like he kept up with what his father did. Nonetheless, since he had gone missing, there was only so long that the family was able to keep it quiet before the speculations began. The rumor mill was quick to churn out all sorts of theories, each more outlandish than the next. And it was precisely for this reason, to quell some of the suspicions around town given the ominous return of every single Abhrams that he decided to make an appearance at this event and bid. As he was walking up the steps of the venue, he caught the sound of a familiar voice and the end of a rather hilarious conversation. Amusement clear on his features, he waited for Blair to end her call. “Should have given me the phone, because I don’t think Mr. Fluffington’s health is what she should be worried about.” With a shake of his head and a chuckle, Wyatt offered her his arm, feeling a little bit better about walking in with company if only to hopefully avoid any passersby trying to stop and ask him questions. “It’s been a while.” | @blairmoreno

starter for: @wyattxabhrams location: valentine's day date auction

"No, listen," her voice was even as she spoke into the cell phone pressed firmly against her ear, "Mrs. Johnson, I promise that there is nothing wrong with Mr. Fluffington." She had spoke to the older woman a handful of times over the past week, seen the old cat about s many times, and somehow her old neighbor still didn't believe her when she said that he was fine. Blair had been trying to enter the auction for what felt like an eternity at this point, but it seemed that Mrs. Johnson needed a bit more reassurance before she would allow Blair to end this phone call. "I'll tell you what," she stated, "Come by the office tomorrow afternoon, around one, and we can take a look at Mr. Fluffington together. Again." She nodded to herself, a sigh of relief escaping her lips, as the old woman agreed to this. "Yes, yes, I'll see you then. I promise." She pulled the phone away from her ear and ended the call, sliding her phone into her purse. Her eyes found their way to a figure next to her, one that was quite familiar to her and laughed as as assumed Wyatt had heard the phone call, "I don't know if Mrs. Johnson will ever not be crazy about her cats." Blair considered herself a 'crazy cat lady', but definitely not to the same extent. Maybe. "Care to walk a lady in?"

[wyattxabhrams]

Of the number of people that had called his name that night since he’d made an appearance In Covington after nearly twenty years of being away, Caleb Rhodes was a voice he genuinely did not recognize. It was only when he turned to face the man that he was reminded of their colored past. One influenced entirely by the unspoken rivalry between their fathers. After all, Benjamin did not like a larger-than-life personality that could outshine his. And though he never had aspirations beyond Covington, Wyatt was certain that his father did not like the governor trying to throw his weight around what his father had viewed as his territory. Their exchanges always had an undercurrent of competition, hidden behind false praise and manufactured endorsements. It was hardly unexpected that their little tiff would trickle down into the two boys that were being groomed into their successors. If he remembered correctly—and Wyatt unfortunately remembered every detail about Covington with absolute clarity—Caleb and him had done nearly the same things. But for the fact that the other man was a few years younger than him, they would have likely been head to head in classes and extracurricular activities.

Tonight, years later, it appeared that where their paths converged in high school, they must have diverged soon after. Wyatt was well enough plugged into the political scene in Georgia to have known his father was still running the political circuit. However, it seemed his son was nowhere to be found. Wyatt had no particular reason to seek out details on Caleb Rhodes. If he made something of himself in the field that his father bestowed upon him, Wyatt would know. The fact that he didn’t meant that Caleb either flouted the path or floundered within it. Neither of which directly impacted the eldest Abhrams. “Caleb Rhodes, can say the same about you.” Once Wyatt left, he never turned back around. He did not actually know what Caleb. “But you know, have to come back and pay homage to the town that raised me and all.” Laced with obvious sarcasm, his brow creased at his next statement. Similar taste in woman? “You’ll have to be more specific. Which woman are we talking about?” Despite how the statement made him appear as if he surrounded himself with countless women ( not an unintentional phrasing on his part ), Wyatt was pretty careful to keep his romantic pursuits low profile. Too many messy entanglements could ruin a man.

starter for: @wyattxabhrams location: valentine's auction

Honestly, Caleb really didn't know what he was doing coming to an event like this. There was every chance his father would come to something like this, and Caleb wasn't sure he was actually ready to face the man after what he had found out. And yet, here he was, standing in the back of the room, watching as the contestants dispersed off the stage to find the people who had bid, and won, on them. Shaking his head at the absurdity of his situation, he headed over to the snacks table, hoping at least their options were good. Just as he reached out to grab a plate, he spotted one of the people he hadn't necessarily looked forward to possibly bumping into upon his return.

"Ah, Abrams... didn't realize you were still around." It was more of a question than a statement. Caleb hadn't been back in town long enough to hear through the grapevine about the oldest Abrams'. They'd grown up in such similar circumstances, it was honestly surprising they didn't get along more than they did. And yet, somehow, those similar circumstances had bread a bit of a competitive - if not, almost hostile - nature between the two. Bad parenting on their father's parts probably played a bigger part in that, but who knew. "Also didn't realize we shared such similar taste in women." he added, unable to help himself where Bek was concerned. Sure, they hadn't been together for over a year, and Bek had made it clear she didn't want him, but that didn't make it any easier coming back to Covington and seeing one of his least favorite people win a date with the person who used to be his absolute favorite.

[ahalyaxreddy]

If subtlety was an art, then Ahalya was a STEM student. Standing by the bar after she had completely done away with Harlow’s obstacle, she ordered herself a drink and leaned against the counter. She gave her friend a little tip of her imaginary hat because at the end of the day, she would always look out for Harlow. It had been nearly three years since she had put herself back out there and while she knew that Harlow said she was not ready to date again, maybe a night of fun and flirting would revive that spark in her. That was the same reason that Ahalya had ended up signing up for this and while her night might not have shaped out exactly as hoped, she was thinking of taking a page out of Harlow’s book. There were plenty of other fish in the sea, so to speak. And for a second she remembered Samara’s words that there was no reason for the night to be disastrous just because one part of it had been.

Right now, while her focus was no longer on herself, Ahalya did watch her friend intently. She could see the telltale signs of flirting, but she could also easily detect the quickly diminishing interest in Harlow’s eyes. Oh no! This was not going as planned. She thought that the two of them would at least hit it off enough to speak longer than a few minutes. Instead, Harlow seemed to feel like she was escaping his clutches with how fast she bolted the moment he paused in the conversation. Ahalya gave her a silent questioning look, trying to understand what happened as her best friend made a beeline towards her. And when she revealed what the issue had been, Ahalya buried her face in her hand.

Of course he ended up being boring. Finding a decent man was like trying to find a needle in a haystack in this town. But then, she peeked through her fingers at her friend curiously. “I thought you said that you weren’t looking for anything serious and just wanted to have a night of fun.” Straightening up and offering her the glass of wine in her hand, she cast a look back over at the man that Harlow had spurned. “He might be dumb, but he’s also really hot. He could probably show you a good time.” Turning her attention back to Harlow, she thought about to their conversation at the bakery. “Or are you ditching the one night stand, friends with benefits idea?” | @harlowmiller

Harlow's lips curled into a wry smile—her gaze lingering on Mr. Hot Chocolate. How long has it been since she’d had sex with an actual guy? Since her cheating ex. Nope, she wasn’t going to think about him now. Fuck him. When Ahalya playful nudged her, she chuckled. "Mrs. Hot Chocolate isn’t what I’m looking for, but I’ll take being his temporary bed companion," she quipped. The idea of attaching herself to someone, even jokingly, was a concept she wasn’t ready to delve into. Now she wasn’t opposed to a distraction though…

As she peered her best friend, her eyes twinkled with amusement. "You could never be a cockblock," she admitted. "If anything, I’m cock blocking myself." She took a sip of her drink, knowing full well her statement was true. Honestly, every time any of her friends tried to introduce her to someone, her answer had always been no. Tonight, things were about to change. As the other began to plot their approach, a conspiratorial glint in her eye—Harlow’s attention flickered back to her. She felt a surge of affection for her friend, always looking out for her—even now when she didn’t have to. "You're a true wing woman, babe, and for the record, my vibrator is not up for retirement just yet."

Then she linked arms with her bestie as the other started to pull her toward the object of her fascination. As she let herself to be led, her heart rate picked up. Would tonight be the night her dry spell ended? God, she hoped so. When Ahalya deftly maneuvered Brian away, Harlow couldn't help but admire her friend's smooth tactics. She gave Ahalya a grateful nod, her smile genuine. "I owe you one," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the loud chatter. Once Brian was whisked away, she turned her full attention to Mr. Hot Chocolate. His smile was magnetic. Everything about him screamed perfection, and for a moment, she let herself be swept away by the fantasy.

But as the conversation flowed—or rather, as it trickled—she felt the initial spark of interest wane. He talked about his gym routine, his protein shakes, and his new sports car as if she cared. She might be nodding along, but her mind drifted. Was there a mute button? Right now, she wished she could press it. Finally, with a polite smile, she excused herself, claiming she needed to freshen up. She didn't return. Instead, she made a beeline for Ahalya. "Girl, it's a no-go," she said, shaking her head as she reached her friend. "He's about as exciting as watching paint dry. Why are the hot ones always so full of themselves?"

[wyattxabhrams]

In truth, Wyatt was grateful that it was Drew and not someone else that ended up with Tess that night. Drew ( like Ryan ) was no less than family. He knew that Drew’s company would serve as at least a safe space for Tess after everything that had transpired during the actual auction itself. And were Wyatt more of a talker, more open about how he cared for his siblings, maybe he would have actually asked Drew to make sure that she was okay. But Tess was a big girl and one that had gone her entire life putting up a front of propriety for the masses. She knew how to fake a smile for the sake of appearances, and though she was nowhere to be seen right now, she’d reappear unfazed. “Well, I’ll see how you feel after the two hours with her.”

As the dates around the room were starting up, Wyatt knew that he’d have to go find Bek. And he was grateful that in the end, he’d managed to snag a date with her. He might be $2,000 down, but at least he knew that the evening would not require much effort from his side. Their conversations, like always, would be easygoing and fleeting. And in Covington, that was precisely what Wyatt sought. Transience. It was also why he had sought Drew out for the few minutes before their dates started. In part because it had been a while since they caught up, and in part because it allowed him a moment of respite amid the crowds of people watching him and his family like hawks. For even the slightest slipup that would indicate that they were hiding something. It felt like all eyes were on him and he appreciated the familiarity of Drew’s company. Because in this town, he was one of the few that he actually kept up with even after leaving.

“If you were still in D.C. you’d have had my business and that of everyone in my circle. Forget local businesses, you’d be managing portfolios for campaign funds and their managers. But you’re the one that decided to set up shop out here instead.” It was a refrain that many had heard from Wyatt. He was constantly trying to urge everyone to leave Covington. To be anywhere but here so that if he wished, he would actually make it out to see them. He nodded when Drew, correctly, identified the exact reason that Wyatt had made an appearance at this godforsaken auction to begin with. He had appearances to maintain. And no good would come with more gossip around town when his father’s whereabouts were still unknown. “It’s less my stature and more my bank account,” he joked since he had done everything he could do separate himself from Abhrams name. “But, on that note, my date’s probably looking for me,” he said with a nod in the general direction of the tables filling up. “And yours won’t appreciate thinking she has been stood up. Especially because of me.” Finishing the drink in his hand and leaving the cup at the bar, he turned back to Drew. “If you’re not asleep at the end of the night, I owe you $50.” | @drewparrish

FIN.

A grin was on Drew’s face when he caught the one on Wyatt’s face growing. Clearly he’d given him the response that he’d been searching for. It honestly made him wonder what would happen if he managed to divulge the truth to Wyatt, would the reaction be pleasant? Or would he end up giving him some age old warning to stay away from his sister? Drew didn’t think tonight was the night to test it out and so he remained quiet. “I mean—luckily Tess isn’t boring to me, but given how she’s your sister, I can see why you’d think that.” But that didn’t mean he didn’t wonder why exactly Tess Abhrams had spent an exuberant amount of money on him but knew this was not the Abhrams to question about that and stayed quiet. 

Raising his glass to his lips, Drew took a sip before glancing around the room, watching as some of the dates were beginning to commence, the awkwardness settling around the room in a way that only amused him. It made him question why Wyatt had chosen to track him down at this point and not his date but he didn’t voice this either. He had learnt in the time he’d spent with Wyatt that sometimes less was more when it came to conversation and it was always in your best interest to observe and listen rather than speak and had adapted that quality as well. It was different in his workplace of course but in social gatherings, he liked taking on another demeanour. 

Did it amuse Drew that Wyatt was talking to him about diversification? Something that Drew spoke about nearly day in and day out at work? Yes but knowing Wyatt—it was probably meant to be said with irony and so he took it. “I mean if you'd actually let me become your advisor—maybe you’d end up hearing just how much I know about diversification,” he told the other man before chuckling at the other man’s words while he shook his head. “Oh right—it’s all about the children, not at all about you keeping up appearances.” That had been said without a thought and for a moment Drew wondered whether or not it was something he should’ve kept to himself. “I mean—someone of your stature, walking out of her without a date, sounds kind of impossible to me.” | @wyattxabhrams