Whispers Turn

“Okay.” 

What Colin was about to discuss concerned the future. “I’m kicking off the Toast of Honor‘ project in a few days.” 

Sherilyn was surprised. “The Toast of Honor project?” 

Colin nodded at her. “Yep.” 

The so–called Toast of Honor project was a gimmick. After all, since it was a dance floor, the real deal was the dance–off. The project was about the Dance Queen showdown at the Neon Nights Bar. 

Patrons could place bets on their favorite dancer. Naturally, that meant placing bets on the same dancer. So, the reward was that if the dancer you bet on became the Dance Queen, the patron who placed the highest bet on her would get the ‘privilege‘ of having the Dance Queen personally pour them a drink. 

Sherilyn got the gist of it but was a bit skeptical. “You think it’ll work?” 

“Don’t worry.” Colin was an old hand at that. “Everyone here is looking to blow some cash for a good time. They love this kind of excitement.” 

He laid it out plainly, “No doubts about it. The Dance Queen will be you. You’ll be pouring drinks. I’m just giving you a heads–up so you’re prepared. No issues, right?” 

“No issues.” Sherilyn smiled and shook her head. 

She was prepared for something like that since she had come to Neon Nights Bar. 

“That’s the spirit.” Colin was relieved. “Then get ready. I’m off.” 

Sherilyn smiled. “See you around.” 

Outside, facing the stage, the same VIP booth as last time, even the crowd hadn’t changed. They were Gilbert, Derek, Yates, and his cousin Edgar. Gilbert wasn’t in the best of moods, sitting down without uttering a word. 

“What’s up?” Derek noticed, “You seem down.” 

“Yeah.” Gilbert nodded, not bothering to deny it. 

He was feeling off and couldn’t get Sherilyn and cheese pastry out of his mind. 

“Whoa.” Yates was curious. “Who’s got Mr. Gilbert looking so down? Spill the beans. Let’s laugh.” 

Tsk. Gilbert couldn’t help but smile, asking them, “What do girls generally like?” 

He realized he had messed up that morning. He had made a promise to Sherilyn but 

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hadn’t kept it. The cheese pastry was nothing much, but breaking a promise was a big deal. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

But she seemed upset when she left, and taking her to the Velvet Fork again wouldn’t make much sense. Maybe it was time to make it up to her with something else. 

But what did she like? He had racked his brain all day and couldn’t think of anything specific about her preferences except himself. But he couldn’t gift wrap himself for her. He might as well seek advice from the guys. 

“Girls?” 

“Girls?” 

Derek and Yates said in unison, 

“Pfft.” Derek snorted, “Are you asking us what Caroline likes?” 

“Exactly.” Yates agreed, “You’ve known Caroline all your life. Haven’t you given her enough gifts?” 

Gilbert was exasperated. “Not her.” 

“No way!” The duo exclaimed in unison again. 

“Annoying, aren’t you?” Gilbert shot them a look. 

But by his demeanor, it seemed serious. 

“Wow.” Derek leaned in. “Mr. Gilbert is finally moving on, starting anew?” 

“It’s not like that.” Gilbert regretted asking, “Should’ve known better than to ask…” 

Yates, however, sternly answered, “Well, girls typically like the same kind of stuff, such as clothes, jewelry, and bags. You can’t go wrong with those.” 

Just that? It lacked creativity, though he had thought about it, too. 

“Fine then.” Gilbert nodded, deciding not to overthink anymore. 

“Guys, look, it’s S!” Suddenly, Edgar, who had been quiet, pointed excitedly at the stage. 

“S? Who’s S?” The others, confused, looked at him blankly. 

Edgar explained, “It’s that masked girl!“