The patrons in attendance had their chairs turned to face the stage and the makeshift runway leading from the bar to where Santana was standing. Once she’d heard Sloane’s plan to drum up some enthusiasm for the festival kickoff party and the bar in general, she had doubled down on cheer. Probably because she liked giving grief to her best friends and, considering Brady was the sole competitor in the fashion show, she was going to get a night full of chances.

Santana wrapped her hand around the mic stand and accepted the hoots from the crowd.

Though “crowd” was a generous description. While there were more people than usual filling the room, according to Dixon, most of the men were regulars. Friends who wanted to see their longtime bartender loosen up while embarrassing himself. And the women? Well, most had seen Sloane’s posts online the day before and were either curious about what that meant or just wanted to see Brady shirtless.

For that reason alone, Ms. Peggy was seated at a table closest to the stage, Emma and Callum on either side. Santana had a seat saved next to Callum. Her phone was on top of the table, ready to record.

Much to Brady’s immense displeasure.

“We thank you for coming and can’t wait to get started,” Santana continued, really leaning in to her role as emcee. “First, let’s go over the rules and how you can help our favorite grumpy bartender win the esteemed title of King of Arbor Bay!”

She pointed to the whiteboard they’d wheeled in and placed at the back of the stage, thanks to Emma. There was only one category written on it in black—fashion—but it had several subsections ready to be scored.

“Brady will strut his stuff, showcasing several flattering outfits,” she continued. “Our job is to choose which ones he wears for the About Me portion of the pageant, the themed costume walk, and then what he’ll wear during the talent section.” She found Sloane standing at the mouth of the hallway and pointed at her. “And remember, we must be somewhat kind, considering Sloane here will be forced to be onstage with him during the costume and talent portions!”

Sloane chuckled as the crowd let her know through a wave of voices and laughter that there was no way in hell they were going easy on Brady for her sake.

“Now, we’ll be starting in five minutes, so make sure you grab a drink before we get down to business!”

Several people got up and made their way to Dixon behind the bar. Santana hurried over to help while Sloane took the break to go back and check on the star of the impending show.

She knocked on the office’s closed door. Brady’s loud and extremely grumpy voice came through with ease.

“Dixon, I swear if you take one more picture!”