“I don’t think the summer would be the same without it,” Josiah asserts. “You’ll have to come by the Youth in Government tent. We have a silent auction to raise money for our trip to Nashville to take over the capital. This year we have some really good items to bid on.”
“The choices are usually pretty good,” Opal agrees, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I usually bid on a few things,” she tells him conspiratorially.
Josiah lights up and nods his head excitedly. “Thanks for bidding and helping us go on the trip. It’s always a lot of fun when we go. It was only a few months ago, but I can’t wait to go again next year.”
“It was wonderful,” I agree while giving my student and indulgent smile. “You all worked really hard, to get there and while you were there,” I can’t help but gush a little while my heart is fluttering at the excitement written all over his face.
He doesn’t try to hide it, not even in front of Bolt. It’s one of the things that makes Josiah such a joy to have in the classroom and in my club—he doesn’t try to pretend he’s anyone other than himself. It’s refreshing considering the number of grunts and monosyllabic answers I get when I ask questions in class.
When I look into his basket, I’m more than a little surprised that it’s filled with produce, fruit, and meat; ingredients, not snacks. I can’t help but arch an eyebrow as I look up at him. Josiah rubs the back of his neck and gives me a sheepish smile.
Josiah holds a piece of paper up like it is evidence. “I have to get the things on the list first or mom will never let me hear the end of it. Going grocery shopping is one of my weekly chores. I don’t mind because she lets me take the car and I get to add a few things I want too.”
“I think it’s great,” I tell him. “If I ever have kids, I’ll definitely be looking at grocery runs as a major perk.”
Josiah chuckles before shifting his attention back on Opal and Graycie. “As far as the auction items, we’ve been collecting items for months.” The pride in his voice echoes in my chest and I can only shake my head as he shifts back into salesman mode.
“My living room is starting to look like I’m planning a wedding or something,” I joke and the ladies laugh with me.
When Graycie and Snake get married, I hope I get an invitation. Though, I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m not allowed on club property. My father is who my father is.
I’m not sure I’d let me past the gates either.
“Most of the local businesses donated things for the auction,” Josiah keeps plugging away. He glances at Bolt and it feels like something is left unsaid.
Even the businesses owned by the club donated to the kids. They’re the ones who have to go in and talk to people about what they’re fundraising for and how it all works. I’m not the one making it happen for them.
Helping my kids have a successful fundraising event isn’t the only good thing the SOMC does for the town. Dad has never allowed himself to see that.
I barely hold back a sigh. He’s insufferable. And, he has a badge.
“One item might interest you ladies, especially,” he’s laying it on thick now. I can’t say I’m not amused. “Someone donated a weekend in Chattanooga for two. It includes staying at a nice hotel, time at a spa, one activity to choose from a list of options depending on when you go, and dinner.”
Graycie looks like she’s considering bidding already. “That’s a really nice donation for the auction,” she exclaims.
“I know, right?” I shoot her a bewildered look because I have no idea who donated it. I wish I knew because I would love to thank them.
It should get a pretty good price at the silent auction. Knowing someone is supporting YIG and the kids so much really warms my heart.
“Who donated it?” Opal asks again, something like suspicion in her eyes.
If she thinks I’m the one who donated it, then she needs to look again at the average teacher salary in our county. It’s not enough to go on a fancy weekend vacation myself, let alone be in a position to give one away.
“I have no idea,” I tell her. “It was left for me anonymously. I wish I knew because I would love to thank them. It’s a really nice item and I’m sure there will be plenty of interest.”
“I’m going to have to bid on it,” Opal tells Josiah. “Might as well. I could use a weekend away.”
Graycie looks at Opal with concern in her eyes, but then she blinks and it’s gone. She loops her arm through Opal’s and gives a squeeze.
“I wouldn’t mind a weekend away either,” Graycie agrees.
Opal snorts, “Like my brother would be able to stand you being that far away from him.” There’s no malice in her voice, only amusement. Something mischievous crosses Opal’s face and she grins at me. “At the very least, we need another girl’s night in.”
“Definitely,” I breathe out.
The last time we hung out, with Jessi and Lara there as well, it was a lot of fun. It’s been a while since we were able to get together. Now that the school year is over, I have more time and don’t feel like I’m about to collapse at any moment.
The beginning and the end of the year are always hectic. It’s why I’m trying to get things done now.
