Page 69 of Keeping it Local

Beth: OMG. I’m going to be late. Megan just got home, and she looks like hell. She said she got sick in the trash can a few times at work

Me: I heard. I’m with Lane now setting up

Beth: Thank God. OK. I’ll see you in a few. I need to get her cleaned up, and I’ll take off

Me: Take your time. See you soon

“Anyone seen Megan?” Ted walked in, looking around. “She was supposed to be here a while ago to give me instructions. Not sure what I’m supposed to do.”

“She’s down for the count, it sounds like,” I said. “Want to help Lane and me with these tables?”

The three of us spent the next forty-five minutes setting things up. Miranda, Megan’s assistant from the city, came in with the linens about halfway through and helped us finish setting up.

The place was finally looking ready. Unfortunately, I was not. A sheen of sweat covered my entire body and my once-clean clothes were coated in dust from moving all the tables around. I didn’t have time, but I needed to go home and change. I couldn’t show up like this.

The caterers had just arrived and set up the bar when Greg tore into the tent. He looked flustered and was all over the place running around, checking in on everyone.

“Whoa, Greg. We’re good. We’re all set up,” I said.

“I had no idea how much Megan did until she wasn’t here.” He pinched his nose.

“Yeah, she runs a tight ship. It’ll be okay though. Everything is set up and ready to go,” I said. “I’m assuming you’re going to be the auctioneer tonight?”

“Shit. I completely forgot she was supposed to run the show. I was too busy getting everything logistically set up.” He huffed, looking around with his hands on his hips. “I can’t do it. I need to sit at the big donor table. Someone’s got to push some of these guys with deep pockets to open them up. I’ll have to figure it out.”

I watched Greg have a minor panic attack as he looked around, looked at his watch, and had no less than five people come up to him asking for instruction. The guy was stressed.

“I can do it,” I said.

“What?” he asked.

“I can kick off the evening and be auctioneer. Beth and I had to write everything up for Megan anyway, so I know the programming. It’s not a big deal. I can step in.”

“Really? Okay. That’s fantastic.” Greg sighed, clearly relieved. “I’ll come up and say a few words at the beginning to welcome everyone, but yeah, if you could manage most of it, that would be a huge lift.”

“No worries.”

He looked me up and down for a moment, hands on his hips still. “What is it that you’re planning on wearing?”

“Well, I was going to wear this, but I definitely need to change now.”

“Definitely. Figure that out, and I’ll see you at 6:30 when we start.”

My phone dinged again.

Beth: Heading over now. Be there in 10

Me: Can you do me a huge favor?

Beth: Sure, what do you need?

Me: I’m filthy from set-up. Can you grab me something from my closet to wear? Anything hanging up would work. Key is under the mat. Just let yourself in. Told Greg I’d be auctioneer tonight. Guess I need to look the part

Beth: Auctioneer?! You’re moving on up! I’ll pick you out something good

Lane walked up, putting his hand on my shoulder. “What’s this I hear about you running the show tonight?”

“Just helping out.” I shrugged, puffing out my chest at the thought of Beth seeing me on stage.