Page 36 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“There are two,” Al said. “One is a one-week trip to a winery in California, all expenses paid. The other is a five-day stay for two at The Sanderling Cove Inn in Florida, plus airfare. Details for both places will be forthcoming at the drawing.”

“I never have luck in things like this,” said Lori. “But I’ll pay for one ticket.”

“No worries. I’ll buy some too,” said Guy. He pulled out a hundred-dollar bill and paid while Lori discreetly bought one ticket with her twenty.

Guy stood. “Want to take a look at what they’re offering?”

“Sure,” said Lori. “It’ll be fun to see.” She wouldn’t be bidding on anything, though she saw a crowd around the table and realized most people in the audience would participate.

The long table featured a number of wonderful prizes—jewelry, services, decorative pieces, artwork, and other items that were sure to bring in a substantial amount of money.

While people were milling about, Al talked about the five charities that would benefit from the auction. Lori liked the idea that a Valentine's Day event was more than just a party.

“Is there anything you want me to bid on?” Guy asked her.

Lori grinned and shook her head. “Only what you want for yourself. Thanks.”

“What do you think of this painting for my office?” Guy asked, indicating a watercolor of a nearby lake.

“It’s pretty,” Lori said. “I know the local artist’s work, and I’ve always liked her paintings.”

“Okay, we’ll see how I do,” said Guy.

Lori loved seeing the excitement on his face and hoped he’d win it.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

LORI

Lori enjoyed watching the proceedings with people bidding against one another good- naturedly. When Josh learned that Guy wanted the watercolor painting for his office, he bid on it too, raising the price for the charities, allowing Guy to win it.

Nicole won a piece of jewelry she wanted—a gold band with a diamond pendant. Susannah won a dinner for two at a local gourmet restaurant that served the best food in town. Ben Smith won a golf club he wanted.

Everyone was satisfied by the time the drawings were announced.

The trip to Florida went first, and an older woman won, delighting her husband.

“Okay, now the drawing for the stay in wine country,” said Al. “I’ve kept the name of the winery as a special surprise for you folks who bid on it. Many of you enjoy their wine and don’t know they rent out a small cottage on the property. We’re proud to be among the first group to offer a stay at Adeline Hills Winery.”

Hearing the name, Lori gasped. She’d only bought one ticket. Had she known it was Griff’s winery, she would’ve bought six tickets.

“You know the winery?” Guy asked her.

“Yes and no. I’ve heard about it and how special their wines are,” she said, clutching her ticket in her hands, which had grown sweaty.

“All right, here we go,” said Al. “This is the final drawing.” He reached into the glass bowl which held what looked like thousands of tickets to Lori and pulled one out.

He read off the number.

Lori stared at the ticket in her hand and let out a long sigh. The winning ticket wasn’t hers.

“I’ve got it,” said Guy getting to his feet. “That’s my number.”

After verifying the tickets matched, Al gave Guy a packet of information.

Lori clapped along with everyone else, but she was devastated. The thought of seeing Griff again had struck a need deep inside her.

Beaming, Guy sat down beside her. “This has been an enjoyable evening.”