Page 77 of Wildflowers and Wide Receivers

“Thank you,” I tell him, and as I reach over to squeeze his hand, a ball of fire goes whooshing by our heads. I laugh, and Jonah frowns at the guy, pulling me closer to him.

This year, the theme is “A Night at the Circus,” and they have outdone themselves. From red fabric sweeping from the ceiling to create a big-top experience, the gold, white, and black accents to all of the individual performers strategically placed around the ballroom. There are acrobats on silks, knife throwers, a tightrope walker, dancers, jugglers, musicians, a few animals, clowns, and fireblowers. The costumes are gorgeous, and I already know this will be a great night.

“Shall we go get a drink?” he asks.

“Absolutely, and then let’s go browse the silent auction before they call us to sit down for dinner.”

They advertised that the silent auction would have more than two hundred and fifty items. I love to bid on things even though I never win, but I’ll help raise the price, which ultimately results in more donated money.

As we start walking toward the bar, I look around the room and spot a few people I know. Several are here from my practice, including Isaac; there are colleagues I worked with at the hospital and of course the residents who were a year behind me. I love that so many people are here for this.

“Sir,” a server says, approaching Jonah. He’s holding a tray of fun drinks, which he says are a rose sangria. We grab two, and off we go.

“These taste so good,” I hum as I take another sip.

“It’s a little sweet for me,” he says.

“Of course you would say that. You do realize some of the most delicious things in the world are sweet,” I mock him for his strict diet. Yes, he eats pizza and lasagna, but in general, what he eats on a day-to-day basis is all healthy.

“Can’t argue with you there. I happen to think you are the sweetest.”

“Look at you, pulling out all the charisma tonight.”

He smirks as he looks down at me. His jaw is freshly shaved, making the line above the dark cut of his jacket appear even more pronounced. Seeing him in this tux is definitely doing something for me.

“Have you ever won anything at one of these?” I ask him as we approach the first table.

“Nope. I’ve never bid on anything,” he says, tucking the hand not holding his drink into his pants pocket. He looks so debonair. Some men look uncomfortable in a tuxedo, but not Jonah. He owns this look.

I glance at him. “Really?”

“Nope. I’m not someone who collects things, and anything that I might want like hockey tickets or a weekend at someone’s house in Aspen, I can just get whenever I want.”

“But you’re missing the point. Everyone in here can do those things, but these items are donated so all the money goes to charity.”

He shrugs. “I get that, but I donate money during the ‘open call’ portion of the night. Isn’t that the same thing?”

“I guess, but tonight, we’re going shopping.”

He chuckles.

All around the perimeter of the ballroom are the items. I know they also had them listed on a website where people not in attendance can bid. Security is also strategically placed around the room.

“Oh, Jonah, look at this one.” It’s an overnight birthday party in the Florida aquarium.

He’s quiet as he looks at it but then shakes his head. “Great idea, but who would we invite?”

I guess he’s not wrong. Maybe when she’s older and has made a few more friends.

“Okay, fair enough, but we’re definitely putting our name down for this basket of assorted wines.” I type the item code assigned into the app and place a bid.

“Do you ever win?” he asks, taking a sip of his drink and then grimacing.

“Not once.” I laugh. “But I’d like to think I’m doing my part in donating by upping the price on all these items.”

He walks a few paces over and sets down the glass.

“I’ll get something else in a bit. Let’s do it,” he says, waving his hand out toward all of the items.