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“I hadn’t planned on that, but if someone is interested in one, please let me know.” Victoria went on. “It’s mostly a fun wager. We need outsiders to decide for us.”
“Trey, did you know about this?” I asked. “She has to be talking about our contest.”
“My mother is full of surprises, but you know, I like it.” Trey nodded in approval. “It’s fair this way because the staff at the Manor love me. You would never have won.”
“Oh, you’re that sure, are you?” I pointed to the other room. “Let’s go watch. And no cheating.”
“I’d rather grab a drink and have a dance with you,” Trey said, pointing in the opposite direction. “Unless, of course, you are worried.”
“I’m not worried.” I scrunched up my nose. “What I am is hungry. So yeah, let’s go that way.”
“Mummy, can I stay with Aunt Mia over here? It’s smelly in that room.” Sophie pinched her nose shut.
“You two go ahead and relax. You’re on vacation, Chloe, so have some fun.” Mia pushed us toward the buffet. “We’re going to get a cupcake and see how the bidding is going.”
“Hey Sophie,” I stopped walking and looked to her, “I love you a million Easter baskets.”
“I love you a million cupcakes.” Sophie giggled and waved bye.
There wasn’t really a line at the buffet, probably because everyone was at the auction, so we took full advantage and loaded up several plates. I couldn’t possibly eat everything on my plate, but it all looked so good.
“Okay, we got carried away, didn’t we?” Trey pointed to all the plates we were holding. “Let’s go shovel this in before the bachelor auction starts.”
“Have you done this before?” I asked. “You seem a little nervous.”
“This is the first year Mom is doing a bachelor auction and it also happens to be the year I don’t want to do it.” Trey picked up a fork, staring at his plate. “These high society women can be brutal, and I’m just done with it, honestly.”
“That’s unfortunate, because I overheard a few of them in the ladies’ room. You just might go for a lot of money.” I nodded when he seemed surprised. “I’m looking forward to seeing how all this goes. Will your date be tonight or another night?”
“No idea, but I’m guessing another night. I have to deliver Easter baskets to all the kids in the hospital tonight,” Trey said a bit shyly. “It’s bad enough they’re sick and in the hospital so I try to make it special for them and their parents.”
“That’s really sweet. I’d love to help, if you need help, that is.” I tried to backpedal out of inviting myself.
“All the Hawthornes go, and you are now an honorary Hawthorne, so of course you can help.” Trey dug into his food. “Better eat, the auction will start any minute. I already see Mom up there.”
“It’s silly, but I’m getting nervous for you.”
Chapter 23
Trey
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the bachelor auction, so let’s get those checkbooks out,” Mom said from center stage. “Tonight, three Hawthornes are up for bidding. Two of my sons are helping out. Trey will be a single date, but we thought we’d make it fun and the two bad boys, Asher and Sawyer, will be auctioned off as a double-date.”
The lights turned up as all the men in the auction were called to the stage.
“Guess I’m on.” I stood and pressed a hand on Chloe’s shoulder. “I hope you’ll save a dance for me tonight?”
“Yes, of course I’ll dance with you, if your date doesn’t mind,” Chloe teased. “Get up there and let the girls drool over you. Make lots of money for the charity.”
Asher and Sawyer were already on stage when I stepped up, and the women went wild. Asher was grinning ear to ear, Sawyer not so much. He definitely hadn’t had much warning.
“There’s a new king in town, big brother, so don’t get too cocky just because they’re cheering for you,” Asher said.
I laughed. “You’re jealous because all the ladies love me more, little brother.”
We continued the banter with each other while Mom introduced two of my cousins from the Hawthorne side of the family who also stepped onto the stage.
“Did you know they were doing this tonight?” I asked Asher. “I thought it was just us.”
