AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Attention, everyone!” Aunt Sissy’s voice crackled over the sound system, and a hush came over the crowd. “Thank you all for being at Outtatowner’s annual Matchmakers' Gala! This Western Michigan tradition has been going strong for nearly a century! Records at the Remington County Historical Association have documents of a similar local auction dating back to the mid-1930s!” Polite oohs and aahs surrounded me.
“Now please make your way around the outer perimeter to see all the very generous and downright amazing items in our silent auction. Bidding will close by eight, and we’ll move into everyone’s favorite part of the evening ... ourliveMatchmakers' Date Auction!”
A soft round of applause rippled through the crowd, and my stomach tightened. Across the gymnasium, I spotted Charles.
He was dressed in black suit pants, a crisp white shirt, and black tie. His hair was styled back, and his face was freshly shaven. I willed myself to feel...anythingat the sight of him.
I held my breath.
One. Two. Three.
I paused.
What. The actual. Fuck.
I promised myself that the lack of physical reaction to the very handsome sight of Charles was due to nerves.
Lark looped her arm in mine. “Let’s walk around and see what we can’t spend our money on.”
A waiter, sixteen-year-old Buddy Green, came by, and I placed my empty glass on his tray. Together, Lark and I made a circle around the gym to check out the items up for auction.
Farmer for a day with Duke Sullivan.He definitely got guilted into that one ...
A collection of wines from Charles’s personal wine cellar.
Six pottery classes, donated by yours truly.
Brewery tour for four from Abel King’s brewery.
One pie a month for a year from Huck Benton at the Sugar Bowl.
A free tattoo from Royal King.
Outtatowner Fire Department sexy firefighter calendar.Well, I’ll be bidding onthat.I looked at the bid sheet.Two hundred dollars?
I laughed, and affection for my hometown washed over me. They were generous and quirky and downright hilarious.
I turned to Lark. “See anything you can’t live without?”
She grinned. “I already told Wyatt I wanted your pottery classes.”
“Lark! You know I would give you lessons for free. You don’t need to do that.”
She lifted a shoulder. “It’s for charity. Besides, it’s better than Stumpy Larson’spersonal tour of Blue Star Highway.”
I shuddered, then laughed. “Good call.”
Together we wound through the crowd. I caught the eye of Mrs. Fritz, and she smiled at me before leaning in to whisper. “My money is on that handsome Mr. Attwater bidding on dates with you!”
“Thank you, Mrs. Fritz. That would be lovely.”
Her hand squeezed mine. “We’re all rooting for you two!”
Before I could answer, Bug King cleared her throat, and Lark and I turned toward her. “Excuse me.” She held a clipboard, and her glasses were perched on the tip of her nose. “Just confirming that you will be participating in the Matchmakers' Date Auction, Annie?”
I cleared my throat. “Yes, ma’am.”
“And Lee?” She looked at me over the rim of her glasses.
