“What if…” My mind flashes back to my college days when we auctioned off the football team for a local charity. It was fun for the players and the students and brought in several thousand dollars. “How about a bachelor auction?”
“We’re listening,” Avery says with a gleam in her eye.
“We could round up all of the local, single men and auction them off the morning of the Christmas party.”
“And what does the highest bidder get?” Brian asks.
“A date to the Christmas party.”
Maryanne’s face lights up, but the others don’t look as convinced. “Who’s going to volunteer to be auctioned off?” Garrett asks.
“You,” I suggest. “I don’t see a ring on your finger. Are you married?”
“N-no.”
“Dating someone?”
He shakes his head, and Avery pipes in with a little too much gusto. “Let’s do it! It’s a great idea.”
I have the distinct feeling she’ll be bidding on Garrett.
“My brother is single,” Barry says. “I bet I could get him to participate.”
“That’s great! Maryanne, do you have a pen?”
She grabs a pen from her purse and hands it to me. I start jotting down the names everyone throws out, and by the time we’re done, we’ve got a solid list of fifty guys.
“Okay, you guys reach out to everyone and make sure they’re good with the auction, and I’ll talk to Dani and see if we can host the auction at Sal’s.”
“I’m so excited,” Maryanne says. “This is going to be so much fun.”
All I can think is, Dear, Santa, please let this be a success.
“Of course,” Dani says an hour later when I ask her if we can do the auction at Sal’s. “I think it’s a great idea.”
Her praise makes my heart swell. “You do?”
“Yes! It’s fresh and exciting. Just what the town needs. Plus, maybe we can find a sexy bachelor for you to buy at the auction.” She wags her eyebrows and gives me a nudge in the arm.
“I won’t get my hopes up.”
“Well, I will. And put Ben down. He’d love to do it.”
“No, he wouldn’t.” Ben frowns at Dani. “You can’t just volunteer me for something like that.”
“I’m sorry.” Dani walks over to him and fiddles with the front of his shirt. “It’s for a good cause, and you’re always wanting to help out. Plus, you’re super sexy and—”
“You think I’m super sexy?”
“Hell yes. And you’re funny and kind to boot. The women will eat you up.”
“What women?”
“At the auction. The ones who will be bidding on you?”
“Right.” His face falls. “The women. And I’m guessing you won’t be out there bidding on anyone?”
“Like I’ll have time. I’m planning on being stuck behind the bar the whole night.”