Page 111 of Everything Has Changed
We turn our attention to the gazebo as Margot raises the microphone to her mouth. I get a flush of pride in my chest as I watch the crowd cheer. The size of the attendees finally hits me as they all stand in the same place.
“Welcome to the 39th annual Willow Grove Harvest Festival, y’all!”
Everyone cheers again. Loud whistles ringing out in the air.
“And welcome to the first ever Willow Grove date auction! I bet my mother-in-law is wondering why she never thought of this herself, especially after seeing the lineup of eligible bachelors—and a couple of bachelorettes—we have tonight.” A rolling chuckle moves around the crowd. “Before we get started, I want to take this moment to highlight the reason this year was such a raging success. Gwendolyn, where are you, darlin’?” Margot puts her hand to her brow, searching the crowd beneath the perimeter lights. Kennedy nudges me forward, and Piper calls for her to look over here. My cheeks no doubt are flaming red under the warm glow when everyone turns toward me.
I raise my hand in acknowledgement when she waves at me.
“Let’s give a massive round of applause for Willow Grove’s very own for going above and beyond. But I would be remiss not to include my own pride and joy, who assisted. My son, and current eligible bachelor, ladies,” her wink makes everyone laugh, but sends my stomach somersaulting at the reminder he will be going on a date with someone else tonight. “Logan Spencer. Honey, poke your head out real quick.”
The curtain parts, and the female population surrounding us erupts in cheers as he bashfully grins, waving around the crowd. Butit’s when he hugs his mother, pecking her on the cheek like a true southern gentleman, that has them all swooning. Myself included.
He gives a silent goodbye, parting the curtain again. Instead of just disappearing behind it though, he shoots a wink in my direction, then exits.
“God, that boy has it bad for you.” Piper mimes a swoon with her hand to her forehead.
Does he, though?I think to myself. I feel Kennedy rub at my back. A silent gesture that tells me she’s there. Probably sensing the worry nagging at me again.
“First, the rules for tonight. Winning bids are final, and only one winning date per person, so please see Gwendolyn,” she points in my direction again, and I hold my hand up to show everyone who I am, “as soon as possible to settle up. She will then give you your basket, courtesy of Holly’s Vineyard. Please remember, though, ‘no’ means ‘no’ and is a full and complete sentence. If for whatever reason your date declines, please respect their wishes; however, these contestants are ready for a little wine ‘n dine tonight. Be kind and play fair. And have fun! Now let’s get this auction started!”
The first couple of contestants go by in a blur. Mrs. Spencer stunned us all with her auctioneer voice. I thought she was joking when she told me she had been practicing, but she proved me wrong as she sped through the dollar amounts without getting winded.
But when the first bidding went on to over five hundred dollars, I realized I didn’t just underestimate Margot, but I underestimated just how well this event would do.
After tallying up the money handed over by an old classmate’s mother, Kennedy and Piper stared at me with wide eyes as I gave her the picnic basket and wished her a fun night.
“Was that Rudy Jenkin’s mom?”
“Yup.”
Kennedy’s jaw dropped. “Wasn’t that Rudy Jenkin’s high school best friend?”
We all stare at each other, our cheeks turning red until we couldn’t hold it in anymore and laughter bursts out of us.
“I knew this would be a hit,” I say as I peek into the money bag in my hands. “I didn’t realize it would be this big, though.”
“No shit. It’s only guy number three, and you’ve already raised over a thousand dollars.”
Piper shakes her head in disbelief. “No offense to those guys, but they weren’t even top-billed. These people are going to go bankrupt when they see the final few.”
Blood drains from my face as I realize what she means. “I guess it’s a good thing I’m not bidding on Logan anymore. There’s no way I could afford it.”
“What do you mean you’re not bidding on Logan?” Piper’s jaw drops at my admission.
“It’s nothing,” I try to assure her, but my sister just stokes the fire.
“He’s an idiot and told her not to.”
“It’s okay. I might not like it, but I get it.”
Piper’s brows slam down. “Good for you. However, I don’t. What’s his problem?”
“Honestly,” I blow out a long breath. “I’m not sure. But I’m not going to let him ruin my big day.”
Piper wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I’ll kill him if he hurts you. That’s not a threat.”
I giggle, leaning my head on my best friend’s shoulder. “I know.”
