I had lots of ideas about how to make the B&B more profitable, but those things took time.
“So,” Carol continued, “we’re going to have a fundraising auction here in three days. I invited the whole town to auction different things and all the money will go to a fund for building a community center on the property. I was hoping you could help me set up over the next few days. I already signed you up as an auction prize.”
My eyes opened wide. “What do you mean? Like legal services or something?”
Carol shrugged. “Something like that. You’re also a great handyman, you could auction that service for a few hours. It could help get the auction going, you know. You don’t mind, right? I figured you would be happy to help get the kids in town a more permanent place to be after school.”
“Oh, okay. Yeah, that’s fine.”
When I had told Carol about not selling to Raymond & Johnson Law, she told me she hoped that Marissa and I would takeit over all along. That woman’s scheming levels were above my mother’s. Carol would like to stay on as an investor but spend more time in Florida. I couldn’t speak for Marissa, but I loved the idea.
As for the auction, it wouldn’t be the first time; I had done it before. So much had changed since then. I checked my watch for the date again. Marissa could have been home four days ago, and still wasn’t. This auction would be good to help me stay busy.
“What do you need help with?”
Carol waved me off. “Oh, not much. Faith and Rose have spread the word. Will you go out to the barn and see what else they need? Maybe there is something your parents would auction as well?”
Dad and Michael had been down a few times to help patch the leak we found in the roof of the B&B. “I’m sure they would be happy to contribute. This is just the thing my mom would go crazy over.” Speaking of Mom, I had a crazy idea pop into my head. “Have you ever looked to see if the B&B would qualify as a historical building?”
Carol raised an eyebrow. “It was old when we bought the place and now I’m ancient. If it doesn’t qualify, I don’t know what would. It’s the oldest building in Hillsdale.”
I clapped with excitement. “I have an idea of how we can restore the B&B and keep investors away for good. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before!”
Carol sighed. “That sounds wonderful, Scott.” She reached over and patted my hand. “You’re a good kid . . . for a lawyer.” She chuckled.
I grabbed a coat and gloves and headed out the front door down the icy path to the barn. Helping Faith and Rose with the auction was the perfect excuse for me to talk to them about Marissa; hopefully they'd be more inclined to help me than to tell me to get lost. I walked into the barn and saw a mess of tables,signs, and papers. Faith and Rose were bickering in the corner about something.
“Excuse me, ladies.” They didn’t hear me. “Excuse me,” I said, a little louder.
They both turned and looked at me. Their eyes were wide with surprise.
“What are you doing here?” Rose scowled.
Maybe not on Team Scott then? Maybe I would ask Faith when Rose wasn’t nearby.
“Carol sent me over to help with the setup for the auction.”
Faith’s eyes sparkled. “Perfect. I know just what to do with you.” She pointed to the ladder in the corner. “Will you help me hang these signs up high?”
The day of the event I plowed the fresh snow from the parking lot with the four-wheeler and set up extra space heaters and blankets in the barn. We’d had a nasty storm all day, but it looked like it was blowing over just in time.
I dressed in a button-up shirt and khakis and went to the barn. I helped people find their seats and pointed them to the various tables with donations.
I walked over to the folded tables that held silent auction. There were baked goods to sell, a free manicure from Rose, and a handmade patchwork quilt. There were music lessons, a free eye exam, and paintings by Josh. It was a painting of Big Ben. I was brought back to the trunk-or-treat with Marissa and our first kiss. Yep, I would bid on that one for sure. I started the bid at thirty dollars. The way this town pulled together to help each other was amazing.
The research I had done this week said many people didn’t want to be the first one on the silent auction papers. I made several other offers, hoping to be outbid since my cash flow was tight rightnow. Everyone mingled around, talking about crops, weather, sports, grandkids, and how Coach Peters had missed an opportunity for the win at state by not playing their kid.
I checked my watch. The live auction was supposed to start forty minutes ago, but each time I reminded Carol, she insisted we wait longer before we started. I looked around. The place was packed. Why did it feel like she was stalling?
I kept checking my watch and watching the reaction of those in attendance. No one seemed too bothered that they were running late. I didn’t want it to affect their willingness to support the cause.
Carol stood up on the platform and grabbed the mic. I sighed and sat next to my mom.
“Alright, everyone, find a seat. We are going to get this party started.” People wandered to chairs. The lateness made me antsy.
Carol nodded to the left, and one of the boys brought out a cheesecake. “Let’s start with Dorris’s famous pumpkin cheesecake. Can I get five dollars?”
A hand shot up.
