But then I saw all proceeds were being donated to the veterans, and my mind changed. I couldn’t donate to a cause that meant so much to me.
A cause that was me.
Unwanted memories from my past threatened to make a reappearance, but I shoved them deep down where they belonged and signed up for the auction.
A week later, an email from Evelyn told me I was bachelor number twelve. It was happening. No way to turn back. But I had ample time to think of a plan for the weekend. And I came up with the perfect idea.
I’d rent a room at the local inn, and she could have my cabin to herself. That’s within the rules, right? Probably not, but no one would find out. Unless the woman made a big deal about it, but maybe she wouldn’t. Most likely, the woman needed a vacation. Or to get laid. Neither could I help with.
Yet as Valentine’s Day approached, my nerves doubled, then tripled, then exploded throughout my entire body. I kept telling myself it was for a good cause, but it didn’t ease the nerves. Not even a little.
When the day finally arrived, I choked back some coffee and drove to the center of town an hour before showtime. I met up with the guys in the back room, a few of them I knew from around town. Lovesbury was a small town, and naturally, everyone knew everyone. And usually all of their business.
People in town, of course, knew me. And knew that I liked to be left alone. I wasn’t the type to strike up conversations or maintain friendships. Hell, I could barely maintain the one with myself. I worked in security and spent as much time working as I could, and the rest of the time at home with my dog, Fred.
He was a German shepherd, one I helped train during my time in the military, and when we arrived back home, I couldn’t part with him.
Adopting him was the best thing I could’ve done for myself, as Fred helped my mental health a lot. He was my best friend through some dark times. I know it sounds crazy, but the comfort he brought was irreplaceable.
I seriously hope whoever wins me likes dogs because Fred isn’t going anywhere.
“Looking good, fellas!” Evelyn announced over the hum of conversations, bringing me out of my numerous thoughts. Sometimes I wished my brain had an off button.
Evelyn clapped her hands and smiled. “Thirty minutes until we walk out.”
“She’s a toughie,” a guy’s voice I recognized said, and I turned to find Levi there, a large smile on his face. He clapped me on the shoulder. “Hey, bro, how’s it going?”
I nodded in his direction, happy to see a familiar face. “Hanging in there. Wondering what I’m doing here.”
“Same, dude. But hey, it’s the cause that counts, right?” He pointed at the paper he was holding. “Looks like I’m number thirteen, right next to you.”
“Nice. We can grumble together.” I said with a smirk. Levi was an officer in town, a trusted partner in the community I’d known for a while, and I was glad he was here. Someone else to commiserate with.
Levi chuckled. “Should be interesting.”
We continued talking about the auction and things happening around town, and the time passed quickly.
“Everyone, get into numbered order!” a woman with a clipboard yelled over the chatter. “Start with bachelor one here and continue down.” She stood near the door and pointed at her feet.
Levi and I joined the row of men, lining up accordingly. In front of me stood Graham Westbrook, a local sports athlete. It was nice to see others in the community taking part, from mechanics to officers and even athletes. We had a good lineup. Hopefully, we’d get some good bids, and the veterans’ center would get a new roof in no time.
There were thirteen guys in total, and after they took a head count several times and reminded us of our roles, they walked us out onto the stage.
The crowd cheered, and I looked around at all the faces, surprised that so many people turned up, especially in the cold weather.
Moments later, the auction began, starting with the bidding for bachelor number one. The ladies in the audience were quick to bid, and the men went fast.
Suddenly, it was my turn. A bead of sweat trickled down my back. Isit hot in here, or is it just me?
“Let’s meet Arden Waters!”
I had no time to think as an assistant wrapped her arm around mine and urged me forward, bringing me front and center.
I wanted to disappear.
Lights shone bright in my eyes.
“Take a good look at him, ladies! A weekend with him is up for grabs, and you know you don’t want to miss this one. Any bidders?”
