He realized if Alec had lost the bet and was the one about to go on stage, he'd be here to watch the night unfold too. Still, he wished Alec and Gianna were at home watching television and eating pizza. He'd even asked his cousin to reconsider coming, because if anyone would've been able to get Alec to stay home, it would be her. But, not surprisingly, Gianna had refused and then reminded Duncan that he had himself to blame for his predicament. Like he needed to be reminded.
“It helps when you know people.” Alec slapped him on the shoulder. “So, how are you doing?”
How do you think?“Just wonderful. You know how much I've been looking forward to this event.”
“Gianna will be relieved when I tell her that. She was worried you were miserable back here. By the way, she says hello,” Alec replied before turning his attention toward Clay and introducing himself.
“Clay's about as happy about being here as I am,” Duncan commented as the two men shook hands.
If Alec's smile got any bigger, he could play the role of the Cheshire Cat. “You should both think of it this way. All the money raised tonight is for a worthwhile cause.”
His friend wasn't wrong there. He just would've preferred to make a monetary donation to the Helping Hands Foundation, as he did with other charities.
The hotel employee returned with their drinks, and Alec waited until he left before speaking again. “Duncan, you'll be glad to know at least one woman in the audience is thinking about bidding on you.”
Duncan placed a hand over his heart. “Thank you. I feel so much better knowing that.”
Before he could ask if it was anyone he knew, two employees entered with meals for the bachelors.
“Looks like they're starting to serve dinner. Maybe you should return to your table and join your better half.”
“I'll catch up with you later.” Alec stepped away but then stopped. “By the way, I'm proposing to Gianna tonight.”
Before Duncan could get a word out, his friend walked away.
THREE
When Tory had toldMilan she intended to bid tonight, she’d honestly still been teetering on the fence. But once Milan promised not to throw her hat in the ring when Duncan came on stage, Tory was left with no other choice. So now, as the hotel employees served dessert and coffee, she surveyed the room and wondered who her competition might be.
“Finally, the show is about to get started.”
Alec’s comment drew her attention toward the front of the room as the foundation’s director, Marilyn Belmont, and her daughter, who was in charge of tonight’s fundraiser, walked on the stage set up for the event.
Much like at the last auction, Marilyn stepped behind the podium first. It didn’t take long for the various conversations to stop and all eyes to turn in her direction.
“Thank you all for being here tonight. For more than seventy years, the Helping Hands Foundation has worked to improve the lives of others. It wouldn’t be able to do that without the help and support of each and every one of you.” Applause broke out, and Marilyn paused in her speech. “And now I’ll hand things off to Courtney.”
While Marilyn exited the stage, Courtney adjusted the microphone behind the podium. “As the director said, the foundation wouldn’t be able to help others without your support, so thank you again for being here.”
More applause filled the ballroom, and Courtney waited until it stopped before speaking. “Tonight, we have twelve bachelors participating in the auction. Their names and bios are all listed in the program. Each gentleman will take the winning bidder out on four romantic dates. Everyone can place as many bids as they wish; however, if your bid is accepted, you cannot bid on any of the remaining bachelors. Now, let’s meet our first bachelor.” Applause once again forced Courtney to pause and wait before she could continue.
“Henry Blakey grew up in Albany, New York, but spent every summer with his grandparents in Franklin, Tennessee.”
As soon as Courtney announced his name, Henry appeared on the stage.
“For his sixth birthday, he received his first guitar from his grandpa Joe, and he hasn't stopped playing since. When he's not on tour with his band, Henry divides his time between Nashville and New York City,” Courtney continued.
“Did you know Henry was originally from Albany, New York?” Since his band was one of country music's biggest names, Tory had assumed he’d grown up in a place where the style was a little more popular.
“Not until I read his bio on the website,” Leah answered.
“For their first date, Henry and the winning bidder will see a Broadway show and then enjoy a romantic dinner at Le Cinq,” Courtney continued as Henry walked the entire length of the stage. When he reached the far end, he stopped, waved, and then returned to stand closer to the podium.
“This evening we will start the bidding at five thousand dollars,” Courtney said.
Immediately, a woman seated two tables down from Tory raised her auction paddle.
“I have five thousand dollars; can I get eight?” Courtney asked.