Page 27 of Easton

Fuck, I wish Shane had brought a date.

Now Claire’s telling him a funny story about one of her former real estate colleagues, and he’s eating it up.

I’ve heard the tale before, so I’m tuning it out. But not before I huff loudly.

I’m beyond thankful when an announcement is made that the auction is about to start.

Claire wraps up her story, and we all direct our attention to the stage at the front of the hotel ballroom we’re in.

At first, a bunch of various gifts from sponsors are auctioned off.

Then it’s time for things donated by the Bears to go up, most of which are signed sticks and pucks, as well as tickets to a slew of home games.

The final three items up for auction involve me and my teammates here at the table. They’re all for special outings with the players on the top line.

I’m paying full attention now, as the last one is for going out to lunch with me. I’m curious to see who puts in the top bid on that one and wins.

It’s been a good night for the rescue, but I hope these last auctions raise even more money for them. It’s such a good cause.

First up in the final three auctions is a chance to skate for twenty minutes at the Glacier Dome with Lennox.

Bidding is fierce, and a middle-aged guy ends up winning that one.

Although he did all of the bidding, when Lennox goes up to the stage to shake his hand, the man sends up his son, who looks to be in his early teens, to accept the prize.

The kid is so excited that he starts crying.

It’s sweet, and everyone is touched.

The next auction is for a tour of our facility with Shane as the guide.

An older lady wins that one. She seems a little flustered when she meets my teammate on the stage and has to shake his hand,but that’s not entirely surprising, as Shane is a really good-looking guy.

Shit, now it’s my turn.

Who will win lunch with me?

I’m the new guy on the team, so I don’t expect a ton of bids to pour in. Fans just don’t really know me yet.

But to my surprise, the bids start coming in at a respectable pace.

Claire glances over at me and gives me a reassuring smile.

Shit, now I feel bad that I’ve been so jealous tonight. I hope she hasn’t noticed. But knowing Claire, she has.

I’ll have to apologize later.

Oh hell, I just realized we have a winner.

I wasn’t even paying attention, when that was my whole goal.

Damn it.

I get up and head to the stage to meet whoever the winner is.

To my surprise, I’m joined by a hot-ass chick with a platinum blonde bob. She’s attractive and about my age, but what really stands out is how she’s dressed. She’s wearing a slinky, hot pink low-cut dress that leaves little to the imagination.

Wow.

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