Page 39 of Draft Pick
“Oh, goodness. Yes! He did reach out; I was just in the middle of a PR nightmare from hell and forgot to respond. We would absolutely love to have you sponsor the event. Was there a certain amount you’d like to give, or did you want to just decide later?”
“I was thinking around…twenty thousand?”
“Twenty. Thousand. As in dollars and not pennies?” Tenley deadpans.
Navy and Kodi make a sad attempt at whispering quietly. “Yeah. I’ve saved over the years and make decent money. It’s important to me to give back. Truly, the least I can do.”
“Junie!” the girls squeal, and I won’t admit how my heart bursts hearing the nickname I earned. “You might just be the kindest person we’ve ever met,” Navy says proudly. “How did we get so lucky to find her?” She swivels her head, asking Tenley and Kodi.
“No clue, but she’s stuck with us now,” Tenley proclaims, and I couldn’t be happier to be claimed.
“Don’t forget, sponsors get first dibs at the player auction. Make a wise choice, Junie girl.” Navy points a finger at me, and I take that as her way of saying don’t fuck with Bodhi. I would never.
“What player auction?” I ask, thinking back to my chat with Crew. I don’t remember him ever mentioning anything about an auction. Fundraiser at a roller-skating rink? Yes. But an auction…
“Oh, Crew didn’t mention it?” Tenley asks at the same time Navy says, “Of course he didn’t.” Her tone is mischievous, and I fear I should be worried.
“Settle down, Inspector Gadget one and two,” Kodi chimes in before turning to me. “Makers Park is hosting a player auction as part of an incentive to sponsors and attendees. The funds you plan to donate will be used to bid on a Strikers player.”
“All of them?” I ask, wondering why they would agree to having their husbands pimped out.
“Yup,” Kodi says. “All the married guys have stipulations on them, of course. They’ll more so be used for work or offering special treatment at season games. It’s a sacrifice for Headspeed, but they’re all excited to be a part of it.”
“And what about the players who aren’t married?”
A sly smile finds Kodi’s face. “Well, my dear Juniper, that’s entirely up to you.”
Oh, this is not good. Not good at all.
I never would have volunteered to be there in person as a sponsor had I known. I could have simply mailed in a check and called it a day.
Always the overachiever, Juniper.
“I didn’t even know this was a thing. Are you sure participating is something that’s required by the sponsors?”
Tenley laughs, taking a bite of a chip like she’s having far too much fun mentally tormenting me. I won’t admit to said torment, though. “It’s what builds the hype. Watching sponsors bid and be excited to contribute cultivates a response from the attendees, which, in turn, urges them to donate and do the same. Honestly, I think the player aspect is a major perk. Need some heavy lifting done in that fancy new house? Or looking for a sugar daddy to share all life’s problems with over wine and caviar? Take your pick of a Strikers hottie. Single hottie,” she clarifies.
“Too far, Ten. Too far,” Kodi exhales.
“Maybe so, but remember how beneficial this could be for your practice, too, Juniper. You just took over after Atlanta’s most beloved pediatrician retired. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill. Not that you aren’t capable, but the people will go nuts to see you giving back and getting to know your community,” Tenley reminds me.
Actually…she’s not wrong. I’ve always strived to live by leading by example. I didn’t get that growing up; my parents were always so self-consumed, so it makes me want to even more. You can tell someone what to do until you’re blue in the face, but unless they’ve seen you actually practice what you preach, chances are, they won’t do it either.
“You’re right,” I admit, refining my confidence. “If I want to be trusted by the community, I need to show up and be present. In the big thingsandsmall things. I’ll do the auction. Count on my donation, and I’ll figure out the rest as I go, I guess. Black tie, right?”
Tenley smirks. “Formal attire in roller skates. All the other details are still in the works, so no need to stress now. We’ve still got months until the event. Jack is the one most of us are worried about. If we can’t get the old Coach back, I’m not so sure this fundraiser will even happen.”
“There’s still time,” Kodi comments.
I take a deep breath. “So many things to keep track of. Might as well jump in headfirst!” I perk myself up, laughing through my inner anxiety.
“That’s the spirit!” Navy cheers. “Now we all have an excuse to go shopping and spend some big money. Husbands’ treat!”
All eyes look to me in sympathy, and I accept my fate. “I’ll be fine. Buying my own shit is nothing out of the ordinary for me. I’m looking forward to it.”
I am. Mostly. Kind of. I’m thrilled to finally have found a way to give back, but bidding on a player when I know for certain the only player I want is Crew. And he will be one of the free picks.
Single, although preoccupied, still single.
