Page 27 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 1

“And I don’t have to bid on anyone if I’m not interested,” I clarified. I thought I was ready for marriage but after meetingMemphis, I wasn’t so sure. Maybe I could find the man of my dreams, though that wouldn’t be possible if I chose a husband tonight.

“The choice is always yours.” She eased her chair back and stood. “I must tend to my candidates. I hope to see you at the auction tonight.”

I stood up and shook her hand and then Jade’s.

“Ms. Shaw?” Alana called out when I reached the door. “May your destiny lead you down the right path.”

My mouth went dry, and I clung to the door handle, my palms becoming clammy. It was a sign. Maybe even divine intervention. She couldn’t know the conversation I’d had with Memphis in the elevator only a short time ago.

“My destiny?” I gulped, the hairs on my arms standing at attention while a flurry of mixed feelings soared through me.

“Yes,chéri. I always let destiny be in the driver’s seat.”

I nodded and left her office. I got into the elevator and waited silently. I forgot to push the button, not paying attention, my mind still working through the conversation I’d just had.

The door opened and there was Memphis, standing about ten feet away holding a ring box. It was open, and he was staring down at a diamond solitaire, the smile on his face so large it was as though he’d won the lottery. It was the image of a man who knew exactly what he wanted.

And it wasn’t me.

I shoved myself to the side and out of sight and smashed the “close door” button. He must not have been paying attention, so focused on the ring he’d bought for his woman. I was able to narrowly escape another interaction.

The shock of seeing him in that private moment absolutely settled my mind firmly in one direction.

I was attending that auction, and I would buy myself the perfect husband.

I deserved nothing less.

Episode 11

Buds and Booze

SUMMER

Once the paramedics had assessed me and determined I’d had a small anxiety attack due to the fear when the elevator glitched, they’d left with the suggestion that I get some rest and relaxation. I didn’t have time for that as I was now late for my meeting with Madam Alana. We were currently on the fifteenth floor and there was no way I was ready to get back into an elevator to go up a few floors. I found the stairs and trudged up the five flights, feeling incredibly winded from taking them in heels, not to mention I was still rather shaky from what I felt had been a harrowing brush with death. It was probably more of a normal occurrence for those that took elevators regularly, but I was still shaking in my cork platform wedges.

I made it through the exit at the twentieth floor and walked over to the reception desk where I was greeted by two stunningly beautiful Asian women.

“Oh,chéri, you must have had a terrible fright.” The older female approached, one of her hands on my arm as she looked at me with compassion and concern.

“Madam Alana?” I guessed.

She responded with a soft smile and a nod. “Please come, come. Have a seat in my office so you can rest, and we’ll chat.”

The woman led me by my elbow as though she was supporting me lest I might suddenly fall. I appreciated the gesture because I was still a bit wobbly. She led me to a large office that had floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the Strip. Her view was breathtaking. I could see the desert beyond and the sun creating interesting shadows along the ground from the high-rise casinos.

I was brought to a small seating area where I sat on a white leather couch.

“Jade, please pour Ms. Belanger a glass of water. Or would you prefer something stronger?” Madam Alana asked.

I shook my head. “Water is fine. Thank you.” I eased back against the comforting leather and closed my eyes, taking a few deep breaths and then letting them out slowly.

“Relax, take all the time you need,” she encouraged.

Her voice was so soothing with a French lilt to it that I instantly did as she said. I kicked off my shoes and curled my knees and bare feet up and to the side, letting the entire scary experience leave me one breath at a time.

“Ms. Belanger?” the woman named Jade called, and I opened my eyes to find her holding a glass of water in front of me.

“Thank you.” I sipped the cool water and slowly started to come back to myself. Being a woman who lived regularly with anxiety and depression, I had a few coping tools of my own, but being able to just sit and breathe was often the best method for bringing me out of a spiral.

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