Page 47 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 1

“Sold, to bidder number four for ten million dollars.”

Episode 18

May the Best Man Win

SUMMER

Madam Alana met the rest of the candidates at the stage after returning from the private auction she held for her goddaughter, Julianne. That had to be awkward as all get out. But then again, the connection I had with my family was strange to most people. Maybe Julianne being put up for auction was no big deal. I mean, my mother suggested The Marriage Auction to me. I’m not even sure how she heard about it or got me an interview. Regardless, I was here, dressed like an expensive fashion model, feeling like a million bucks. Or I should say, three million bucks.

I snickered to myself at the internal joke. Maia, the petite little brunette who stood next to me, frowned.

“What? Are you freaked out?” I asked her.

“Um, yeah?” She gave me big eyes. “How are you not?” The girl shuffled from foot to foot as if the high heels she wore pinched her toes. Either that or she was about to bolt.

I shrugged. “The stars, the moon, and the universe have all aligned. My mother called me earlier and told me today was the day my life would change.”

“Andthatdoesn’t freak you out? What do you mean your mother told you? She some kind of psychic?” Maia asked, saying more words than she’d spoken all day.

I shook my head. “Nah, that’s my sister, Autumn. She also called and told me she saw a tall, dark, handsome man with an accent in my near future. Which she was right about because I met one yesterday in the elevator.”

Maia twisted her lips and cocked her head to the side. “And you believe this mumbo jumbo? The stars aligned. You will meet a handsome man, blah blah.”

“I’m happy with whatever the universe puts in my path. If it’s meant for me, I’m going to accept it, enjoy the present as much as possible, and be hopeful about tomorrow. What will be, will be, ya know?”

Maia made a huffing noise. “No, I don’t know. The universe surely hasn’t provided me with jack shit. As a matter of fact, fuck the universe. They can suck a bag of—” Her words fell away abruptly.

“Ladies, you look beautiful.” Madam Alana approached smoothly, gliding across the carpet in her sky-high heels without problem. I was doing okay in mine. I’d worn stilettos before, just not recently. As soon as I could take those puppies off though, bare feet it was. I could already imagine the relief I’d feel.

“Thank you for the makeover. I actually feel beautiful,” I gushed, planting my hands to my hips and showing off the red velvet gown that made me look like a blonde version of Jessica Rabbit.

Maia’s gown was bold and short, but the small woman totally pulled it off.

“Yeah, thanks,” Maia grumbled and looked down at her feet. She wore a pair of black patent leather stilettos with blazing red bottoms that gave her a solid three to four more inches in height. At five eight, I was above average in height for a woman, but in heels, I felt ten feet tall and powerful, ready to take on the world.

Madam Alana reached out and cupped Maia’s cheeks with both hands. “Are you certain you are ready for this step? You’ve been hesitant for a while.”

“It’s time. I need the money. You know how it is.” The young girl stared into Madam Alana’s coal-black gaze.

“I do. And I’m proud of you. I will not let anything untoward happen. Not on my watch. I protect my candidates. I am but a call away and have many means to access the people I care about rather quickly.Oui?” Her tone was not only confident but final. Madam Alana had the girl’s back. Had all of our backs. I was happy for Maia. She seemed like she needed someone to care for her. I didn’t know her situation, but I hoped perhaps to be friends with her in the future.

Maia nodded quickly and averted her gaze almost as if she was uncomfortable with the scrutiny.

“You look perfect,chéri. Keep your chin up.” Alana tapped under her jaw.

“And you, Ms. Belanger, are the belle of the ball.” Her gaze took in my gown from top to toe. “You are definitely wearing that dress, it is not wearing you.” She winked.

“I know, right?” The velvet tied in a bow around my neck, accentuated my breasts, dipped in at my waist, hugged my hips, and flared out when it hit my knees. I turned from side to side and then showed her my bare back where the dress was open all the way down to the top of my bum. My body looked amazing.

Madam Alana smiled. “Be sure to turn around like that on stage,” she encouraged.

“You got it. Did, um…” I bit into my bottom lip. “Did you think any more about giving a sign to that bidder you thought might pair well with me?” I brought my fingers together and twisted them anxiously.

“Well, I decided that was up to you, my dear. If you’d like me to share a bit of what you are looking for in a bidder, I can do sowhen I introduce you. However, stating so might limit those who may have originally been interested.”

“Bah!” I waved my hand in front of us. “I don’t care if it’s only one man who bids on me, as long as it’s someone who is open to tutoring me in business.”

“And if that person is interested in finding a woman they can keep and build a family with?” She repeated a bit of our conversation from yesterday.

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