Page 75 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 1

“Tea, Mama?” Summer interrupted.

Her mother pushed the cart over to Summer, then picked up a stack of worn looking cards and started to shuffle them.

“Sugar and milk?” Summer asked me.

“However you make it will be fine,solskinn,” I answered, then focused on Ann. “The auction? You’re aware I purchased your daughter’s hand in marriage tonight?” I wanted to get right to the truth. If she knew, there was no reason to pussy-foot around our current situation. And I preferred to plot every possible move on the chess board even before I played.

Ann smirked. “I was the one who suggested she enter. A beautiful girl like my Sunny can’t spend her life hiding in the greenhouse with her plants and her old man.”

“And why not?” Bernie touted playfully as he entered with a tray of steaming bowls. He set the food down and passed out each bowl, then offered napkins and silverware. “She’s a chip off the old block.”

Ann sighed as she stirred her stew. “Yes, love of my life, but my daughter needs a man of her own. Passion. Friends. Kids. She can’t spend all of her days in the fields or locked up with her father in the greenhouses. It’s not healthy. She needs more.”

“She needs dick is what she needs,” Autumn grumbled around a bite of bread.

“That too,” her mother agreed wholeheartedly.

I choked on a sip of tea. “Jesus Kristos!” I cursed and wiped at my mouth, shocked at the candor of this family.

Summer laughed and pointed her spoon at her sister. “So do you. How’s Raquel anyway…thebitch.” She whispered the last part.

“I heard that!” Autumn fired back, anger suffusing her pale cheeks. “You never liked my girlfriend. Not ever. Admit it!” she snapped.

“Because she’s a bitch who doesn’t deserve you!” Summer snarled and leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Well, that is the truth,” Bernie grumbled, agreeing with Summer.

“Bernie,” Ann countered. “Do not get involved in their squabbles.”

“I’m just saying, Raquel has never treated you the way you should be treated. That’s all. And she hates me. She also doesn’t like coming here. That’s a sign right there that she’s not good for you,” Summer stated.

Autumn rolled her eyes. “Puh-leeese. She doesn’t hate you. She’s afraid of how smart you are. Says you talk to her like she’s stupid.”

“Because sheisstupid,” Summer fired back. “The woman knows how to play pool, drink beer, watch sports, and boss you around like you’re her personal maid. And you put up with it. Why? Because she knows how to finger the G-spot!” Summer crooked her index finger in a mocking manner.

My mouth dropped open at the same time Autumn’s did.

“How dare you! You wish you had a person to fuck you stupid like Raquel does me.”

“Being good in bed isn’t everything,” Summer sneered.

“No but it’s a damn good start! Maybe try it with your own man and lay off my girlfriend, why don’t ya,” Autumn huffed.

“Fine! I’m sorry. I just love you and want more for you.” Summer huffed.

“Let’s change the subject, shall we?” Ann interrupted. “So, how much did you pay for my daughter in the auction?”

“Eight million, but I would have paid more. Please pass the bread,” I pointed to the loaf in the center.

“Eight million dollars?” Ann croaked disbelieving. “Whoopie!” She squealed and the entire table burst into laughter.

Episode 28

Meet the Parents Part 2

SUMMER

“Eight million dollars,” my father gasped then slumped into one of the open patio chairs between Jack and my sister Autumn. “Well, I’ll be damned. We’ll be able to get that state-of-the-art HVAC system in place for the next growing cycle on the indoor crops.”

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