Page 57 of The Protégé

“I can’t believe it.” She drew back with a beaming smile on her face while waving the folder with her plane ticket and hotel information. “I’m going to Bermuda!”

My mom had worked hard all her life. My grandmother had also worked here before she passed. Dad had worked as a mechanic for a car repair shop. Together, these three people had raised me.

I planned on buying the massage chair for when she returned from her trip. The fashion show tonight would allow me to get her a nice chair.

“It’s a new chapter for you. You deserve it.” Reid gave her a hug. He wore overalls with his dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. He owned Wild Roots and another landscaping business in the next town over. Business had increased for him and his family. It made me happy to see great things happening to great people.

“I know you have an event tonight. Don’t be late.” She kissed my cheek. “You look beautiful, by the way. Elliot is amazing.”

“He is.” I turned to Reid. “Thanks for doing this.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve got some dandelion plants and some vegetables for you. Your mom will be on vacation, so you should take them.”

I was going to decline because I had no time to start a garden, but an idea percolated in my head.

“Okay, I’ll take them.”

“They were watered with shungite-infused crystals. I’ll give you a container to bring them home.”

“Cool, thank you.”

Wild Roots was also looking for innovative ways to improve plant growth for better nutrients.

By the time I got to the hotel conference room, most of the models were already there. The fashion show was held in the restaurant.

I spotted Elliot working on a model’s hair, so I didn’t bother him.

Monica Mellows, the fashion designer, greeted me. She had curly red hair and a bright smile. She gave me a silky red dress with a low neckline and low back. It had a built-in bra, so I didn’t need the extra support.

Slipping the dress on, I glanced at myself in the mirror.

“That dress is gorgeous on you. It makes you look irresistible.” Monica beamed, wearing an elegant blue strapless gown.

“You look like Grace Kelly,” I said.

She blushed. “Thanks.”

The hostess announced a quick rehearsal, showing us the path around the restaurant on a TV screen. The dresses could be made in the donor’s desired size. All the money would be distributed between three local charities.

My jaw dropped when I saw the starting bid requirement. The price tag for thedress I was wearing was twenty thousand dollars! I ran my hand over it. My entire wardrobe didn’t evenadd up to half of the price. It was surreal what people spent on clothes these days.

Though the dress was stunning, I couldn’t comprehend buying it.

I glanced at the live feed on the screen, showing people entering the restaurant.When Chantel entered the restaurant with her friends, bitterness rose in me. Her family came from wealth, so she could afford to buy these couture clothes. I didn’t want her to see me.

Then I saw Orion walkingin with Ralph. The nerves in my gut exploded yet again. What was supposed to be a simple evening just took another turn.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

ORION

Elena still lingeredon my mind as I entered the extravagant silent auction. I couldn’t push her away as easily as I’d hoped. Could I abandon what I had with Kate? She was an integral part of my life. Was I ready to move on? I didn’t know what to do.

Andthatinfuriated me too.

I’d hoped this event would distract me from the embarrassing episode in the Cosmic Lounge. But all it did was make me wish she were here at the auction with me. I could buy her all the clothes she wanted.

You have it bad for her.

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