Black Temptation

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

My body flakes in trembles. I didn't even realize the time that had passed until the music stopped, the clutter was erased, and silence fell upon the vast space. Girls all around me hurry out of their obedient, unwavering states and dash towards the open area down the steps, not before shooting me with deadly glances. Half of myself is left on the floor as I remember the functions of my feet and begin a similar, yet graceful, dash toward the bottom of the stairs.

There, all the models stand with their bidders. Minus 1.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been my greatest pleasure to have you discover the greatness and grandeur of my Diamonds collection and thus be so willing to bid your money." Ms.LaVecchia says as she holds an envelope between her manicured fingers.

"It's a great honor and even though one has to be the greatest, all are in a special place in my heart and all are being displayed during New York's Fashion week!"

Suddenly, the room bursts out in claps and jubilation. I have no idea why. Ms. LaVecchia has been in the NY fashion week since 1980. But it's not my place to judge and I look weird just standing here not clapping. So therefore I clap, if you are wondering what I'm doing.

"Ok, settle down, settle down. Now without further adieu. It's time to make somebody feel like sh-."

The heat from my hands jumps to my throat and then my head. The anticipation provoke the once aroused goosebumps to spring up for a different reason. The slowness of her unveiling gets to my nerves and I almost faint with slight dizziness.

"And the winner is..."

I couldn't win. There was no way Harry could match all those people who didn't bid on me by himself. I would just take my lousy check and pay my light bill with it, or at least part of it.

"The winner is... The Green Fortress Piece worn by McKenzie Harper!"

It is like a scene from a presidents debate. Part of the crowd clapped while others just stared in shock. Me, as well.

"Bid $25,000 by a Harry...No last name."

I am stuck in my place and cannot feel my legs. Looking around, I my stomach churns. 25,000? Extraordinary yet unnecessary. What did he think to gain?

The silence falls upon us again and that's when I break from my second not so real reality and realize everyone has left, except for the models who are getting their clothes, Ms.LaVecchia, and some workers.

She comes over to me, handing me an envelope.

"Congratulations."

I look inside.

A check for $25,000.

You serious?

My intelligence is compromised. I didn't even pay this much for the house I'm living in. A full 25. My heart flutters and then sinks.

He did this for me.

He did.

My pride is shattered like a flower vase. I know people had to bid on you but for them, it was to get the product, for him, it was to get inside my head. To place a mustard seed that would germinate and spread like wildfire. To imprint on my brain so that I would never be able to forget him. To get me.

She begins to walk away but then returns, curiosity equally fermenting from each side of her face.

"Do you, know this huh Harry No Name? My workers said he was paying particularly close inspection to you. Did you ask him to bid highly on you-?"