The Auction!

chapter 9

"Why are you leaving today?" I questioned Kitty nervously; watching as she packed her small duffle bag.

"Well, we are going into winter break and I have a flight back to California. You know I would do anything to get the hell out of this cold."

Kitty continued to fill her storage bag with her summer clothing and supplies. It was a reminder that while she will be living lavishly under the sun on the west coast, I was not only forced to endure the bitter cold, but also this date on the east coast.

"You better not be bitching." Kitty's eyes shifted toward mine before she grinned.

"I'm not." I lied.

I wanted her to be here. Sort of a safety net I suppose; someone I could call on if things went left.

"You know I'm only a phone call away." She reassured me. "If you need to see me, video chat."

I knew she meant well but it still was not the same to me.

"It will be fine." She promised.

I hoped so...

***

I dressed up in my most beautiful yet sexy attire. A black bodycon dress with a dramatic V neck line. It was a soft fabric; tight fitting which helped outline the little curves I did own.

I wore a pair of black ankle boots with a thick heel and a gold zipper on the sides.

I wore my hair up in a ponytail since I refused to tussle with my thick, stringy hair that seemed too wild to tame.

My face was covered in the work that my neighbor opted to help with since she was exceptional when came to makeup.

"How do they feel?" Liz stood in front of me as she looked into my eyes.

"Pretty good." I winked repeatedly to adjust my eyes to the unfamiliar feeling.

"So you had contacts all this time but never wore them?" She went over my makeup again as she finished the final touches.

"Nope. Easier to grab my glasses instead."

"Makes sense." Liz did a quick spritz of her makeup finishing spray before she began shoving her things into her makeup pouch. "All finished doll."

She motioned for me to head to the mirror to see the work she had done. After seeing me, it was easy to see why so many people choose her.

"Thank you so much."

"Again, no problem." Liz stood behind me; smiling when she saw how beautiful I looked. "You and Kitty have been a big help this school year when it came to helping with my studies. I had to start repaying you guys someway."

Once she was done packing her things, she wished me luck before she left my dorm.

I glanced at the clock. My eyes wide when I saw the time. It was time...

**

I caught an Uber into the city where I would meet Monte. Our reservation was made prior with the sorority and we were schedule to meet at 8pm.

"Um Ms. Norman." I whispered nervously to the hostess.

He looked me up and down. It was not in an intimidating way. More of a way to see who he was sitting in his restaurant.

He searched his electronic list; tapping the tablet screen when he found my reservation.

"Hello Ms. Norman. Table for two." His eyes shifted toward the entrance way before they returned to me. "Will your guest be joining soon?"

Hopefully.

"Yes."

"Okay. We will seat you now. Is that acceptable?"

"Yes please."

He guided me through the dining hall; allowing me to see the eyeing grabbing scenery that decorated this four star establishment.

Once we reached the table, he pulled my chair for me to sit.

"Your waiter will be available soon. In the meantime, are there any questions you have for me?"

"Nope. None at all."

"Well you have a lovely evening and enjoy your meal."

"Thank you." ...

I was sitting at my table. Watching as people enjoyed their meal with their significant other while I waited alone.

Minutes had passed. Sixty to be exact. Time that allowed me to believe I was wasting my time with this.

"Are you ready to order?" My waiter smiled; even though I was almost certain she was tired of asking and was wondering who I was waiting for.

"Ten more minutes?" I pleaded.

"Of course." She assured. "Another glass of juice?"

"Yes, please."

A part of me wanted to wait. That was the part that had hope that I wasn't being stood up this evening. Another part wanted to get up and leave; sparing myself another embarrassing moment between me and the waiter.

Returning with my juice, I informed her it would be my last drink before I would pack up to leave.

This was stupid.

I got all dolled up; hair and makeup beautifully done and for what? To sit in a well-established restaurant all alone?

After finishing my drink, I picked up my purse and blazer and began heading toward the door.

I was standing outside the restaurant. The bitter cold of the winter air was nipping at my exposed legs and the thin material of my blazer. Something that immediately made me regret not only coming, but wearing this.

"Alisha."

I heard my name being said from someone behind me. I turned around.

"Monte."