A Reckless Note

Chapter Seventeen

The VIP Auction night has finally arrived.

I arrive at Riptide by way of Uber in plenty of time for the preview of the violin, as instructed by my VIP package. Unfortunately, I'm also in another black dress, which isn't ideal from an impression standpoint, but beggars can't be choosers. This particular gown is fitted, knee length with a V-neck, spaghetti straps, and a dusting of glitter. My petite black purse is more a just-big-enough for the necessities. My heels are the same red-bottomed pair I wore to the last event. Nothing I have on except those heels are name brand, but a fancy dress to the common eye is a fancy dress. Of course, not many at this event likely have a common eye, but I can't worry over such things, not tonight.

Exiting the car, I shiver with the night air while my nerves cling and clang, and not just from the windy chill of the night air blowing through my long dark hair. I'm terrified that Gio won't show up. I'm on edge with the idea that Sofia will and that I'll have to confront her, which is exactly what I'll do. I'm also hyperaware of the fact that I'll be seeing Kace tonight.

Leaving my Uber behind, I approach the Riptide entrance and do so in the midst of women in fancy gowns and men dressed in a mix of tuxedos and expensive suits.

A staff member, also in a tuxedo, opens the door for me and once I'm inside, I check my coat, and quickly smooth my hair to order. It's not an updo like so many of the women are wearing tonight for a reason: I'll take whatever shield I can get when I intentionally bid, and lose the bid, on the violin that I can't afford to win.

I follow the lobby signs that direct me and a large portion of the ten or so visitors present along with me, to a winding staircase. A short climb later, I step into a room where a dozen dangling crystal chandeliers sparkle above shiny, gold standing tables. And of course, waiters weave in between guests, delivering finger foods and flutes of champagne.

To my right I spy Amber manning a preview booth and hurry that way. "Welcome," she greets.

"Thank you," I say. "I'm excited to be here."

"And expected. Crystal arranged for you to be the first to view the violin. Just exit the room again and go up the stairs to the right and you'll be set."

"Thank you so much, Amber." I start to turn and hesitate. "Who's doing the showing?"

"Mark."

That name is like a thud. Lord help me, I think, and obviously, I grimace, because Amber laughs.

I cringe. "I made a face, right?"

"Big-time, but I get it. Mark is hard as steel."

"Is he really as cold as he seems?"

"I used to think so, but after Crystal came into his life, I think he has a softer side. But don't tell him I said that in case he doesn't."

I fake a zip of my pink-painted lips and we both laugh. Offering a tiny wave, and finding it crazy just how at home I've felt at Riptide, even despite Mark's crankiness, I hurry away and exit to the hallway. Finding the stairs, I'm so eager to view the violin, hopeful that it might somehow, someway lead me to Gio, that I barely maintain a respectable pace up the stairs. Reaching the top, I'm halted by a red velvet rope and a tall, stoic man in a suit, with a buzz cut.

"Can I help you, miss?" he inquires.

"Aria! There you are." Crystal is instantly at the barrier, looking heathy and lovely in a floor-length champagne silk gown with a V-neck, her blonde hair worn long and silky around her pale shoulders. "She's approved, Jacob," she says, motioning to the rope. "This is Aria Alard on your list."