A Beautiful Instrument

46: Auction Night

*** Content warning: scene depicting sexual assault contained within chapter. Reader discretion advised. ***

"And a sincere congratulations to all of our top bidders tonight. Because of your genuine interest in the fabulous people who make up our organizations, we are able to keep this community rich and thriving with culture, arts, and family-friendly entertainment."

I hear Monica speaking to the crowds, but I'm numb from this whole experience. Why didn't I listen to Jeremy?

"We also need to thank our participants in tonight's auction. Without their generosity with their time, we wouldn't have this opportunity." Monica starts listing all the people who were auctioned and they step forward.

Of course, she's going to save me for last. The final bid on my auction was ten-thousand dollars. I feel sick to my stomach that someone would pay that much to spend a day with me.

"And our golden goddess from the Orchestra who pulled in a record bid of ten-thousand dollars, Miss Analeigh Taylor." I step forward and give a quick smile as the room fills with applause and people gawk and snap photos. I really am sparkling in the overhead lights.

"Now, please eat, drink, and consider supporting our local celebrity's favorite zoo creatures at the exhibits around the atrium." Monica smiles broadly and grabs my arm, practically dragging me off the stage.

"Monica, I know you're supremely excited about the funds I raked in, but..." I start to preempt whatever she is about to say.

She surprises me when she apologizes. "Analeigh, I am so sorry! I had no idea the bids would get that high or that people would get that crazy."

"I just need to find Jeremy, Monica." I stress.

"Leigh!" I turn to see Alexis. She looks pissed as she storms over. "We'll talk about your auction in a minute, but what the hell was that with Manny? Who is that old broad who won?"

"Um, babe?" Manny tries to interject.

Alexis continues her tirade. "She snatched him up like she's expecting to be his Mrs. Jones or something."

"Alexis, I'd like you to meet the woman who won my auction, my mom, Estelle Maria Romero." Manny presents his mother.

"Your mom?"

"Your mom?"

"Your mom?!"

Monica, Alexis, and I all say in unison.

"Mom, this is Alexis, my girlfriend. She really didn't mean any disrespect. She just had her heart set on winning me." Manny comments, rubbing the back of his neck.

His mom smirks and says something in Spanish. I can tell Alexis is sweating it. Girlfriend needs to learn to keep her mouth shut.

Manny smiles and looks relieved. "My mom said she had my heart first, but if I'm ready to give it up, she's glad I picked someone ready to fight for it.'

Estelle hugs Alexis, who gives us a shocked look. I laugh, but start to disengage, scanning the room for Jeremy. I need to talk to him.

"Well that was exciting, wasn't it?" Jay, the slimy reporter who exposed us comments.

"Really? Do you have an exclusive on every embarrassing moment of my life from here on forward?" I groan.

Jay smiles and winks. "Can I quote you on that?"

"Are you going to tell your readers how quickly you were outbid in every auction you bid in?" I snap.

"Harsh, Analeigh. Seriously though, any comment on tonight's outcome?" He prompts.