“Come, Gwen, you and Matilda are seated with Thea, Grace, Eugenia and me, up front. I wanted you to have a good seat for the ‘win a date’ portion of the auction. All four of my boys are participating this year, you know.” Winking her eyes, which hold a glimmer of hope.
“You are incorrigible, Maia.” However, she need not worry; I have my checkbook and picked up my paddle at the door.
***
The event commences as planned, and with a promising start. All the packages I had discussed with the Ladies at the meeting went quickly, grabbing a reasonable amount for the cause. Mrs. O’Fallon nabbed-up the couple’s combo, saying it would be a good bonding experience for her and her mountain man; she never fails to make me laugh.
Brunch served after the first part of the auction, and it did not disappoint. Served, were dishes of Artichoke-Scrambled Eggs Benedict, Potato and Kale Frittata, Baked Almond French Toast topped with ice cream and raspberry sauce, and my favorite Moroccan Baked Eggs with Red Peppers and Spinach. At the table, the girls are giddy with chatter about the ‘Win a date Auction’ Maia and me, along with Eugenia, or Ginny as she prefers, have been sharing light conversation. Ginny and I have become good friends in the last little bit. We hit it off really well on the camping trip, and she is helping in the salon a few days a week since Ati started back up at school. It is now time for the main event. Maia makes her way to the stage that has been set up in front for today.
“Ladies, can I have your attention. We have come to the part of the day, for which most of you have been saving your pennies, The ‘Win a Date’! This year, we have five handsomely single men, and yes, I may be a little bias, as four of them are my boys.” That last part earns her a laugh, accompanied by some wolf-whistles from the women.
“We will start with Mr. Ewan Adair. Ewan is twenty-two years old, currently an officer with the Emerson Police Department. He enjoys the outdoors, spending his free time with family and friends and lives a very active lifestyle. Let’s start the bid at one hundred dollars.” Maia glances around the room.
As predicted, within seconds a young girl on the other side holds up her paddle. “One hundred.” She shouts, beaming with confidence, as though she knows she will come out victorious.
“Thank you, Elise Matthews, is there any other bids?” Most would not notice, but the look of horror on Maia’s face is very apparent to me.
Ati and Thea quickly shift their attention to Grace, who is shaking her head vigorously, as an instant redness covers her face.
“Come on Grace, now is your chance.” Ati encourages.
“Gracie, it’s now or never! If you don’t grow some…” Thea turns to me, “how do you say 'balls' in Spanish?”
I look at her in question, “I think the word you are looking for is ‘cahonas.’”
Thea nods, and then turns back to Grace, “if you don’t grow some cahonas, you will lose your man to that.” She finishes, hooking a thumb toward the direction of Grace’s apparent competition.
Grace takes a deep breath, looks to her friends, and then holds up her paddle. “One-fifty.” She lets out with new-found courage.
A broad smile comes across Maia’s face, accompanied by a breath of relief, “Thank you, Grace Andrews. Do we have two hundred?”
It doesn’t last long, as Elise raises the ante, “Three hundred.”
Ever the Lady, Maia, puts on a smile “Wonderful, thank you again, Elise Matthews.” She then turns to Grace glaring as though telepathically asking her to not, let her down.
“Come on Grace; you can’t let Elise walk away arm-in-arm with the love of your life. Fight for your, man.” Thea is right in Grace’s timid stare.
Grace rests her paddle on the table in defeat, and starts to take her chair, “I don’t have that much money.” Her eyes wet with the threat of tears.
Quick as the spread of wildfire, Ati stands to her feet, paddle in hand, “One thousand dollars.”
We all look to her, then to Maia, and I notice on stage that Ewan’s eyes are the size of saucers, Ben’s mimicking his brother's, but also filled with a hint of irritation.
“Thank you, Matilda. Do we have another bid?” Maia looks toward Elise with an assuredness, as Elise grudgingly concedes, lowering her paddle to the table.
“Well then, Congratulations, Ms. Matilda Batin, you have won a date with Mr. Ewan Adair.”
Everyone claps, the girls giving Ati a look of bewilderment as she takes her seat, “What there was no way I was letting her walk away with my new besties man. The date is still yours, Grace. Consider it an early it an early Christmas present.”
Grace; now beaming with gratefulness leans in, hugging Ati. “Thank you.”
“Well that was a great start; let’s see if we can keep the generosity coming. Next, we have the ever so handsome Mr. Bane Curtis. Bane is a local attorney here in Emerson. Bane is thirty-one years old and looking for that special someone.”
I cannot help but chuckle at the, ‘I am?’ look that comes to Bane’s face.
“Bane is very active, enjoying time in the gym perfecting his skills in various martial arts, as well as boxing. He is also very involved with the youth foundation, working effortlessly to ensure that no child goes without. Do I have a starting bid of one-hundred dollars?”
Without hesitation, Thea throws her paddle in the air, “Two Grand, Baby.”
The room erupts it to a stunned chatter. Maia is standing still on stage, and Thea’s four brothers have now crossed their arms over their chests. Although, it is Bane’s look that has me intrigued…intense desire.
Maia, regaining composure clears her throat, “Is there another bid?” After a few moments, she starts back. “Ok, a date with Bane is sold to my daughter, for two thousand dollars, and apparently, I will need to re-evaluate her allowance.” Laughter rolls throughout the room.
“It’s all for a good cause, Mom.” Thea declares. Her hands folded under her chin, batting her lashes innocently.
“Continuing, next we have, Mr. Kai Adair.” Whistles shadowed by loud cheers of appreciation erupt, almost breaking the sound barrier.
Apparently, Kai is a hot commodity amongst the Emerson women. Feeding into the hype, he starts to walk the stage as though on a runway, then removes his suit jacket, showing the definition of his upper body, further increasing the cheers.
“Take it all off.” A woman calls out.
Kai, taking the microphone from his mother turns and gives a little point with his forefinger toward the elderly woman, “You little vixen, Mrs. Johnson.” His sultry voice, melting hearts, including Mrs. Johnson’s, who offers him a wink!
Waiting for the room to calm down, Maia continues, “Kai is a Rescue Swimmer with the U.S. Coast Guard. He lives an active life, full of extreme sports, outdoor excursions and adrenaline packed activities. With a good sense of humor, love for life and unwavering compassion, Kai is a steal, Ladies’; let’s start the bidding at one hundred dollars.”
Bidding breaks out around the room. “One hundred,” “Two hundred,” five hundred, “a thousand,” “two thousand” it climbs rapidly, then out of nowhere, Ginny stands, paddle in the air, “Ten thousand dollars.”
Silence! Not even a breath taken is heard as bidding comes to a halt. Maia looks around to Ginny. “Well, I think we have a winner. Thank you and congratulations to Miss. Eugenia Curtis, you have won a date with Kai.”
I look over to Ginny as she takes her seat. After the weekend camping trip, no one would have thought she would have had any interest in spending any alone time with Kai, let alone a date. They did nothing but bicker, but apparently, I was reading things very wrong.
Ginny looks to me with her very innocent expression, “What? As Thea said, it’s for a good cause.” Giving her a closed-lipped smile, I turn my attention back to the stage.
“This is turning out to be a fantastic year, Ladies’. I’m sure we have already well surpassed this year’s goal. That said we still have two more very great catches. So, next let me introd
uce, Mr. Benjamin Adair. Ben is an Architectural Engineer with a firm in Eugene. He is Twenty-four years old, loves old movies, long intimate conversations about life, and lives true to his motto of 'Family First.' He is the romantic one Ladies’, the one that will go out of his way to make sure his girl is loved and well taken care of at all times. Bidding starts at one hundred dollars.”
Through the corner of my eye, I see Ati sit up straight. ‘She wouldn’t,’ I think to myself. My suspicions are confirmed, as she leans into Grace, whispering something in her ear. Grace, taking Ati’s paddle raises her hand high, “One hundred.”
Looking to me with a guilty grin, this is what Ati was waiting for. I know she has a thing for Ben; I am also well aware Ben has something for Ati. That much was apparent when we all went away. What I didn’t realize, until now, was how strong those feelings were. Sitting here, witnessing the look in her eyes taking in Ben, noticing how his eyes are those of man in complete adoration, I feel helpless. How did this happen? Regardless, of how…it did. Well, I can’t worry about it now; I need time to think it all over.
I’m brought out of my thoughts by Maia’s voice, “Thank you, Miss Grace Andrews. Do we have another bid?”
“Two hundred!” A young girl from the table beside us offers.
Grace raises her paddle, “Three hundred.”
The girl counters again, “Four hundred.”
I can see by the look in Ati’s face that she is starting to get agitated. “Five hundred.” She whispers to Grace. Grace nods, “Five Hundred.”
“Six” The other girl remains persistent.
Ati looks to me; I know she is asking me for the okay. I don’t know what comes over me, I hesitate. Really, it’s one date. I am not going to be the one to kill off her one wish, so I give her a nod of approval.
She whispers again to Grace, and she raises the paddle, "Two-Thousand."
I guess she doesn't want to play games anymore. She looks over to the other girl, who finally decides to bow out.
“Congratulations, Grace Andrews, you have won a date with Benjamin,” Maia says with a knowing smile.
Ati and Ben steel a clandestine moment between each other, as Maia introduces the last man, Liam.
“Ok, ladies. Next, we have a veteran to our 'win a date' auction. The past three years Mrs. Cassandra Gates has been our lucky winner. Will she come out victorious again this year, or will there be a new, lucky Lady? Mr. Liam Adair is our local Detective. He is thirty-one years old. Although very busy with keeping the town of Emerson safe, he will always find time to show a woman his ability to be a good listener and the man we all want to bring home to mama. He loves summer weekends spent on his boat and time with fam…”
“One hundred dollars.” Mrs. Gates yells out a bid before Maia is even finished her pitch, which has the crowd roaring in laughter.
“Well, apparently Cassandra has already opened up the bidding.”
As I am about to bid, a woman from the back makes the next bid. “One thousand.”
I turn in my seat to see whom I am up against and faced with none other than Liam’s ex, Emily. I turn back to see Maia is staring right at me.
I raise my paddle in the air, “Two thousand.” I have been waiting for this. She wants to play, let’s play.
Mrs. Gates calls out, “I am out. Liam sweetie, I set a budget for you, and it's well past that now.”
The crowd chuckles, but when I look at Liam, he has an apprehensive look on his face. I think he realizes this may not going to be pretty.
“Four Thousand.” Emily bids, now standing to her feet.
“Gwen, isn’t that Ms. Darcie?” Ati asks, with a look of confusion.
“Yep, also Liam’s ex,” Thea responds for me.
Standing to my feet, I raise my paddle. Apparently, we are doubling up here. “Eight thousand,” I say, hoping that Emily has reached her limit.
“Twenty Thousand.” Emily bids. Nope apparently, she hasn’t reached her limit.
I go to raise my paddle, but before I can bid, Liam jumps in. “Gwen, NO!” he says with a stern and angry voice.
I hear everyone around shutter in astonishment. I look to Liam; the look in his eyes is distant and cold, as though he is looking right through me. Embarrassment, with a massive dose of humility, hit me hard. I can’t even turn to Emily, knowing she is donning a smugness on her face. Instead, trying to maintain what dignity I have left, gracefully I take my seat indicating I am out, no longer going to bid. Maia, still somewhat shocked, heard only by the tone in her voice, finishes.
“Well, OK, umm congratulations to Miss Emily Darcie, and that closes off our afternoon ladies.”
Maia continues, speaking about how the event went over and thanked everyone, but I hear nothing. I want to leave, get out, run...anything! I feel the tears trying to make their way up, and I can see that Ati and Thea notice. Thea leans into Ati whispering something, and then Ati grabs our purses, taking my hand, leading me to the side door by the parking lot.
Once outside, I take a deep breath, while tears break the surface and rush down my face.
“Gwenie, let’s get you home,” Ati whispers as she walks with me to the car.
Liam makes his way out of the door.
“Get me out of here, NOW!” I can’t bare facing him; the humiliation is too much.
Ati starts up the car and takes off. Through the side mirror, I see Liam standing there, his hands resting on the top of his head in frustration.
The ride to the house is silent. Arriving home, I go straight to my room, quickly shutting the door behind me. Ati doesn’t follow; she knows I need some time to myself. As I lay on my bed, not having enough energy to go through the motions of getting undressed, I let the tears flow. I am such an idiot. The signs were all there. He’s had many opportunities to ask me out again, and I have made it known I am interested. What I was failing to see, were his constant excuses telling me ‘we would get together soon,’ it was merely his way of saying he wants nothing to do with me, his way of trying to let me down gently.
I hear a car pull up to the house and a moment later the bell rings followed by hushed voices. Ati comes to my room.
“Gwen? Thea, Grace, Ben, Ewan, and Kai are here; they want to know if we would like to grab some dinner; Liam isn’t with them.”
I shake my head, “You go. I actually want to be alone right now, Ati.”
She doesn’t say anything more; she just closes the door the door behind her. Moments later I hear the car pull away.
***
I’m not sure what time I fell asleep. I look at the nightstand clock; it’s after one in the morning. Getting out of bed, grabbing yoga pants and a t-shirt from my dresser, I head to the bathroom to freshen up. After I am done, I head out of my room and hear the television sounding quietly in the background, with Ati on the couch curled up in a blanket as I make my way into the Livingroom.
“Hey!” She greets.
“Hey! How was dinner?” I ask.
“I didn’t go. I know you said you wanted to be alone, but I didn’t want to leave you, but, I ran into town and grabbed us some dinner. It’s in the microwave; you’re probably going to have to warm it up.” She mentions as she sits up.
I walk over sitting next to her and give her a hug. “Thanks for everything, Ati.”
“Gwenie, that’s what sisters are for. I will always be here for you.” She pauses for a moment then asks the expected. “Are you OK?”
Shrugging, I look at her. “I will be. I think I’m just embarrassed and feeling like my self-confidence took a huge hit.”
Crap, I can feel the tears trying to make their way up again. I honestly thought there was no possible way I could cry anymore.
Snuggling up closer, she leans in, “Gwen, he’s an ass. Even Thea says so. He’s the one losing out here, not you.”
In the background, my cell pings with a text message. I must have thrown my clutch on the Dining room table as I was walking in earlier.
“It’
s been going off all night,” Ati, grumbles, indicating she is well aware of who it is.
Looking in the direction of the table, then back to Ati, I sit back, having no desire to hear any excuses tonight or at all, for that matter. I need to put Liam Adair out of my mind and move on from the hope that he will come around, and finally take an interest in me. Life is too short, and I deserve to be someone’s one and only choice…not the runner-up.
Chapter Fourteen
-Liam-
I’ve been sitting in my parent’s kitchen after the fundraiser, trying to call Gwen and explain, but she’s not answering. What was she thinking anyway, trying to go up against Emily? It was beyond ridiculous, and I didn’t think Gwen, would be one to act like that.
“Have you gotten a hold of her?” My mother asks as she enters the kitchen.
I look up to her disappointed face, and shake my head. “No. I’ve called, left voicemails and sent her a couple of text messages, but nothing. I don’t get it!”
My mother gave me an ear full when I went back into the hall after to trying to talk to Gwen in the parking lot; Thea along with Grace gladly joined in, while Ginny could only look at me with her little stern and pointed glare. None of them were impressed, which was only confirmed as I looked to my brothers, as their faces flared with irritation.
“Liam! My sweet, sweet boy. You are undeniably smart, naturally instinctive when it comes to your job, and normally understanding to the emotions of others, but you are as dumb as a stump when it comes to woman and relationships with them.” She lays out, not holding back.
My mom has always been great for letting you know exactly how it is; whether you asked her to, or not. At least with her, you always know where you stand.
I look to her, trying to process her words, “What are you talking about. I treat women well; I’m respectful, and faithful when I'm in a relationship.”
Liam & Gwen - Entirely Yours: A Romance Novel (The Adair Series Book 1) Page 13
