Black Rules

by Charlotte Byrd

  So, I always tip waitresses twenty percent, but I have no idea how much I’m supposed to tip cleaning people in hotels, and butlers, and other staff for things like turndown service and helping with bags.

  It’s mainly because I never really stay in places that have offered those services before.

  “The cocktail party has begun. Feel free to join us when you’re ready,” Lizbeth says, opening the door to my room.

  The man in the tuxedo drops off my bags and I let out a sigh of relief because I don't have to scramble and worry if I’m leaving him enough of a tip.

  “Oh my God!” Caroline bursts into my stateroom. “How gorgeous is this place?”

  I walk around my room and take it all in. It’s just as beautiful as the last room we shared, but different. The fact that it’s called a room is a misnomer.

  It’s actually a one-bedroom apartment with a large sitting/living room area and a separate bedroom. I run my fingers over the fine Egyptian linens and follow Caroline as she shows me into the bathroom and gushes over the marble his and hers vanity.

  Back in the sitting room, I make note of the soft lighting that creates a mood of opulence and luxury and then go out onto my private balcony and look out onto the vastness of the ocean.

  “This is amazing,” I say to Caroline.

  She nods excitedly, fixing her makeup.

  “Shall we?” she asks, taking me by the arm.

  My heart skips a beat, and I follow her out to the cocktail party.

  Chapter 2 - Ellie

  When we go to another cocktail party…

  When we get to the main cabin on the yacht, the place is filled with young, attractive people.

  The guys are in their twenties and thirties and dressed in expensive tailored suits with starched white collars and cufflinks. At the bar, I order a mojito and Caroline gets a martini.

  After a few sips, my nerves calm down a bit and I relax in the swivel chair. Caroline gets busy chatting up the two hot guys positioned right next to us, but I look around the room for Aiden.

  My hopes go up every time a new person enters the room, but forty minutes and two drinks later, he’s still not here.

  This isn’t unusual, of course.

  He didn’t come to the cocktail party last time either. But it’s still a bit of a letdown.

  I haven’t talked to Aiden since he insisted on me coming to the party and I am not entirely sure where we stand. He paid the rest of the balance he ‘owed’ for spending the week with him, even though he didn’t really owe it to me.

  The week didn’t really go as either of us had planned, and I wouldn’t have minded if he had not paid the rest. Still, he’s a man of his word and my bank account grew by quite a bit as a result.

  The odd thing though, is that his transferring the rest of the money to me actually brought about more questions than answers in my mind.

  I mean, where do we stand now?

  Will there be another auction tonight and do I sit it out?

  There’s no way I’m going to participate and go to the highest bidder who isn’t Aiden.

  But why would he want to pay for my presence again?

  Frankly, I don't really want him to. I want to be with him because he wants me and I want him, not because of any monetary exchange or requirement.

  With all of these questions weighing heavily on my mind, I struggle to make conversation with the guy who is desperately trying to chat me up.

  He’s telling me about his time at Princeton and I simply stare into my drink and nod along, wondering how much he will be spending on a girl tonight, or if he will be participating at all.

  When Caroline and the two guys she has been chatting with join our conversation, I overhear the rumors that are going on about what’s going to happen on the yacht later.

  “I heard that there will be a masquerade ball,” one of the guys says.

  “No, I think there’s going to be a dinner first,” the other one says.

  “Well, actually, Ellie here has been to one of these before,” Caroline says with a coy smile and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

  “Really? What happened?” The guys demand to know.

  I shake my head and shrug, but Caroline doesn’t let me get off that easily.

  “Actually, they had an auction. Girls who were willing were auctioned off to the highest bidder,” Caroline says. “Hope you guys brought your checkbooks.”

  That definitely leaves an impression as they start to talk among themselves. A part of me is annoyed with Caroline for telling them about the auction, but another part isn’t all that surprised.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a man by the other side of the wall.

  He’s definitely easy on the eyes and even more attractive than the rest of the hot men around here. There’s a serious brooding look on his face and he looks familiar.

  Suddenly, it occurs to me that I’ve seen him before. He was one of the men I talked to last time. His dark piercing eyes stare into my soul and I can tell that he remembers me, too.

  He brushes his fingers through his dark chocolate hair and makes his way over to me. When he gets close, I lose myself in the brilliance of his eyes; they are the color of the ocean.

  “Ellie, right?” he asks in his low voice.

  He has a strong square jaw and an elegant nose that is a perfect fit for his face.

  I search my mind for his name, but can’t come up with anything.

  “Blake Garrison.”

  He extends his hand to me.

  “Oh, that’s right,” I say, shaking his hand and wondering how he knows my name.

  We have talked before, at the last party, and his stare was just as disarming then as well.

  And then it hits me!

  That’s right.

  Of course.

  He’s the guy who wanted a private word with me. He’s the one who told me that I shouldn’t be at the party.

  It was a warning of sorts.

  A warning I still have no idea why he gave.

  “Weren’t you the guy who told me that I shouldn’t be here last time?” I ask, crossing my arms across my chest.

  He nods and winks.

  “And why was that again?”

  “Just didn’t think that this sort of party was a good fit for a girl like you,” he says after a moment.

  I clearly took him aback by confronting him.

  “And what do you know about me?”

  “You seem like a nice girl, that’s it.”

  “Well, I am. But maybe nice girls can have a good time, too. Besides, it’s very presumptuous of you to make that kind of statement to strangers. Don’t you think?”

  Blake shrugs and orders an old fashioned. He’s ignoring me. Goading me. It’s incredibly irritating.

  “Well, I had a good time anyway,” I say. “And that’s why I came back.”

  “Yes, I see that.”

  “And clearly, you had a good time, too. Since you’re back.”

  Blake takes a sip and shrugs nonchalantly. “I guess you could say that.”

  “Why else would you be back?”

  “I came here for what I want. I didn’t get it last time, so I’m hoping I will this time,” he says, staring straight into my eyes.

  The serious look on his face sends chills through me.

  No, this isn’t flirting or joking anymore.

  Every fiber in my body says that this guy is trouble and I need to stay away.

  Luckily, the cocktail hour quickly comes to a close and Lizbeth disperses everyone to their own rooms.

  * * *

  Somewhat familiar with the process, I join Caroline in her room.

  Lizbeth is supposed to come around and tell us what’s going to happen next.

  I’m particularly intrigued because I’m not sure what exactly I’m doing here. There’s no way that I’m going to participate in another auction.

  And if Aiden is going to spend the night with another girl, we’re pretty much throu
gh.

  I know we haven’t talked about it and maybe that’s a bit unfair, but that’s just not where I think our relationship or whatever it is that we have here should be.

  Caroline, on the other hand, can’t wait for the auction.

  “So, tell me about it again,” she says excitedly.

  I go over what happened last time, and her eyes light up at the thought.

  “I still can’t believe that I didn't go through with it last time. Man, I was such a coward,” she says, shaking her head.

  “No, you weren’t. This is a crazy thing to do.”

  “I know, but you did it.”

  I don’t like the way she says you, but I let it slide.

  “So, you’re definitely not doing it this time?” Caroline asks.

  “No.” I shake my head. “I’m here to see Aiden. And if he doesn’t want to see me…I don't know. But I’m definitely not spending the night with another guy.”

  “You’re so sweet,” Caroline says. I roll my eyes.

  “I mean, I realize that I may be taking this relationship way more seriously than he is, but I haven’t had the chance to talk to him about it.”

  “So, what are you going to do? Just stay in the room?”

  “Yeah, I guess so.” I nod.

  There’s a knock at the door. It’s Lizbeth.

  “Will you two please join me in the main cabin in five minutes?” she asks.

  Again, she’s wearing a different dress than the one she’d greeted us in.

  “Can you tell Aiden that I’m not going to be doing the auction again?” I whisper to her.

  She stares at me without saying a word for a moment.

  “Please join us in the main cabin,” she finally says.

  I look over at Caroline.

  What the hell is going on?

  Will she or won’t she give him the message?

  I look down at my phone.

  Agh, if only I had reception here.

  But I don’t.

  And that means I have no way of talking to Aiden unless Lizbeth or one of the other staff members helps me.

  Caroline grabs my hand and ushers me to the main cabin.

  Fine, I’m only going because I need to talk to Aiden. But there’s no way I’m doing the auction.

  Once we walk through the double doors, I see a familiar sight.

  There are women everywhere - on couches, at tables, and all along the bar.

  I’ve seen some of these women at the cocktail party, but many are also new.

  All are dressed in high heels and gorgeous dresses.

  Glancing around the room, I’m the only one wearing jeans and boots, and I feel severely underdressed.

  Lizbeth clinks her glass to get everyone’s attention.

  The room quickly grows silent.

  “Ladies. Thank you all for joining us today. It has really been a pleasure to serve you all.”

  That word, serve, doesn’t throw me as much as it did the first time. Lizbeth’s job is to set the mood for the auction and for the general feel of the party. And she is excelling in this position.

  Just like last time, she dispels the rumors about the masquerade ball and introduces the auction.

  I look around the room, taking in girls’ faces as Lizbeth tells them that they are the ones going up on the auction block.

  “Mr. Black’s auction is nothing like any other auction you might have ever been to, or may have heard of. What makes it particularly special is that, if you choose to participate, you will be the item that’s auctioned off.”

  Lizbeth goes on to explain the basics of the auction, but my mind focuses on one thing.

  This isn’t just some auction.

  It’s Mr. Black’s auction.

  Wait, did I hear that correctly?

  And what exactly does that mean?

  Is it Mr. Black’s auction because he is the owner of the yacht and the host of the party?

  Or is it his auction because he plans on participating in the auction just like he did last time?

  I mean, that’s his right of course. But that’s not something that I’m down for at all.

  The topic of price comes up again, and again Lizbeth mentions that it’s not unusual for women to go for $80,000 to $90,000.

  “But you got way more,” Caroline whispers. I nod.

  “I hope I do, too!”

  I flash a fake smile. I don’t really care how much Caroline will go for.

  All I care about now is whether Aiden will be spending the night with someone else.

  After further going into the job of the auctioneer and how the auction will actually take place, Lizbeth hands out the contracts and pens.

  “If you are committed to participating, please sign these contracts and hand them back to me,” she says.

  When she comes around to our table, I pull her aside.

  “Can I please talk to Aiden? It’s very important,” I say.

  “Mr. Black told me to tell you that he would like you to participate in the auction,” Lizbeth says. “If that helps you make up your mind.”

  I stare at her, dumbfounded. What the hell is she talking about?

  “I don’t understand,” I mumble, shaking my head. “No, I can’t.”

  She picks up Caroline’s signed contract and smiles at her approvingly. Then she turns her attention to me.

  “I would like you to please reconsider,” Lizbeth says. “Mr. Black urged me to convince you to participate in the auction.”

  “C’mon, what are you waiting for?” Caroline nudges me. “Sign the damn thing.”

  “But what if someone else bids on me?”

  I look up at Lizbeth and search her face for the answer. But nothing comes.

  “Of course, he’s going to bid on you,” Caroline says. “He wants you to participate, doesn’t he? Just sign it.”

  “Is that true?” I ask Lizbeth. “He said that he would bid on me if I participate?”

  “I really can’t divulge that information,” she says after a moment.

  My mind goes back and forth a million times about the decision.

  On one hand, it seems likely that he will bid on me and we will spend another amazing night together.

  On the other hand, what if he doesn’t?

  What if this is just his way of getting rid of me?

  No, that can’t be right.

  I know Aiden.

  He wouldn’t do that.

  So, why wouldn’t he just tell me if he will bid on me then?

  And why would he want to waste all his money bidding on me in the first place?

  I mean, at this point, I’m a sure thing.

  We have something more than a one-night stand.

  At least, I thought so.

  Lizbeth comes around the room with a big stack of signed contracts in her hand.

  “Well, what will it be, Ellie?” she asks. I stare at her. I still haven’t made up my mind.

  “You have to sign it!” Caroline hisses in my ear. “He wants you in the auction. And you want him. So, just do it already.”

  Chapter 3 - Ellie

  When I suddenly regret my decision…

  Back in my room, I suddenly regret the fact that I was bullied into signing the contract. I should’ve demanded to see Aiden. Or at least, told Lizbeth that I would go home if I didn’t.

  But, of course, I didn’t want to do that because I want to see him. And I also want to know why he wants to bid on me again.

  I mean, is the money really burning such a hole in his pocket that he would bid on me again even though he doesn’t have to?

  “Oh my God.” Caroline bursts into my room. “I’m so excited. How long do you think we have to wait here?”

  “I don’t know.” I shrug. “They have to set up everything and that took some time before.”

  “Eeek!” She reapplies her lipstick for what seems like the millionth time tonight.

  “How are you not more excited about this?”

  I stare
at her, dumbfounded.

  Is she really asking me this question?

  “I just don’t understand what Aiden wants me to do,” I ask. “I mean, does he really want me to participate in the auction? For what purpose? I mean, why does he want to spend money on me? I thought that we were beyond that.”

  “You’re insane, girl.” Caroline rolls her eyes.

  “No, I’m not. I mean, I thought that we were further along in our relationship now. I don't really want him to pay for my company. I’m not a hooker.”

  “I see your point. But what if it’s just a game to him? I mean, what if he wants all of these guys to bid on you and then he outbids them.”

  “But what if it’s not? What if someone else bids on me and wins? I’m not sleeping with anyone else tonight.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes!” I say adamantly. “I don't think he would want me to either. But I definitely don’t want to. The only reason I came here was because he asked me. But I never thought that I would participate in another auction.”

  Caroline shrugs.

  She doesn’t know what else to say.

  And I don't know either.

  My mind keeps going in loops without really helping me decide on any one thing.

  A knock on the door breaks my concentration.

  “Hello, girls,” Lizbeth says in a sultry voice. “Tonight’s auction will be a little different. We would like you to change into this and then meet us in the main room.”

  She hands us each a box and leaves before we get the chance to open it.

  “Wait, Lizbeth.” I run after her. “The thing is that I’m not going to participate in this. I mean, I’m here to see Aiden. He invited me.”

  “Yes, he invited you. He wants you to participate in the auction.”

  “What?”

  “That’s all I know. He asked that you are there on stage tonight.”

  “And if I decline?”

  “Then we arrange for a helicopter to take you home,” Lizbeth says slowly. “But just know that Mr. Black will be greatly disappointed.”

  I want to ask her more questions.

  Why is she being so cryptic?