“Four hundred,” I called out, holding up Lilly’s now limp arm one last time. The audience oohed at the outrageous bid. Lilly dropped her head into her free hand. “My parents are going to kill me,” she mumbled. I watched Sophia and Tiffany argue. Tiffany looked angry, but Sophia looked downright pissed.
“Four hundred going once…twice…” Mr. Matt looked at Tiffany for confirmation, and she shook her head. “Sold! To the beautiful redhead in the second row.” He pointed at Lilly. “Come on up and claim your prize.”
Jake stood on the end of the stage, grinning like a fool. I guess he didn’t care that he had to pay two hundred and fifty dollars for a date with himself. I nudged Lilly, and she stood to walk to the stage. Once she was standing next to Jake, Mr. Matt smiled at the crowd. “How about a round of applause for the little lady?”
Lilly looked embarrassed, but only until she noticed Sophia glaring at her from the audience. She immediately plastered a smug grin on her face, then bent her knees in a curtsey, not once taking her eyes from Sophia. Jake scooted closer to Lilly for the picture and put his arm around her waist. They looked goofy and completely perfect together. After the picture was taken, Jake leaned in and whispered something in Lilly’s ear. Her eyes got wide, and so did her smile. She gave Jake a small nod. Jake looked at his sister and winked, then, in a dramatic display, dipped Lilly and gave her a big, sloppy kiss…in front of the whole school.
The crowd cheered again, and Mr. Matt threatened playfully to throw them both in detention if they didn’t cut it out. Sophia stomped out of the cafeteria in a fit of rage, but I’m sure few people realized why or even noticed that it happened. Jake grabbed Lilly’s hand and threw it up in the air in triumph, as if he’d just finished a marathon. Then he led her off the stage, behind the curtain. It took a while before they emerged, with matching dopey looks on their faces.
At least someone was happy, and I was happy for them, honestly. I watched the rest of the auction, trying to have a good attitude. The ninth male bidder walked off the stage, and I stood to make sure the girls were ready to go on. I expected a brief intermission between sets, but the lights stayed low, and Mr. Matt spoke into the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen. Can I please have your full attention for our final man of the evening.”
My head whipped toward the stage in shock. Someone stood in the shadows at the head of the runway. “Let’s give it up for date number ten, Andrew Walker.” I heard Mr. Matt announce him, but I couldn’t believe it. The spotlight hit Andy as music filled the room. Andy’s head was bent down toward the floor. He was wearing a hat, but not a baseball cap. It was something you’d see on a Prohibition-era gangster. He was also wearing an extremely expensive-looking tailored suit. It was a deep charcoal color, which made the slim red striped tie tucked under the jacket pop against his white dress shirt. His shoes probably cost more than all of mine combined. He looked so freaking hot.
People in the crowd started whispering as Andy tipped his chin up and winked at the crowd. Then he sauntered down the runway to the song “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra. The crooner music only added to the effect, and my face flushed as I pictured him doing a cabaret-style strip tease. I know nobody could read my mind, but I was embarrassed anyway and slapped my hand over my eyes.
By the time he reached the end of the runway, multiple people were whistling and yelling from the back of the room. Andy removed his jacket and slung it casually over his shoulder, revealing how well his pants fit. I fanned my face. He tipped his hat to the girls in the front row and lifted it off his head, then whipped it like a Frisbee into the audience. The crowd went crazy, even though I’m sure half of them didn’t even know who he was.
The music stopped, and Mr. Matt waited for the noise to die down before he started introducing Andy. “Now, some of you might not know who this looker is. That’s because Andrew Walker is a man of mystery, a free-spirited artist whose works you’d be surprised to know have won national recognition.” I didn’t know that. “In addition to being an artist, he’s also an accomplished cook and musician. He can sing, play the piano, and whip up a mean alfredo sauce. Good-looking and talented, ladies. Whoever wins this final bid will be one lucky girl.” I didn’t know he played the piano, either. Or sang. I guess I was too caught up in fixing him to notice him. I felt sick, like I had a rock in the pit of my stomach.
“Andrew’s date promises to be a relaxing day filled with sophistication and fun. An early lunch followed by a trip to the city and the Museum of Fine Art. After that, Andrew will personally cook you a five-course dinner while you get to watch him work. Top the day off with a refreshing dip in his resort-style pool and cuddle up with a movie of your choosing in his personal theater room.”
The date wasn’t Disney World, but as I surveyed the audience, plenty of girls looked like they’d be more than happy to sink their teeth into my boyfriend. Or, ex-boyfriend. I had to win his bid so that I could get a chance to tell him how dumb I’d been and how sorry I was. He needed to know that I didn’t want to give up on us.
“All right, every girl who has any money left, now’s the time to pull it out. Bidding starts at twenty-five dollars.”
“Twenty-five.”
“Thirty.”
“Forty.”
Paddles were flying left and right. Andy was scanning the crowd, and I hoped he was looking for me. He was smiling, but I knew that on the inside he was probably stressing. Finally, his face reached mine, and he stared blankly. I gave him a tentative smile, but he only looked at me, like he was waiting for something. That’s when it dawned on me. I hadn’t bid on him yet. The total was at ninety-five dollars, so I rushed the bidding along, hoping it would make my statement clear for him.
“One hundred fifty dollars!” I shouted. Dozens of eyes turned to me, accompanied by multiple groans because I’d knocked a bunch of people out of the running.
I hadn’t noticed Sophia slip back into her seat, because she’d been quiet until this point. But the second I made my bid, her claws came out. “One seventy-five,” she countered. Seeing Sophia bid shut a bunch of people up. They must have realized this was going to be a repeat of the scene played out for her brother. That, or they were scared of her. Maybe a little of both.
I stood and pinned Sophia with a deadly stare before upping the bid. “Two hundred.”
“Two twenty-five.” Her returning stare was menacing.
This was it, my last chance—unless I could get Jake to pay for my date with Andy, too. Somehow, I already knew I wouldn’t win, but standing firm, I called out, “Two-fifty.”
Sophia looked at Andy, then back at me before crossing her arms across her chest and popping her hip to the side. A dangerous smirk appeared on her face. It was pure evil. Just like she was. She paused for dramatic effect before shouting out, “Five-hundred dollars.”
The crowd gasped, then went silent. I mean, you could hear a pin drop silent. My jaw dropped at the same time as Andy’s did. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rob stand up at the back of the room and leave. He was obviously upset with his ex-girlfriend. Sophia stared at me, waiting for me to outbid her, but knowing that I couldn’t. I looked at Andy, my heart breaking as he gave me a pleading glance. Or maybe I only thought it was pleading, and I was really just delusional. Either way, I stood there helplessly and gave him one shake of my head. He pursed his lips together.
“Five hundred dollars, ladies and gentlemen. That must be an auction record!” Mr. Matt crowed. “Five hundred going once… Five hundred going twice… SOLD! To Miss Sophia Hill.”
The crowd went nuts. Sophia walked slowly to the stage, enjoying the spectacle she’d made. I sat back down in my chair and slumped in defeat. Once she reached Andy, she sidled up next to him, much closer than necessary. She pulled his hand into hers and laced their fingers together, then kissed him on the cheek. Andy smiled, and though it didn’t seem sincere, he didn’t stop Sophia from hanging all over him.
Tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn’t cr
y right now. Sophia already knew she’d won. I didn’t need to give her the added satisfaction. Before I could stand, Lilly sat down on my left and Jake made someone scoot over so he could sit on my right. He put his hand on my shoulder, and Lilly leaned her head on my other one. We sat in silence for a moment.
“My sister’s a witch with a capital B,” Jake finally complained. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Andy is less than thrilled that she won.”
I glanced at the stage where Andy and Sophia were smiling for the camera. She was still holding his hand. “It doesn’t look like he has a problem with it.” I huffed.
“He won’t embarrass Sophia by pulling away from her in front of all these people. He’s too nice,” Jake tried to reassure me. “I promise he’s not enjoying the attention.”
Lilly gave me a serious look. “You need to pull yourself together. Don’t give her what she wants. She wants you to be upset. If you mope around all night, you’re basically admitting to her that she won.”
“But she did win.”
“She hasn’t won unless you let her.”
Lilly was right. I wouldn’t give Sophia the pleasure. I stood up and smoothed out my skirt, then threw my shoulders back and held my chin high. “Sorry, Jake, but I have to steal your woman.” I turned to my best friend. “Come on, Lilly, we have a show to finish.”
. . . . .
I walked through my front door just after ten thirty that night. The event was over by nine, but we had a butt load of cleaning to do. My feet were aching and I was completely exhausted, both physically and mentally. My dad was sitting on his chair with a book when I passed through the family room to head upstairs.
“Hey, Dad. What are you doing up? It’s awfully late.”
“I wanted to make sure you were ok,” he said as he glanced at me over the top of his reading glasses.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I played dumb.
“I don’t know,” he replied dryly. “Maybe because a certain boy got snatched up by another girl?”
I sighed and sat on the arm of his chair. He squeezed me in a hug. “It was pretty disappointing,” I admitted.
“For what it’s worth, I was watching him carefully, and he looked just as disappointed as you do now.”
“I don’t know, Dad. We kind of got into a fight last night, and he’s not really speaking to me at the moment.”
“Ahhh.” Dad nodded his head in understanding. “That’s why you looked like death warmed over when you and Lilly showed up at the bakery this morning.” He grinned, and I stuck my tongue out at him.
“You know, pumpkin, fights happen. It’s part of any relationship.”
“I know, but this one was so new. I’m afraid I ruined everything.”
“Have you apologized?”
“I’ve tried, but he isn’t responding.”
“Well, maybe you need to try harder.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Do you think your mother forgives me so easily when I’ve done something stupid? A simple sorry is never enough. After a night on the couch, I usually resort to chocolates or flowers and begging before she gives in.”
I smiled at the thought of my quiet father, begging like a puppy. “And that works, huh?”
“Like a charm.” He chuckled. “I’ve found that the bigger the screw-up the bigger my gesture needs to be.”
I sighed and stood. “Go big or go home. I’ll keep that in mind.”
My father smiled and buried his nose back in his book. “More like go big or move into the dog house.”
I laughed and headed up the stairs. “Thanks. Goodnight, Daddy.”
“Night, sweetheart.”
I closed my bedroom door and flopped down on my bed, pulling Andy’s sweater to my face. I hadn’t washed it yet, because I knew once I did, it wouldn’t smell like him anymore. I hadn’t seen Andy after his part of the auction ended. I’m sure he skipped out. I knew he probably would. Unfortunately, I didn’t see Sophia for the rest of the night, either, which gave me the chills, in a bad way. My mind automatically went to worst-case scenarios.
I covered my face with my pillow and screamed into it. I had to do something. I couldn’t go on like this. I pulled my phone out of my purse and scrolled through my contacts for Andy’s number. Then I stared at the screen for a full five minutes before I got the nerve to call. I pushed SEND but almost immediately hung up. I chickened out and sent a text instead.
Ivy: Are you still up?
I waited for ten minutes without a response before trying again. I needed to lay it all out for him and hope that he’d forgive me. Like my dad said, go big or go home.
Ivy: Please answer. I’d really like to talk to you.
Ivy: I don’t know how many times I can say I’m sorry.
Ivy: I miss you.
An hour had passed and still nothing. I was ready to give up. One last text, and if he didn’t respond, then I’d know it was truly over.
Ivy: Will you meet me tomorrow? I don’t want this hanging over us.
I waited in vain. No phone call, no text. I slipped into my pajamas and pulled on Andy’s sweatshirt, then cried myself to sleep for the second night in a row.
I woke the next morning with a pounding headache. It was late, almost eleven. “Uggg,” I cried aloud and rolled over, burying my face in the mattress. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I wondered if I could disown my family for the day, because I didn’t feel like dealing with Nate. I got up to pee, then ended up in the shower, sitting down with my knees to my chest, letting the hot water run over my head. I don’t know how long I’d been in the bathroom, but my mom knocked on the door.
“Ivy. Are you ok?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“You’ve been in there a while. Why don’t you come out? You have visitors.”
“Tell Nate I’m not home,” I answered loudly for my brother’s benefit. I wanted to be left alone. I thought I’d succeed, until Lilly’s stubborn voice called out through the door.
“Ivy, if I don’t hear the water turn off in the next sixty seconds, I’m sending Jake in after you.”
“You’re full of crap!” I called her bluff.
“Ivy.” Now Jake’s voice was booming through the door. “Forty-five seconds…”
“What the heck? You mean, Jake’s really here?” I screeched, shutting the water off.
“Yes,” he answered. “I’m really here. Now, I’m going downstairs because your mom has blueberry pancakes and I’m starving. But if you aren’t down in five minutes, I’m dragging you out of your room, whether you’re dressed or not.”
“I wouldn’t test him,” Lilly warned. “He’d probably enjoy seeing you in a towel.”
“Fine, fine. I’ll be down in a minute. Go away, so I can come out.”
I waited another thirty seconds before peeking out the door. The coast was clear, but I didn’t know for how long, so I sprinted down the hall to my bedroom. I threw on some yoga pants and an old volleyball T-shirt and walked downstairs, towel still wrapped around my head. I found Lilly and Jake sitting across from my parents at the kitchen island. Mom was flipping pancakes, and Jake was shoving them in his mouth faster than she could get them off the griddle.
“Mrs. Nixon, these pancakes are amazing,” Jake complimented through a mouthful of food. Dad snickered, but Lilly stared at Jake in disgust.
“Thank you, Jake,” Mom said at the same time Lilly whacked him on the shoulder. “Swallow before you talk,” Lilly reprimanded him.” I thought rich kids were supposed to have manners.”
Jake rubbed his shoulder, pouting. “Yeah, well I thought shrimps were supposed to be weak. I’m going to get a bruise now.”
Lilly scoffed. “You’ll live, you big baby.”
“What are you guys doing here?” I finally managed to get a word in. “And why are you feeding them breakfast?” I asked my mom.
“I went up to tell you earlier that Nate and Candice weren’t coming today because they both have a stomach bug. But you
were sleeping so soundly I didn’t have the heart to wake you. When Lilly and Jake showed up twenty minutes ago to check on you, I figured you could use some company other than your lame parents. Consider today an extended family day. Just this once.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I smiled and gave her a big hug. She handed me the spatula.
“Now, if you’ll excuse us, I plan on going back to bed. Your father and I could use a nap. My one day to sleep in, and I still can’t make it past four a.m. It’s a darn shame, I tell you.”
She kissed me on the top of the head before leading my father out of the kitchen. “Behave yourselves.”
“We will,” Lilly called out after her.
I sat down with a plate of pancakes and drenched them in syrup. Lilly gave me a questioning look. The abundance of sugar was out of the norm for me. “What?” I quipped. “It’s called drowning your sorrows.”
“I take it you didn’t hear back from Andy?” She frowned.
“Nope. I texted him a few times, but nothing. Did either of you see him last night?”
Jake shook his head. “I think he left right after he was done. Sophia said he stopped by our house looking for me around ten, but I wasn’t home yet.”
“Oh yeah? Have something exciting going on, did you?” I teased.
Lilly’s face turned red, and Jake shrugged, but neither of them answered my question. I decided to be kind and let it slide.
“Sophia told me after I got home that she and Andy were doing their date today,” Jake added.
I paused, food halfway to my mouth, then put my fork back on my plate. My stomach was suddenly sick. “Wow. Andy must be really excited,” I said sarcastically.
“It’s more likely he wanted to get it over with,” Jake said. “I was hoping he’d talked to you this morning, because he hasn’t returned any of my texts, either. By the time I got up, Sophia was already gone.”
“I haven’t checked my phone yet today, but I doubt he texted me if he didn’t get back to you. He actually likes you. I waited for hours last night, and he completely ignored me. I guess our relationship really is over.” I scraped my food into the trash and put my plate in the sink, no longer in the mood to eat. Then I wandered into the family room and laid down on the couch to sulk. I took the towel off my head and wadded it up, using it as a pillow. Lilly followed me and sat at my feet.
Perfectly You (The Perfect Series Book 2) Page 21
