by Amber Nation
“Miri, you have been pathetically in love with him for I don’t know how long, and here is your chance to actually do something about it.”
“Bentley Jenkins has never noticed me, and I don’t feel comfortable buying a date with him.” Finally, someone on my level. When Tillie first explained to me about the auction, I couldn’t exactly wrap my head around it.
“Well, I’m going to be bidding on Dean.” My head perked up a bit more and I found myself leaning closer towards the door to hear their voices more clearly. Even though it wasn’t news that the whore had the hots for Dean, it was different hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth. I was going to have to hurry up and make my presence known, but I wanted to eavesdrop a bit more. Sue me, I was a hair stylist after all, gossip filled my life. “Now that Baylor is getting hitched, Dean is the next best thing in Cottage Grove. Doesn’t hurt that he’s a lawyer and more than likely loaded.”
“Seriously, Maisie? You can be such a wanker sometimes.” I didn’t know this Miri chick, but I instantly took a liking to her. She had serious spunk and a helluva pair of brass balls to straight up tell Maisie that she was basically being a bitch.
I had had enough of listening to Maisie’s crap and it seemed like Miri had as well, I hurried up and flushed the toilet and yanked the door open on the stall as I nonchalantly walked towards the sinks to wash my hands. I tried my best to ignore the two ladies and keep my bitchiness to myself, but the slutbag had to go running her mouth.
“Oh, it’s you…” She narrowed her eyes and spat in my direction.
I finally looked up from the sink and saw a blush creep up Miri’s cheeks, no doubt appalled at Maisie, which I would certainly be. Then I noticed Maisie and she just looked utterly disgraceful and had a lip curled up in disgust. The bodice of her little black dress was a little too tight and her cheap red lipstick was covering the majority of one of her front teeth. Evidently she hadn’t seen herself in the mirror, otherwise her expression wouldn’t have been directed at me.
“Ah yes, Maisie, is it?” I did my best to come across polite, but inside I was ready to claw her eyes out. “I’m Julia, Eden’s best friend from Nashville.” Reaching around the dumb bitch, I grabbed a towel from the dispenser and began drying my hands. As I was throwing the crumpled towel into the trash, I looked directly into Maisie’s eyes and said, “May the highest bidder win. Enjoy your evening, ladies.”
I couldn’t help but to lightly chuckle to myself as I went back to my seat, which was next to Baylor. There were so many different scenarios playing out in my head about how the situation could’ve been handled, and I think the way it went down was a little too nice on my part. Growing up in New York, my parents put their money to use making sure I knew how to be prim and proper and that I was always polite to everyone I encountered.
Well, Mommy Dearest, look at me now, I know I’ve made you so proud.
Baylor leaned into me, “What caused that smile on your face?”
“Oh, nothing, nothing at all.” I wasn’t planning on bidding this evening, but I’d decided that it would be fun showing up Miss Nasty Pants. I settled back in my seat and crossed one leg over the other, eager to let the games begin.
Eden walked up onto the small stage followed by five guys, including Bentley and Dean. She raised the microphone to her lips and began the evening. “Good evening everyone!! Thank you so much for joining us here tonight!” She was always so full of life and could command the attention of everyone in the room without even trying. “Ms. Tillie has held this auction for the past twenty-five years. All the money always goes towards helping out the community of Cottage Grove and this year is no different. It has been announced that all of the proceeds will go to the new public library. I believe they’ve already broken ground for the new building, but tonight will help put in a more extensive children’s section, so don’t be stingy with your bidding.” She pointed her forefinger towards all of the ladies in the audience.
Even though this was mostly a ladies’ function, the men were given the opportunity to strictly donate an amount of their choosing. Or they could wait until the end of the date auction for other items that were donated from around the community to be auctioned off. I believe Eden told me that Baylor always put in a gift certificate for plumbing service and even Dean donated a divorce consult. Given my 0 for 2 batting average, maybe I should bid on that.
My eyes stayed glued to the stage, just willing Dean to look my way. It was as if he could hear me, because in the next moment his eyes landed on mine. His deep brown irises flared as they took in my bare crossed legs that were peeking out from underneath the table. I sat up a little straighter knowing he approved.
As Eden introduced the first two gentlemen, they each walked up while a different snippet of music played. The first guy was a short, rotund man in his forties who was on the verge of going completely bald, and was introduced as the local dentist. He reminded me of Ernie, as in Bert and Ernie. He stood stock still on the stage, not so much as even a blink came from him. His embarrassment was incredibly evident as his cheeks flushed and you could just make out the briefest hint of his sweaty armpits. But that could be due to the heat that exuded from the house lights that were pointed directly on him, right? He was a real catch.
His final bid was $50.
I think one of Tillie’s pinochle friends took pity on him. Perhaps she needed some dental work and thought she would get a discount.
By the time it was Bentley’s turn, the ladies were on the edge of their seats, their chops salivating just waiting to see who would get to nab the town playboy. “Bump and Grind” by R. Kelly began playing and you heard several women gasp before shouting off random dollar amounts, all before Eden even opened the bidding. Bentley swiveled his hips to the beat and seeing his seductive movements even had me feeling a little flustered.
Had this turned into a strip club and I wasn’t made aware of it?
At any moment I was bracing myself to see Bentley’s suit jacket come flying at the audience from off the stage.
Jesus, was it hot in here? I had to fan myself with my open hand and thought that they should’ve handed out those cheap paper fans as you entered the building.
Bentley was gorgeous, his muscles flexing through his clothing, showing off all of his hard lines and planes.
Too bad he was such a flirt.
I saw Miri standing off to the side out of my peripheral vision and her cheeks were flushed. She unabashedly had a major thing for Bentley Jenkins.
I looked back up at the stage just as Eden started off the bidding at $50. I peered over to where Dean was standing, waiting on his turn, and his pointed glare was directed at me. Was he pissed that I was gawking at Bentley? Hm, Dean Parker showing a bit of jealousy, this could be very useful.
Eden was up to $500 by the time I began paying attention again, and Bentley had the cheesiest grin spread across his face. The highest amount ended up being $750, coming from a little old lady in the front row. Looked as if it was one of Ms. Tillie’s girlfriends as they gave one another a high five. Those pinochle ladies were cleaning house.
He didn’t seem to mind that the winner could’ve been his grandma, he was soaking up having the highest amount of money bid on him for the evening thus far.
Finally, it was Dean’s turn and I waited with bated breath for Eden to start talking. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson started playing through the speakers and Dean began strutting up to the front of the stage. He unbuttoned the single button on his suit jacket and threw the sides back, showing off his slim and trim waist. I subconsciously bit my lip trying to stop from either busting out laughing or releasing a loud moan. It was insanely comical but at the same time, also sexy as hell. I found myself squeezing my legs together as Dean danced on stage.
“Dean Parker here was raised in Cottage Grove, only to leave after High School, returning earlier this year to take over Baxter’s Law Firm, now being the only divorce lawyer in town. His gorgeous brown eyes and a
pparent sexy moves are not to be overlooked. Ladies, shall we start the bidding at $50?”
Maisie weaseled her way up front, cutting through the throng of women, throwing her hand in the air just as the opening bid amount slipped from Eden’s lips.
I sat back in my seat, crossing my arms in front of my chest, trying to remain aloof as if I wasn’t interested and heard several women shout out dollar amounts. As soon as Maisie yelled out a bid, she was immediately cast aside as a higher number would be hollered. I could tell by her pursed lips and narrowed eyes that she was getting pissed that she was constantly being outbid. As much as I wanted to continue reveling in her demise, I thought it would be as good a time as any to put the poor girl out of her misery. I found my hand raising as I yelled out, “One thousand dollars!”
An audible gasp came from Maisie’s lips simultaneously as Dean’s head jerked in my direction. I could feel everyone’s stare on me as I just casually looked at my fingernails.
Damn, I was in dire need of a manicure.
“Twelve hundred dollars!” Maisie yelled, and I had to stifle back my giggle, because I highly doubted she even had that amount of money. I remained calm, not even flinching; she on the other hand was ready for a knock-down, drag out brawl.
A new little old lady, who was seated with Ms. Tillie and her friend who had bid on Bentley, rose out of her seat and hollered with her hands waving in the air, “Fifteen hundred dollars!”
Wow, it appeared that the good lawyer was a hot commodity here in Cottage Grove.
The room grew silent as Eden began, “Fifteen hundred going once. Fifteen hundred going twice.”
I shot up my hand once again, yelling, “Five thousand dollars.”
“Holy shit,” Eden breathed into the microphone. Quickly recovering her surprise she announced, “Five thousand going once. Five thousand going twice.” I peered around the room trying to size up if anyone were to be so bold as to bid against me, paying special attention to Maisie and giving her an extra added smirk. “SOLD,” Eden pointed in my direction, “to Julia Caldwell for five flipping thousand dollars!” Her bewilderment at me actually bidding on Dean, the guy I was supposed to hate, was written all over her face. I knew I had some explaining to do.
The room began clapping as Dean walked backwards towards his former place on the stage, his apparent anger radiating off of him. What the …?
Baylor had his elbows on the table and he casually leaned over towards me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “You don’t like him, eh? And to think…” he lowered his voice to just above a whisper, “you probably could’ve had him for free.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I tried to play it cool. “I was simply doing my good deed for the season, you know being Christmastime and all.” I tried to wave him off. “I didn’t want to have to make fun of him for some old woman being the highest bidder. Besides,” shrugging a shoulder, “I overheard Maisie in the bathroom talking as if she was ready to spread her legs right here on the floor and beg him to have his babies.” I paused for a moment, trying to find a way to finagle myself out of this without digging my hole even further. “I guess I was looking out for his penis.” I stated bluntly. “So, you see I just simply saw it as my civic duty to save his penis from falling off from the gift that keeps on giving that he would’ve received from her.”
Double damn…Even I didn’t believe all that bullshit I just spouted off. I didn’t bid on Dean because I actually wanted him, did I? My own form of jealousy getting in the way?
The auction finally ended and I looked up to find Dean jumping down from the stage and rapidly stalking in my direction. Instead of him being happy about me outbidding everyone and donating to an amazing cause, he had a murderous glare on his face.
“Oh shit,” I heard Baylor mutter.
Oh shit was right. I quickly rose from my seat and ran up to him to try and defuse the situation. What started out as a silly prank and the evidence of my jealousy, ended up hurting him and I had no one to blame but myself for putting that thunderous look on his face. My chest ached for believing I hurt him.
He continued storming forward until we were nose to nose and I had no other choice but to walk backwards to avoid being run over.
His steps didn’t falter until I was completely pressed flat up against the wall and his arms came up around me, boxing me in so I couldn’t move. He gave me no option other than accepting the brutal tongue lashing that was about to be bestowed upon me.
Dean’s chest was heaving up and down, his labored breathing matching my own, and his eyes were narrowed at me. “What the fuck kind of game are you getting at here?” He spat in my face through his clenched teeth. My heart was beating so fast in my chest that I swore he could hear it, hell, maybe even the entire room could hear it. I couldn’t form a coherent thought as my eyes flicked from his lips back up to his eyes. He didn’t skip a beat as he pushed his groin into me and it was clearly evident that this little encounter was turning him on. A loud moan managed to slip from my lips as his hard length pressed into my belly.
I hadn’t ever been a fan of voyeurism, but I was practically ready to beg him to lift up my dress and fuck me right there, audience be damned.
“Are you finished being a bitch and trying to ward me off?” He gently brushed his nose across mine, “I promise you it’ll be explosive.” His breath skimmed my ear and just as I thought he was about to dip his head down and press his lips to mine, he took a step back, turned on his heels and began walking away from me, seemingly unaffected.
I allowed myself a split second to try and recover from my lapse in judgment. Then I immediately snapped out of my lust-filled haze, with my anger taking precedence. I marched my ass right after him, charging around the still-occupied tables and chairs. “Listen up here, asshole, it was all a bit of fun.” He stopped dead in his tracks. “I have the money, it was for a good cause and it gave me a laugh to piss off Maisie.” My voice was continuing to grow louder as my anger surged above the surface. “It’s not like we are going to actually follow through with the date, don’t flatter yourself.” He paused for a brief moment, with his back still facing me, then he stormed off and out into the night.
Chapter 8
Julia
The day had finally arrived, my best friend was getting married. Although as we had gotten closer to the actual day, I had started to wonder where Eden’s head was. She was utterly calm and cool about everything, just going with the flow and hardly getting worked up about anything. I, on the other hand was preparing myself for the other shoe to drop.
I took care of everything that I could, keeping all the stress away from Eden and Baylor and more geared towards me. But it wasn’t the stress of wedding planning that was getting me all out of sorts. It was the fact that Dean Parker was now ignoring me. Even while I cut his hair late Thursday afternoon, he wouldn’t talk to me or answer any questions I asked him. He wouldn’t even give me the pleasure of seeing his eyes trying to inconspicuously steal a glance in my direction. As much as I loved the thrill of the banter that took place between us, giving me the cold shoulder just made me want to wring his neck. How dare he brush me off, especially after getting me so hot and bothered at the auction?
Friday morning I found myself rushing into Cottage Grove Massage Specialists in order to get a Groomsman gift for Bentley. Baylor had already secured two tickets to a concert that Dean wanted to go to during the summer months, but completely forgot about his own brother. I came to the rescue with the idea of getting him a gift certificate for a massage. Even with the perplexed look both Eden and Baylor gave me, I knew it was the perfect thing for him. And once I walked into the lobby of the spa, it was like God was giving me a sign that this was exactly what Bentley needed.
Perched behind the counter, with one hand bracing up her chin as her eyes scanned across her Kindle, was none other than Miri from the auction.
Fate. It had to have been. Now, I wouldn’t say that I necessarily believed in f
ate for myself; exhibit a and b being my ex-husbands, but it seemed the stars could be aligning for Miri and Bentley.
“Miri, right?” I spoke, startling her from her spot in her book. “I’m sorry, didn’t mean for you to lose your place. I’m Julia, we didn’t really get the proper introduction the other night at the auction.”
She stared blankly at me before it dawned on her that I was the one in the bathroom. “Oh yes, sorry about all that. Maisie can be a…what’s the word?”
“Bitch,” I finished for her. It was true, plain and simple.
“Yeah, thanks,” she breathed a sigh of relief most likely knowing that she could be so forthcoming with me. “She’s my cousin and I know that I’m supposed to love her unconditionally and all that hoopla, but she gets on my ever-loving nerves. I was surprised that she didn’t try to bid on Bentley just to rub it in my face. But she was for sure she’d win the date with Dean. Congratulations, by the way.”
With the way Dean was being a dick towards me, I immediately dismissed it. “So, I’m here to purchase a gift certificate for an hour massage.” I wasn’t going to come out and say that it was for Bentley. I didn’t even know if he knew she worked here, or if he even knew who she was, for that matter. But this could end up playing into the little plan that I was devising.
“Sure, no problem.”
I could tell by the faint blush on her cheeks that she was pretty shy and reserved. Complete one-eighty from what I’d seen of Bentley.
“So, Miri, are you a licensed Massage Therapist?”
“I am. We are just slow at this time of the day, so I come up here to read and to wait on any customers.” This would work out splendidly. Not only would Bentley come here to redeem his gift certificate, but there could be a likely chance that Miri would have her opportunity to touch her longtime crush.