Kixson lets out wolf whistle and nods.“Incredible,” he agrees.
Trek says nothing and is the first to stop clapping.He hasn’t looked at me since the dance ended, and I wonder if I overstepped.
He walks toward the stage, his eyes bright and handsome form clad in a dark suit.
“Well, ladies, I think it’s fair to say that I—and the other two judges—are pleased with your performance here.”
The women nod eagerly, because we all know that of all the opinions needed, Trek’s is the most important.
“But wait, where’s the audience?”a perky blonde named Lindsay asks.“Where is everyone?”
Trek nods slowly.
“We decided that an audience wasn’t necessary.We’re not raising money for a cause, nor are we looking to spread the word about the pageant.As a result, my brothers and I will be your only observers.”
The girls murmur in understanding.
“Makes sense,” says Lindsay.
Trek nods.
“And, as your judges, we’ve also decided that there will be no interview portion to complete later this afternoon,” he continues.
A few of the women look disappointed.
“Why not?”asks Lindsay, confusion marring her pretty features.“I practiced a lot for my interview!”
Trek must sense the energy, because he holds up his hands and grants us one of his rare smiles.I feel my knees go weak but somehow manage to stay upright.
“There won’t be any interviews because we’ve been able to learn what we need to about each of you already—you girls were honest and open in the practice rounds,” he explains.“We already have enough to go by.”
I raise my hand, feeling a little silly doing so but knowing that Trek isn’t the kind of man one should talk over.
His eyes rest on me at last.
“Posey,” he says, my name like a caress in his mouth.
“So, what happens now?We’ve completed the choreographed dance and the only other part of the pageant was the interviews.Without the interviews, it seems like we’re done.”
Trek inclines his head.
“Good question,” he says in a smooth tone.“There isn’t much else, as you’ve deduced.In fact, we’ve already chosen a winner.”
At that, the girls gasp while staring at one another.Some of the girls grip one another’s hands, their eyes wide.
“Narax, Kixson, join me, please,” Trek says, gesturing as his brothers assume positions on either side of him.The three are like dark, handsome sentinels, their masculine forms imposing.
“I’m happy to announce the winner,” Trek begins slowly.The girls gasp with anticipation, quite a few covering open mouths with their hands.“In fact, I’ll be announcing ten winners because youallwin.”
A hushed murmur rises from the group.
“Are you for real?!”one woman exclaims.
“Wait, so weallget a hundred thousand dollars?”another chirps.
“This is so cool!”a third squeals, jumping up and down excitedly.
“But what about the job?”I call out above the noise of the room.“Do we all get jobs too?”
