"Mother," I lean down and kiss the cheek she's offered. The name is hard to utter, but she insists Cathy and I call her that, and I don't want her suspicious. "It's good to be home."
"You are looking magnificent, son." She says, then she turns to the emcee with whom she was talking. "Have you met d'Artagnan before?"
I bite down on my tongue, needing the pain to keep me focused. I have been away at war for two years, and although I didn't expect anything more from her greeting, she seems to have forgotten that point. Of course, the emcee hasn't met me. I was serving my country in foreign lands, fighting for our freedoms.
He acknowledges my presence. Then they continue the conversation they were having before I arrived. Tiara politics to have the auction item for Cathy's Corner Boutique moved to the middle of the list, but I've already taken care of that. When he apologizes to her informing her, he can't rearrange the list this late in the game, I know I won Round One.
I check my watch. It's time to finalize with Brian and Felix. I glance over at the refreshment table and see them standing there chatting. Nodding to Tiara, I head in their direction. When Felix sees me, he throws up his hand, and I nod. I take out my phone and text him.
Get in line with me.
We need to chat.
K.
He bumps Brian and shows him my message.
When I take a plate, they fall in line behind me. "Are we ready to go?"
"Yes, sir," Felix answers. "We have already been to our seats. I'm in the secret bidder's gallery, and Brian is in the big money balcony."
"Good, do you foresee any issue with your bids being heard?"
"No," Felix answers.
"Me either," Brian says as he fills his plate with shrimp cocktail and caviar.
"And you understand what to bid?"
Felix answers, "Yes, I'm to bid the same dollar amount as the top bid for the day on the dress Cathy's Corner Boutique has in the auction."
I glance at Brian. His mouth is full. I turn my attention to the table of goodies filling my plate.
Brian answers, "I'm to bid $5,000 more than he bids."
"That's correct. Once the auction is over, you'll be required to make the payment. Use the credit card I gave you. I'll meet you back at the office tomorrow and give you the balance of what I owe you."
"Roger that, boss." Brian answers.
"What time tomorrow?" Felix asks.
"Nine o'clock."
"See you then." He smiles and walks away.
A waiter comes by with a tray of champagne, and I take a flute. As I stroll across the floor, putting distance between Tiara and myself, I look down at my plate. The only thing I added was strawberries.
Hmm, I pick one up and smell it. Instantly, Rapunzel's sweet scent floats back into my mind, and as I stroll toward the elevator, I let the alternate plan that I tried to formulate as soon as I saw her finalize in my mind.
By the time I arrive, I'm confident it will work. I finish the fruit, savoring the flavor along with the memory, drain the flute. Then set my empty dishes on the nearest open table, and check my phone to see if Rapunzel has answered my text yet, but she hasn't. She's busy getting ready to model the bridal gown.
I walk over to the elevator and wait for the doors to open. This event is going to be more expensive than I anticipated. Instead of only making sure that Cathy's item receives the highest bid, thus giving her boutique the publicity, now, I'm also bidding on the bridal gown Rapunzel will wear. I smile as the doors open, and I walk inside. It will be worth it, though, to see her face when I win the bid for her gown.
* * *
Meanwhile…
Zella
