“Could you?” Julianna asks, her eyes lining with tears on the verge of spilling. “Could you do it?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I can’t.”
“Why not?” She steps forward, wrapping her hand around mine and holding onto it. “You’re single, so you won’t have anyone wanting to kill whoever bids on you. Also, not like it needs mentioning, but you’re fucking gorgeous. The men will be fighting over you.”
“Sounds barbaric.” I scrunch my nose in disgust.
“It isn’t.” Julianna jerks back, offended by my comment. Then her gaze softens. “It really isn’t as bad as you’re making itout to be. You don’t have to do anything but stand up on stage and smile.”
“But what happens when someone bids on me? Aren’t the winning donors supposed to take us out on a date afterward? Isn’t that the incentive for them to bid?”
“It is, but you don’t have to.” Julianna squeezes my hand. “The winning bidder will join you on stage, kiss you on the cheek, then there’s the option for a date afterward. No one is forced to go through with the date, though. The bidders understand the rules going into the auction. They know whoever they bid on has the choice to follow through on a date or not. They’re doing it for the publicity and to bring attention to their name, along with their donation.”
I swallow the enormous lump in my throat. Wow, I didn’t realize Julianna had put so much detail into this auction.
My gaze drifts over her shoulder. Some of the auctioneers have already started filing onto the stage, a mix of men and women of various ages. I imagine myself standing up there beside them.
My skin is sticky, and my hands grow clammy.
“I don’t know.” I shake my head and shift my attention back to Julianna. She’s standing close, her hand still wrapped around mine. “I don’t think I can do it. It’s already been such a weird day. This will multiply that by a million.”
“I know it’s ill timing considering your breakup with Adam earlier.”
“I’m not torn up about Adam. I’m glad that’s over, but it’s just been strange, you know? I don’t date or open myself up to anyone really. Love is complicated, and if this relationship with Adam has taught me anything, it’s that love is not for me. I decided that a long time ago, and somehow allowed myself to get distracted.”
I can feel London’s eyes on mine, sensing her thoughts justby her body language, her softened gaze, her bottom lip sticking out in a sympathetic pout.
I spilled all the details to my best friends earlier, describing my breakup with Adam. About him crashing my apartment and not taking the hint that we were truly over. His comments still linger in the back of my mind, and I’ve tried to ignore the prick to my chest when he said I don’t belong with my friends. It’s hard to believe him, though, when I’m surrounded by these three incredible women.
I avert my attention momentarily, looking around the crowd surrounding us. Adam is here. I knew he would be here, but I’m hoping we can make it through the night without seeing or speaking to one another. The last thing I need is Adam begging me to take him back, convincing himself we aren’t over.
“I don’t necessarily agree love isn’t for you, but this doesn’t have to be serious.” Julianna hitches her thumb over her shoulder, pulling me back to the crisis at hand.
“Don’t pressure her, Jules, if this isn’t something she feels comfortable doing,” London defends.
Julianna reluctantly shifts her attention to London but nods softly. “I’m sorry, Selene. I don’t want to pressure you or make you feel like you have to do something you don’t want to do. I truly understand. But just know that if you did, it’ll go by quickly, and you won’t have to say or do anything other than stand up there during the bidding. This really is just for charity.”
“I don’t feel like you’re pressuring me, but…” I trap my bottom lip under my teeth. “I don’t really like being put in the spotlight. I wasn’t kidding when I told you I’m an introvert. I’m all for supporting you, Jules, but I don’t think my nerves can handle it. I’m sure whoever places their bid and wins expects a date. I’d feel terrible if they donated all this money only to get a few seconds on stage with me.”
“Like I said, they know the rules, Selene. Once the bidder has won, they come up on stage and take a photo with you, then you’re free to leave.” Her voice is still tight with anxiety. “Promise.”
I stare into my best friend’s eyes, and my love for her aches. I’ve never seen her like this. My gaze bounces between my two best friends and my sister, searching for affirmation, even a semblance of input or opinion, but I don’t get it from any of them. They’re silent. Most likely because they know this is a huge deal for me. I keep my circle small, and I keep my life relatively quiet, causing the least amount of waves possible. Life is safe and more predictable that way. A lifetime of death and heartbreak will do that to you.
But I love Julianna, and I want her to be successful. She has an enormous heart and passion for helping others. I may not agree with the morality of this auction, but I have to hand it to her, she’s damn good at what she does. The last thing I want is for this night to fall apart.
Her and Holt’s reputation is on the line. I know it isn’t practical for Charleigh or London to fill this role. I’m the best and most logical option.
I quickly glance around at the packed ballroom, then the lighted stage before looking into Julianna’s vulnerable eyes.
Then, with as much conviction as I can muster, I square my shoulder, and finally say, “Fine, but a kiss on the cheek is all they’re getting. Then I’m out.”
I’ve barely drawn another breath in before Julianna’s arms are wrapped around me and she’s whispering a millionthank yousinto my ear.
FOUR
SELENE
I immediately regret my decision to help Julianna the second I step on stage.
