Bidding War Read Free

Convention Center. The convention center is a huge structure on the edge of downtown. Our event was occupying two of the many convention rooms in the center. There was one large room to be used for the cocktail party, and dinner was a catered event in the room next door.
    Bernard stepped out, drawing me after him. He offered my hand, and I took it, looking around.
    It was fun being on Bernard's arm. He was immaculately dressed and a complete gentleman. He was also funny and extremely solicitous. I felt completely safe with him looking out for me. We took a few steps and I pulled him to a stop. "Thank you," I said. "I was a little nervous I guess, like a lamb being led to the slaughter. Will you stay with me the entire evening?"
    "The first half, until the auction. After that, you'll spend the remainder of the evening with your date."
    I nodded. "That's all right," I said. "The ice should be broken by then." I paused. "I hope I'm not a disappointment."
    He laughed before he realized I was serious. He patted my hand soothingly and pulled me into the building.
    Bernard led me through the convention center, soon taking us off the beaten path. "We'll go in the back way," he said. "Sam is waiting for us. She may have some last minute instructions for you." We took several turns before arriving at a door being guarded by a couple.
    "Hello, Barry," Bernard said. He nodded at the woman. "This is Pamela Henderson, one of the dates we're auctioning tonight."
    At that, the woman perked up and checked me out, smiling, and I think she wanted an introduction, but Bernard ignored her. Barry checked us off a list and let us in the door.
    We were in what was basically a back stage area of the convention center. Everything was a little crazy. To the right there was a station set up with two women doing makeup. I saw Bonnie getting touched up. As she'd told me, she was wearing a tuxedo. She looked pretty good. Over to the left, a harried-looking Suzanne was talking to someone. I didn't see Sam right away. Bernard pulled me towards the makeup station.
    "Bernard, my mother did my makeup, and I'm happy with it."
    "They have corsages for you," he said. He led me to a small group of people, and that was when I saw Sam.
    She was talking two three guys, all dressed exceedingly well, but the moment she saw me, she stopped and stared at me. Bernard drew me straight to her.
    "Pamela," she said. "You look amazing!"
    "Don't act so shocked, Sam," I said quietly.
    She stepped closer to me and gave me a tentative hug, careful to avoid mussing my appearance. While hugging me she whispered into my ear, "Thank you so much. I owe you. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't volunteered."
    "You didn't want me to do it."
    "Pamela, I wanted you to do this like you couldn't believe, but I couldn't bring myself to ask. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
    "You're my best friend, Sam. Of course I want to help you out." We separated and I looked at her. She looked more nervous than I did. What was odd was that she hadn't looked nervous when I walked in.
    "Pamela," she said. "I hope you still say that after tonight."
    "Don't be silly," I told her.
    She smiled wanly. "Let me introduce you to some of the other bachelors." She turned to the men she'd been talking to. I realized they varied in age from upper twenties to mid-forties. "This is Billy," she said. "Brent and John." I shook hands with all of them. I was a little surprised, as I thought Brent might be gay. But if Bonnie could be auctioned off, I guess a gay man could, too. Heck, if I had the money, I'd pay for a date with Bernard. I bet he'd make sure I had a pleasant evening.
    And of course, it's all for charity.
    "I have a white corsage for you," Sam said. She turned to a table behind her, and I saw there were still a couple more corsages and several boutonnieres waiting to be pinned on their respective bachelors and bachelorettes. Sam picked one up and carefully pinned it into place above my left