I start to blush at my thoughts and attribute them to what is happening on stage. I try to focus on how to get more money for my business, but I find myself searching for Brian instead.
Chapter 7 Brian
After Tammy walks off, I talk to a few more people and watch the auctions that are happening. I'm not interested in anyone though, only her. I'm a little surprised by the way she left, but she obviously seemed upset about something.
Eventually I go back to Andrew and Sheila. He's excited and she is nervous. He was able to convince her to take part in the auction. It was pretty tense, and the bids were close because there was another guy competing for Sheila.
Andrew is happy because he won her, but only because I loaned him the rest of the money, because he hadn’t thought to bring enough cash. Sheila’s bidding went up higher than we expected in a small town, so I had to pitch in, which is what any good friend would do, but at least I get credit for that.
Especially because now I have no cash on me to bid for Tammy even if she were to go up on stage. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t a possibility, though, and now that I can’t win her, I decide to stop trying to convince her to do it… for tonight, at least.
I watch them looking at each other and decide to give them some space. They look so happy together, and Andrew can't stop smiling. I don't think I have ever seen him this happy before, not even at work.
I wander around, realizing that I'm a little upset. I'm glad that Andrew is happy, but I didn't like having to loan him so much money. I know he promised to pay me back, but losing such a large sum really limits my plans for the evening.
I try take my mind off the fact that now I won't be able to convince Tammy to be in the auction because now I can't afford to bid on her. At least I can still talk to her though, so that is something to look forward to, I tell myself.
I look for her again, and spot her standing by herself. I try to think of something clever to say but decide that no line will easily work on a woman as feisty as her.
"Hello again, beautiful," I say as I stand next to her.
"Hey," she replies, glancing over at me.
I think I caught her by surprise. She looks like she had been lost deep in thought about something.
"Why are you always by yourself?" I ask curiously.
She is so hot.
I'm surprised that she’s not always surrounded by guys.
Maybe her personality intimidates them? That's what I like the most about her. What most guys see as a handful, I see as a challenge to be overcome.
She shrugs, then answers, "I was actually waiting for you."
My mouth goes dry.
"Change your mind about being in the auction?" I joke.
Deep down, I'm hoping that's not what it is because I can't afford her now – not without trying to get a large amount out of banks that are closed for the day. I breathe a sigh of relief when she laughs and shakes her head no.
"I wanted to talk to you about the other things you said," she replies.
She moves a few steps closer to me, so we can continue our conversation.
"Really? Which part?" I ask, intrigued.
I want to pull her even closer to me, but that will have to wait.
"Well, both parts. I'm interested in hosting the auction at my business, and since it's a bakery, I can cater as well,” she replies, sounding proud of herself.
I'm both happy and excited by this new. It means I'll get to see her again. I'm also impressed that she wants to do so much to help the auction. We are going to make a lot of money.
"That's great to hear! Let me give you my number," I reply.
I reach into my pocket and hand her one of the business cards that I gave to Sheila. She smiles as she puts it in her purse.
"Thanks! I'll call you sometime this week to go over all the details?" she asks, while looking at me.
I want to lose myself in her eyes. I clear my throat before speaking, because I’m left a little speechless.
"Yes, I'm usually up late working, so you can reach me at any time," I answer.
"Oh, okay, cool," she replies.
"Maybe I should have your number too, in case you get busy with work or something?" I suggest.
She smirks, then laughs.
"That's a good line. Okay, I guess," she replies.
She pulls a pen out of her purse and writes her number on my hand.
"I work during the day, so the best time to reach me is in the early morning, but if I don't answer, leave a message," she instructs me.
"Okay. No problem," I reply.
She seems to be the take charge type, and I'm not sure how to feel about that. But I'm attracted to her, so I will do anything to get her. She looks around and then glances at the time.
"I should get going. I have to work early in the morning," she apologizes.
I have to admit I am disappointed. She is the perfect girl for me, and I don't want to let her go. Well, at least we have each other's numbers, so I can easily get a hold of her, I think.
I can't call her too soon though. I don't want to scare her off, but she doesn't seem like the type that scares easily.
