"Yes, the property is still available," they inform me.
I want to jump up and down. I feel like I’m about to have my dreams come true.
"However, there has been a lot of interest in recently. A local investor is looking to purchase the space and demolish it to make room for something else," the agent informs me.
My happiness disappears.
"Oh, I see. And how much is the space again?" I ask.
I'm shocked and disappointed as she tells me the price has increased a little. I thank her and hang up. That is a lot of money, more than I'd make from hosting this auction. In fact, I would probably have to host multiple events to be able to afford this place.
I tap my fingers on the table as I try and think of what to do. As the minutes go by, I realize I already made my decision. I need this space. If I want to get anywhere in my life and progress in my business, I need to take risks. If that means taking part in all these auctions, then I have to do it. It's the only way to get what I want.
I get up to get ready for work. I only hope that Brian calls me soon, and that he will be open to letting me host more events in the future. I have to put a lot of work and planning into my business now. I need to do everything I can to ensure that the auction will be a success.
There's suddenly so much that I want to talk to Brian about. I'm so curious now about how everything is going to work. I laugh at myself. Even though he's a cocky flirt, he still manages to intrude into my thoughts even in the smallest way.
I shrug, because maybe I’m being ridiculous. Then I finish getting ready for work. I want to get there early and experiment with some new recipes for the event. I’m suddenly filled with a lot of excitement and can’t wait to host the auction.
My wet panties remind me that I also want to see Brian again, but I try to ignore that thought.
I’m a woman on a mission, and I have exciting plans ahead.
Chapter 9 Tammy
It's the night of the auction. I'm so excited! This is just one of the steps on the way to making my business even better.
I'm a little upset because I’m running late. I spent too much time thinking about getting the new shop and expanding my business – not to mention getting ready – that I lost track of time.
I race across town and make it to the store. Thank goodness Bloom is such a small town and there is never any traffic at this hour. I hurriedly fix my make-up and hair before getting out of the car.
Brian is waiting outside the shop along with the woman who runs things. Julia. I remember her from Sheila's auction.
I'm all smiles as I walk over because I see that they have a crowd of people waiting with them. My smile disappears as I see that Candy is among the people in the front of the line. I can feel my anger building up.
I unlock the door, and everyone starts walking inside.
I pull Brian aside and ask, "What is she doing here?" in a hiss, as I throw a pointed glance at Candy.
Brian looks at her and then shrugs.
"I told her about these money-making opportunities too and she said she wanted to be a part of it," he explains. “Sorry. Do you not like her? I was just talking to everyone who was at the last auction.”
I sigh in anger.
"Right. I don't like her and I don't want her here," I snap.
Brian looks confused.
"Why?" he asks, then explains, "The more women that participate, the more money we make."
I get what he means, but he just doesn't understand the history that Candy and I have. Right now, though, I don't have the time or patience to explain it to him.
Brian reaches out and gently brushes his fingers against my hand. I look at him, surprised that he’s doing that.
"I really am sorry. I didn't know that you didn't like her, or I never would have told her about this opportunity. I had already talked to her about everything beforehand and she signed up to our newsletter that let' everyone know where the auctions are going to be," he explains apologetically.
I sigh because I can’t be mad at him. It's not his fault for not knowing. I'm about to say something to him, when I see Sheila and Andrew walk over. They are smiling and holding hands. They look so happy together. Brian follows my gaze and we all exchange greetings.
We turn our attention to the stage because they are going to start the first auction. I'm so excited until I see that it’s Candy again. If she’s participating in this many auctions, then she must not be with Jim anymore.
I start to get angry again, until I hear Sheila whisper to me, "Just let it go and have fun; it's time to get over high school grudges."
I look at her, annoyed that she’s not more on my side, then watch the way she gazes at Andrew, and realize she’s got bigger things on her mind. Maybe she’s learned to let some things go and realize what’s important in life.
I wish I had what they now have.
Brian moves closer to me and says, looking at Candy, "You are so much hotter than her."
I
