A/N OK, to be honest, I am having way too much fun with this story.

For those of you who think you know.....not so much! :}}

I am a sucker for Cinderella stories, (not the Augusta kind)! I love those top of the stairs moments in movies. I think everyone should experience one in their lives.

HUGE thanks to all those who reviewed and offered chocolate. Next to Big Handsome cops, it's my biggest vice! :}}

Oh, yeah, still waiting for them all to be dropped off for a play date....until then they are not mine!!

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If Wayne thought he was nervous, he would have realized he was a tower of calm compared to Grace by Saturday night. She still couldn't believe she had gotten roped into doing this. And the news had traveled all over the building. By Thursday after lunch, she started taking the stairs just to avoid the comments in the elevator. Even after all she had tolerated throughout her police and CBI training, she was still amazed by the sheer level of Neanderthal this auction had awakened. Every male between 22 and retirement seemed to think it was their job to remind her that anyone could bid on her. The only thing saving her sanity was the realization that 95% couldn't even afford to attend the fundraiser, let alone bid on a date with her.

And if she were to be completely honest with herself, the dress shopping was fun. Grace was delighted that Lisbon came along. Apparently, since the boss was working on the fundraiser, she got to pick out a gown for the evening too. It turned into a few hours of bonding with the woman she so admired. They decided to get their hair done together on Saturday at the salon donating its service.

Still, even with all the fun that went along getting dolled up for a big event, the impending auction hung over Grace like Damocles sword. She knew it would drop. She tried not to think of who would be wielding that sword.

The gowns for the evening were all to be jewel toned. Grace wound up in a ball gown of deep sapphire blue. The deep v neck bodice clung to her in all the right places, the tight lace sleeves started starting at the edge of her shoulders. The front was fairly simple; it was the deep plunging back that ended just at her waist where it flared out to a very full skirt. On anyone shorter, they would have been overwhelmed by the dress. Grace's vivid hair and height made her look like a queen. Lisbon smiled to herself, whishing she had a camera trained on Rigsby when he saw Van Pelt. Theresa also wouldn't have been a woman had she not wondered how a certain blond consultant would say when he saw her gown of gold. One shouldered and flowing, she felt like a Greek statue come to life. The difference between wearing a gown off the rack and off a couture rack was beyond comparison.

Vista Pointe Country Club was an oasis of East Coast sensibility on the West Coast. It deliberately frowned upon the casualness that earmarked all things Californian. Designed to look like a cross between Tara and the White House, it was all marble formality. Even in a drought, these greens were kept perfectly green. These members paid to pretend they were far away from the Hollywood rabble. They saw themselves as old money. Pulling up past the heavy formal gates, to the long driveway, one was supposed to be intimidated and impressed.

Rigsby behaved exactly on cue. He and Jane arrived together, late, as was Jane's habit. If Jane were to be honest, his perpetual tardiness was a method of control. But Saturday night, he really didn't want Wayne to be seen by anyone until the auction. Before they got out of the car, Patrick put his hand on the shoulder of the large, very nervous agent.

"Wayne, look at me. Good. Now close your eyes and relax. Breathe slowly in and out. Just listen to my voice. You are calm and relaxed. You look like a movie star and the women there will see that. You are confident and at ease in this situation tonight."

Wayne closed his eyes and listened reluctantly to Jane's voice. He was nervous enough, should he trust Jane? In the end, it was hard to ignore that voice. He breathed deeply and listened. It turned out to be the right call. Just closing his eyes and breathing calmed him down considerably. Rigsby got out of the car, adjusted his French cuffs and nodded to the dumbfounded Cho, who had volunteered to work the front door.

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Yeah...I *am* leaving you all hanging......reviews make my fingers go faster!!