Chapter 6

The Bausch Hotel ballroom was aflutter with excited chattering women, the din only slightly lower than that of its frequent political gatherings. On arriving, Phoebe immediately went to inspect the flower arrangements. Bouquets of shasta daisies, lilies, and ivy in flowerpots served as centerpieces on the white-clothed tables, their heady scent battling with those of the guests' perfumes.

After making sure every inspection was complete, and knowing there was nothing more she could do, Phoebe looked for a corner to hide in. It was time for the festivities to begin. At a table near the back of the room, she found an empty seat which provided a dim lit vista of the activities, breathing a sigh of relief as the lights lowered slightly. Cathy, the commenter, introduces each bachelor to the crowd. The tuxedo-clad male would ascend a few steps to a short runway, walk toward the audience, turn around, and pause under a spotlight while Cathy gave a brief biography.

Then Cathy would call for the submission of written bids to be quickly surveyed by a trio of board members. Cathy would be handed an envelope containing the winner's name and bid amount, which she opened and announced to the room. Even though there were loud oohs and aahs and a smattering of squeals after each announcement, the gathering was seemly and in keeping with its charitable purpose.

After the first group of twenty men has been spoken for, an intermission was declared. Phoebe went to the back stage to make sure everything was okay. Hurrying away, Phoebe was dismayed to find herself on a collision course with Cole who was making use of the wait to place calls on his cellular phone. Hoping he didn't see her, she veered off at an angle. Too late.

He ended the conversation and came her way, studying her with unmistakable approval. "You look beautiful. Every guy in the place is going to be praying you win him. Except me, of course."

"Did you just compliment and insult me in the same sentence?"

"Not at all. I'm thinking it wouldn't be bad if you do some bidding.. and I wouldn't be surprise if you do bid on me. What can you lose? Especially when you could have had a date for free."

"Actually I was considering bidding... a dollar seemed a good estimation of your value. Then again... Who knows? I might win. Decided it wasn't worth the risk."

"Ouch." He gave a good-natured chuckle. "So a dollar's all I'm worth, huh? Well, I only hope the rest of those ladies out front don't share your assessment."

"Not to worry," she said. "Some eager female will shell out big bucks for your company. Well, I'd better get going. The second half's about to start and you'll soon be on."

Intermission over, the auction resumed. When the time came for the last participant, Phoebe's heart skip a beat. Who was going to win Cole tonight?

"I won't go into specifics about the date our next bachelor has planned," Cathy intoned, "since it's all outlined in the program. Step up, Mr. Turner"

Phoebe notices there were many whistles and intake breaths. Cole's turn down the runway would have done a fashion model proud, Phoebe thought. He was the only man she'd ever met who did more for a tuxedo than the tux did for him. Remembering their conversation about the purple underwear, she realized he didn't need to remove his clothes to look dashy.

What Cole's gaze met hers, she picks up the program to fan herself, chagrined at her thoughts and distressed that he had spied her fanning furiously. After the votes has been counted, Cathy said excitedly. "Since you're probably all chewing off your nail polish wondering if you've placed the top bid, let's get on with it and end the suspend." She tore open the seal and pulled out a card.

"And now, for our final bid, for a dinner and movie date with Cole Turner." Cathy looked at the card expectantly. She read it, did a double take, then read it again.

Phoebe had to give Cathy credit for an Oscar-caliber performance. "Our winning bid for Cole Turner is one hundred thousand..." Another gulp. "One hundred thousand dollars."

A collective gasp filled the room.

"The winning bidder." Cathy looks around, searching for the right face. "The winning bidder, Kate Lynn"


"Way to go Kate! I didn't realise you would spend this much for date," Cathy said to her and winkes.

Phoebe turns red. I cannot believe this is happening?! Cole has purposely bid with my name! But who was bidding with my name? she looks around and met Cole's. Anger turns to rage. She walks purposely to him and pokes him on the chest.

"How can you do this to me!," she hissed at him.

He purposely shows a shocked face. "Phoebe, I'm hurt. You just bid one hundred thousand dollars for me. You got me, for tonight. I knew you always have a soft spot for me"

Phoebe growls and then an idea comes to her mind. "Common Cole, there's someone I would like you to meet"

Cole lifted a brow curiously. "Who?", but his question was left unanswered as she grabs his hand and starts dragging him across the hall. Phoebe spots who she was looking for and starts waving. "Mr. Denton!"

Cole pales and starts sweating furiously.

As Henry Denton makes his way towards them, Cole couldn't take his eyes off him. Mr. Denton. establisher of Foxes enterprise and rumored to have made millions overnight.

Phoebe beams. "Mr. Denton, I would like you to meet Cole Turner, one of the partners from T & M. Cole, I trust you know this is Mr. Henry Denton?"

Cole gulps. "Of course, of course, Mr. Denton, sir. It's very nice to meet you at last". He shakes his hand.

Henry Denton smiles. "Yes. Ahh, now I know why your name sounds familiar, your company has offered a contract to Foxes, is that correct?"

"Yes, yes.. and I can explain about my participation here-"

"You see Henry," Phoebe interrupts, "When Cole heard about the auction, he called me straight away to ask me whether he could participate and I of course said yes.."

Cole blinks and wonders how she could lie with a straight face. "Err.. well.."

Phoebe snickers. Common Henry, show Cole a scornful face and tells him that we would not offer him the contr-

Henry laughs instead.

Both Cole and Phoebe blinks.

"I like a guy with attitude, Turner, and I like you. Let's have lunch one day and talk," Henry said in a friendly way. "Kate will negotiate the terms with you"

Cole beams and Phoebe scowls. "Yes sir, thank you sir. And my secretary will call yours to negotiate a time for lunch?"

"Sure, sure. Okay, see you both later," Henry said dismissively and walks away. Cole turns to a scowling Phoebe.

"You purposely did that didn't you?"

"Did what?," Phoebe asks.

"Huh, don't play that game with me. The reason you ask me to participate this stupid auction is so that I will look bad in front of boss and make me loss the contract, isn't it?," Cole said softly. Phoebe pretends ignorant.

"Well, Miss Lynn, looks like I just spoiled your plans," Cole said happily.

"And you, one hundred thousand dollars," Phoebe said angrily and walks out the Bausch hotel.