"You've got to, Kate! It's for charity!" Hurley exclaimed, getting excited at the idea.
"But being auctioned off for a date?" She wrinkled her nose. She hated the idea. She wasn't interested in dating. Not since Jack. But it was part of a fundraiser for Aaron's school, which was in need of some major repairs.
"It's just a dinner, Kate. What are you so afraid of?"
"I'm not scared," she started. She bit her lip for a moment before speaking again. "Okay. I'll do it. It's just dinner…"
"Maybe you'll find someone you really like. I mean, it's time." Kate stared at him, unsure of what he meant. "It's time you got over Jack." Kate sighed but said nothing. Hurley wasn't wrong. It had been a little over a year since she'd broken up with Jack. Over a year without so much as a date or one night stand. They just weren't what she wanted. They weren't Jack.
"I have Aaron. I don't have time for romance," she lied. Hurley studied her, knowing she was lying.
When Kate's visit with Hurley ended, he quickly called Jack. It didn't take much convincing to get Jack to go to the auction.
The night of the auction, Kate couldn't help but feel all alone. Since her split with Jack, the other PTA moms had kept their distance. Since Kate refused to disclose why she suddenly split from Jack the mothers had sided with the handsome doctor, many attempting to land Jack as their own. Even with their judgements Kate remained silent, refusing to tell them about Jack's addiction.
One by one the women were auctioned off. Most were "sold" to their husbands, shelling out a few hundred for each woman. Before long it was Kate's turn on stage. She tried to focus on her breathing and ignore the spectacle of her on stage. A few men started a bidding war, each willing to shell out a couple hundred to see Kate on their arm. They had just reached 1,000 when the doors flew open.
"I bid 5,000!" The man yelled as he rushed on stage.
Kate squinted, struggling to see the man despite the bright stage lights. As he approached she felt her heart sink and a knot in her stomach.
Jack.
Although they were great at being co-parents, he was still the one she dreamed of. He was still the person she held out hope for. He was still the person she was in love with.
As the auctioneer finalized Jack's winning bid, Kate felt the real ramifications. She had to spend an evening alone with Jack.