CHAPTER SIXTEEN
I rolled my eyes. “You didn’t come here, just to patronize me, did you?”
“No.” He chuckled. “Like I said, I’m here to help you get ready for the auction.” He reached into his trunk and pulled out a garment bag. “Don’t look.” I sighed and looked out the small window. There wasn’t much of a view. “Okay, turn around.”
I gasped the second I saw the lace dress in his hands. “Don’t tell me that’s a Dimitris.” I stepped forward, my fingers shaking as I reached out to touch it. “Only he would put this amount of painstaking detail into lace… all of these beads were stitched on by hand.”
“Oh? You know your designers.”
“I do. I almost launched a website…” I trailed off. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. But yes, Dimitris is my favorite.”
“Well, lucky you. Now put it on. We’re burning daylight here, sister. Chop. Chop.” He snapped his fingers as if to urge me on.
“Calm down, calm down. I’m on it.” I slipped out of my clothes and started to get dressed. It didn’t bother me that Emanuel was still in the room. It was obvious that what I was selling, he wasn’t buying…
The dress felt divine. The inside was lined with a silky material that caressed the skin. The bones that composed the corset part were thin and flexible. They didn’t poke into my sides like most others would. The beaded neckline fell perfectly on my breasts, just enough to tease, without being too provocative. The tight-fitting design hugged my hips, making them a little wider which concerned me, but I didn’t worry about it long. With the beauty of the dress, no one would focus on my hips, right?
“How does it fit?”
“Like a glove.”
“Perfect. Now come, we’re definitely going to have to give you some bangs for tonight. Even my best foundation won’t cover up that pimple on your forehead. And next time, don’t even think about going to bed without cleaning your makeup.” Emanuel chastised. I felt my cheeks turning red at his words and I nodded, sitting down. Emanuel quickly got to work his magic as my mind wandered off.
I started to think about Michael and Charles. I knew it was nice – no, more than nice – to be with Michael, but deep down, I knew I’ll never forget my night with Charles. He had made me feel different like there was a fire burning in my chest that would never be extinguished. He made me shake and shiver. He made me scream out his name and hold onto him tight like I never wanted to let him go. Michael just made me feel good, not incredible.
“There, what do you think?” Emanuel roused me from my daydream. I blinked and stared into the mirror for a while, not recognizing myself. Emanuel had played around with my hair, giving me side swept bangs that covered up my acne.
“How do you do this? I don’t even look like myself…” I smiled, the bright plum-colored lipstick making my lips look large and kissable. My cheekbones were highlighted, making them look bigger and bolder. My eyes shone like diamonds. I couldn’t believe the transformation. Just an hour ago, I could pass off for a Halloween decoration, but now… I looked beautiful. I felt beautiful.
“Oh, stop it, you. You’re going to make me blush.” Emanuel giggled as he packed up his things. “But you should hurry, the auction is about to start in ten minutes.”
Right on cue, there was a knock on the door and an escort popped his head into the room. “Ms. Winslow, are you ready?”
I nodded, my heart speeding up in my chest. This was what I had been waiting for. The big day. The day I would put my beauty on display for men to flaunt their cash over… I couldn’t believe it was happening. As I followed the security guard, I ran on autopilot as my mind fretted over the situation. Would anyone bid on me? The Dimitris dress brushed against the ground and sparkled in the light. Its silky fabric teased my body. In a dress like this… how could they not? I held my head up high. It was time for me to stop doubting myself. I was beautiful.
Soon, we reached the auction room. There was a line of girls waiting outside the door. Victoria orchestrated the event, occasionally sending the next girl to the stage. When she saw me, she pulled me aside. “Make sure you stay in the back. I want you to be our closing act.”
“Me?” I asked, my cheeks turning pink with blush.
“Yes. You. You look stunning.” She said, her lips flashing with a smile before it disappeared behind the brim of her hat.
I blushed darker, feeling hot all over. A few of the girls were looking at me, commenting on my looks. I could see the jealousy in their eyes. I couldn’t believe I was causing all this commotion. Never before had I felt so confident about my body. Grinning, I walked to the back of the line, glowing with newfound self-esteem.
It took a while before there were only a few girls left in the line. I got closer and closer to the door, finally hearing the sound of people inside. Occasionally, someone would call out an outrageous number, but it wasn’t long before the next person bid even higher. So far, the highest bid had been four-hundred-thousand dollars. I started to get nervous. I had no idea what to expect. Already, my heart had started to pound.
“Don’t worry dear, you’ll do great.” Victoria squeezed my bare shoulder. “You look like a goddess.” She whispered. “And the new haircut really suits you. I knew it was a good idea to assign Emanuel as your stylist.”
I blushed and tried to peek into the room, but Victoria blocked my way. Someone walked up to her and whispered in her ear before she pushed me through the door and I stepped over the threshold. This was it. This was the moment I had been waiting for…