Chapter 10

We entered the building and checked in with security. They patted us down and ran us through a metal detector. We were ushered into the marvelous and of course extravagant ball room decorated In black and gold. To say the dance floor was large would be an understatement. It was enormous. Servers were walking amongst the mingling guests, handing out appetizers and drinks.

“Ah! The Grey’s. Such a pleasure to see you all again!” Fernando spoke loudly as he threw his hands in the air. He hugged my father, and kissed mine, and my mother’s hands. Fernando Garcia was the leader of the Mexican Mafia. He was a very flamboyant man, never a hair out of place. He was around 5’7, very tan skin, and a neatly trimmed beard. His Spanish accent was thick, but his English was perfect.

“Allegra baby, stunning as always” He said in his gay voice.

“Thank you Fernando, this place looks unreal.” I motioned to the ballroom.

“Why thank you my dear.” He laughed.

“We are doing things a bit differently this year. We decided to actually do some good for the community, and hold an auction for the Children’s Cancer Research of America. You’ll participate, no?” He lowers his glasses and winks at Dad.

“ooh dear, I’m afraid I can't, but Al..ice should” I started, shoving Alice to his front.

“Ooh it wasn't a question sweetheart.” he smiled but meant it.

“But Dad..” I looked at him worried, he just nodded and shrugged and before saying anything he pulled aside Fernando for a private chat, I knew he was already doing his part of the bargain to form alliances.

“Mom…?” I turned to her realizing I was holding my breath.

“Don't be dramatic now, you'll be fine.” She said tucking a piece of hair beside my ear and rubbing my shoulder warmly.

“Goodluck bitch!” Alice said holding back a laugh.

“Jeez thanks, I'll need it” I pouted my lips scared to death, for some reason I always had stage fright.

Some ladies voice called everyone's attention telling them to settle down and sit at their designated tables. We found ours and I started taking deep breaths. The stage was too big it was never wrecking.

“Allegra, you might want to make your way to the stage, they’ll be needing you soon. Andrea, will direct you.” Fernando spoke from behind me pointing the stage with dozens of spotlights shining down upon it.

“Okay.” I whisper back and stand up only to be stopped by some hand over mine.

“You gat this Sis!” Victoria assures me looking into my eyes.

Caught off guard by her kindness, I almost wish I wasn't mad at her and thank her, but I just clear my throat and remove my hand from hers politely. Surprisingly, her words give me comfort and boosted my confidence enough to get me to the stage in one piece.

“You must be Allegra, Please get in line, it’s about to start.” A woman with a tablet on one hand with pictures of different women finds me. A tag on her breast pocket reads Andrea.

“And what exactly is up for auction?” I asked curiously.

“Why, you are my dear!” She said smiling. The F*ck?!

My mind starts racing and I can't even hear Andrea's instructions on what we are supposed to say.

A girl with a high pitched voice starts speaking and everyone falls silent.

“Hi y’all! names Cindy LuAnne. I’m from Texas, I love long walks on the beach, I have a degree in Art, and my ideal date would be just talking under the stars.” The brunette says with a wide smile.

“There you have it gents! Miss Cindy LuAnne. The starting bid is $1,500!” Andrea speaks enthusiastically.

“$2,000!” “$2,500!” “Aw come on men, you could do better than that!” Andrea called out pointing to the now posing Cindy.” “$4,000!” $5,000!” “Wow! $5,000! The highest bid of the night! Going once… going twice… and sold! To that lucky gentleman in the blue.” Cindy sashays out of the stage.

I’ve been watching this shit show of an auction for the past 30 minutes. Women would go up, and sell themselves to a bunch of horny mafia members. Absolutely disgusting. And even worse, these girls were treating it like it was a privilege to be picked.

Andrea, walked down the stairs and over to me. My heart throbs loudly I can barely breathe. Not the best time for my anxiety to show up.

“Alright, you’re up. Remember, state your name, where you’re from, something you like to do, something interesting about you, and your ideal date.” Andrea whispers grabbing my arm.

I shot her a deadly glare and a growl, and she immediately let go as her eyes widened. We walked up onto the stage. The lights were so bright, I couldn’t make out anyone in the crowd, it was all a blur.

“Last, but certainly not least, we have the one and only Miss Allegra Grey! Thank you for participating in the auction for cancer research.” She spoke looking towards me. “Anything for the beloved children.” I spoke with sarcasm. Now I could be scared but I definitely can put up an act. I have never been more grateful if my acting career up until this point and I just had the most bizarre idea. A mischievous smile escaped my lips.