Page 35 of Tricking an Introvert

This was literally another universe.

"How are Finn and Patrick?" another lady at the table asked. "I don't think I've seen them for years! They don't tend to grace any of our galas in town—and I don't think you have a house in the Hamptons, do you?"

Marie Elizabeth grinned at her friend, approving what seemed to have been a dig at Arabella.

The woman rolled her eyes. "My boys are in their twenties and thirties. Why on earth would they hang out with us? No offense, Cole dear. I know your mother likes to bully you into coming. And we do have a house in the Hamptons, dear. We rent it out—it's boring over there for those of us who aren't into screwing pool boys."

The unknown lady was ashen.

Tessa had a hard time disguising her laugh as a cough. They were going to think she had a cold if it didn't stop. Really, why the hell would anyone even try to take a cheap shot at Arabella Johnson?

The evening was considerably livened up by her arrival. She commented on each and every one of the prizes, pointing out the absurdity of the bids.

"The money will go toward providing clean water to many places, Bella." Marie Elizabeth was stern.

"Yes, well, some of us just give cash to causes we find worthwhile without needing this nonsensical parade." She sighed. "However, I suppose, as I'm here, I should be seen participating." She turned toward the stage before sighing. "I am not buying your daddy's old watch, Miranda."The woman who'd attempted to get the better of her blushed now. "The man had a dreadful habit of scratching his balls in public. No amount of disinfectant could cure that."

No one at their table bid for the watch, and Miranda remained red for the rest of the auction. Tessa almost felt a little sorry for her, but she was grateful to Arabella. Wittingly or no, the woman had redirected the attention from Tessa to her.

"We should also be seen spending money here, Cole," his mother reminded him, glancing around Tessa to her son.

"Sure thing, Mother."

She smiled, satisfied. As soon as she'd turned her attention elsewhere, Cole whispered, "Confession: I have a trust fund."

Tessa snorted. "I would never have guessed."

"Well, I only use it for shit like that. It's not my money; it might as well go back into the community, you know? Anyway, what do you want? There are a few items left…"

Tessa was already shaking her head. "Nothing. I want nothing that will cost millions, all right?"

The very notion of owning something that expensive was downright terrifying.

He chuckled. "Fine. I guess I'll have to get something and donate it somewhere. Again."

Arabella had been right. This whole thing was just nonsensical. A colossal waste of money. Still, if it helped some people, it was worth it. And she certainly wouldn't complain about sipping the finest champagne, munching on delicious hors d'oeuvres, and watching richer than rich socialites in their natural habitat.

Cole had been right. It was fun. Once no one was paying attention to her, in any case.

The man presenting items on the auction block lifted a red dress that seemed out of place here—too sexy, daring, young.

"And now we have a Versace original, donated by the generous Abbots. We will start the auction at ten thousand."

Considerably lower than anything else—probably because the auctioneer realized he was trying to sell to the wrong crowd.

Hell, that dress was too sexy for Tessa, one of the youngest attendees.

Arabella was the first to lift her paddle. Tessa managed not to laugh. Of course she was.

"Ten thousand for Mrs. Johnson; twenty, anyone? Twenty for Mrs. Westbrook."

Tessa looked right, and found Marie Elizabeth with her paddle in the air.

Arabella chortled. "Don't be absurd, M-E. You couldn't fit into that in a million years." She lifted her paddle again.

"And you could?" Marie Elizabeth's smile was now showing teeth as her paddle shot up.

There was blood in the water, and the shark was ready for a meal.

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