Page 67 of Ms Perfectly Fine
“Sorry to interrupt. I’m Claire Wright, and I just have to ask—are you Autumn Adler? The concert pianist?” she asked, offering her hand.
“I am,” Autumn said, shaking it.
“I knew it! My husband didn’t believe me, but I had to come over and check. I’ve already made a bid on the tickets to your first solo performance in the auction, but I didn’t think we would have the pleasure of your company,” she said breathlessly.
“The pleasure is all mine, and thank you. I hope you get the chance to see us play,” Autumn said kindly.
“I don’t know, your ticket is currently in the top position,” Claire told her. “If I’m outbid, is there any chance of getting tickets?”
“We’re sold out, unfortunately. With only a week to go, there isn’t much I can do,” Autumn said, leaning slightly away from the woman as she loomed over her.
“I don’t want to play favourites, I just heard you play last year, and I always think back on it. Tim mentioned that your theatre is looking for investments. My company would be more than happy to make a contribution,” Claire said slyly.
Elijah wasn’t surprised by her attitude. Those in attendance were used to getting their way. Tim handled the investments of many in the top one percent, so it wasn’t a surprise to find the room full of CEOs, CFOs, and a sprinkling of politicians.
“That’s very generous of you. How about you give me your details and I’ll see if I can arrange something?” Autumn offered. Elijah guessed they kept some seats for family and friends.
Claire wrapped her arms around Autumn, who stilled at the sudden contact.
“That was kind of you. I can’t thank you enough.” Once she released Autumn, she handed over her business card. “I’ll let you and your partner get back to your conversation.”
“He isn’t—” Autumn began, but Claire was already heading back to her table, having got what she wanted.
“I’m not what?” Elijah smirked.
Autumn ignored him, downing the rest of her champagne.
“That was an awfully kind gesture,” he said, giving her a break.
She leaned in so the rest of the table wouldn’t hear. “Claire Wright is the CEO of ClearSkin. If she comes to our theatre, she’ll bring the press. The least I can do is get her a ticket.”
“How calculated of you,” he teased, resting his elbows on the white-linen-covered table.
“I’m not the only one,” she said, and he followed her eyes to Tim, getting ready on stage to start the auction. “Maybe this would be a good time to tell your father you’re meeting with Nirosoft. If he knew that you felt so caged by him, he might let up.” He had told her the night before on a walk with Brinkley.
“Touché. But if I told him what I was doing, he would pull out immediately. He doesn’t like being beaten at his own game,” Elijah said, offering her a second glass of champagne from beside their name cards.
“The auction is about to start. Make sure to be generous!” Tim announced. “Now that everyone has placed their starting bids, we can begin.”
Everyone picked up their paddles in preparation, and anyone not already in their chairs took a seat.
Elijah sat as close as he dared to Autumn while she talked with the others at their table. He could have watched her talk and laugh all night long; many stopped by their table to talk to her, to get her signature, and ask her about her next showcase. Her success inspired him.
He realised the bidding had already begun. He wasn’t sure for what, but Autumn was clearly interested since she kept raising her paddle.
“You’re feeling generous,” he whispered, and she chuckled.
“You could say that.”
When the next bid hit €5,000, she lifted her panel again. He wondered if the champagne had gone to her head.
“Five thousand. Going once, twice, and…sold!” Tim announced, and the room broke out in a round of applause.
“Thank you to our generous patron, paddle one thirty, Elijah Wells. You’ve bought yourself a night at the royal ballet!”
Elijah’s head snapped up, and his eyes darted between his paddle and Autumn. She waved it in front of him and winked.
“You swapped the paddles,” he said quietly, since everyone at the table was watching. He shook his head, pretending to be irritated with her but finding that he couldn’t really be angry. He loved seeing her mischievous side.
