Chapter 6

Today is my physical. I don't know why, but my heart feels like it's gonna beat right out of my chest. The nerves might not be so bad if I hadn't received last-minute changes in an email from someone named Edward.

Apparently, the original clinic they told me to go to is having some issues, so I've been redirected to the one on Mormont Circle.

I hope everything is okay, and it's not something to do with the auction itself and they're just blaming it on the clinic.

I'm anxious enough about it as is. I don't need it turning out to be a shady deal.

I check myself in the mirror and blow out a breath as I tighten my ponytail. "This is it, Sloane. You got this. We do the physical, get accepted, and buy the house."

With shaky hands, I shut and lock my apartment door and head out to my car. The old PT Cruiser is the only thing I got from Grandma. Ali said she wouldn't be caught dead in it when Grandma couldn't drive anymore, so she gave it to me and I cherish it.

It's the only thing of value that is mine and mine alone.

Typing the address into the GPS, I start the engine and am on my way.

I turn the new Taylor Swift album on and sing along. I swear I don't care how old I get; this woman will always be an icon. From a nobody young girl in country music to a global superstar and she did it writing mostly her own songs? Like I said, an icon.

In no time, I'm on track five and pulling up to the building the clinic is in. Heading inside through the sliding doors, I enter a huge lobby but don't see a directory.

"Miss," someone calls from the desk next to the door.

I whirl around and come face to face with a security officer. "Hi. Sorry, your lobby is beautiful. I'm looking for 202."

"Second floor." He smiles and resumes looking at whatever he was doing before I came in.

Without another word, I turn to the elevator and as the doors slide open, walk inside, hitting the number two button.

The elevator makes the climb and dings as it comes to a stop. I step out into a small waiting area with a fancy door—the number 202 written in cursive script on it.

Let's do this.

Pushing it open, I'm met with another desk. This one, though, is reception. A middle-aged woman sits behind it, huge couches line the walls, and the obligatory TV all doctors have is mounted in front, but it's turned off.

"Good morning. Can I help you?"

"I have an appointment, Sloane Bucklee."

She clicks a few buttons on the computer in front of her. "Perfect. I have you all checked in. The nurse will call your name when they're ready for you."

Taking my seat, I wait patiently, my foot bouncing in tune with the jazz music they're playing.

I'm so lost in the melody I don't notice the door opening until I hear my name. "Sloane Bucklee."

A nurse in sun-yellow scrubs, holding a clipboard, stands in the doorway waiting for me.

"Morning. We're going to the first room on the left."

"Okay." I follow behind her and I can't help but feel like I know her from somewhere. She must just have one of those faces.

When I enter the room, she sits at the little counter area with a computer and brings the computer to life. "Alright, Sloane, go ahead and stand on the scale for me"

I take my position on the black digital scale and close my eyes.

"Two hundred pounds even. Do you know how tall you are?"

"Five foot six."

She clicks on the keyboard some more. "Okay, we're kind of busy this morning, so I was just checking you in. The nurse will be right with you."

"No problem," I respond mindlessly. She leaves the room and I sit on the table to wait.

I don't know how they can be busy this morning. I haven't seen anyone else in the building, minus those who work here.

Twenty minutes later, the door opens again and another woman enters, this one I do know. Shit!

"Sloane! I thought it was you when I saw your chart, but I couldn't remember your last name. How are you?"

Not trying to show how mortified I am, I answer her confidently. "Jaylee. Wow, I didn't know you worked here. But I guess it's been what, since junior year?"

"It's been a while. Girl, you look like a kid who got caught with their fingers in the cookie jar. Don't be nervous. I'm every bit the professional. Not like that other clinic. Hence, why you're here."

"Thanks," I whisper. I haven't seen Jaylee since I lived with Ripley and Atlas. I didn't know her well, but she was always nice to me and we were partners once for a school project.

"I will break my professionalism for you just this once, though. You are so lucky you didn't go to that other clinic. You know who works there? Jenna Mart."

My eyes widen because hell fucking yeah, I'm grateful I didn't go to that one. She was a raging bitch to me. Might be the only reason I was happy to leave that school.

"Yeah. You remember her. She works there doing something in the office. But apparently, she was sharing client information. Someone called and informed them. She's on leave while the clinic undergoes a HIPPA violation investigation."

"Wow. Well, I'm glad I ended up here then." I smile at her awkwardly. "I'm kinda nervous, so can we get started?"

I'm not trying to be rude, but I don't want to sit here talking about Jenna. I want to be on my way, so I have time to get some shit done today. I need to get groceries and want to clean my apartment before work tomorrow.

"Of course. I'm sorry. I just know you and Jenna weren't on good terms in school and thought you'd like to know you dodged a bullet."

"I do. Thank you, Jaylee."

"Alright, let me check your vitals and I'll do the physical part. Dr. Vimpore will do the STD screening and the cervical exam."

Jaylee was professional and kind for the rest of our time together. The doctor came and went so fast, it's hard to believe he gave me a quick once over and had his tools all up in my lady bits.

Now, I'm in the phlebotomy lab getting a quick blood draw for the pregnancy test and I'm out of here.

Not wanting to watch as the woman pokes me with a needle, I scroll on my phone watching mindless videos.

"Okay. You're all done. I'll send these to the lab and you can expect the results by the end of the day. We're pretty quick around here."

"Thank you." I flash her a smile and grab my purse, heading back out to the elevator. On my way out I wave to the receptionist and notice a busty blonde sitting in the waiting room. My mind races as I walk to my car, wondering if she's here for the same reason I am. Will she be sold too?

I hit the grocery store first, grabbing the things from my list and tossing them into the cart. Cereal… check. Milk… check. Pizza Lunchables… check.

I need to grab stuff for dinner the nights I'm home. When I'm at the bar, I just graze off the Bloody Mary bar unless I feel like ordering something and having it delivered.

Today is Tuesday, so obviously that calls for tacos. I grab some ground beef, lettuce, onion, sour cream, and shells. Then I'll do spaghetti one night and the next can be sweet potato fries with a chicken bacon ranch burger.

Hurrying down the aisles so I can finish up and get home, I'm bent over grabbing the spaghetti sauce when my phone rings. I straighten up quickly and pull it out of my pocket, sticking it to my ear.

"Hello?" I answer cautiously, not recognizing the number.

"Hi, this is Edward from A Night to Remember Auction. We'd love for you to come in for an interview."

"Oh. Umm. Okay. When are you thinking?" I tuck the phone between my chin and shoulder, putting the sauce in the cart.

"We're pressed for time. So how does an hour from now sound?"

As in today? Damn. Good thing I have no life.

"Yeah. That works. I'm at the grocery store now. Let me just check out and get home to put my things away and I'll be there." I head toward the checkout, praying there isn't a line.

"Perfect. I'll text you the address."

The interview went well.Edward was slightly intimidating but more so because he was so serious. The man didn't crack a joke or smile the whole time. I felt like the FBI was interviewing me. I'm unsure if he was like that with everyone or just me, but I'm glad it's over.

It was easy, he mainly just asked what I had already told them on the application.

I had to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Signing meant sealing my lips, guarding the auction"s secrets.

Then he informed me my tests from the clinic came back clear, which I knew they would. I did thank him for sending me to the other clinic.

Running into Jenna would have sent me right back out the door, the auction in my rearview mirror. She was the run-down ugly version of Regina George when she was younger, and I"m sure nothing has changed.

I haven't seen or heard from her in years and for that, I'm thankful. However, even all these years later, I find myself laughing internally that someone called and turned her in for being a gossiping bitch. We're adults now, there is no need to spread rumors and play childish games.

The sizzle of onions fills the air, snapping me from my thoughts as I stand in my tiny kitchen, the aroma of spices wafting around me. With a flick of my wrist, I stir the seasoned beef, watching it brown in the skillet.

As I reach for the tortillas, my phone buzzes on the counter. I wipe my hands on a towel and glance down at it. An email notification stares back at me. My stomach drops at the thought of it being Edward. What if it's a rejection?

Like a college student opening their college acceptance, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and tap the screen.

My heart races as the email opens, anticipation tingling in my fingertips. The words blur as I scan them, my breath catching in my throat.

Sloane,

I am pleased to announce you have been selected to participate in the Night to Remember Auction held on May 10th at Club Lust. A town car will pick you up at the address you supplied and return you at the end of the event.

You are to ensure that you are free from Friday night until midnight on Sunday night. Once purchased, you, the merchandise, will spend the weekend with the winning bidder. At the end of the weekend, you will be returned to Club Lust, where you will be compensated with payment.

You will wear your best lingerie on stage. Hair and makeup will be supplied courtesy of the club. To keep identities private, you are to choose a name to be called for the weekend.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Edward

Holy fucking shit!

With newfound excitement, I return to the stove, a smile tugging at my lips. I can't believe I'm about to buy a house and have money in the bank. I'm going to celebrate tonight and enjoy my tacos.