Page 112 of Not How I Saw That Going

Me:I’m next.

Me:You’re giving me a heart attack here.

“Just raised a thousand big ones. Beat that.” Caleb slaps my back as he walks off stage with the woman who just purchased a date with him.

I don’t want to beat that. I want to get out of here and find Lyndi.

“And finally, last but not least, we have Ward Preston.”

A spotlight shines in my face and the hostess beckons me to come closer to the front of the stage, but I don’t move.

“Ward!” My mother hisses from behind the curtain to my right.

I blink against the light and walk slowly to the front. Lyndi has to be here. She promised. She just hasn’t looked at her phone.

I hand the woman the number in my pocket and she holds it up. “Who will start the bidding?”

A few numbers fly out, but I don’t pay attention. None of the voices belong to Lyndi.

But one is definitely Sophie, the one that keeps jacking up the price to beat out the other competitors. The numbers get higher, and so does my anxiety. Where is Lyndi? She promised she’d be here.

“Two thousand, going once, going twice, sold to Sophie Donahough.”

My head whips to the hostess. Why did she just close the bidding?

The next thing I know, Sophie is at my side. “I told you I’d win.” She grins, sidling up next to me so the photographer can take a picture. The expression on my face isn’t a smile. It’s nothing.

Why would Lyndi leave? Did she consider her end of the fake relationship fulfilled and decided to jump ship before she got locked into more?

Sophie pulls me off the stage and only when the lights fade does my brain restart.

I yank my arm out of her grip. “I’ve got to find Lyndi.”

“But I just bought you,” she pouts.

The anger rises in my chest. “It’s a game, Sophie. Another one you cheated to win. But just like every other time, I’m not yours, and I never will be.”

“Ward, Sophie, what is going on?” my mother whispers, motioning us to proceed further off the stage. I only follow her lead because that’s where the exit is. And I’m leaving.

“I was just telling Ward about the perfect date I planned for us.” Sophie smiles sweetly at my mom.

“No,” I say, louder than I planned. “Just stop, Sophie. I’ll go on one date with you, for charity, but that’s it. I love Lyndi.”

My mother gasps.

Did I really admit that out loud? Why couldn’t I say it earlier when Lyndi did? Is that why she left?

I turn away. I don’t care to wait around to hear my mother’s judgment; she can save it for Sunday dinner. I just need to get out of here.

“Ward, come on. Give me a chance,” Sophie begs, but the whining in her voice is more than I can take.

“I’m done, Sophie. I’m happy with Lyndi. I’m sorry. I hope you find what you’re looking for.” I stride toward the door.

“You’re making a huge mistake.” Sophie catches up to me. “I’m what your mom wants for you. I’m—”

“Both of you stop!” my mother shouts, and I freeze, swiveling slowly to face her. Claire Preston does not yell. Raise her voice, yes. But never yell. “Just stop.” My mother marches up to me and grabs my arm. “I was wrong.”

“What?”