Page 103 of Something Like Hail

“There is,because—”

The audience erupted in cheers. “Eighthundred dollars!” Marcello declared. “A princely sum for somehandsome prince.”

The audience laughed, then the next guyswaggered to the front.

“When you and I first met—”Harold began.

“Not now,” Noah hissed.“Seriously. People are starting to stare.”

The truth was, plenty ofguys were looking in their direction, even when they stoppedtalking, sizing them up as potential prizes. That was fine. Noahstarted smiling at them, winking or checking them out in return.Harold might be hotter, but maybe Noah could still bring in ahigher price. A petty revenge, but itwasfor a good cause.

“Another generous donation,and from the same esteemed bidder. You, sir, are in for aninteresting night! Now then, who do we— Ah! Harold! Let’s see if wecan’t find your Maude.”

There were a few boos and hisses from theaudience.

“What?” Marcello said,spreading his palms wide. “I see, you thought I was making an agejoke, when in truth, I was complimenting you on your vivaciousenergy and passion for life. Why not prove how young at heart youare with an opening bid of say, one thousand dollars?”

Harold got his bid right away. No wonder,because when Noah leaned forward to get a better view, he saw thatHarold’s body was more toned than before. The face was just asalluring. He could only see the profile, but the white teeth thatwere flashing and bringing in more bids got his pulse pounding.Noah didn’t need all of that though. He sure liked it, but he wouldrather hand Harold a shirt to put on, go home with him, and justhang out in the living room again like they used to. Maybe theywould get high and watch TV. Or maybe they would just sit there andtalk the night away.

“Three thousand, sixhundred dollars. Going once. Going twice! Sold!”

Noah knew he wouldn’t be able to beat thatamount. He could only try to come close. He watched Harold hop offthe stage and hug the winner. Then it was his turn, and to hissurprise, he was actually nervous.

“Ladies and gentlemen,”Marcello said in hushed tones. “Please don’t make any suddenmovements or loud noises, because here we have an exceptionallyrare treat for you. The elusive ginger! I’m told his spirit is justas fiery as his hair, and speaking of heat, I’d like to remind youthat we cannot be held responsible for anyone who burns theirfingers while out with this young man. Look to your heart’scontent, but touch at your own risk!”

Noah appreciated the sales pitch. He feltless nervous now. The homeless shelter was all that mattered, so heput troubling thoughts out of mind and focused on working theaudience. “I’m also good with a mop and a bucket,” he said, “so ifyou’ve got floors that need cleaning, I’m your man. No job is toodirty!”

This earned him laughs.

“Any good at fixing cars?”someone called.

“No, but I can pose next tothem like models at an automotive show.” He demonstrated,pretending Marcello was a car. Noah walked from one side of him tothe other, gesturing up and down his boss.

Marcello banged the gavel again. “Let’sstart the bidding before he attempts to drape himself over my hood.Shall we cut to the chase and begin with two thousand dollars?”

That was way too high! Noah felt his faceturn bright red, but he got his bid. He looked into the audienceand saw a familiar old man with his hand raised. Chester! That wassweet of him, especially considering that Noah refused to see himthese days. He felt bad about that, but if Chester won, he wouldmake sure to—

“Two and a quarter,”Marcello said, acknowledging another bid. “Do I hear two and ahalf?”

Chester again. The old man kept biddingagainst other people, driving the price up to thirty-five hundreddollars. He was close to breaking Harold’s record!

“Going once,” Marcellosaid.

Please please please! Noah met pair afterpair of eyes, using a pleading expression on each.

“Going twice!”

Okay, desperate times. He started flexing,knowing he didn’t have enough muscle to truly impress, so he playedit up, acting silly. He got more laughs, but no more—

“Four thousand.”

He sought out the bidder. So did much of theaudience. Harold moved to the front, hand still raised. He evenmanaged to surprise Marcello!

“This is highly unusual,”their boss said.

“Neither rank norprofession,” Harold replied, lowering his hand. “That’s what yousaid.”

“Indeed I did! Well, let’scontinue then. Do I hear higher? Four thousand fivehundred?”