Stepping Up the Game

DANA

Five women and their gowns were already purchased and I didn't take part… yet. I know they're saving the best ones for last and those are what I came here for. The best, not the crumbs.

The people in my table have already purchased their own dresses and they look at me proudly, as if saying to my face that they're the richer one and that the orphans would be thanking them and kissing their feet now. I only kept a straight face. All their misconceptions are like foreplay to me. It makes me want to get it more, to show off more.

"our sixth dress is hand-sewn with fresh white pearls over a mesh cloth, the skirt comes in many layers but is also lightweight. The sleeves are made of garters. The back is made with a hidden zipper. Starting at a price of P45,000. Do we have a bid?"

"P47,000 here ma'am." – Bidder 89

"P47,000. Do we have a P48,000?"

Another man raised his number.

"P55,000 ma'am… that will look perfect on my daughter's prom."

I smirked. Oh please. My dad also warned me of the actors, people who would make up stories to get the item. Like this one. He doesn't look old enough to have a high school child. It was of that fact that for the first time, I urged Zyril to raise our number: 71.

"finally" – I heard Zy breathed

"Bidder 71, please name your price."

"P60, 000." – I said

"P60,000 going once, going-"

"P63,000 here."

I looked at where the voice came from. It was Neil.

"P66, 000" I said, right before the hostess can say something.

The crowd gasped and Neil and I were locking eyes. What's his deal? He doesn't participate with biddings before.

"P68,000" – Neil interjected

Okay, he's really trying me, huh? Such a petty man. He can always have other dresses. There are still four of them left. I know he was only playing with me, doing it for spite. so here's how we play.

"P68,000. Woah, the crowd awes me tonight. Do we have a P70,000?" – the hostess

"let it go, Miss. I think that's too much to spend on a single gown." – Zyril whispered while I was only glaring at Neil. He winked. Son of a-

I get this now. He knows I always win. I want, I get. even on trivial things like this. I don't want to be just a passive businesswoman in the corner enjoying the caviar. I'm making noise for the company… and that includes conquering this bidding event.

"P85,000" – I said. The crowd gasps, again. when I looked at Zyril, she was holding her mouth with her palm.

"P90,000" – Neil

"P93,000"

"I'll buy it at P95,000" – he said

He's not really giving this up, is he? What is he trying to prove here? under the table, my hands balled into fists. He likes playing like this, he's gonna get what he yearns.

"P100, 000! I'd also like to buy all the remaining dresses at the same price."

I said, standing up. Neil's jaw dropped. He didn't expect that, did he? The crowd applauded. The hostess declared SOLD. That's P500,000 all in all.

"woah! This bidding event ended sooner as I thought. That was some heat, don't you think? On behalf of Mary Rose Orphanage, we thank you for your kind and generous hearts. "- the hostess said and the ladies gave us another walk to display all the dresses, side by side so everyone can look at.

All of the ten dresses were showcased in front of everyone. I looked at the ones I purchased and well, at least there's nothing on that line that I didn't like. They were wearable. They were also good enough to wear on events like galas or corporate parties. At least, they won't be trash.

"please settle the check, Zyril." – I said to Zy who, until now, looked like she couldn't believe what I just did.

"…and just do it. Whatever you say, you know I never listen."

The rest of the evening was only for dining and dancing. You know, how the usual friendly gatherings do. Zyril left our table and I watched her as she headed to the hostess and the latter guided her to an enclosed office. A minute from now, those dressed would be packed up in paper bags and be given to me. on the other hand, I'm sure the orphanage would be too happy to receive my half a million.

"always the competitive one, aren't you?"

I was occupied with watching Zyril that I haven't notice Neil was already at the side of my chair. He occupied the chair beside me, the one Zyril occupied before.

"you too." – I said, not looking at him

"so do you plan to stay or you'd like to get out of here?"

That caught my attention. Was he asking me out?

"I'll see what else is in this event."

"come on, you know it's the boring part already. They'll just eat steak and mashed potato and then dance like high school students. We're not like this people, Danny"

We? Since when are "we" the same?

He was smiling, waiting for my answer. That smile that used to be my drug before now looked like a smug. It looked like something I wanted to rip out. Do I hate him? no. Hate is such a strong word. Dislike may be the better fit. This behavior he's giving me now, I dislike it. it's questionable. When we broke up, he was so angry at me. He even wished the family business to crash. I remember the last time we saw each other, I slapped him across the cheek. I was so sure I don't want to be incorporated with him in any manner. Now he shows up, trying to ruin my bidding extravaganza and ask me out. I'm not that gullible to not see that this is a trick. For what? I don't know… yet. but I will know.

"I'll stay here, Neil." – I answered. He looked disappointed

"are you sure? When did you like dancing?"

I don't. I never do.

"well, let's just say a lot of things have changed since we last saw each other, I mean, you cannot expect me to stay the same as I was in college, can you?"

"I guess not. You changed. I changed. We all do."

"exactly. Take care on your way home."

I said, instead of actually saying, "May you get run over by a truck on your way home." I smiled and then he finally gave up. He turned his back to me and headed to the door. Yet, before he reached the exit, he looked back at me and smiled.

What's your game now, Neil Castro?