And I can’t believe how much he bid, just for a date with me. Obviously I’m thrilled, but shocked nonetheless. Not to mention deeply flattered that someone this attractive thinks a night of my time is worth thousands.
The hostess pulls me aside to go over the rules for the evening. It’s really difficult to concentrate, because I’m dying to see my handsome mystery man again, to find out who he is. I look up in surprise as he walks over. Reminding myself to breathe and be cool, I listen to him talk to the hostess.
Oh my gosh, even his voice is hot.
After he pays her, she walks away, leaving us alone together. I feel my nerves beginning to flare again, so I try to avoid looking at him.
He watches me for a long time, but eventually he says “Hello.”
I’m surprised that’s all he has to say. I guess I figured he’d have some already prepared pickup line or something. I try not to let out a nervous giggle and reply with a shaky “Hi.”
There’s an awkward silence where he just smiles at me. I can feel my face heating and I know I’m probably the color of a tomato. I’m so nervous I think I could pass out. After a few moments he clears his throat and holds out his hand. “I’m Gabriel.”
Hesitantly, I reach out to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Lorelai.”
We both pull our hands away slowly, and I try not to think about the sparks still tingling under my skin from just that little bit of contact with him.
“Have you eaten yet?” he blurts out suddenly, startling me,
For one brief, confused moment, I don’t know how to respond, so he continues: “I was wondering if you would like to grab a bite with me?”
“Uh, sure.”
I cringe at my response. I wish I had something more clever to say. He smiles and offers me his arm. I’m shocked but I lightly place my hand on it. He leads me out of the crowded building and out on to the empty sidewalk. He holds the door open for me as we walk outside. I must admit, I’m surprised and intrigued by him. I thought chivalry ended long ago.
We stop in front of a very expensive looking town car. He let’s go of my arm and holds the door open for me. I try not to stare and drool a little. I’m not used to being surrounded by such wealth. I thank him quietly and get in the car. He shuts the door softly for me then also gets in. We drive across town. I have no idea where we are going, so I stare out the window nervously. I am trying very hard not to be impressed by how expensive looking his car is.
“So, tell me about yourself,” Gabriel says abruptly.
I glance over at him. “Um. W-well, I’m a business woman, so to speak. I own a bridal shop in town,” I stammer.
We pause at a light and he turns to look at me. “That’s interesting. If I may ask, what brought you to the auction? Forgive me assuming so, but this doesn’t exactly seem like the sort of crowd a nice girl like you associates with.”
The light turns green and we start to move again.
“Well, to be honest, a friend invited me tonight. You’re assumption is correct. I usually don’t go to events like this,” I admit shyly.
I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that. It sort of feels like putting a sign around my neck that says “Yes, I’m a prude.”
He’s sort of intimidating, yet I want so badly to impress him, and I’m not sure why. He looks at me briefly. “I understand that. I don’t go to these things terribly often, myself. If I’m being completely honest with you, I only attend them to get laid. Even then that’s only once in a while because I’m usually consumed with work.”
I’m shocked into silence by his brutal honesty. I really wasn’t expecting that. I mean, I get that’s what people usually do at these things, I saw some of what went on. I guess that because of his chivalrous attitude I had expected him to behave differently than the other men. Eventually I get the nerve to look at him. “Then why did you bid on me?” I ask softly.
I look away quickly, realizing I’m afraid to hear the answer. He keeps driving and he’s quiet for a while.
“I’m not sure,” he admits finally.
I look at him in confusion. I don’t know what to think of him or this evening now, and I’m starting to wonder if this was a mistake. I can’t think of anything else to say to him. Fortunately, though, I’m spared the need, at least temporarily, by our arrival at the restaurant.