Scars of the Present by Kay Gordon Page B

thanked everyone for coming. Someone else walked to the podium and announced it was time for the traditional “Dance with a Public Servant” auction. Ten Firefighters and Ten Police Officers of both genders approached the stage, some looking cocky and others looking embarrassed. I saw David blush as he was pulled onto the stage by another office, and I smiled at his dislike for the spotlight.
    “Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer winked to the crowd.  “Bid for your chance to dance with one of these fine officials.  Each winning bid includes two dances and one dessert with the emergency personnel of your choosing. Let’s start with John, shall we?” The announcer described how John had been a firefighter for over fifteen years and listed off a few more attributes.
    John was sold to a lady who looked like she was probably his wife for $1,200 and he immediately joined her at their table laughing.
    The rest of the contenders were announced, alternating between Fire and Police, until the announcer got to David.
    “Gather ‘round, ladies! Meet our very own Detective David! He’s 26-years-old and been with the department for over seven years. He first made detective about two years ago and has been an unstoppable force since! Can I get a bid of $100 for him?”
    Several ladies hands flew in the air and soon the bid was at a thousand dollars.
    I watched in amusement as David attempted to keep his eyes down, the blush deepening on his cheeks.
    “I have $1,300 over there, do I have $1,400? Fourteen to the lady in the red dress!” I turned and saw Ashley with her hand up, a triumphant smile on her face.
    “Do I have fifteen? Will anyone give me $1,500 for this fine detective?”
    No one responded and without thinking I threw my hand into the air. “$1,500.” Both my mom and dad snapped their heads around, a smile touching my father’s lips. My mom rolled her eyes and turned back to the auction.
    Ashley scowled at me. “Sixteen!”
    I just grinned again and looked back at the stage. David had lifted his head at the sound of my voice and was just staring at me. “$1,700.”
    Ashley and I went back and forth for a few minutes, but I was getting bored. She called out, “$2,500” and I decided it was time to end it.
    “$10,000.” The crowd gasped and Ashley’s angry face turned so red that it almost matched her dress.
    “Wow, we have a ten thousand dollar bid for Detective David here. Anyone want to top that?” The announcer glanced around, and when no one responded he laughed. “Well, okay. Going once… Going twice… Sold to the pretty lady in peach.”
    David started to walk down the stage stairs when my mom turned and hissed at me. “You are here with a date, Sydney Rae.”
    “It’s for charity, mother. How could I say no?” I smiled at her sweetly before standing to meet David. My father grabbed my hand as I was walking past and he pulled me to him.
    “Enjoy your dance with him, Sydney. I’ll pick up the tab on our way out.”
    “Thanks dad.” I squeezed his hand before continuing to walk away. I chanced a glance back, both Kerry and Ashley were wearing seething looks, and I was instantly glad I stayed.
    David and I met a few tables down and he gave me a lopsided grin as someone else was auctioned off in the background.
    “Ten thousand dollars, Sydney?”
    I shrugged. “It’s for a good cause, right? Besides, my dad told me he wanted to drop a few thousand on the event tonight. Tax write offs and all.” I winked at him with a smile before looking back at the stage. We stood next to each other in silence and watched as the others were all auctioned off.
    “What a great success that was! Thank you to everyone who participated. Now winners, grab your prizes and meet us on the dance floor for the first dance. We’ll dance, step outside into the garden for dessert, and meet back up here for the second dance in thirty minutes!”
    The orchestra began playing a soft song and David held his hand out