The auction hall buzzed with overlapping voices, yet the bid caller's crisp tone cut through cleanly, carrying even to the very last row of bidders. Numbers climbed higher and higher, ridiculous enough that even the most stone-faced patrons raised their brows.
Melisa had already lost interest. Leonard threw in bids on a few items here and there—maybe for appearance, she guessed—but her attention drifted. She slid her phone out and scrolled through a short suspense story instead.
"Melisa"
The sudden pat on her shoulder nearly made her drop the phone. Heart skipping, she shot an annoyed look at Leonard.
"What?"
"The auction is closing. Or do you plan on spending the night here?" His tone was dry, eyes amused.
"Of course not." She slipped her phone back into her bag, ignoring the curve of his lips.
She walked out first with his catching up soon ,the silence comfortable , until a soft voice rang out behind them.
"Brother Leo! Sister! Wait!"
