136 misreaded

Jacqueline takes the podium, nearly hipping the newscaster-slash-.auctioneer out of the way. She makes quick comments that don’t need translation to tell her that they are a thank you for everyone for coming, and make

sure you pay up if you won. Afterward, Tobias escorts their group out of the ballroom to the garden area to mingle, telling them, “I would be honored to introduce you around if you would like, or if you would prefer, you’re free to do so on your own.” They look at each other, and slowly, everyone else wanders off, leaving only her and Tobias. “Shall we?” he asks, offering her his elbow. Monica slips her arm through his, glad for the company.

“Monica, meet Herr Schlieter,” Tobias says as she shakes hands with an older German man, and then his date, who Tobias doesn’t introduce, making her curious. “He’s the Chief Legal Officer for one of Germany’s biggest department store chains.”

“Ah, ah, Herr Tobias,” Schlieter says good-naturedly, but at the same time correcting him,