Page 4 of Highest Bidder
“Thanks,” I say as we head toward the office.
“Seriously,” James continues. “When I heard we had a new auctioneer, I didn't know what to expect. One thing is for sure, I had to stay on my toes the whole time or you’d sell a car before I even got a chance to bid on it. I wasn’t expecting that, but it kind of made the sale more exciting.” Smiling at me over his shoulder, he opens the door to the office for me.
“Oh, you had more than enough time, and you bought plenty. Need to spread around the deals.” I laugh because that isn’t the first time I’ve heard that type of thing from dealers. I don’t like lazy dealers who want to wait till the end to bid. Or who try slowing me down to give them more of a chance to look at their phones or whatever else they are doing. I won’t beg for a bid, and I won’t wait for a dealer either. When we are in the lanes with one make of car, the rep has his numbers in front of us when we need them, so there is no reason to take it slow. I don’t have to wait for the different dealers to get on and off the block then waitfor them to show me the number they need. These sales are my favorite. You can fly, and as long as the reps are getting their cars for the right prices, they are happy.
James chuckles. “True. Well, I wanted to introduce myself to the beautiful new auctioneer. I’m usually assigned to the Toyota lane, so I’ll be seeing you again.” He gives me a big smile and runs back out the doors into the lanes. I can't help but watch as he jogs away. It's hard not to notice the way his muscles roll and flex beneath his T-shirt.
Finally prying my eyes away, I turn and head toward the GM’s office. I don’t need to be caught drooling over a dealer on my first day. Plus, dealers have a way of being friendly face to face, but they all have their cliques behind the scenes. So I don’t give anyone special treatment when I’m selling cars.
I take a deep breath because now the nerves are creeping in. You nailed it out there. You got this! He’s going to be happy with the way you handled your lane today and help you get more jobs. After giving myself a little pep talk, I reach for the door that has Griffin’s name on it and knock.
“Come in,” his loud voice booms.
I push open the door, and my eyes land on a desk stacked high with papers. “Hey, Griffin. My lane finished about fifteen minutes ago. I was hoping to talk to you for a few minutes before I leave.”
Griffin looks up from his computer screen. “Hunter, yes, come in. The Toyota rep already called me, and they were pleased with how many you sold.”
Thank god!My shoulders immediately relax.
“I have to say,” he adds. “I was pleasantly surprised. I looked at past sales and lane eighteen has never sold so many. You also had a good amount of online sales. Good job today. I know it’s not going to be easy for you, but we would love to keep you around.”
Giving him a huge smile, I open my mouth to speak, but he puts his hand up to stop me.
“Also, I took the liberty of calling around to other Manheim auctions. I know you didn’t ask me to, but I figured you would want to get a few more sales.”
YESSS!
“Oh, my god! Thank you.” I beam at him. My face might freeze this way. “That’s why I was coming to talk to you. I would love to keep coming back, and I really appreciate you putting in a good word for me at other auctions.” I can’t believe I didn’t even have to ask. He’s already made calls for me. I must be dreaming.
“There’s another sale today if you want to head over there. It’s in Orlando, at Manheim Central. They said they may be able to get you a lane but aren’t completely sure. They also lost Dave as an auctioneer when he retired last week. It might be good for you to show your face so they know you’re interested. Not guaranteeing anything,” he says with a shrug. “I’ll have the other auctions give you a call if they’re interested, too. But you blew me away today. I figured being taught by your dad would give you an advantage, but I didn’t expect what you did out there,” he praises. “I even came out and watched a little of your lane. I’m very happy we were able to add you to the team. I know it’s not easy, but I’m on your side. So let me know if anyone is giving you a hard time.”
He gives me a warm smile, and it’s then I realize he reminds me a little of my dad. They both have a commanding presence but also will do what they can to make sure those who need help are taken care of.
“I know how hard it is to get started at new locations. My son got some help from your dad years ago. I don’t think your dad knows it was my son, but if I can repay the favor, I’m going to.”
“Thank you so much, Griffin!” I reach over and shake his hand. “It means a lot to me. I’ll see you next week. I’m going to run over to the other auction now.” When he nods, I smile and wave goodbye, shutting his door behind me. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make a life here after all.
I’m loving everything so far. I wasn’t sure how much I’d like Florida. Everyone says it’s so flat, but compared to Oklahoma, it’s a nice change of pace. It is humid, so I know my already wild hair is even bigger than normal. I’ve always embraced my unmanageable hair, and it makes me stand out. I have never wanted to blend in, so I let my hair do its thing, much to my mother’s dismay. I walk outside toward my one true love, my 1968 blacked-out Ford Bronco. I named him Westley from The Princess Bride. It’s my favorite movie, and he always wears black. I got it completely refurbished, and now he’s the most important thing in my life. He has always been reliable and takes me to all my different sales. Yeah, the gas is expensive, but it’s worth it. I climb in and crank the engine to hear “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye, blasting through the speakers. Singing loud and proud all the way to the next sale and picking up Chipotle on the way, I find out the sale doesn’t start until three at the earliest.
It’s only two when I pull up. I know I need to at least show my face and make a good impression. Marcella’s the GM here, so now I need to track her down and see if she will give me a shot. I walk through the double doors to the office and begin looking around. I don't completely know where to go, but I’m sure someone will point me in the right direction.
“Hunter!” I turn and see Jess standing behind the counter.
Wow, I didn’t realize how anxious I was until I saw her. I give her a huge smile. “Jess! Thank god, a friendly face!” I had fun with her on my lane, and we meshed well together. We also kept talking for a bit after the lane.
“I didn’t know I’d be seeing you here. Guess I shouldn’t be shocked, though.” Jess smiles, and it’s a warm smile that lets me know she’s genuinely happy to see me.
“Do you know where I could find the GM, Marcella? Griffin told me to head over here, and she might be able to fit me in.”
“That’s awesome! Yeah, her office is around the corner on theright. It’s before the cafeteria.” She points me in the right direction.
“Thanks, Jess! Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need luck. You’re a rockstar. They’d be stupid not to give you a shot.” Her eyes widen as she looks around. Lowering her voice, she says, “Just don’t tell anyone I said that. I mean, I kinda need this job.”
I laugh. It feels like auctions here aren’t much different from the ones back home. One day you’re in, but if you say the wrong thing, you’ll be out so fast your head might spin.
“Don’t worry, I got you.” Winking at her, I take the route she pointed out. When I turn the corner, I get knocked on my ass. “What the fuck! That’s the second time today.” I grumble and start to get up when a pair of large muscular hands grab mine and yank me up so fast I smack right into a solid body. I know I’m petite, but damn, that made me feel like a rag doll. I slowly look up and get lost in deep blue eyes that are staring down at me.
