Page 16 of Highest Bidder
Hunter’s being nice, and I don’t deserve it. She’s showingmea side of her I’ve only seen her give to others. It hits me like a ton of bricks that I’ve been a total dick and not at all the man my mama raised me to be. I know it was wrong for me to blame her for not getting the promotion. It had nothing to do with her, just showed me I have to work harder and be better. I don’t want the position handed to me. I want to earn it. Every day is a chance for me to get better at my craft. Each time I give an auctioneer a break, I learn just a little bit more.
I look at her, really look. Hunter seems to wear her heart on her sleeve. She’s just been reacting to the hate I’ve thrown her way. It would be hard for someone to uproot their life and start over. There is something to be said about people like her. Her bravery shows when she speaks into that microphone like a pro, even though glares get shot her way. It spoke volumes about her work ethic and determination when all the auctions around the area picked her up. Those whose feathers seemed ruffled by her presence have thawed toward her because she’s friendly to everyone.
My eyes search hers. “Thank you,” I say, holding up the bottle. “Really.”
She gives me a timid smile and nods. “You’re welcome. I hope it helps.”
“These”—I hold up her sunglasses—“are going to lookgreaton me.” I give her a genuine smile while I put them on, and the pressure and anger that I’ve been carrying around starts to dissipate.
Hunter lets out a musical laugh that makes me chuckle along with her, causing those around us to turn their heads.
“At least I’ll have an amusing view while I work,” Hunter says, tucking some hair behind her ear.
I look at her, confused. My brain isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders at the moment.
“You’re on my lane.” She points behind her to the auction block. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but—” Pausing, she nods and says, “try to keep up and don’t break my glasses. They’re my favorite.” She points her finger at me and turns away, sauntering her way down the lanes.
Shaking my head, I watch her hips sway as she walks. “Looking forward to it,” I say under my breath. I take a few steps backward, watching her the whole way.
One thing I quickly remember when the lanes start, is that it’s hard to get rid of a headache amidst the auction noise. My head pounds the entire sale, even with the earplugs I shoved in my ears. Now and then, when a random giggle comes over the microphone, I look up at Hunter, and she quickly composes herself, getting back to selling cars. Without a doubt, I look funny sporting women’s sunglasses, and as queasy as I feel, I’m sure the color of my face isn’t helping either. Or maybe she’s distracted by the CarMax guy who keeps giving her little signals that are unrelated to buying anything and more for getting her attention. I keep thinking he’s making a bid, but every time I look, he’s justwaving to get her attention. Nothing is more annoying than a fake bid.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I see the last car coming through the lane. I need to get some food and take some more Tylenol before the next sale in St. Pete.
“Alright, everyone.” Hunter leans over the auction block counter to look at all the dealers. “This is the last car. Let’s sell this Toyota Camry. Twelve thousand dollar bid, twelve thousand, ten thousand dollar bid, ten thousand, two, four, six, six-dollar bid, six, five-dollar bid, six-dollar bid, ten thousand six hundred dollar bid.” I signal to the last guy who bid, but he shakes his head no.
“Sold,” Hunter says. “Ten thousand five hundred dollars to bidder eleven-thirty-four. Thanks, James.” I look up and see Hunter looking at the CarMax guy, giving him a not-so-subtle wink.
What the fuck was that?Of course she’s friendly with the worst guy here. I watch as he makes his way over to her. She turns and quickly says something to Blake, her block clerk, before going down to James.
I know I need to return her sunglasses. She was right. They helped, especially when the sun was streaming into the lanes and searing my eyes. I hurry over to the barista cart and point out Hunter to see if they knew her chocolatey order. Thankfully, they do, and in no time, I’m walking back to Hunter, who’s still talking with James. I try to make my way a little closer without being too obvious. I want to hear what they’re talking about before completely interrupting.
“I wanted to see if you were doing anything Saturday night?” James asks. “I have tickets to go see a movie. I expected my sister to be off work, but now she’s telling me she has to study for a big exam.” James shakes his head.
I don’t believe him. His date either bailed on him, or he just got the tickets.
“Oh, that sounds like fun!” She touches him on his arm and smiles.
“I’ll pick you up,” James offers.
“Okay.” Hunter smiles and reaches into her back pocket, pulling out her phone. “Give me your number, and I’ll text you so you have mine.”
I watch as she unlocks her screen and opens her contacts before handing it to James. He quickly types his number, then hands it back to her.
A grin splits his stupid face.“Text me. I can’t wait.”
I can’t believe she’s going on a date with the CarMax guy.What the hell?Hunter goes to open her mouth but turns and looks at me. Arching her brow, she gives me a look that says,Do you have a problem?I get it. I’m standing here with a chocolate whipped cream-covered cup and women’s eyewear on my face. No one else is around me. There’s no way to pretend I’m not looking at her, so I walk closer.
“I wanted to give you something as a thank you for letting me use your glasses.” I remove them from my eyes, handing them and the coffee concoction over. “You were right, they were definitely a lifesaver.”
She looks intently at the cup before trailing her eyes back to mine. The intensity of them bores into my soul. There’s so much emotion held inside that it’s hard to hold her gaze.
“Thank you. This is so sweet.” She leans in to hug me, and I stand like a limp noodle with my arms hanging at my sides because I wasn’t expecting it. When I finally bring my arms around her, she nestles into my chest, dropping a wave of surprise into my stomach. It’s the most awkward hug of my life, but at the same time, I feel an immense relief. Almost like this is what my body has been craving. Someone clears their throat, and we jump apart.
I look at James, forgetting he was standing there for our exchange. “Hey, CarMax. Seems like you bought plenty of goodcars today.” I notice Hunter is stiff as a board standing next to me, not saying a word.
James’s eyes search her face before leveling me with a glare. “Yeah. Seems like it.”
Now that the noise of the auction has subsided, my headache has lessened, but I readjust my hat, hoping to get a little more relief. “Okay. Well, I’ll see you two in St. Pete,” I say, giving Hunter one last look before walking away. She is never that quiet, and since I haven’t known her long enough to know what her silences mean, I’m not sure if I should be worried. Was that hug just as eye-opening for her as it was for me? Will she still go out on a date with CarMax? My body goes rigid as I peer over my shoulder. I can see she's still talking to him, but her body language isn't as free and bubbly as it was before. I refrain from giving myself a mental high-five.
