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They won’t understand what Mia and I have together. I have to make them understand, but before I do that, I want all my ducks in a row.
“I fucking hope not,” I reply, straightening my tie.
I don’t know why I feel like everything is riding on this one event.
This will determine my future.
It only makes me more determined to make it mine, just like I am with Mia.
16
DANTE
“Thankyou all for coming to this very special, ten-acre property in Norfolk County. Welcome to 22 Bay Colony. This gorgeous land is set on a lush ten acres, giving you ample space to build your dream home, with breathtaking views from any aspect you choose.” The auctioneer, in his mid-fifties, sharp, possibly Italian, has an intelligent charisma that engages with the audience upon his first breath. “Tranquility and nature encapsulate this sought-after area.. A savvy buyer today will be able to check ALL of these boxes…”
Yeah, yeah, let’s get on with it.I can’t help but think to myself as he reels off all the attributes of the area that go over my head, including the barn.
“Let’s start our opening bid with my absent bidder at eight hundred thousand dollars.”
My jaw feels tight, although it was to be expected that bids would start fairly high. My thoughts of keeping it under the million mark seem to have just flown out the window.
The bidding gets off to a slow start, but a few bids flow back and forth. If I know anything about an auction, it’s not to jump in too soon or show all your cards too early. It also gives me a chance to check out my competition. Now I’m in the mindset and feeling edgy. I realize that sending one of my brothers, or all of them, might have been the smarter option while I paced back and forth somewhere far away from here.
I guess there’s nothing like facing the things you don’t necessarily want to do yourself head-on.
It’s strange how just a few days ago I was blissfully unaware that this place even existed. Now all I can see is my future, and I fucking want this land as much as I want Mia.
None of my inner turmoil shows on my face. If there’s another thing I’ve learned in this family, it’s to be as cool as a shade tree, no matter what you’re actually feeling. Everybody is always watching.
“…. One million to my absentee bidder.”
Fuck, it’s hit the million already.
I clutch my paddle as I feel Marco put his hand on my forearm. “Not yet, Dante.”
It’s then a woman at the front raises her paddle. She’s sitting next to the mysterious lady who made an entrance earlier.
“… Lady’s bid, can we say one million, and fifty thousand … gentleman at the front.” Another round of slow back-and-forth bids ensues, knocking out the absentee bidder. We’re going up into the ten thousands now.
“Folks, this land is on the market, we’re here to sell … lady’s bid at one million, two hundred thousand …. Going once, going twice …” he pauses, glancing around the room eagerly.
This is far from fucking over.
I watch the back of the woman’s head; she never falters for one second.
I raise my paddle before the third call.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new bidder. Gentleman’s bid to the right, one million two hundred and fifty thousand?” He looks to my competition in the front. The man is out, but Miss suit-pants nods her head. She’s still in.
For fuck’s sake.
I nod back to the auctioneer. One million three hundred thousand.
Game on.
I am actually starting to sweat, and I know there is no turning back now.
“Going once at one million, three hundred thousand. Can I say fifty thousand to the lady in the front?”
