Chapter 75
A dam and I shake hands, having idle small talk with dozens of people.
My mind is somewhere else, though. Adam’s kiss was the perfect distraction from whatever landmine was about to be thrown out of Declan’s mouth and from the rush I felt touching him.
I’m with Adam , his lips a timely reminder of that.
The lights flicker with an announcement that the auction will be starting soon.
We take our seats. “Bid on whatever you want,” Adam says, handing me the paddle.
I shake my head and push it back toward him.
The room grows quiet as the auctioneer takes the stage and the bidding starts.
Paintings, abstract statues, and various art make their way on and off the stage, selling to the highest bidder.
The painting that stirred memories and emotions is next and being brought to the stage. “We’ll start the bidding at fifty thousand dollars,” the auctioneer says.
Declan makes the first bid. It’s the only piece he’s shown interest in all night. Why this one? Is it his way of saying he knows this is the painting that caught my eye? The gesture feels loaded.
Then, Adam raises his paddle. I hadn’t talked to him about the painting. Does it make everyone feel something? Declan and Adam begin a bidding war. Each raise of the paddle is quickly countered. The bids escalate rapidly, adding to the tension between all three of us.
I glance at Adam, trying to gauge his intention.
Is this friendly rivalry, or something more?
His expression is unreadable, focused entirely on the auction.
As the bidding continues, I’m caught between the past and the present, between Declan’s lingering influence and the new life I’m building with Adam.
The price reaches five hundred thousand dollars, and the room fills with murmurs and glances.
Finally, a verbal bid from Adam of one million dollars draws a collective gasp from the audience. Declan leans back in his seat, a smirk on his face, conceding defeat. The exchange is filled with an unspoken message of rivalry and mutual respect.
“Casual,” I mouth to Adam.
“I saw you staring at it for a while.” My heart races that he bought this for me. “We can hang it in your apartment,” he says, grabbing my hand.
“Adam,” I say, shaking my head. “It–”
“No pressure,” he interrupts. “I can donate it if you don’t want it.”
My eyes betray me, welling up. I stand, not wanting to cry in such a public setting, and walk out of the room, trying to manage all the emotions bubbling over.
“Dani, what’s going on?” he asks, following me.
In the hall, away from the crowd, I stop walking, but my tears continue.
“What’s going on?” he asks again, his tone more concerned than the first time.
“You just spent one million dollars on me.” I pause, tears flowing down my face. “I didn’t ask for that, and I feel so fucking guilty because I don’t want it. It reminds me of the worst day in my fucking life.”
He hugs me, holding me tight. “Tell me, Peanut.”
Slightly muffled by his hug, I say, “The painting reminds me of being at my dad’s rehab facility.”
“Dani,” he soothes, squeezing me tighter.
“I remember sitting in the waiting room, waiting for it to be guest visiting hours. To see my dad for the first time in weeks.” I’m blubbering at this point and take a deep breath.
He holds me for a silent moment as I continue to cry. I’m embarrassed by my reaction and try to get a hold of myself.
“Don’t feel guilty,” he soothes, running his hand down my hair.
“Whether it was the painting or something else, I was buying something this evening,” Adam says, loosening his hug and wiping the tears from my face.
“Geoff’s daughter put this event on, and I wanted to show him a sign of good faith for our potential partnership. ”
Feeling less guilty, a small laugh escapes.
“Since we’re not keeping it,” Adam continues. “I’ll get it appraised and donate it. My accountants will be thrilled with the deduction.”
Seeing my makeup all over his dress shirt, I’m so embarrassed.
“Sorry,” I say, pointing to it, feeling relieved he didn’t buy the painting solely because I was staring at it for a while.
“Don’t be. Do you want to go?” he asks, and I nod.
As we walk outside, my mind’s racing, reflecting on this world I’m becoming a part of. The competition, the displays of wealth, the intricate social dances—being with Adam in Chicago is complicated.