Dallas made a small motion with his hand in Skye’s direction, willing her to up her offer even though Greer had eclipsed their agreed upon highest bid by more than double.
“Five hundred and one dollars,” Skye said, and his head rejoiced for the ten or so seconds before Greer spoke again.
“One thousand dollars,” Greer said from much closer, to the happy gasps of the room.
Dallas’s heart threatened to beat out of his chest at the thought of Greer being there, bidding on him. Married couples of the Grand Prairie elite didn’t fetch that kind of payout. There was an immediate, hearty round of applause from the room.
“I’ll double the offer if we end the bidding right now.”
Mrs. Haven didn’t give either Dallas or Skye a chance to respond.
“Sold!” She slammed a small gavel down on her podium to affirm her announcement. “Dallas, I think it’s the best offer we’re going to get. You’re sold before the buyer has a chance to back out.” She received a solid round of laughter at her excitement.
Rooted to the spot, his mind raced, his thoughts turning frantic. What was he supposed to do with this?
“Step off the stage, Dallas. You’re done.”
That stage—a place he hadn’t wanted to be—now felt like his only safe place in the world. Mechanically, he forced his body to move as his head screamed no.
How had his life become so fucked up and out of control?
Dallas should have never hidden behind silence. Of course, Greer was too bold of a man, he’d want a face-to-face answer.
Dallas took the steps down, anxiously searching for some excuse to bolt.
Calm down.
Maybe Greer had heard about the fight between him and Donny last night. Over the last week, Greer had apparently become Donny’s and Ducky’s confidant on the road to best friends forever. Perhaps, Greer was here to make sure his investment stayed intact.
When Dallas rounded his table, Skye was no longer in her seat. The woman who sat next to her handed him a folded piece of paper. He slumped in his seat and opened the note.
Dallas,
Please don’t be mad when you learn the part I played in all this.
I want you to have the time of your life this weekend, you deserve it. I’ve got you covered here. I’ll handle what comes your way. I’ve planned to be available all weekend.
I love you so much. You’re my dearest friend.
Skye
PS: Ducky unknowingly helped, but I don’t think he has any idea what’s going on.
Dallas read the note twice as some understanding replaced all the apprehension.
“That was so exciting. Is he your boyfriend?”
He lifted his eyes to the woman who’d handed him the note. The implication in Skye’s words didn’t freak him out like they should have, but maybe that was because all his panic had been used up. More so, all of him wished he could say yes. The fairy tale image of his life had Greer as his forever boyfriend. The knight who swept him off his feet and committed to a forever-life just with him. The sadness of reality had Dallas swallowing a lump in his throat, and he shook his head with regret.
“He’s my new business partner. It’s a company sponsorship.”
“Oh, what company?” she asked.
Had Greer not said BikeBro’s name while offering so much money?
The turbulent clash of his heart and his head grew more fierce. Dallas looked over his shoulder, searching for Greer. He found him at the payor’s table, bent over, scribbling on something.
How did he always look so damn good?
Somehow Dallas instinctively understood that he stood at the crossroads.
He didn’t have to go with Greer. That would be the safe decision. He’d traveled that path his whole life. He knew each step of that lonely, unfulfilling road. A route with no depths, just the gray of the world passing him by.
The other direction was filled with uncertainty. No clear path, but the allure of freedom spoke to him in whispered invitation. That way had a life splashed with bright, vivid color.
Greer wasn’t meant to be his, but the draw of living a full life was too hard to resist. Greer was his guide, nothing more. He’d owe Greer for eternity for his gentle persuasion, leading Dallas to find his more authentic self.
The obstacles, his defiance, all the matters he’d debated all week finally came into a semblance of order. He could keep his values and chose a colored-filled life.
He could and he would.
He fisted the note in his hand, holding on to her words. At least he wouldn’t lose everyone. Skye supported him, and Ducky was more intuitive than anyone gave him credit for. No one else though, and that was fine. He didn’t need anyone else. He depended on himself.
A hand clamped down on his shoulder, giving a firm, gentle squeeze. All the tingles and currents of excitement associated with Greer’s touch were there before the whispered breath at his ear sent a shiver sprinting down his spine.