As much as Gavin and I bicker, we’ll always be all smiles and some passive-aggression in public. Because we’re professionals.
“Do you think this is going to end in a UFC-style cage match between all the auction house representatives?” I ask, not putting anything past rich investors.
“If it does, can we get on record that I don’t feel right punching you in the face.”
“That’s a bold statement to make when I could kick your butt. When I already kicked your butt in school.” I remind him of a recess a long time ago in a private New York City school playground.
When he got his butt kicked for pulling my hair. It was self-defense.
The receptionist calls us over to the front desk. The representatives from the other two auction houses are refusing to make eye contact, and the receptionist is looking like he’s reconsidering his career choice so he can go back to wherever he’s from to consider a more pleasant career in...manure sales or manual horse insemination, probably.
“Mr. Richmond will see you all in the conference room,” he says weakly. “If you’ll follow me.”
I exchange a look with Gavin. I thought Harrison would meet us all one at a time, but this is a fun change. I always wanted to compete for the attention of one man with three other men also competing at the same time.
The employee leads us through a long hallway and into a conference room where Harrison is already sitting, reviewing a packet in front of him.
“Hello and thank you for coming to meet me on such short notice.” He gets up to shake our hands and indicate that we should sit down. It’s cute that he phrases that like any of us had a choice.
If we want this sale, there is no choice.
“I can look at anything you have for me, and then we’ll take it from there. Feel free to get some refreshments that we’ve laid out while I look.”
We all hand over our books. It’s unexpected, but I’ve spent so much time this past week on the catalog, it can speak for itself.
Although actually watching Harrison reading our offerings is making my nervous bladder act up, I don’t want to leave the room unless it becomes an emergency.
After fifteen awkward and nerve-wrecking minutes of watching Harrison read, I get up to take him up on the offer of snacks. I’m not really hungry, but I’ll take the distraction and the opportunity to burn off some nervous energy on the walk to the food.
I’m putting together a plate of mini pastries and fruit when I hear footsteps behind me.
“When I get the sale, what do you want to eat for dinner?” Gavin whispers to me.
“WhenIwin, I’m going to eat a victory burger from Shake Shack, and while I’m there, I’m going to research puppies on my phone.” I grab a water bottle and return to the table to eat. It’s too quiet here, and the sounds of me chewing is like a concert in the room. At least to me.
I feel kind of disappointed that this competition is going to be over. It’s always interesting to go up against Gavin directly, firing up my blood and pushing me to come up with better ideas and bigger sales. I don’t think I noticed how much he pushes me in a good way until I was working directly against him on this catalog for such a large collection.
But I’m sure there’ll be some other art we can fight about in the future.
After an hour of waiting, I’ve caught up on all the industry news across multiple websites, and also all the entertainment news as well. I’m about to dive into politics, but Harrison saves me from that depressing endeavor by closing the final book.
“Thank you all for the hard work. They’re all really good plans. I can’t get you all to hold a joint sale, can I?” He looks at us hopefully.
We all look at him without saying anything, not even a fake laugh to put him at ease. Because there’s no way that’s going to happen. The infighting over every small detail would tear us apart. And nothing would get sold.
Harrison sighs, like he knew he wasn’t going to get that but hoped anyway. “No, I guess not. Well, I like the pitches from Carlyle’s and Loot best, but I don’t have time to get into the details today. So why don’t you two come spend this weekend and next week at my house party in Long Island? We can go over details, and I can get to know you both to see who is the better fit?”
Chapter Thirteen
The room erupts in protests. From the losing side of the room because they still want to be in the race. And from the Carlyle/Loot side of the room because we don’t know if we can take a week away from work last minute.
“I’ve made my decision,” Harrison says sternly over the din. Then he addresses us exclusively. “I understand it’s a lot to ask, but I would appreciate it. And we do have a strong internet connection so you can work from the house if you need to.”
“I’d love to.” I swallow down any complaints I have with a smile. At this point, it’s walk away from the deal or accept it with grace if I want to win. And maybe Gavin will have a doctor’s appointment that he can’t reschedule.
“I’ll be there as well,” Gavin says. Well, that was a short five seconds of hope.
“Perfect. I’ll send you the address for my house on the North Shore, and I’ll expect you there tomorrow. Events start at around noon, so please be there before then. And bring some formal wear for the week. Some casual exercise wear too.”
