Farm Tag

Chapter 10. « Auction. »

"Try this on."

"And that."

I look at the tank top and miniskirt and lock myself in her bathroom. I look in the mirror, the white tank top is square-necked with long sleeves. The skirt flares out at the edges, blue floral motifs on the white fabric.

"Gorgeous!"

"Now try this on."

She hands me a pair of square-heeled sandals.

"Girl, I literally work on the farm."

"It's just one day, you can get all dolled up!"

"And get stuck in the mud?"

"You'll just have to change."

The heels of my sandals click against the asphalt. I cross the bridge leading to my house, the same motocross bike from last time stops in front of me.

"Hi pretty, do you want to ride with us?"

"Dude, it's Angel!"

"For real?"

"Yeah! Look at her nails."

I hide my bitten and dusty fingernails in my palms and continue walking towards the house. They speed up loudly and make pig noises as they pass me.

I don't even have pigs on the farm, fuckers.

I arrive in front of the house and see Reid tying a knot with a rope, standing on a stepladder. He's made a swing out of a tire. Marshall watches him do it, eager to try.

I walk into my room. His phone is on my coffee table, a business card on it. I take it in my hands and recognize the name of his physiotherapist.

I put it down as I hear the door slam downstairs. I descend the stairs, passing Reid on the way up. He looks me up and down, slightly impressed by my outfit.

"I'm just going to get my phone."

I push myself to the side, he walks past me and brushes against me. I descend the last few steps to join my mother and breathe in something other than his perfume, which is intoxicating me dangerously.

"What is this outfit?"

"Judy's clothes..." I say, washing the inside of my fingernails.

"Your father's going to an auction. He wants to buy sheep, to make wool."

"Does he have room in his workshop?"

"I think we're going to have to invest in a trimmer."

"I can buy one at work."

"Reid will lend us his, he doesn't use it anymore. You should go with them."

"With who?"

"Reid and your father. Knowing him, he'll inflame people just to win the auction."

"Why not buy directly from a private buyer?"

"Because auctions are more fun, sweetie." says Dad, stepping into the kitchen to put on his hat. "Reid, let's go!"

"I'm coming!"

"He must be on the phone with Sonya."

I go out to see that Dad has hooked the trailer to the wreck in case he wins the auction. I watch him close the trunk.

"How much money do we have?"

"Enough to win."

I climb into the back seat and we're soon in town. The auction takes place in the open air, with a small platform. There's also an all-you-can-eat buffet, even if the alcohol isn't free.