Geez! Did he somehow sense I was trying to get rid of his statue?
“Speak of the devil.” Nate grins. “Must be calling to check up on his gift.”
I shake my head at his irreverent tone. I’m sure Barron has better things to do worry about a bunch of twisted metal. Doesn’t he?
“Yes, Barron?” Nate says cheerfully.
“What the hell is going on with the news these days?” a thunderous voice booms.
No greeting or anything warm. Grouchy. And will definitely demand prostration if we ever meet in person.
“I don’t know, but I’m sure it didn’t impact Sterling & Wilson,” Nate says. “Or at least Justin will have done something to minimize its effect on the busi—”
“Not Justin. You! The gossip rags are claiming that Elizabeth’s auction is a sham!”
That’s a strong accusation, especially against someone like her.
Nate’s jaw tightens. “Fuckers. What are they saying?”
“Well, you should know. You’re the one they’re talking about!”
Bewilderment crosses Nate’s face. “Me? How—”
“And your friend, that Court boy, didn’t help matters by getting auctioned off for fifty bucks!” Barron continues. “Highly irregular, when there were women who bid more.”
“Well, yeah, but he had his reasons,” Nate says.
“Oh, yes. Reasons. Much like Ted Bundy, I suppose. And then,” Barron continues, “you got auctioned off to your assistant for half a million dollars!”
Oh, shit. Is that what this is about? Am I in trouble with Nate’s great-uncle?
“I thought that was the least the Sterling name deserved.” Nate’s tone is entirely too droll. “Did you want her to bid higher to preserve our repu—”
“This is a serious matter! Donations are falling off, and some people are starting to question Elizabeth’s ethics!”
“Oh.” For once, Nate looks slightly chastised.
“Now, did you take your assistant on that date?” Barron asks ominously.
Nate’s gaze slides toward me. “Uh, no… Not yet.”
I give him a smile that I hope is supportive and reassuring. I don’t need a date with him. As a matter of fact, I don’t want a date with him.
“Nathan,” Barron says gravely. “People are placing bets. They’re saying Elizabeth’s auctions are rigged, all the big bidding is just a publicity stunt and that you aren’t going to follow through on your proposed date.”
“Oh, come on!” Nate says, shoving a hand into his hair. I have to agree.
“I’m very fond of Elizabeth. You’ll have to fix this for her.”
“I’ll have a chat with Ken Honishi,” Nate says.
I make a note on the tablet to arrange for a call with the Sterlings’ retainer as soon as possible.
“That won’t be enough.” Barron’s tone is cool. “So it’s true you had your assistant bid on you. Don’t tell me you didn’t.”
“Fine. I won’t,” Nate mutters.
And I won’t either. I don’t think I can lie to the man, even over the phone. There’s something about the crackling authority in his tone that’s cowing.