The Auction

"So, how do I look?" Margot asked, posing in front of me.

I looked her over. Margot was stunning. She wore a black gown that flowed effortlessly over her figure. The dress had a deep V-neckline and was tastefully adorned with subtle sequins that glimmered as they caught the light. Her hair was styled in loose waves cascading over her shoulders, and her makeup was understated—just enough to highlight her bright eyes and natural beauty. The gown made her seem taller, regal even, with a slit up the side that added a touch of boldness. She had chosen simple, elegant accessories: a pair of dangling earrings and a slender silver bracelet.

"You look like a goddess," I said, admiring her.

Margot smiled and twirled slightly.

The event we were heading to was an auction hosted by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. He had invited me personally after reading the script for The Revenant, and I planned to use this opportunity to lock him in for the role. We had to travel out of the city; the event was taking place at an estate in a vineyard.

"So, what kind of auction is this?" Margot asked as she glanced at herself one last time in the mirror. "I've never been to an auction before."

I shrugged. "It's for charity. The money goes to some climate change thing. I don't know the specifics."

Margot's face lit up. "Oh, that's great! Leo is so thoughtful."

"Ah, yes, Leonardo DiCaprio is going to save the planet," I replied blankly, not quite masking my sarcasm.

Margot looked at me, raising an eyebrow. "Are you jealous, Danny? Do you think Leo is going to steal me away?" she teased.

I gave her a deadpan look. "Well, you are under 25."

"Twenty-five?" Margot looked puzzled. "What does that mean?"

"DiCaprio doesn't date anyone over 25. The moment they turn 25, he breaks up with them."

Margot's eyes widened, and she wrinkled her nose in distaste. "If that's true, then... eww, eww, eww. That's so... uh."

I laughed. "That's how he rolls."

We left soon after, and after a short drive from the villa we rented, we arrived at the place where DiCaprio was holding the auction. The building was beautiful—an expansive estate surrounded by manicured gardens. Twinkling fairy lights wrapped around every tree, and an elegant red carpet stretched from the entrance to where the cars dropped off guests. The entire venue radiated luxury, with vintage cars lining the drive and uniformed staff directing the traffic of the wealthy and famous.

As we stepped out of the car, I noticed a lot of celebrities, producers, and the kind of rich people who make sure their faces are always seen at these high-profile events.

"Wow, this place looks amazing," Margot whispered to me, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.

I nodded. "Yeah, it is." I glanced around, my eyes scanning for our host. "Let's... um, just talk to some people until we can find Leo," I said as we walked in, arm in arm.

The entrance hall was impressive—a large, open space with marble floors and intricate chandeliers hanging above. The walls were adorned with stunning paintings and photographs, clearly curated to evoke sophistication. Waiters in crisp uniforms offered drinks as they wove through the mingling crowd.

We made our way through, exchanging nods and pleasantries as I kept an eye out for Leo. I spotted several familiar faces—actors, directors, influential producers. Everyone seemed to be in their element here, holding court in groups as they discussed projects and networked under the guise of a charity event.

"I think I just saw Bradley Cooper," Margot whispered in my ear, excitement in her voice.

"Hmm," I responded, scanning the room until I suddenly spotted Tom Hanks. He noticed me at the same time, his face lighting up with a smile. He walked over, hand already outstretched.

"Daniel! It's been a while!" Tom said warmly.

I shook his hand, smiling back. "Tom, good to see you."

"Margot, I'd like you to meet Tom Hanks," I said, gesturing to Margot who, to my amusement, looked almost starstruck.

Margot managed to compose herself, smiling widely. "Mr. Hanks, it's an honor to meet you."

Tom chuckled, giving her a nod. "Please, call me Tom. It's a pleasure to meet you, Margot."

"I'll be coming in soon to record for Toy Story 3," Tom said, turning back to me with a glimmer in his eyes. "I hear you won't be around much."

I gave a regretful shrug. "Yeah, the schedule's a bit packed these days. But I'd love to visit if I can sneak some time."

Tom nodded, his expression shifting slightly. "Ah, I heard about your production company—Midas, right?"

"That's right," I confirmed.

"You know," Tom said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin, "starting a production company can be rough, especially in the beginning. How about I introduce you to some people who might make your life a lot easier?"

"I'd appreciate that a lot, Tom," I said.

Tom gave me a warm smile and gestured for me to follow. "Come on then."

With Margot still attached to my arm, we followed Tom as he moved across the room. He introduced me to several influential producers, high-profile executives, and some of the key people behind various successful studios. Each of them welcomed me with a polite nod or handshake, and Tom made sure to vouch for me. Many had already heard of me and were eager to work together. There were some people I had never heard of, and Tom introduced them as the ones who really run the place.

As Tom and I eventually parted ways, I felt Margot's fingers squeeze my arm.

"There's Leo," she whispered, her eyes widening slightly as she gestured toward our host. "And... oh my god, he really does have a new girlfriend. It's true!"

I followed her gaze to see Leonardo DiCaprio standing with a new woman by his side. I gave Margot a knowing look. "I told you so."

Leonardo caught sight of us, and his face lit up in recognition. He excused himself from his group and strolled over.

"Welcome, Mr. Adler," Leonardo said, extending his hand.

"Thank you for the invite, Mr. DiCaprio," I replied, shaking his hand.

He shook his head, smiling. "Please, call me Leo."

"Then please, call me Daniel," I responded.

"Of course," Leo replied with a grin. He turned slightly, introducing the woman beside him. "This is Erin."

"Erin Heatherton," she said, offering Margot and me a polite smile. "Nice to meet you both."

"Margot Robbie," Margot introduced herself.

"Are you a model too, Margot?" Erin asked.

"Oh, I have done some modeling, but I'm an actress," Margot replied.

"Daniel, I'd love for you to come sit with us," Leo said, gesturing toward a nearby table where some other guests were gathered. "We have quite a bit to discuss."

I smiled. "Lead the way."

We made our way to the table, taking our seats as the room began to quiet down. The auction was about to begin. I noticed the beautifully arranged catalog placed in front of each seat, listing the items up for auction that evening.

Leo leaned over and gave me a nudge. "I do hope you make a significant purchase tonight, Daniel," he said with a smile that was half challenge, half jest.

I smiled back with a polite nod.

Margot, however, seemed more interested in the prospect than I expected. She turned to me with a grin. "Can I bid?" she asked. "I've always wanted to be the one holding up a little number paddle."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Sure, go for it," I said, leaning closer to her. "Just... try not to buy anything crazy expensive, okay?"

She gave me a cheeky smile. "I'm not actually going to buy anything. I just want to do the whole 'I bid' thing."

I gave her a mock-serious nod. "Alright then, go on and live out your dreams."

The lights in the room dimmed, and Leo stood up, beginning the proceedings with a welcome to the attendees and a brief explanation of the night's charitable cause.

The auction began, and Leo didn't waste time leaning in, his voice low enough to keep our conversation private amid the buzz of the auction.

"I've been thinking about The Revenant," Leonardo said. "I'm interested. What else can you tell me?"

"The director isn't locked in yet," I replied, leaning closer to keep the conversation just between us. "Honestly, it's all dependent on when you're available. When I wrote the book on Hugh Glass, you were the one I pictured for the role."

Leo smiled, taking a sip from his wine glass. "Yes, I felt like I really connected with the character... Well, Weinstein's been trying to push me into another project, but it's not my kind of film. I'd much rather do this."

'Oh fuck, Harvey is involved…' I thought.

"It will be a long shoot. If we get started by the end of this year, we could wrap shooting and get it out before the 2014 Oscars." I paused for a moment, calculating in my head. "It'll be a demanding shoot, but the results, I think, would be incredible."

Leo nodded with a thoughtful expression, almost as if weighing the challenge. "A long shoot sounds good to me, honestly," he said. "I need something to get me out of L.A. for a while."

While we spoke, the auction continued, echoing through the hall. Every few seconds, I'd hear the auctioneer announce a new item, and in between, Margot would energetically lift her paddle, her eyes bright with excitement.

"We have a stunning Cartier diamond necklace from 1956... Bidding starts at $100,000," the auctioneer's voice filled the space.

Margot eagerly raised her paddle without hesitation. The auctioneer caught her movement, calling out, "One hundred thousand from the lovely lady in black!"

Leonardo chuckled at her enthusiasm, and I threw Margot a brief glance. She shot me a big grin, clearly enjoying herself, before I turned my attention back to Leo.

"So, you're saying if I commit, you'll make sure we get the right director?" Leo asked, his gaze serious now.

I met his eyes. "Give me a month," I said. "I'll make sure we have someone solid, someone who can handle the project with the gravity it needs."

Leo nodded, satisfied. "Alright, you've got a deal."

Another auction item was introduced—something about a hand-painted Venetian mirror from the 18th century. Margot's paddle shot up again.

We continued talking about the movie, focusing on potential cinematographers, changes in the script, and supporting actors. What I did not notice was that Margot had gotten herself into a bidding war for an Ionian vase from the 6th century BC.

I was still deep in conversation with Leo when suddenly the auctioneer's voice cut through my thoughts:

"One-point-eight million! Sold to the beautiful blonde lady in black!"

My head snapped up, my eyes immediately locking onto Margot.

Margot looked back at me with a sheepish smile, she herself shocked.

"One point eight million," I repeated.

"It's... for a good cause," she said slowly with a nervous smile, trying to explain herself.

"Wow, Daniel," Leo said, his eyes sparkling. "That's a significant contribution. Very generous of you."

I swallowed, giving a weak smile. "Yeah... yeah, it's for a good cause," I said, nodding.

'The fuck…'

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Hope you have a joyous Christmas