Chapter 182: The Gala: Hannah
We stepped out of the limo into the light of flashing cameras. We gave little waves and moved quickly toward the building.
Reporters chirped questions at me. "What dress are you wearing? Would you like to thank anyone for your foundation? What is the meaning behind the charity?"
I stammered and my words froze in my throat.
I didn’t know what to say. I wasn’t even sure if I should say anything.
We never would talk to paparazzi before, but that was because they had been invading in our personal lives. This was for my charity. Shouldn’t I reply?
Roman turned to them and spoke evenly with a polite smile on his lips.
"Thank you for all your questions. All our statement has been issued in the press release. While we appreciate your curiosity, we are the hosts and must get inside to greet our guests."
"Don’t you think it’s a bit wrong to host an event for the same brand of people who were so heavily involved in human trafficking? If that is what your charity is meant to help remedy?!"one reporter shouted as we made it through the doors.
Something knotted in my stomach and I looked to Roman with great concern.
Had we made a misstep? Was it in poor taste? I figured this was a true humanitarian effort, seeing as how I was the one overseeing it all and know the money would be put to good use. Was it wrong to fundraise with the rich? Wouldn’t that make more sense to ask the average working person to give? I wasn’t sure anymore. That one question made me doubt it all.
Roman wrapped his arm about my waist and guided me through the entrance.
"Don’t let it get to you. Nothing will ever be perfect, and we know we’re doing a good thing."
I nodded and took a deep breath. Then, just like that, I was completely mesmerized by the gala.
The expansive event center was already full. Grand chandeliers hung down and gave the space a soft and romantic lighting. The art was hung all over the walls. There were so many pieces, I couldn’t count. The tables were spread out evenly and had black tablecloths, exquisite dinnerware, and grand centerpieces all topped with the Women Helping Women logo. Just in the middle of the room, was a cherry wood runway, lined with lights, with a photographer with a polaroid at the end of it. A live quartet played in the corner of the room as servers moved about effortlessly to serve appetizers and drinks.
It was perfect. Not a single detail had gone overlooked, not that I had expected them to be with the likes of Lori and Lauren in charge of it all. Standing in it, however, was almost overwhelming. I really knew at a glance that I couldn’t have done better myself. They had considered everything and got it all off without a hitch.
Roman and I moved about, greeting a variety of guests; most of which I didn’t know. I didn’t bother me any, however. They were all there to support the cause and that was what mattered to me. After about an hour of greeting people and making small talk, we headed over to our marked tables. Of course, we were sat with our family. We all smiled at one another, and I had to try my best not to take notice of Freddy and Lauren giggling a little too much.
Within a matter of minutes, we were served wine pairings with the first course. Butter poached scallops with smoked bacon crumbles, a dollop of goat cheese, and microgreens. It had to have been one of the best things I had ever eaten. Loud reactions sounded all over the table and about the room as people tried them. The chardonnay was crisp enough to cut through the fat, but still buttery enough to pair perfectly.
The next was a miso-inspired soup to act as a palette cleanser. It was light, herbal, and savory all at once. Roman even groaned at it, which surprised me, and I took notes on all the things I could taste so that maybe we could recreate it later.
Then we were served swordfish with capers and a Mediterranean salad. It was light, delicious, and cooked to perfection.
The main course was wagyu steak with a red wine butter compote, fingerling potatoes confit, with a sauteed medley of asparagus and mushrooms. It was rich, dense, divine, and paired perfectly with an aged red wine that was sweet yet full-bodied.
Just when I thought I couldn’t stand for another bite, the caterers brought out dessert. It was a vanilla-cardamom kulfi, drizzled with rose syrup, garnished with edible petals and crushed pistachios, and orange zest powdered over it.
"Were you trying to fatten us up for the slaughter when you picked out the menu?" I asked Lori from across the table.
She giggled as she dug into her dessert. "Sorry, I was hungry!"
We all managed to clean our plates, unwilling to waste a single drop or smear of the
food they had prepared. I glanced about the room to see all the guests looking as full
and happy as my table. Good. I was glad everyone was having a good time... including our many security guards, who had of course been fed as well.
As soon as the plates were cleared away, the auctioneer Lori hired stepped in front of a podium and came over the speakers. "Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for joining the Thaddeus family for the first ever Women Helping Women Fundraising Gala. Today, we will be auctioning off some marvelous local art from local artists, which I will be starting momentarily. Any of our lady guests who would like to donate your dresses to the cause, are welcome to use the runway and snap a photo. At the end of the night, those dresses will be sold to the highest bidder. You may also simply donate your dress, if you wish. Now... ladies and gentlemen, please get those checkbooks and pens ready."
The man grinned and gestured to the easel next to him as his assistant uncovered the first work for sale. It was an abstract painting of downtown. I quite liked it, though it wasn’t exactly my taste.
The bids started out slow, but with each piece, things became more and more
heated. People were drinking and slurring out the bids. Some were arguing and bickering over who got which piece. But it all stayed lighthearted and fun, thankfully. Before long, paintings were going for tens of thousands of dollars and I was utterly speechless. I couldn’t believe people were being so generous! I looked at Roman with shocked eyes.
He chuckled and kissed the top of my head. "All you’ve done is given these people a reason to dress up, get drunk, and shop. The three things most of these people enjoy doing the most. I told you it was going to be a smash hit."
We watched happily as each painting sold to the highest bidder. Part of me felt bad for the artists who donated them, but that was their way of contributing to the night. Besides, I doubted Lori had gone to any struggling artists. That would have been in poor taste.
One of the paintings really caught my attention. It was an abstract array of colors and soft shapes, all done in delicate shades of purple and emerald green.
"That one is gorgeous," I whispered to Roman.
"Oh yeah?" he grinned. He then raised his hand. "Five thousand."
"Five thousand going once! Do I hear five thousand five hundred?" the auctioneer boomed.
"What are you doing?" I asked him. He raised a brow at me. "Why donate to what we are already funding?"
He shrugged. "You like the painting."
"Six thousand!" someone in the crowd called.
"Seven thousand!" Roman replied.
"Eight thousand five hundred!" the same one shouted.
"Twelve thousand!" Roman stated.
There was a soft gasp. No one had increased the bid so much, so fast all throughout the auction.
Roman winked at me. I looked back at the painting. Did I really think it was worth twelve thousand? Or was this just his clever and sweet way of supporting me?
"Twelve thousand going once, twelve thousand going twice. Twelve thousand it is!" the auctioneer announced, clapping his hands.
I looked at Roman and smirked at him. "Well, thank you."
He kissed the top of my head. "It’ll go so well with that sculpture you made. Maybe it’s time to redecorate the room. Make it all match in that style."
"Might be a good idea," I smiled. It would be nice to shake things up, especially with being stuck inside. We shared a loving kiss. I was completely moved
by his donation and willingness to buy me the art I liked.
"Get a room," Edward called to us.
"We paid for this one," I stated, looking over and sticking my tongue out at him.
We all giggled and clinked glasses together before settling in for the rest of the auction.
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