Page 19 (1/2)

The event roo the walls There are at least a dozen round tables scattered about, covered hite tablecloths, sequin overlays, vases filled ater, and flowers on top of it all

Surrounded by people who probably have more money than God, I feel out of place My dark slacks, white button-down shirt, and black tie look si blood in the water, so People step to the side as I ue I’ue here

“What can I get you?” the bartender asks, not bothering to look up fro

“Jack and Coke, please”

The guy handsthe cup tothe burn This is going to be a long night

“Good evening If everyone could please find their tables, we’d like to get started,” a cheery voice calls through the speakers

Layla stands at a podiu at the crowd Her eyes flit across the roo froaze falls to her papers, cheeks flushing red, before darting up again

“Thank you all for conosed with Cystic Fibrosis last suhth birthday Cystic Fibrosis is a terrible disease that daestive systehs, there is still no known cure, and ht’s auction will go towards Mary’s never-ending st thee over to Hank Let the auction begin!”

The rooe The auctioneer, Hank, ra speed, while the runner delivers basket after basket to the highest bidders Two hours later, the auction is over, and everyone is allowed to ain after dinner is served

Layla skirts across the roo her way over toaround

“I thought I’d surprise you” I grab the bouquet of flowers from under my seat and hand the in her eyes

“You’re sweet” Layla looks behind her as an older woman calls her naet back toback to her guests, then looks over her shoulder to add, “Don’t leave before saying goodbye Okay?”

“I’s into the chair next to o, but I stuck around to help with the cleanup “You didn’t have to stay Don’t get , but you have over an hour drive tonight”

I chuckle, never having heard the phrase th before

I like it