Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
I got my fair share of being noticed during my treatment. On the occasions when I wasn’t in the hospital, people would stare at my bald head. I got used to it. But now I’m going to be noticed because I look pretty.
I feel like myself again.
When we arrive at the gala, the driver gets out and opens the door for us. Hawk exits first and helps me to my feet. Jared follows.
Photographers are flashing, and reporters are there.
“Ms. Bellamy,” a reporter asks me. “Would you like to say a few words before you enter your gala?”
“Good evening,” I say. “Thank you for being here. I’m very excited to get my new foundation off the ground.”
Photos are snapped, and Hawk waves away the rest of the reporters as we enter the grand lobby of the hotel where the gala is being held.
Then the ballroom. It’s early yet, and only the organizers are here, along with Robin, Emily, CJ, and my parents. Falcon and Savannah enter soon after. The silent auction is set up on one side of the wall. The bar is open, and my father is already drinking a bourbon.
“Let’s get you a sparkling water or something,” Hawk says.
“That sounds great.” I swallow. “My throat is drying up.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Jared stays a few feet away from me, unobtrusive.
Hawk returns from the bar and hands me my drink with a huge smile.
I drop my jaw as I notice the vivid color of the liquid in the glass. “Oh my God, is that Orange Crush?”
His grin widens. “Do you think your sister would set up a gala for you and not be sure that the bar was stocked with your favorite?”
I take a sip and then notice a woman I haven’t seen in weeks pass by.
“Oh my God, Robin!” I grab my sister as she walks by and give her a big bear hug.
“You’ll muss my dress, Ray,” she says.
Robin looks gorgeous, of course. She’s wearing flaming red. She’s always been able to get away with stuff like that. Her dress isn’t quite as formal as mine. It’s a sheath that goes midway down her calves. On her feet are strappy silver sandals with platform heels, the kind of shoes I would’ve worn before I got sick. I’m wearing simple black pumps tonight. I didn’t want to take the chance of stumbling. It’s been years since I’ve had actual heels on.
My attorney, Emily, is on the stage at the podium getting ready to make some announcements once more attendees get here. Already they’re coming in droves, and soon the ballroom is buzzing with conversation.
The ballroom is softly illuminated by chandeliers hanging high above, and the women’s gowns shimmer in the light, while the men, impeccably dressed in tailored suits and tuxedos, exude sophistication.
Bartenders, dressed in crisp black-and-white uniforms, serve up a variety of cocktails and champagne, including the signature cocktail for the evening, a prickly pear margarita for a Texas touch. The faint sound of ice dropping into glasses accompanies the vibrant hum of the guests conversing.
Across the ballroom, the silent auction has begun, and clusters of attendees are mingling near the tables showcasing an array of luxury items up for bid. A soft ping from phones alerts guests as bids are placed, but other than that people are socializing quite nicely without staring at screens.
The string quartet—Robin was right about hiring college students from UT—plays softly in the background. The guests, who are a mix of socialites, philanthropists, and corporate leaders, move fluidly between the bar, the auction tables, and each other, exchanging greetings, smiles, and introductions.
Waiters glide through the room with trays of hors d’oeuvres—delicate smoked salmon canapés, mini truffle tarts, and brie bites—offering guests a taste before the formal dinner begins. Robin’s friend Lorraine really outdid herself. I’ll be having her cater all of my future donor events for sure.
The mini truffle tart is savory and delicious, and as I swallow it and take a bite of my brie, I look around.
Hawk is in conversation with Jared, and I look toward the entrance where people are still arriving.
And I swallow my brie bite nearly whole, taking a quick drink of my Orange Crush to avoid choking.
A man is here.
And he looks even better than I remember.
He’s here.
Vinnie Gallo is here.
And he’s not alone.
16
VINNIE
Ireturned several days ago, my new bride in tow.
Mario was pleased with the results of my trip, even though I wasn’t able to complete the negotiations with Agudelo. One part I did complete was taking Daniela as my wife.
With her father’s permission, we were married in Colombia the day before I left.
Daniela and I had already agreed that the marriage would not be consummated. She just wanted to get out of Colombia, and I was her ticket.
Declan McAllister won’t be pleased, but that doesn’t matter much to me. The marriage to Daniela is in name only, and once she has legal status in the US, I will be annulling it.