The gala was hosted in the Grand Hughes hotel, an impressive building that was built over a hundred years ago. Even with its ago, the Grand Hughes maintained its status as Winsome Bay's most luxurious hotel, and it wasn't hard to understand why. The castle-like tower was surrounded by a vast botanical garden, housing trees older than the building itself. With both the large winding trees and the many exotic flowers, the hotel appeared to be surrounded by a forest that belonged in a fairytale. At the end of the lighted cobblestone path to the hotel, a waterfall poured in a perimeter around the front entrance. The water appeared to be made of liquid gold, colored in the night by the giant spotlights shining from the bottom. Like the breaking of a stage curtain, the great waterfall was parted down the center in the shape of an upside down "V", allowing guests to enter the building untouched by the column of water.
Patrons of the gala, dressed in expensive evening wear, moved in pairs down the long walkway to the entrance, slowly funneling into the building.
At the beginning of the hotel's walkway, Henry Lawson stepped out of his car, waved at the press cameras and then reached a hand back into the car. A feminine hand took Henry's and was soon followed by a long graceful leg.
As Sarah stepped out of the car, she could see the mouths of photographers and journalists fall open as their gaze eventually fell upon her. She wore an evening dress of soft black fabric, with an exposed back, and a wide split on the side that ran up her leg, ending only just below her hip. On her neck, was a black velvet choker with a red ruby in the center. A few seconds passed before flashes of white light erupted from cameras, as the brains of the photographers eventually turned back on. Sarah smiled, took Henry's arm, and they began walking to the hotel.
"You look absolutely stunning Ms. Noir. I feel like the luckiest man here." Said Henry.
Sarah gave Henry a warm smile and chuckled. "Henry, I couldn't let the CEO of our company come to this gala without a date, now could I?" Sarah asked playfully. She then bent to whisper in his ear, "Besides, with so many potential donors here, I want everyone's eyes on us tonight." She continued.
Henry looked at Sarah in surprise, then let out a warm belly laugh. "You're as devious as you are beautiful, my dear. Those bristly crows and arrogant shits will be writing checks just to say they held your hand." Henry said.
Sarah gave Henry a sly smile and a wink.
Inside the lobby of the hotel was a scene of warm gold and yellows. Above them was a magnificent chandelier of glass icicles and golden trim. To their right, was a large fireplace fueled by wood, surrounded by comfy loveseats and chairs occupied by well-dressed men sipping whiskey. Opposite Sarah and Henry was the large reception desk that sat between the twin staircase curving up to a single point on the second level.
The event hall of the Grand Hughes hotel made up the entirety of the second level. Double doors of carved white painted wood and gold trim were opened wide. To the right of the doors, a young man stood behind a podium. When Henry and Sarah reached him, the young man stared at Sarah, seemingly at a loss for words.
"Henry Lawson and guest." Henry said.
The man looked at Henry as if he just spoke in a foreign language.
"The book, boy." Said Henry, nodding to the ledger on the podium.
"Yes! Of course. Go ahead mister Lawson." The young man said hastily.
Henry rolled his eyes and they went on through the entrance.
Sarah could almost feel the young man's gaze on her as she walked past him, which was quickly confirmed by the sound of another guest snapping his fingers to get the young man's attention again.
Inside the Hall, many round tables covered in white cloth surrounded a large raised stage against the opposite wall. On the stage, a carved stained oak podium sat in the center and a couple long tables also draped in white were placed behind it. Two permanent bars flanked the hall, manned by handsome men and women in red vests, each pouring drinks with professional urgency. Scattered around the room, patrons of the event stood in their own small circles, each likely talking and drinking to their personal successes, inflating the egos of themselves and each other.
Upon seeing Henry and Sarah enter, a relatively handsome man with short red hair broke off from his circle and came to greet them.
"Henry! It's good to see you." Said the man with over exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Mr. Miles. Always a pleasure. How's the future coming?" Said Henry, who immediately straightened and put on his game face. It was time for money.
"Divergent Robotics is the future. In the next five years, I'll have robot vehicles and servants in every major home in the United States." Said Mr. Miles confidently.
"That's a bold prediction." Said Sarah.
Mr. Miles looked at Sarah, his eyes running up her leg before coming to her eyes. His chin tilled up slightly, and a creepy grin touched his face.
"I don't believe we've had the pleasure. Please, call me Shawn, Ms.-?" Shawn probed.
Sarah made a tight smile. "Ms. Noir." She said, giving Shawn an unimpressed look.
"Well Ms. Noir, I'm a bold man, and I stand by my prediction. Five years." Said Shawn.
Shawn reached for and grabbed Sarah's hand. "As a bold man, I'd like to say that you'd look amazing on my yacht in the Caribbean next weekend. My treat. I'll even throw in a little bikini for you." Said Shawn, who then processed to kiss the back of Sarah's hand.
Sarah gently pulled her hand away. "A tempting offer, I'll have to check my schedule." Said Sarah, forcing herself to give Shawn a nice smile.
A server came by with glasses of champagne, and Sarah happily took one and looked for something other than Shawn to stare at. She looked at her glass and imagined shoving it into Shawn's eye. "If only." She muttered to herself.
"Pardon?" asked Shawn.
Sarah looked into Shawn's eyes and bit her lip. "Just thinking about yachts and bikinis." Said Sarah in an innocent voice, while also giving Henry a subtle rib jab.
"Don't think too long, my personal jet is leaving on Thursday. It would be a shame if you weren't on it." Said Shawn.
Henry tensed from the jab and understood Sarah's desire to change the topic. "Mr. Miles, with such success coming your way, wouldn't it do to strengthen your relationship with the public and get some limelight? With our shelter coming into fruition, it will need a name to go with it. I was thinking of calling it the Shawn Miles center for the less fortune." Said Henry.
Shawn's expression looked like his champagne just soured in his mouth. "Henry..." Shawn droned, disappointed by the mere mention of charity.
Sarah quickly jumped in. "For a company as big as yours, I'm sure you can spare a couple thousand each month. You'll gain such a noble view in the public eye. We only ask for a mere 60% of the running costs. I'm sure a handsome man that travels to the Caribbean every few weeks spends less on your employee's coffee machine." Said Sarah.
Shawn's eyes went back to Sarah, his gaze resting on her breasts for half a second before returning to her eyes. "You two make a valid point, my company is relatively unknown to the public, and those that do know us only see our weapons contract with the military. I'm sure we could use the PR. You'll have your donation Henry, but I want that building to be on the front page of every paper for a week. Also, my name better be in the biggest letters you can find for that building." Said Shawn, who then downed his champagne.
Henry barked out a throaty laugh, and vigorously shook Shawn Miles hand. "You're a fine negotiator. I'll make sure all the arrangements will be as you desire." Henry said happily.
"
I'm sure you will." Said Shawn. He looked back to Sarah with a hungry expression and said, "I'll see you next week.". He turned and departed towards the bar.
Sarah watched the red-haired man leave with contempt.
Henry took a swig of his champagne, then kept the glass to his mouth. "That slimy shit thinks you're going to accept his offer now." Said henry into his glass so that no-one could read his lips.
"I'm aware." Said Sarah coldly.
"He may back out if you insult him." Said Henry carefully.
"I know." Said Sarah in a sigh.
Henry's eyebrows furrowed. "I'll find another donor. That arrogant ass can drink on his boat alone." Said Henry, anger touching his voice.
"Henry, I can handle it." Said Sarah. The thought of spending a weekend with that slimy excuse for a man sent shivers down her spine, but they've been having trouble finding a donor for the shelter for months. If Henry couldn't find a donor in time, the whole project will fall flat on its face and blemish their reputation.
Henry looked at Sarah with concern. "I'd never ask you to do anything you weren't comfortable with." He said.
Sarah closed her eyes and smiled. Henry was the closest thing she had to a father figure in her life right now. He was probably the only person who truly cared about her wellbeing.
Another server went by, and Sarah grabbed a couple flutes of champagne and handed one to Henry. She forced a smile and said, "I'll be fine. Just make sure he signs that contract before next Thursday. Now let's get back to work.".
The concern on Henry's face remained, but he nodded.
For the next half hour to forty minutes. Sarah and Henry shook hands and made deals with Winsome Bay's elite, securing almost 40% of the funding they needed for the central park restoration project.
Sarah and many of the other patrons turned to watch as Valery Ward walked onto the stage and tapped the microphone, making it cough.
"Welcome everyone to the Ward Foundation's Annual WBPD gala. Please, take your seats.". said Valery Ward in a cheerful tone.
Sarah and Henry found their seats at a table with the other board members of their company.
