Page 88 of Tempting the Player
Her stomach dropped.
“Because of him, the volunteer department will see another year, probably two.” Director Bernstein squeezed her shoulder, but she really didn’t feel it. “I shouldn’t have been so quick to cut him out. After all that he has done for the Institute, he should be here.”
“Uh…” Bridget had no idea what to say.
The director gave her another squeeze. “Enjoy yourself tonight. You deserve it. And please pass along my gratitude to Mr. Gamble.”
Bridget nodded dumbly and watched Director Bernstein rejoin his wife. Several moments passed before it fully sank in.
Chad had made the last donation that might not have saved the department all on its own, but it had saved her job and was what had gotten her reinvited to her own event. Hope and confusion battled it out for top contender for what she was feeling right now. Obviously, he’d done this before he’d found out she had been conned into being his girlfriend. Right?
Dodging guests, she found Madison with Chase. “Did you know?” she blurted out.
Madison’s eyes widened. “Did I know what?”
“Did you know that Chad had been the one who made the donation that took us to our goal?”
“What?” She turned to Chase, smacking him in the arm. Hard. “You didn’t tell me?”
Okay. Madison really didn’t know.
“Hey.” Chase held up his hands. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh my God,” Bridget said, stunned. “I can’t believe he made that donation. That was so much money.”
“Damn,” Chase said, brows raised. “I don’t think Chad has ever made a donation to anything except when he plays poker, because he’s sure to lose. The Smithsonian should name a room after him.”
Madison grinned. “Actually, they should name it after Bridget, because I’m sure that’s why he made the donation.”
Turning around, Bridget smoothed her hands over the skirt of her simple black dress. She had to do something. She didn’t know what or if it changed a damn thing, but she had to thank him.
Bridget had to ask him why.
Spinning back to Madison, she took a deep breath. “I…I have to go.”
“What?” Madison stepped forward. “Bridget, are you—”
“I’m okay. Really.” She paused to smile at Chase. “I just need to go, okay?”
