Page 60 of Fake it For Good
“Anything.”
“Not really a favor, I guess. You said tonight was a bunch of toy industry people and some retailers, right?”
“It is,” I said.
“Would it be okay if I casually mentioned the nonprofit I work for?” she asked. “Shelby’s Kids is in desperate need of donations. I won’t bring it up if I get the feeling someone isn’t interested. I was just thinking I could drop a little hint here and there.”
“You don’t have to ask me,” I said. “I think that’s a great idea. I don’t mind talking to people about it as well. It’s for the kids, right?”
“Yes,” she said. “I know it won’t mean much for this Christmas, but it might be nice for next year. The shelters and organizations need help all year, but Christmas is always when it’s easiest to prey on people’s willingness to do good.”
“Prey?” I said.
“Sometimes, I do feel like a predator soliciting donations,” she said. “I’ve never gone straight to the top. I’m hoping it will be much more effective. I usually get pushed to the side with empty promises.”
“I think it’s a good idea. Shall we go?”
I didn’t know how she handled the stairs in her heels. It was a talent. One of many for her. I was grateful to see my car was still in one piece, right where I parked it. After helping her inside the car, I hopped behind the wheel. I couldn’t help but glance over at her every chance I got. She looked beautiful in the dress, but it was more than that. The more I got to know her, the more I recognized the inner beauty that shone through.
When we pulled up to the valet, I inwardly groaned. Kelly was walking inside. I placed my hand on the small of her back as a way to calm her. I saw the intimidation on her face. “I’ve been by this place a hundred times, but I never dared to even try and get through the doors.”
“It’s pretentious,” I agreed. “The Plaza is all about opulence and luxury, but it’s just regular people.”
She scoffed. “Regular people don’t dare step foot in this place. There are doormen and security guards that are all too happy to run off people like me.”
“You’re invited tonight,” I said. “You have every right to be here.”
We made our way to the Grand Ballroom that was already humming with conversation. A small orchestra was set up in the corner. The music was loud enough to be heard but soft enough to allow conversation. Men and women dressed to the nines roamed around the room carrying glasses of champagne.
“Holy shit,” Noelle breathed. “I cannot believe I’m in here.”
“You’re here,” I said. “Let’s start with champagne and then we’ll find our table.”
“How much did you have to pay to come here tonight?” she asked.
“Less than I’ve paid to attend other dinners,” I said, laughing.
I grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. I scanned the room for Kelly but didn’t see her. If I was lucky, she had changed her mind. Maybe she had a room upstairs. I knew that was unlikely. I just hoped she stayed away. The ballroom was big enough we could possibly avoid each other all night. We had done it before.
“Everyone is so fancy,” Noelle whispered. “The jewelry they are wearing is real. I can’t even begin to imagine how much that stuff costs.”
I immediately felt like an idiot. I should have given her something nice to wear with her dress. She was wearing the ring, but she wasn’t accessorized like the others. I had thought it a refreshing look, but I suddenly understood how she might feel like she was underdressed.
“You are the prettiest woman in this room,” I told her. “Just smile and no one is going to be looking at your jewelry.”
“I hope not,” she said, laughing. “Mine is way fake.”
“Not the ring,” I corrected.
“Ah yes, my fake engagement ring.”
“It’s not really fake,” I said. “The diamond is real.”
Before I could say more, we were approached by a couple I knew from parties like this. “Hello,” I said to them. I shook the man’s hand and kissed the woman’s cheek. “It’s nice to see you. It’s been a while.”
The woman was sizing up Noelle. It was showtime. The practice run in Texas made it a little easier to introduce her as my fiancée. “This is Noelle,” I said.
“That’s a very pretty ring you’re wearing,” the woman said with a brow raised.
