Page 70 of Fake it For Good
“I did get to meet some execs that seemed very interested in the nonprofit,” I said and quickly changed the subject to something just a little safer. “Cane made sure they had his card and kind of pressured them into following through with their promises to call.”
“I think this man is your champion,” she said. “Don’t let him get away.”
“I have no control over that and I’m not about to beg.” I checked the time and finished my coffee. “I’ve got to go. I’m going to the orphanage to help get things set up for the giveaway.”
“Tell Mrs. Drummond I said hi,” she said before we parted ways on the sidewalk.
There was snow piled up along the curb. It was black and ugly. Fresh snow was so magical. It was so cleansing and beautiful. I wished it could stay that way. I pulled on my sunglasses and tugged my scarf tight around my neck to ward off the chill. I crossed the street and headed down to the subway. I was lucky enough to find a seat and pulled out my phone to check my work email.
One of the executives I met the other night had actually followed through. There was a request for information about the nonprofit. I had a standard letter I sent out that proved we were a charity along with what we did. The letter included a few pictures of kids that had benefited from what we did. I sent it along with a personal thank you. If I got even one connection from attending the event with Cane, I would be thrilled. It would make a huge difference.
I walked along the cracked and bumpy sidewalk littered with trash on my way to the orphanage with grand ideas of moving Mrs. Drummond’s orphanage into a bigger house in a better neighborhood. I doubted she would personally move, but if we could have a second location, it would be amazing.
My ringing phone pulled me from my thoughts. I saw Cane’s smiling face on my screen. It was a picture of him I had snapped at the event. “Hello,” I answered.
“Hello,” he said with a smile in his voice. “Busy tonight?”
“No. Do you need me for another party?”
“Just a party for two at my house,” he said. “I bought a Christmas tree. I was hoping you would help me put it up.”
My face would have cracked in the cold with my wide smile. “I would love to.”
“I’ll send a car for you,” he said. “Maybe you can just bring an overnight bag?”
He was asking me to spend the night. I wanted to jump for joy and celebrate. That had to mean something, right? “I can do that,” I said.
“Great, I’ll see you tonight.”
25
CANE
Istepped outside to greet her at the door when the car pulled up. She stepped out, carrying a bag and her purse. I quickly took the bag from her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. I ushered her out of the cold and into the house.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I said.
“Thank you for inviting me.”
I took her bag and left it by the stairs to take up later. “I was just taste-testing a drink I found online.”
“Oh, what is it?”
We walked into the kitchen together. “It’s called a Christmas Cookie. Kahlua, Bailey’s, and Peppermint Schnapps.”
“Oh, that sounds delicious,” she said, grinning.
I had my Sirius set to a Christmas station. The sound came through the surround sound that was wired throughout the entire house. “Want to try one?”
“Please,” she said. “I would love to.”
I mixed the drink for her and handed it over.
“What do you think?” I asked after she took the first drink.
“It’s good,” she said. “Sweet. I think it would be very easy to get drunk on this stuff. It’s so good. It’s like eating a cookie.”
“Want to see the tree and the goodies?” I asked. I led her to the living room where I had dropped off the large box that contained the tree. There were a lot of decorations in bags scattered around the room. “This is it.”
