“Fantastic turnout,” Marcus said, scanning the crowd. “You’ve brought a great cross-section of New York together here. This place is deceptive. It looks small from the outside, but you really have a tremendous space.”
“It helps when you buy the building next door and break through the walls. Took months of renovation to get it where I wanted.” I was incredibly proud of Bello’s success. “And I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support, especially my fiancé.” Torre stood at the door, greeting another group of guests, and with his arm around the shoulders of one of them, he brought six men over to where I stood.
“Babe, this is Elliot Hansen, the writer I’ve been talking to the past few weeks. He’s doing a special piece on the benefit for New York Magazine.”
“I recognize the name. I always read your stories on hidden New York gems.” I shook hands with the sweet-faced man. “It reminds me of how Torre and I met. Thanks for coming by and spotlighting the event.”
“Absolutely. I’m planning a spotlight series of New Yorkers who combine their businesses with charity work, and I’d love to include you and your partner.” Elliot took out his phone. “If you give me your number, I can call you.”
“Great publicity, don’t you think?” Torre nudged me, but I still hesitated.
“I never like to make myself out as some kind of hero, but I think if we concentrate on the people I’m helping, I’m good with it.”
Admiration shone from Elliot’s eyes. “That’s an unusual trait. Most people love talking about themselves.”
“I think you’ll find Frisco is unusual.” Torre kissed my cheek. “And don’t be fooled. He loves talking about himself.”
“You wound me,bello.” I gave Elliot my number. “Seriously, call me anytime. I’m happy to help.”
Elliot chuckled. “Thanks. And it’s really amazing what you’ve put together here. This is my husband, Win Rogers.”
I smiled and shook the man’s hand. He’d been standing at Elliot’s side during our conversation, but his attention was on the group of friends gathered by the table.
“Thanks for having us. Is that Sam Stein at the table?”
“I think so. Do you know him?”
“Yeah, back from his days on the force. It’s been years since I’ve seen him. Excuse me while I go say hello.” Win left, and I watched him approach Sam, who looked startled and a bit wary at first until Win gave him a hug and they started talking.
“Sorry,” Elliot apologized. “Win’s a detective. I guess they knew each other at one point.” He shrugged. “We’ve only been married a year or so, and I can’t keep up with everyone he’s known from his old days on the force.”
“I wouldn’t know. I don’t really know any of them—only Marcus, barely, from my old club days. You all have a table, I’m sure?”
“We do.” A slightly older man spoke before Elliot could answer. “I’m André Webster of Webster Properties. I bought a table for the six of us. This is my husband, Chess.”
“Oh, yes. Your table is right next to theirs.” I chuckled. “Looks like Torre and I are the only couple here not married.”
“Not true. Wolf and I skipped marriage and went straight to the honeymoon.” A blond man with bright-blue eyes brushed past me to hug Julian. “Hi, I’m Spencer. Julian and I go way back in the fashion industry.”
“Until he abandoned me to go work for Webster.” Julian cocked a brow. “You’re happier than I’ve ever seen you, Spence, so it all must be working out for you. I’m glad.”
“Abandoned? Sweetheart, I have plans for you—and of course, your gorgeous husband. Listen, Juli, as last year’s CFA Designer of the Year award winner, I’m going to make sure I make you an offer you can’t and won’t refuse to get you to sign with us.”
“Spencer Hawkins, the Godfather of Fashion.”
“Ooh, Wolfie. I love that.” Spencer blew him a kiss. “Look at you, being all cute and funny.”
“Being with you has given me a sense of humor, and a newfound appreciation for the absurd.” A dark-haired man stuck out his hand and I shook it, enjoying the easy banter between the two of them. “Nice to meet you, Frisco. My law firm made a donation to the event as well.”
“Wolf? No first name?”
“Not one that matters.” His enigmatic reply piqued my interest but I had a party to run and couldn’t stand around talking.
“Gentlemen if you’ll excuse me, I’m sure I’ll get a chance to speak to you all later. Please make sure to have some drinks and eat.” I don’t think any of them noticed I was leaving, not even Torre, who was busy chatting with Elliot.
I mingled through the crowd, stopping to say hello to some of my regulars, but it wasn’t until I saw Press and Nate walk in that I allowed myself the first real smile of the evening.
“This is amazing. How much money have you raised?” Press hugged me tight.
