“Good.That’s what I thought you’d say.So, just immediate family with a justice of the peace, set up in your high-rise.After, I thought we could provide finger foods which would make people leave early because of hunger pains.”
“That is an excellent idea, but I thought it was every woman’s dream to have a big wedding, with an elaborate wedding dress.”
“Spending thousands of dollars on something I’d wear once has no appeal for me.Not when that money can help multiple families in need.”
“That’s what I thought you’d say,” he said, using her own phrasing.“So, in that regard, I had my assistant cut a donation to Lark’s kitchen in the amount we would’ve spent on a big, fancy wedding.”
She blinked, looking shellshocked.“Really?That’s wonderful.Oh, my God, thank you so much.”
He cocked his head, studying her.“Why are you so different from all the other women who grew up rich?Why do you champion those less fortunate?”
“When I was about ten or eleven, my parents and I went on vacation,” she started.“We went to the ocean.I loved running up and down in the shallow surf, collecting seashells.There was a pier and I ran under it, playing, not paying attention.I heard someone coughing and I looked over and saw this homeless man, living there.It was very clear that he was sick.And the more I watched him, the more questions I had.I’d never seen someone without a home, and I couldn’t wrap my little girl brain around a concept that a person didn’t have a place to go.Or family.Or money.Every day on that trip, I went and watched him.Then a day before we left, I saw an ambulance crew bring him out in a body bag.That man died because no one cared.I felt so guilty for having everything while there were people in the world starving to death.”
“That’s a heavy burden for a child to bear.”
“It changed my life,” she said quietly.“From that day on, I knew that I wanted to help people, I just didn’t know how.Then, I met Lark in college, and she shared her idea of her kitchen, and I told her I wanted in.So, that’s my story in a nutshell.”
Just then, Odette came over carrying two plates.She set them down and held up a finger to grab the iced tea.
“I’ll be back to check on you two lovebirds.”
James stared down at his plate in surprise.“This smells delicious.”
“Odette used to work as a chef in the city, feeding the elite.”Kleya picked up her knife and fork, to cut into the tender meat.“She got disillusioned quickly, so made a career change.”
He took a bite, and the food just melted in his mouth.“This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
“Yep, that’s Odette for you.”
The rest of the meal was spent talking to each other while devouring the pot roast, and honestly, he’d never had a more enjoyable meal.After, he helped her into the back of his car and told the driver her address.
“Thank you for this evening,” she said.“Best gala ever.”
“You were there for two seconds.”
“And?”she chuckled.“Seriously, I hope I didn’t take you away from any important business.”
“Nah.Not anything I can’t reschedule.”He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles.“Would you like to attend the theater with me tomorrow?”
She smiled at him.“I would love to.”
