“I only talked to them about what I’d learned about the foundation.”
“Well, you have the touch, my dear.And that’s one of so many reasons why I wanted us to have lunch.I need your help.”
“My help?”The notion is ludicrous, and I nibble on my bottom lip to prevent my laughter from springing free.It really is that funny.
“Our annual fundraising gala—Nuit Étoilée—is coming up in less than two months and I want you to plan it.”
I tilt my head to one side, not quite understanding.“Nuit Étoilée?Doesn’t that mean Starry Night?”
“Yes, that’s right.It’s a magical evening meant to inspire our donors to open their pocketbooks for a good cause.”
“I’m not an event planner.I don’t know the first thing about planning something like that.”
“There’s so much more involved than just event planning and you have what it takes.The date, venue, and menu are already set.What we need is direction.There’s no theme and we might even want to look at a new cause.”She signals for the bill, and I stare at the woman like she’s lost her mind.
“Every year, Bettina insists on running it and it’s always the same old thing.Nuit Étoilée was successful the first two years, partly because it was new, but now it’s stale.Attendance and donations have dwindled in the past two years.”
“Bettina?”I think back to the other night and the matronly older woman I met.Tall, white hair—the perfect blow out—and flawless makeup and clothes.She may have looked every day of her sixty-plus years, but she wore time with confidence and class.“I can’t just step in and push her aside.”
At first, Bettina seemed stern and intimidating, not even a smile when we were introduced, but we started talking and she warmed to me.She’s a lovely woman.
“She’s on board with you managing the gala.I suggested it and she was so taken with you that by the end of our conversation, she thought it was her idea to ask you.”
Her sly smile is so like her grandson’s I don’t stand a chance at holding back my giggle.The apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree.She joins me and winks.Oh, these Rothwells.
Sobering, I say, “But it’s only eight weeks away.”
“Save the date invitations have gone out without any specifics.We would have to send a proper invitation soon, and I have the utmost confidence in you to come up with something to get those RSVPs in.”
“But I don’t know the first thing about planning an event like this or about Nuit Étoilée.”The pitch of my voice climbs in agitation.
“I figured you would say as much and that’s why I brought you this.”She bends and pulls a large leather folder from a bag at her feet.
It’s thick with papers and my stomach clenches at the similar feeling I’d get just before taking an exam.“I’m really not sure about this.”
I shake my head and my hands clasp together under the table, not willing to take the folder.I will give the offer serious thought, but I should have my head examined for even entertaining the idea.I haven’t said yes to any of this, yet I’m already feeling the pressure and responsibility.
“Just take a look.These are the files for the past five years.”She rests the folder in front of me.“And come to our next foundation meeting on Tuesday evening.”
My mind swirls at how fast things are moving.It’s as if I’ve been blindfolded and spun around a dozen times, only to then be expected to walk a straight line.
“I-I don’t?—”
”I’ll have my driver pick you up on Tuesday, and all you have to do is listen.”
Sure.I eye her cynically.This lady is one sly devil but even she can’t possibly believe I’d fall for that.Justlisten, yeah, right.
“At the very least, Bettina will get to see you again before returning to Calgary and Cormac will be beside himself.”
Before I can add another objection to her crazy idea, a tall blonde woman sidles up to our table.She’s pretty in an understated way and if I had to guess, I’d say she is a few years older than me, but not much more than that.
“Nan, so lovely to see you.”She air kisses the older woman’s cheek before casting me a sideways glance.“So sorry to interrupt, but when I saw you, I had to come over.”
“Hello, Reagan.”Nan gestures to me.“This is Paige Hayes.”
“Hello.”Her smile is forced.“I’m Reagan Hussey.”She extends her hand and limply shakes mine.
“Hi.”
