After a few tense moments when Darren wondered if he'd put his foot in it, Victor cleared his throat. “If you would make that introduction, I would be more than happy to accommodate your request,” he replied. “In fact, if you can assure this introduction and the fulfilling of the offer before the fundraiser, we will also provide free catering for the buffet. For all two hundred guests.”
He clamped a hand over his mouth, before theWhoopeecould escape. Only once he'd locked it away did Darren reply with, “How does tomorrow night sound?” There was no point beating around the bush. His schedule was hectic and he needed to get this sorted in plenty of time. It would be a rush, but with some help from Myra, Rhett and Eddy, they should manage to get it done on time.
“Excellent. Shall we say afternoon tea at six, in the ballroom?” Victor suggested.
Darren's stomach growled at the very suggestion of food, but he ignored it and accepted Victor's offer with glee. And, with that settled, he said a fond farewell, promising to call him in a day or two once he had more specific details about his arrival to set up the event on the night. Victor gave Darren his private office number, by which to contact him, as well as the most convenient times for him to stop by the hotel to take photographs of the work being done, and find the best solution for keeping it out of the media's view or at least making it a more pleasant view for all.
It wouldn't be difficult for Darren to figure out something, even if it was just draping some large pieces of muslin over the scaffolding or whatever else he found there to keep it hidden. It was a hotel; if he had to make a piece of art out of it then so be it, but he refused to spend the money required for hiring and catering for such a venue, when they were trying to make as much money as they could for such a worthy cause.
Now he just had to break the news to Giovanni, Myra and the Bayley's.
Whether they intended to help or not, Darren was going to make Giovanni's beloved fundraiser a bang up affair, so far under budget that it would make their heads spin. And they were going to love it.
