Lex loves my boobs, Lex loves my boobs, Lex loves my boobs…I repeat internally.
“This is amazing, Eva,” Shelly says. “You always were gifted for these socialite events.”
“Thank you, darling. I’m sorry I won’t be here much. I have so many things to watch over and handle.”
“Are you seated with us?” Lex wonders.
“Didn’t Kev tell you? He wouldn’t let go until I accepted. I believe I’m right here,” she confirms, pointing at an empty chair not far from me. “But if I have time to sit for more than five consecutive minutes, it’ll be a miracle. If you need anything, ask a staffer. They know this is the actual VIP table.”
She’s off as quickly as she arrived, and the table returns to its discussions. I’m seated next to a representative from the NODA, the National Organization for Deaf Advocacy, which was definitely calculated. Kev has been pushing for a partnership with them for my app, and I get to talk to him about everything we’ve done and what we plan on adding soon.
Our table is full—most of them are—when the music stops. Two hosts walk up to the mic, a man and a woman, all smiles and elegant outfits. “Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone in between, welcome to the annual Elves of Campbell Gala. First of all, we would like to offer ourmost heartfelt thank you for your generous contributions tonight. So many tables were sold that we had to add a few more, which was a first.”
Everyone applauds, and the man explains the evening’s program. During the six-course dinner, there will be entertainment laced with three auction segments, for which they apparently have a record-breaking number of items gifted by guests. A local celebrity will sing for us, along with boys from theFuture Stars Foundation, which aims to support education programs for underprivileged children. They actually come to introduce themselves and their charity, and then two more follow. There’s alsoBright Horizons for Autism, which provides resources and help for children on the autism spectrum, and theHealing Hearts Initiative, which focuses on mental health for children in the foster system.
When I hear a familiar pop from Lex’s side, I see he’s cracking his knuckles—something I’ve noticed he does whenever he’s nervous. So, I slip my hand between his, stopping his methodical motions, and entwine my fingers with his thick ones, bringing our joined hands to my thigh and resting them there.
Soon after everyone leaves the stage, the jazzy orchestra returns, and the waiting staff begins serving the first course. That’s when Evora comes back. I’m entirely impressed by the amount of work it must have taken to organize all that, and even more puzzled by the fact that she stays in the shadows despite it being her big night. She’s letting those charities shine, and it only speaks to how much of a selfless person she is. And I treated her like shit I just stepped in…
I definitely don’t feel great about that, so I remain silent for the most part, eating my caviar on a bed of crème fraîche with a chive tuile. Evora leaves once the empty plates have been taken away, and we’re then served lobster bisque with a cognac cream drizzle while the first auction segment starts.
A few items reach insane prices, like a car or a month-long stay in a massive house in the Hamptons. I didn’t think I could feel more out of my element, but that does it for me. At some point, the auctioneer announces a Cartier watch for men, and although I’m not familiar with the brand, the model is very recognizable.
“Lex, it looks like the one your mother got you for your birthday,” I point out, bending toward him.
“It’s that exact watch, actually.”
Confused, I look at the wide screens above the stage where a woman shows off the watch to the cameras. When I gaze at him again, there’s something mischievous in his smile. He’s very proud of his deed. “Do you think she’ll put two and two together?” he wonders.
Oh, crap. I’ve been so preoccupied by everything else that it entirely slipped my mind that his mother was here. She did mention she waslooking forward to it during Lex’s birthday dinner, but the mess that followed immediately after kind of took over.
Remembering that Miriam Coleman is among us somewhere, I anxiously scan the room, trying to catch a glimpse of her. Wherever she is, she isn’t near us. The ugly watch goes for almost eighty thousand dollars, and I nearly choke on air. Oh, my fucking God. What is wrong with rich people?!
Well over an hour goes by, and between the food that keeps on coming, the entertainment, the auctions… I don’t think either Lex or I remember we planned on leaving early. I’m having more fun than I expected, so I don’t feel the need to escape as much as I thought I would.
“Before we start our last bids, we have a very special item for you tonight,” the auctioneer announces when the third segment begins. “Our lovely hostess, the organizer of this wonderful event, Evora Campbell, has offered a date with her as a bid.”
Just as he finishes his sentence, the half-Brazilian beauty enters the stage, waving at the applauding crowd. The cameras follow her, her gorgeous face and smile appearing on the screens.
The auctioneer continues introducing the odd prize. “The date consists of a dinner with Miss Campbell, right here in the dining hall of the Campbell Imperial, and will start at a hundred thousand dollars.”
Hot damn, that’s an expensive dinner.
“This is a little weird, isn’t it?” I discreetly ask Lex.
“It’s tradition. Her father started it, and she kept it going once she took over.”
“Her father offered a date with himself?” I say, confused.
“No, a date withher.” That doesn’t sound right, but I obviously have no idea how things work in the world of the rich and famous.
The bids quickly go up, and when it gets to nearly half a million, I get it. It’s only a few hours in exchange for a shit ton of money. A shame it’s decrepit old men who bid for that date.
“Can’t you guys bid on this?” I ask both Lex and Kevin.
“She knew what she was doing when she offered herself as a prize,” Kev explains.
“You guys are awful friends,” I retort. The biddings slow down, and I seriously consider outbidding the old perverts.
