She was still a ball of nerves when we walked into one of my larger hotels. It had large event space for weddings, charity luncheons, and other events. It was a former luxury hotel from the roaring twenties. Then it had been used as apartments until I purchased and restored it to a luxury establishment. Art Zurich held their annual charity luncheon there.
We filed into the high-ceilinged event space. Hundreds of round tables were set for lunch. Before taking our seats, Hazel and I walked around the room, greeting the judges, representatives from competing cities, and several reporters there to cover the announcement.
Chloe and Jack were seated at our table.
"I'm so nervous!" Chloe said, hugging Hazel. "I hate losing. I want a win!"
"You and me both."
The Art Zurich board filed in and welcomed everyone. Hazel picked at her food through the speeches.
"Not as good as the meat you ate last night, huh?" I whispered.
She rewarded me with a small smile.
"If you do go ahead with the conference center," Chloe said, "what are you going to do about catering? You need a whole business exclusive to the conference center."
"You're not catering?" I teased her.
"I can't even find someone to run myownfranchise. I might have to move to Harrogate."
"You can stay at my family's house."
Jack looked at me askance. "As much as I like you guys, no."
"We have a tiny house."
"Double no."
I held Hazel's hand through the announcements. Finally after lots of bland speeches, Zarah stepped up to the lectern.
"This is it!" Chloe exclaimed, clapping.
"We're going to win. I know it!" I assured Hazel.
"As you know, the Art Zurich Biennial Expo is committed to bringing art to all places, not just the same few large cities. There is a sense of adventure with good art, of exploration and boundary pushing. The search committee visited many cities around the globe on our quest to find the next Art Zurich host. All the places gave an outstanding show. However, one place went above and beyond. This small but plucky city has everyone on board with living the spirit of art, from the smallest child to the industry scions to the elderly. Everyone in the community is involved to create a true culture of art that is for everyone, not just a few art snobs. This town is Harrogate. Congratulations, and we look forward to the biennial in the next two years. We know we will see great things from you."
Hazel and I jumped up and cheered.
"Conference center, here I come!"
"Oh my God, we did it! This is amazing!"
"Sit down," Greg hissed at me. Everyone else at the luncheon applauded politely.
"See, that's the spirit I like to see!" Zarah shouted out.
"She referenced your art retreat," Jemma whispered to Hazel. "You're sure to win the grant now!"
"As long as it's not McKenna," Hazel whispered.
"Yes, lord, please," I muttered.
Maxine stepped up to the podium, putting on her glasses. "As is tradition, we also award a grant to an artistic resident from the host city. This young woman has done great things in her town from highlighting historic elements to being involved in the committee that organized the winning bid for the biennial. Olivia. Congratulations!"
Hazel looked momentarily crushed. Then she rallied and hugged her friend.
"Nicely done, Olivia," I said, hugging her before she walked up to the stage, beaming.
