Because You Love Me ; Journey to My Heart
Page 35
“The girls and the foundation are lucky to have such a wonderful program chairperson. Vera Gordon, please stand.”
A redhead with a bright smile, sitting with the girls, stood up and waved a hand.
“Many of our programs have been suggested and developed by Vera. She’s committed to the foundation and committed to seeing that the girls have as many opportunities as possible.”
The room applauded and Vera resumed her seat. Ellie waited until the applause died down.
“I introduced the other board members earlier and the staff of Give It to the Girl. I held back on Vera because she was so instrumental in our surprise. But...” Ellie paused. “Before I reveal that very special surprise, I have one last appeal.” She smiled at the crowd. “I’ve given you a few statistics about our work and how important it is to girls. Many of you are our contributors and we thank you. However...” She paused with her hand in the air. A ripple of laughter went through the room. Obviously her next words were anticipated. “There is always more to be done. So if you want to stop by one of the volunteers in the back of the room...” Ellie pointed. Several men and women stood with their hands up, and the crowd shifted to see them. “They’re willing to accept your checks, credit cards or cash, if you carry that sort of thing.”
General laughter continued. When it died down, she added, “We’ll wait for you before we introduce our surprise.”
A buzz sounded throughout the room as people speculated on what she meant. Darlene and Ellie were the only people who had known the secret until this morning, when it was necessary to tell a few key people.
“Speaking of surprises,” Ellie said. The room quieted. “We have a very special guest to entertain you tonight. One of the graduates, one who came to us and we gave it to the girl, has volunteered—” Ellie didn’t have to finish. The applause started and then escalated until it drowned her out. Everyone knew whose name she was about to say.
Using her hands to gesture a lowering manner, she got them to quiet down. “Obviously, this lady needs no introduction. She said she wants to give back because Give It to the Girl changed her life. So, ladies and gentlemen, if you would move to the dance floor.” The pivoting doors to the left swung open. “Please join me and give it to the girl—Chantelle.”
The applause was deafening as the entire body rose to its feet. The adjoining room had been set up with both tables along the perimeter and a dance floor in the center. Chantelle’s signature song began to play, and the room emptied quickly.
Ellie left the stage. Blake stood at the bottom, offering his hand to prevent her from falling.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Good speech,” he responded. “I’m tempted to donate myself.”
She was unsure how to take that. Was he being serious or facetious? She didn’t know.
“It’s allowed,” she told him. Glancing at the back of the room, she saw a small crowd with the volunteer cashiers. “Those people are ready and willing to accept your contribution.”
Blake followed her glance, but when he turned back to her, he changed the subject. “You know, this event gets better and better,” he said.
Ellie braced herself for another comment on the cost. Cutting him off, she spoke first. “You haven’t been here in the past three years. How would you know?”
“I mean from what I’ve seen tonight. At every turn, there’s something new and unexpected.”
“Don’t bring up what Chantelle cost,” Ellie said. “I can assure you, she’s volunteering her talent. Her intent is true. She wants to give back.”
Ellie turned to walk away. She no longer wanted to talk to Blake, even if he was a Thorn. But Vera Gordon hampered her escape. Vera caught Ellie in a bear hug, smiling and talking enthusiastically, telling her how wonderful the event was going. Ellie smiled and nodded, concealing her true feelings for the man behind her.
“Hello,” Vera said, relinquishing her hold on Ellie and offering her hand to Blake. “I’m Vera Gordon.”
“Blake Thorn,” he said. “I hear we have you to thank for the entertainment.”
Vera grinned, glancing over her shoulder at where the crowd had gathered to listen to Chantelle’s concert. “We have seats reserved for you.”
“Thank you,” Blake acknowledged.
As Ellie tried to move around to let Vera take her place, Blake captured her arm and steered her to the seats Vera pointed out.
Ellie needed to be available to join Chantelle on the stage when she finished. Vera had abdicated that responsibility. While Vera was an outgoing person, she totally froze when she had to speak to a crowd this size. Speaking to the girls and presenting projects in a conference room was something she could handle, but not a crowd this size.
With a seat in the front row, Ellie was close enough. She kept her face trained on the woman onstage, but her attention was ten years back, on a lonely stretch of road that had collided with her present a few hours earlier, when Blake Thorn had entered Riverton Mansion.
She’d relegated him and that day to the past and hoped it would stay there. But sitting in the darkened room, with his arm only a few inches from hers, she doubted she’d ever be able to do that again.
Copyright © 2019 by Shirley Hailstock
ISBN-13: 9781488034343
Journey to My Heart & The Sweetest Affair
Copyright © 2019 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
Journey to My Heart
Copyright © 2019 by Terra Little
The Sweetest Affair
Copyright © 2019 by Bridget Anderson
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