Sylvie nods. “Agreed. Being around all that sickness is one thing, but the place is so rundown. Makes me want a tetanus shot just thinking about it.”
Hope smirks. “Maybe if we raise enough money, and they spruce up the place, I’ll make time to go down there.”
Sylvie takes a sip from her glass and sets it on the table. “You know we’re in when it comes to fundraising. I can’t wait for the black-tie gala.”
I sit back in my chair. “Me too, because the planning is overwhelming.”
“Don’t stress; you have us,” Hope says, patting my wrist. “I’ve heard buzz from my parents about the amount of redevelopment happening in that town. Plus, I think Victoria Falls residents will be happy to fundraise so Logan’s Point people can find care in their own town.”
My nose wrinkles as I avoid frowning. She may as well suggest we nail ‘Keep Out’ over the ‘Welcome to Victoria Falls’ sign. I know the girls think I’m crazy for spending my time at Logan’s Point, but at least things are unexpected over there. Here, I can predict every single thing that will happen.
“Hello, Vanessa,” a voice says from behind me. “Now my day feels complete at the sight of you.”
I don’t need to peer over my shoulder. I know exactly who the voice belongs to. And, I’m already tired of his lingering presence.
“Oh, hey, LJ,” I reply with a flat sigh.
Everyone wants me matched with Landon Prescott Junior, or LJ, especially my parents. His father is vice president of my father’s plastics division. If LJ and I were a couple, it would mutually benefit our families.
LJ is a typical preppy boy who thinks he’s God’s gift. He’s tall and slender with white-blonde hair and aqua eyes. He’s not Mr. Popular, but he’s at all the right parties and is never on the wrong end of a conversation. On paper, he’s the right boy for me to date.
If only I had one shred of romantic feelings toward him.
LJ slides a dining chair over from a nearby table and sits himself between me and Sylvie. “How was your day?”
Sylvie rolls her eyes and scoots her chair to the right for some breathing room.
Before I answer LJ, I gesture at Sylvie. “Are you okay?”
“Now I am,” Sylvie jokes, eyeing LJ. “I didn’t want your suitor leaning over me to chat you up.”
LJ chuckles. “Suitor? Are Vanessa and I in a Victorian era courtship?”
I place my hands in my lap, knowing LJ is two slimy sentences away from grasping my hand. “LJ, we’re not courting in any era.”
“Come on, Ness,” Hope says with a mischievous grin. “You two are adorable together. You’re like, picture-perfect couple goals.”
An air of surprise puffs out of me. “Hope, you’re the one who has an adoring boyfriend. LJ and I are not a couple.”
“Vanessa’s right,” LJ says, turning to my friends. “Despite all the social events and charity balls I’ve escorted her to, she’s hesitant to commit.”
My eyes go up and to the right, but I’m careful not to let them roll. I want to groan my exasperation, but only a faint whisper glides from my tight mouth.
Sylvie plucks her glass and lifts it to her neckline as a teasing smile graces her lips. “Maybe you’ll escort Vanessa to the upcoming gala we’re planning.”
LJ turns to me with an eager grin. “Color me intrigued. What’s the new cause?”
“Ness’s pet project,” Hope cuts in. “St. Mark’s Hospital in Logan’s Point.”
LJ settles into his seat, folding his arms across his middle. “Logan’s Point has become a new fascination. Seems everyone wants to buy up some part of that town.”
“I don’t want to buy the hospital,” I say dryly.
LJ smirks. “Of course not. You want to buy them a new X-ray machine or a batch of defibrillators?”
“They’re running on a shoestring budget,” I reply. “I think it’ll take more than one event to raise all the funds they need. For a start, they’re understaffed, so signing up volunteers is step one.”
Hope and Sylvie shift in their seats, averting their eyes so I don’t put extra pressure on them.
