“You look lovely. Thank you for being here,” I whisper into her ear, my voice huskier than usual. I shake her offered hand, enjoying the physical touch.
“You’re welcome. Just tell me how I can help. I’m happy to doanythingyou need,” she says with a flirty smile as her eyes lower to my lips.
Apparently catching herself, she resets her features to a well-rehearsed professional demeanor and quickly looks away. But I didn’t miss her initial reaction or the hint of suggestion in her tone.
I’d love to reply with an equally clever retort, but the last thing I want to do is spook her again. So, instead, I reply, “Follow me. Our seats are near the front. I have a few things I’d like to discuss over lunch.”
“Oh. Okay. Is there a problem?” Worry crosses her face.
I hedge. “Just a question or two.”
Placing my hand on the small of her back, I guide her to the table in front of the podium, pulling out her chair.
“Thanks, but I thought I was supposed to sit at the table my law firm purchased with its sponsorship.”
“This is more convenient. I want to discuss the upcoming events and deal with a few of my questions over lunch.”
“Of course. That makes sense.”
I greet the others at the table and introduce Brooke as the representative of one of the sponsors. Her law firm’s sponsorship easily explains her presence.
After we’re seated, it doesn’t take long for the initial chatter of new table mates to begin to fade.
I lean toward Brooke, our arms brushing. “It looks like we’re about to be saved from more small talk about the weather.” I nod in the direction of a server who is arriving with the salad course.”
She hides a soft snicker with her hand, whispering, “You know that light banter is a requirement at lunches like this. Hopefully, your charm will open their wallets when the auction starts.”
As I pass the silver breadbasket to Brooke, our hands touch, and my foot grazes hers under the table. Each incidental contact is pure torture, sending warmth and tingles through me. Even the sound of her voice is alluring as I listen to her chat with our tablemates.
I’m aching to pull her into my arms and properly kiss her. It’s too bad I can’t.
After we finish our salads, the emcee introduces me. I step onto the elevated stage and stop behind the podium, plastering on a bright smile and summoning my enthusiasm. I won’t let Dad down.
When the applause wanes, I begin, “It is my immense honor to stand here on behalf of my father, the Earl of Sandridge. He sends his apologies for his absence due to his recent illness.Fortunately, he’s on the mend.” I pause, as the crowd murmurs sounds of relief at my reassurance that Dad is recovering.
Now, back to the business at hand, I say, “As you know, finding a solution to the pollution of rivers, lakes, and aquifers is incredibly important to the earl. In fact, it should be important to all of us. Unfortunately, most of the world does not understand that agriculture is a major contributor to the problem. The Foundation’s goal is to educate the public and motivate them to insist that governments address this issue. Without that support, farmers will not be able to afford the necessary changes. You are one of the keys to the solution.”
I’m interrupted by applause. Continuing, I say, “Thank you for your support. Today’s auction will make a significant difference as will the upcoming premiere of the movie,Water Everywhere, None to Drink. But before we proceed with the remainder of lunch and the auction, I’d like to introduce the Foundation’s board members who are present. Please rise as I call your name. We have Mr. Broadmoor, Mr. Champion, and Ms. Davidson. Everyone, join me in a round of applause for them. Their hard work and diligence are raising awareness, which will help alleviate water pollution due to improper agricultural practices.”
The board members stand and take perfunctory bows, giving quick waves to the crowd before retaking their seats. When the crowd quietens, I say, “I’d like to ask one of the Foundation’s board members to say a few words. Please help me welcome Ms. Jen Davidson to the stage. She’s an award-winning author and one of the founding board members of my father’s foundation.”
I turn toward the stage’s steps, raising my hands to applaud as she slowly ascends the stairs.
My smile widens as she nears. She’s a special lady who’s been a close friend of our family for as long as I can remember. That’s why to me, she’ll always be Aunt Jen, even though we’re notactually related. When she reaches the podium, I sandwich her hand between mine, giving her a peck on the cheek.
Addressing the audience, she says, “Thank you for being here. This issue is particularly close to my heart because I lost a family member due to the pollution of a river near my grandparents’ farm.”
A wave of gasps crosses the room.
She continues, “Shocking, isn’t it? But it’s true. When my cousins and I were young, we played in the river adjacent to their farm. We never gave it a second thought. The water was clear. We could see the pebbles underfoot. It was safe. At least, that’s what we thought. We were so wrong. The farmer across the river used the latest pesticides and automated irrigation techniques. He even boasted about his high-tech approach. He also let the cattle and sheep roam the fields between plantings, producing a “natural” fertilizer supplement as he called it. His overwatering meant that the pesticides and animal waste flowed directly into the river. Undetected parasites from the animal waste and harmful chemicals made their way into the water and eventually into one of my cousins. He didn’t survive.”
Shock reverberates through the crowd.
She continues, “This isn’t a theoretical concern. It’s real. It could happen to your loved one. So, please, I beg you to open your wallets today. Help us eradicate this problem by educating the world about the issues and the solutions before it’s too late. Everyone, it’s time to stand up and raise your glasses as we toast.”
We all rise, creating a cacophony of scooting chairs scraping against the marble flooring. Everyone lifts their glasses as Ms. Davidson declares, “Here’s to a better, cleaner, and safer world. The pollution stops now!”
In unison, the supporters reply with a loud “Cheers!” followed by hearty applause.
