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“Well, the gang’s all here, and Robb DeWitt’s turning down business so he can accommodate us,” Vectra noted.
Minka glanced toward the dining room. “We believe he’ll think it’s worth it.”
“Well, Will made a very convincing argument when we talked, but it wouldn’t have taken much to get my support.”
Minka leaned close again, this time making a pretense of acting secretive. “Don’t tell him that. He’s feeling pretty proud of himself for reeling you in.”
Vectra threw back her head, laughing. Then, she and Minka headed into the softly lit, conversation-studded dining room.
* * *
The dinner meeting with the Wilder Warriors Foundation board and members of the Wilder Corporation turned into more of a dinner celebration almost within a half hour of it getting started. Vectra listened avidly to the proposal put together by Will Lloyd’s team. She then presented the group with the news that she not only loved the idea of holding the soiree at Carro but that she’d love it even more if they accepted her offer of sponsoring the event free of charge. While everyone was thrilled by the offer, there were those who wanted to make certain their generous benefactor understood what she was saying no to.
“Ms. Bauer, we’re all over the moon right now, but this is a weekend event—it’s why we tend to use hotels as the venue,” Xander Battle, a foundation board member noted. “The hotels did throw us for a loop this year with their price quotes, but we understand that such a gathering isn’t...inexpensive.”
“I’m aware of that.” Vectra smiled, taking no offense. “My home is very well equipped. The main house and the vineyard have been photographed on numerous occasions and for well-known national and international publications. We’re equipped with two kitchens—one residential, the other industrial—both more than adequate to handle all meals and individual dining requests. The last isn’t my opinion, but the opinion of your selected caterer and the esteemed proprietor of Dazzles.” She waved toward Robb DeWitt, who had joined in for the meeting.
“And I wholeheartedly agree,” Robb admitted amidst laughter from the group.
Qasim was the only one, in fact, who didn’t share in the laughter. He was seated almost directly across from Vectra at the wide round table, which was candlelit and beautifully set for the evening’s dinner.
“Ms. Bauer,” Qasim called, drawing everyone’s attention and silence, “I think what Xander’s referring to is the money you’re turning your back on by offering us the use of your home at no charge.”
“Qasim’s right, Ms. Bauer,” Jennifer French, seated nearest to her board colleague Xander Battle, agreed. “It’s an awful lot of money. Even when the hotels are at their most reasonable, they rake in quite a hefty sum of cash for our events.”
Vectra’s lovely face was further softened by the indulgent smile gracing her mouth. “I appreciate you guys for looking out for me, but I honestly want no payment for this. Carro isn’t hurting for cash—especially none that pulls funds away from a worthy cause like this.”
“Hear, hear!” someone cheered, and many raised their glasses in toast.
“Besides,” Vectra called, “I’m looking forward to all the fun we’ll have. I rarely have anyone out for sleepovers.”
The group burst into laughter. Everyone’s concerns seemed to have abated. Sadly, Qasim was still not in the mood for humor. The fact was never more evident than when he watched Will Lloyd, seated right next to Vectra, lean over to whisper into her ear.
Vectra laughed, whispering something back to Will, followed by the clinking of their water glasses together. Qasim finished what remained of his bourbon and motioned to one of the waitstaff for another. Never had he regretted his high tolerance for alcohol more than in that moment.
* * *
Vectra hadn’t been oblivious to the evident disapproval radiating from Qasim’s side of the table. It would’ve been difficult to miss, given the blaring intensity of the glare he fixed her way. She didn’t know why the hell he was so upset with her.
Though she’d been happy to do it, she had, after all, given his foundation quite a magnanimous gift by agreeing to accommodate a tremendous event at no charge. The guy could at least show a little gratitude. Yet he preferred to sit in his chair like a king on high and glower at her.
Thankfully, Will Lloyd’s good nature had taken the edge off. His wickedly amusing comments had kept her laughing. She hadn’t taken any of what he said seriously. Aside from his first comment, which had been in response to her sleepover tease, the rest of his remarks had been overheard and enjoyed by everyone on their end of the outrageously huge round table.
