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“It’s lovely to meet you,” I say to Jenna.
“Adeline has told me all about you,” Jenna says. “I’m so excited that Owen’s met you.”
“You know Owen too?” I ask her.
“Yes, through my husband, Beckett.”
“So,” Adeline says, “Beckett and Jameson are in business together with another guy, Ashton. The three of them are currently working on a hotel development. Owen does some investment consulting for them. That’s how we’re all connected.”
“Thank you for that,” I say, liking that I can now connect it all in my mind.
Adeline eyes the counter. “I am so ready for Nutella. There was no flirting going on in my life this morning, so I need a chocolate hit.”
“Why no flirting?” Jenna asks.
“Jameson was being his bossy self a little too well this morning. Let’s just say that he’ll have to work hard tonight if he wants his hands on me.”
Jenna laughs. “I think we both know that’s not true.”
“Seriously,” Adeline says, “why can’t men pick up on our cues more often? I give him enough.” She pushes her chair back and stands. “If I order five cookies, you now know why.”
Jenna and I follow her to the counter, and I order one of the cookies Adeline told me about and one of the Nutella slices she mentioned at dinner.
We then spend the next hour eating the most amazing Nutella goodness, drinking coffee, and talking. Adeline and Jenna tell me all about the business they’re building. They ask me about my work. We share stories about how we met the men in our lives. And we discuss the gala.
“I’ve spoken with Diana Black,” Adeline says. “I think she may be able to emcee the gala for your mom. She’s going to confirm with me today. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.”
Holy hell, my mother will be speechless if I get Diana Black for her.
Eyes wide, I say, “You are the absolute bomb, and I will owe you so much for this.”
She waves me off. “It’s nothing. This is why we have networks, Charlize. To get good things done in the world.”
This sits with me all day.
Long after I say goodbye to Adeline and Jenna, I’m still thinking about this.
I’ve always looked down on my mother’s network. I’ve judged them for wanting to climb the social ladder. For being what I saw as superficial.
They also do a lot of good work for the world.
Owen said that to me.
And now Adeline has mentioned it too.
Maybe I’ve been wrong.
Maybe there’s a whole lot more to being a gala girl.
25
Charlize
Adeline: Okay, bad news. Diana Black can’t emcee the gala. But all is not lost. I have more feelers out. Jett Vaughn may be able to do it! I’ll keep you updated.
Charlize: Oh wow, I love his band!
Adeline: And he’s a great guy too. He does a lot of charity work. He said he’d love to be involved in this if he can.
