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When we arrived, I tossed my keys to the valet and opened her door, extending my hand to her, hoping she wouldn't scratch me like a cat. Surprisingly she took my hand, and I gently lifted her from the car.
"Nice ride, boss."
I smirked, "I'm not your boss."
But I could be if you wanted me too.
“I take it that’s your favorite car in the garage?”
“For now. I have just ordered a new Mercedes though, so we shall see.”
She rolled her eyes, but as we entered the venue, Catalina surprisingly held tightly to my arm. I liked the feel of it. I felt comfortable. It had been a while since I'd not felt…. Alone.
Upon stepping through the grand doors, Catalina gasped. "You said we were going to dinner. Where are we?"
I watched as her eyes lit up as she took in the grand ballroom that had large crystal chandeliers and walls that had been opulently decorated with flowers and hanging lace.
"We are at an annual fundraiser ball for the Dela Cruz foundation. We will be having dinner here. The food is always excellent, I assure you."
"And what does this Dela Cruz foundation support?”
"Research into infant and child mortality due to undiagnosed diseases. All funds go to the Undiagnosed Diseases Network.”
She nodded but didn't say anything more as she continued to soak in the room and the throng of richly dressed people mingling and dancing.
"Here he is. The man of the hour, Mr. Dela Cruz. I'd like you to meet Richard Stavros. He has moved here to Los Angeles and is a property developer and shipping magnate. He's eying off some of your port real estate."
I smiled at Howard, our loyal real estate agent as I shook his hand, then Richard's. Over the years Howard had made us a lot of money in property deals.
"Howard, good to see you. Richard. You have a good eye."
"Any possibility you'd be looking to sell?"
I smiled, "Let's not talk business tonight."
"Maybe you have to be very generous with your donations tonight." Howard chimed.
"Of course. Wouldn't have it any other way." Richard beamed, raising his glass in agreement. Even as he drank, his eyes wandered to Catalina and stared, a bit too long for my liking. I was about to excuse ourselves when Jenny pushed through the crowd.
"You're here. It's time for your opening speech, Mr. Dela Cruz."
I nodded curtly to Howard and Richard, happy for the interruption and led Catalina to a table at the front and center of the room.
"I won't be long. Don't go anywhere."
She rolled her eyes.
"I mean it Catalina." I whispered. "Never leave my sight. Do you understand?"
She gave me a dirty look but leaned back in her chair. "Fine."
As I headed up to the stage, I checked that our bodyguards were in the room. They were. Stationed at every exit and some lingering around the room. They all had strict orders to watch Catalina carefully, lest she do another runner.
As the room quietened down, I began my usual welcome speech. Everything was going smoothly. It was ten minutes in when Catalina stood and walked from the table.
Where did she think she was going?
I was infuriated, struggling to contain my anger as my words faltered. One of the bodyguards followed as she disappeared from sight, and I hastily continued my speech to its natural conclusion, raising my glass and telling the crowd to drink up and spend a lot of money. As I left the stage to their laughter and applause, the music started up again and the room continued to move and dance. Searching around the room, I saw the bodyguard wave me over and I quickly greeted people and shook their hands as they pushed in front of me with their hellos.
