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The red carpet was actually a velvet carpet in leopard print in celebration of the zoo focus. Nice touch, I thought.
We stepped inside and Reyna got to work.
"I'll see you later. I have to get the head table ready. You work your magic with the crowd." She gave me a kiss and was off.
The crowd was amazing. The Who's Who of Atlanta showed up in spades. It was like mingling at a family Thanksgiving because I had grown up in this crowd. Everyone knew me and I knew almost everyone. I had a blast. Everyone asked me about Reyna, and I had to just point her out in the distance. I realized I was feeling super proud of having her as my fiancée and the fact that everything had turned real was the best dream come true I didn't know I was hoping for.
The tables were set elegantly. Glasses of champage were passed around liberally. Appetizers were plentiful. Reyna and her team had thought of everything.
In the back area, the silent auction was well underway. People were bidding on various luxury items, large and small. They had catered for every level of generosity. As I walked through to view the prizes, I noticed that people were being generous, bidding over and above the asking price.
"Bryce." A voice as smooth as velvet called out behind me. I turned around to see who it was. It was Zoey, a woman I had dated a year ago. It was brief, but admittedly, quite hot and heavy.
"Zoey, how nice that you showed up tonight."
"I kind of figured you'd be here, seeing as it's your family's foundation and all."
"Yes, and my fiancée, Reyna, is running this event. I'm really proud of how she pulled this altogether in such a short period of time."
Zoey put her arm on my arm and pulled me closer. "Come on, you don't have to lie to me. We all know this is a fake relationship for you. Good choice though. But, honey, you should have called. We wouldn't be fake."
"I'm not sure what you're talking about. Reyna and I are truly together."
"Well, that's not what I heard. It's all over the 'underground' news. And you know, where there's smoke, there's usually fire." She shrugged innocently.
"I'm happy to report to you that I'm very happily engaged to Reyna, but thank you for your concern and your offer." I started to walk away.
She touched my arm again, and I turned. "You bet, Bryce. Your secret is safe with me." A conspiratorial wink.
Dammit.
So the rumor was still flying around. It immediately put a damper on my mood. I looked over at Reyna, who was far across the other side of the room. She was busy working the room with my mother. Thank god for Mother. She would help quell these rumors. The best thing to do with rumors is just carry on with your business.
I pulled myself together, stood a little taller, and got back to shaking hands and talking to people.
The sound system screeched a little.
"Good evening, everyone. Could you please take your seats?" Reyna's voice floating out across the gathering. I made my way to the head table to sit with Reyna and my parents. My dad had been sitting the whole time, preferring that people come to speak with him than him walking around willy-nilly, as he liked to call it.
The chatter in the group started to subside as the music faded. The spotlight was again on Reyna.
"Welcome, everyone. It's so great to have everyone out for this wonderful event to raise funds for literacy in our schools. A portion of the money raised tonight at the evening gala will go to the zoo maintenance fund as well." A rapturous applause met her announcement.
"I'm Reyna Miller and I'm pleased to be the emcee for tonight. I'm proudly representing the Taylor Foundation. It's a foundation that has raised millions for many deserving causes in the Atlanta region. Please join me in congratulating the foundation's founders, Charles and Joanne Taylor." Again, another round of applause.
"We will get right into the meal before the entertainment starts. The meal tonight is very special. Unfortunately, the Blue Goose Catering Company, as stated in your program, ran into difficulties and couldn't be with us tonight." A murmur ran through the crowd. "But you're in for a real treat. You may be dressed in your best, but there is nothing that warms the tummy, and hopefully opens the wallet, as well as down home cooking. Thank you to one of our favorite pubs in town that stepped up to provide the meal today. Thank you, Hunky Harold!" Silence fell over the crowd. I could sense Reyna's apprehension. She hadn't told me about this.
"Whoo hoo, everyone! I guarantee you, you're gonna love the food tonight!" Hunk stood up in the middle of the room, waving his arms and doing a jig. People started to chuckle, but the ripple spread and laughter and applause rang out.
I could see Reyna's shoulders drop in relief at the reaction, even if it was a little late. I stood up, clapped extra loud and did my own wolf whistle just for Hunk. He waved his arms madly, only stopping when I gave him the thumbs up.
"Thank you, everyone. And with that, let's eat!" Reyna lifted her glass to salute the crowd and then walked toward our table. She sat next to me, and after greeting everyone at the table, sat back.
"It's really great of you to get Hunk to cook tonight," I said. Really, it was a great idea. Time to shake up these stodgy people and get them to relax a little. It's not like they've never had fries before.
"He was so gracious. He called on a lot of his restaurant friends to help him with food supplies. Even with the extra add-on cost, it's just a fraction of what we would have had to pay Blue Goose. So, it's great because even more goes to the zoo and to the literacy program."
"And Hunk gets a whole new fan base."
