Page 3 of Corporate Escapades

Paris grabbed the balloons from her friend and smiled. “Thanks, Mya. You’re always so thoughtful. I heart you,” she said while making a heart with her hands. She placed the balloon bouquet on the breakfast bar and looked up at them. “Good luck. I’ll say. We need to raise a lot of money today.”

“But first,” said Mya, “some coffee.” She held a cup out to Paris, who snatched it from her hand and inhaled deeply.

“Heavenly.” Closing her eyes, she exhaled. “There’s nothing like coffee from Java Dough to start the day off right.” Opening her eyes, she looked at Mya and Allie. “Ready to set up?” Paris turned toward her refrigerator and grabbed a paper from underneath a large magnetic picture of the three of them standing over a grill. The photo was from the first Touch a Heart Fest the previous year. They were now on the third event of its kind, and the attendance had more than tripled.

Letting out a yawn, Alli ambled over to the breakfast bar and grabbed a cup from the carrier. Reaching up, she bumped her glass to the side of her sister’s. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“I don’t feel like we’re ever ready for these events,” said Mya. “We barely finish one, and we’re on to planning the next. Don’t get me wrong, I love every moment,” she said. There was anamazing feeling that accompanied their work. They raised a lot of money for sick children, helping them get necessary surgeries. They also put together funds to fulfill the wishes of terminal patients.

Touch a Heart Fest was born after Paris helped the Makenzie’s daughter get her transplant and Paris realized how great it felt to help a family in need. Mya pushed Paris to run with her idea and Paris immediately pulled Mya and Vic aside to brainstorm ideas for the festival and what they’d do with the money they raised. When they brought it to the ADG board, they were thrilled to add a new charity event to their annual schedule. Paris and Vic always pitched in some of their own money to help, as did each of their parents and Vic’s uncle Cristo. It felt good to give back. The first festival was such a success that they decided to host it twice per year.

Paris looked down at the paper in her hand. “I’m ready, but you, my friend, are a perfectionist, so I imagine nothing ever feels quite finished,” she said pointedly. Perusing the sheet, she looked over the list of activities they needed to accomplish before the event opened that afternoon. “It’s ten minutes to nine right now. Vic assured me he, Brody, and Jack would meet us on the grounds at nine-thirty. Did you eat breakfast, Alli?” She and Mya were always looking out for her little sister. At twenty-two, Alli was five years younger than Paris and didn’t always think practically. Most often, her head was lost somewhere in the clouds, fantasizing about what her life would be like in the future. She loved life and didn’t have a care in the world. Paris wished she could be so free, but she also loved the structure and hard work she put into raising money for children in need.

Alli nodded. “Mya grabbed me a cinnamon raisin bagel.”

“Mya, you’re the best,” praised Paris. “Let’s go.” Turning on her heel, she headed back out the door with her sister and friend following closely behind.

At twelve-thirty, the festival grounds were in working order and ready for guests’ arrival. Paris and Vic were sure to include plenty of rides and games for the kids to take part in. They also hired several upscale food trucks to pull in some of the area’s local foodies. There was a tent for playing Bingo and a tent where a silent auction would take place. For those who enjoy a more formal meal, there would be a five-course meal in the park beneath the stars with a dance to follow. The event had something for everyone.

“What do you think?” Vic asked Paris. He and his cousin Breanna had finished hanging lights in the dance hall and were relaxing at one of the decorated tables.

“I think we did a great job,” said Breanna. She ran her fingers through her spiky blonde hair, now damp from the afternoon sun.

Paris nodded. “It looks gorgeous. I’m impressed with how quickly you got the job done.” As she scanned the area, Mya, Alli, Jack, and Breanna’s twin brother, Brody, approached the table.

“We made one last round, and I think everything’s in order. All vendors are accounted for. The auction’s ready to go. The rides have been tested and are in working order. We have garbage cans spaced appropriately throughout the grounds. The last of the porta-potties have been set up, and all the delivery trucks have left. Is there anything else you can think of that we may have missed?” asked Mya.

Paris checked over her list, and a frantic look crossed her face. “Did we disperse the ticket rolls to the ticket booths?”

“Done,” chimed Jack. He gave her a double thumbs-up.

Paris relaxed her tensed shoulders. “Thank you. For some reason, it’s not checked off my list.”

“No worries,” said Jack. “I saw the rolls sitting on the table in the auction tent, so I took care of them myself. I meant to tell you.”

“Nice work.” Paris had to stop herself from reaching out to muss his hair. He was still a child in her eyes. He was the youngest of the Alaries, and as such, he worked hard to prove his manliness and worth.

“I think we’re set,” said Vic, who had snagged a beer from one of the beverage booths. He cracked it open, took a long cool drink, then handed it to his little brother.

“Don’t give him that,” scolded Mya. “He’s not old enough.” She retrieved the beer from Jack’s hand and took a drink. “But it does taste good on such a hot day.” She handed it back to Vic.

“No more alcohol until this evening,” stated Paris. “We still have a lot to do. Now, let’s discuss work assignments. Your helpers will meet you at their assigned locations in fifteen minutes. Breanna, you and Jack will be running the bar by the dance hall. Brody, you’re, of course, in charge of photographing the event. Mya, you keep the entertainment stage on track. Alli, you’re hosting the wine bar and tasting from two until six in the dance hall. Vic and I will greet guests and make sure they donate to the cause. Here are your walkie-talkies in case you need anything. This is how we’ll maintain contact this evening. Our parents will come in and alternate with us on and off for breaks as the night goes on. Let’s all put our hands in,” Paris requested with excitement. “Vic, you do the honors.”

The group placed their hands on top of each other, and Vic grinned. “Here’s to success! Now, let’s go make some money!” The group broke away, and he turned to Paris. “How do you feel?” he asked. He stood at an even six feet tall. He was muscular and had a rugged charm about him. His wavy brown hair hung in his piercing blue eyes as he took her in.

“Good,” she replied, then off-handedly, “You should have cut your hair. It’s weird seeing it this long.”

Vic pinched his chin. Nodding, he pushed his hair back.

Paris stifled a laugh as she watched him. “I think this’ll be the best Touch a Heart Fest yet.”

“You’ve done an awesome job.”

“You too. When it comes to charity, we work well together, don’t we?”

“Charity does that,” he said with a smile. “I’m sure we’ll be back to our regular selves tomorrow.”

“That’s too bad,” said Paris. “I kind of like this side of you.”

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