Page 101 of You and Me, For Real
“We want to host a gala for a nonprofit animal rescue,” I say.
“Oh, wonderful, wonderful. I love animals.” He opens the small gate into the gardens. “I have a dog and two cats myself—all rescues.”
My heart warms inside. A kindred spirit. “What are their names?”
“Ginger is my orange tabby, Tiger is my calico, and my boxer’s name is Pumpkin. I’m surrounded by females.” He laughs as if he needs to explain.
“That’s adorable.” We walk up the stairs.
“They’ve each been with me for almost six years now.” He opens the main doors to the facility, which leads us to a long hallway. “So, how many guests are we talking?”
I look to Griffin, having no clue how many. I have no idea how many guests were at the party last night. A hundred?
“I’m guessing at least five hundred,” Griffin offers.
I gasp. “Are you serious?”
He steps closer, dropping his voice. “Trust me.”
Jorge claps his hands. “Wonderful, wonderful. Let me start with our largest ballroom.”
We walk down the hallway, following Jorge. Griffin sneaks up beside me and wraps his arm around my waist, his hip touching mine. His face is tantalizingly close. I could easily lean over and kiss his beautiful lips, especially considering he’s watching me and not where we’re walking.
Jorge stops at a set of double doors and opens them. Griffin’s hand drops from my waist, and he steps away.
I try not to show the disappointment that the absence of his touch gives me. It’s something I better get used to if we’re to be together.
An hour later,we’ve seen the large, curved veranda, the state-of-the-art kitchens, the largest ballroom, and the mid-sized ballroom.
Jorge circles us back to the main entrance. “Do you have any additional questions for me?”
Griffin looks at me for a moment and then says to Jorge, “I’d like to see the main ballroom one more time, if that’s okay.” There’s a slight twinkle in his eye, conveying mischief.
I arch an eyebrow at him.
“Absolutely.” Jorge starts walking down the hall.
Griffin doesn’t say anything; he just winks and follows in Jorge’s footsteps.
I shake my head, smiling. I’m not sure when or how, but this man has acquired my unwavering trust. I’d follow just about anything he suggests.
Upon entering the ballroom, I inhale a deep breath, overwhelmed by its vast size. I’m skeptical we’ll be able to attract enough people to attend any event I host.
Griffin walks toward the floor-to-ceiling arched windows and turns around, facing Jorge, who stands next to me. “Would you mind giving us some privacy while we discuss the location?”
“No problem, sir. I’ll be down the corridor in my office. Come and find me whenever you’re ready to conclude your visit.” He dips his head and quietly closes the doors.
“What’s this all about?”
He walks toward me, tugs me to him, and slips his arms around my waist. “I thought we should get a feel for the venue by ourselves.”
“A feel?”
“Yes. After all, if this is to be a ball, then we’d better practice at least one dance together.”
I laugh. “A ball, huh? I thought we said gala?”
His smile widens. “Same thing.”
