Page 136 of Yellow
CHAPTER 22
The Fundraiser
Chloe
My apartment by Pike Market had been sold and although I had seen enough apartments and houses in Seattle, I couldn’t seem to make a choice of which one to buy.
Maybe that’s why I haven’t been back for months, I told myself.
The knock on the door to my hotel suite made me look up. “Come in.”
A click from the lock sounded just before Tony, my security guard, opened the door to let in Faith and Logan.
“Hey, sweetie.” Faith gave me a large hug.
“Can you zip me up?” I turned around and she helped me close the tight black dress I was wearing.
“Hey, Chloe,” Logan said and came over to give me a quick hug.
I hugged him back and pecked him on his cheek, feeling him stiffen a little as my lips touched his scars. The funny thing was that now that I’d known Logan for a while, I hardly saw the scars at all.Or maybe I’m becoming less shallow, I thought and gave him a small smile.
“How long do we have to stay at the fundraiser?” I asked Faith and picked up my purse from the bed.
Faith chuckled. “It’s one thing that Onava couldn’t persuade you to be a board member in your own foundation, but it’s another that I have to drag you to a fundraiser that will support the work ofyourfoundation.”
“It’s notmyfoundation and Onava got you on the board, which is much better anyway.”
“How can you say that it’s not your foundation? You’re the one giving millions to it each year.”
“So? I’m a contributor, but it wasn’t my idea and I don’t run any of the projects. Give the credit to the people who deserve it.” I turned my back on her and checked my make-up in the mirror.
Faith stepped closer to me and softened her voice. “Chloe, you’re doing something amazing here and people are going to want to talk to you tonight.”
“People always want to talk to me,” I said with a shrug. “But really, this isn’t about me, and my presence will only take away attention from what really matters.”
Logan raised his eyebrows and looked at Faith. “I think we’re in the wrong room. This clearly isnae yer sister talking.”
“Chloe, sweetie.” Faith made a gesture for Logan to wait outside and he quietly retreated to the hallway. “I know you’re nervous about meeting Adam for the first time since the whole thing between you ended, but you’ll be fine.”
Feeling the tension in my body increase, I kept my eyes fixed on the mirror and straightened my already straight hair with my fingers. “Why would I be nervous? I’m completely over him and have been for a long time now,” I lied.
“You’re not over him.”
“Truly I am. Besides, I’m dating Liam now,” I said, still not looking at her.
Faith laughed. “Oh, is that what you call it?”
We both knew it was a ridiculous thing to call it dating since the whole thing between Liam and me was a big sham designed by our agents. I gave her a look of exasperation. “You know what I mean.”
“Yes, I know.” She smiled. “And since you’re so sure that you’re over Adam I’m sure you can understand that your popularity and fame can only help to raise awareness about the issues the foundation is working on.”
My inner diva was starting to play up the more nervous I got. I gave a quick roll of my eyes. “Whatever. Faith, you don’t have to lecture me, since I already agreed to go, so let’s just get this over with.” Picking up my trendy shawl and walking briskly to the door, I stopped and said, “You told Onava that I won’t make a speech, right?”
“Yes, I told her.”
“Good,” I muttered and took a deep breath to steady my trembling heart. “Then let’s go.”
?∞?
