Page 98 of Ezra
And I need to show my support.
I’ve been half dreading this event since its inception. Rubbing elbows with people who don’t know what it’s like to work, get their hands dirty, or struggle to achieve their own greatness sounds utterly exhausting. I can deal with self-made billionaires like Ben Flagler, even if he is a lecherous old man who always manages to have twenty-somethings clinging to his arms in droves. But heirs and heiresses who ride on the coattails of their families? I doubt I’ll be able to hold a conversation for long, if they even want to talk to someone like me.
The event is at the Loft on 51st Street. It’s the most expensive, luxurious venue in town, at the top of Duke Tower, the second-tallest skyscraper after BioNex Tower. I invited Zoey and Diana as my guests so I won’t have to wander this den of sociopoliticalintrigue by myself—and so I have at least two people who could stop me from potentially saying anything stupid.
We stand together in the grand ballroom, dressed to the absolute nines. I’m wearing a backless sage green evening gown. Diana elected to go a little flashier with a glittering red mermaid gown that accentuates her curves. It’s a marvel her husband, Jayden, allowed her to leave the house, he was so smitten with her when we picked her up. Zoey wears an adorable strappy little black number.
While Zoey is a good friend, Diana is more of a professional contact, and we aren’t as close, but she’s someone I look up to. When the subject of Edward, Diana’s bionic helper, comes up, it all starts to come out. I tell Diana everything—and Zoey a few new things too, while I’m at it.
Diana stares at me like I’ve suddenly grown a robotic head. “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. You’re going to take over Humanity First—and change the name?”
“Right? That’s what I said. Who are you, and what have you done with Kat?” Zoey agrees.
“Dad’s retiring,” I explain softly. “I haven’t announced it yet, but I’ve already made some great strides. I think I can salvage this. But to do that, there needs to be a new identity apart from hatred and violence.”
“Well, I have to say I’m impressed,” Diana says in astonishment. “I didn’t expect this from you.”
“I know,” I reply, sheepish. “And I’m sorry if I ever made you feel uncomfortable, when there’s an android in your life.”
Diana’s eyes flash with subtle pain. “Yes, he’s been very crucial to me.” She pushes past it with a practiced smile. “I don’t know where Jayden and I would be without our Eddie.”
I know better than to touch on that subject any further while her husband has been going through chemo, especially when shehasn’t told me outright what’s going on, and I’ve only learned about it all secondhand. “I understand.”
“So there’s really going to be pro-bionic people here?” Zoey asks. “That’s wild.”
I give my gown a quick once-over. I’m not usually done up quite this elegantly. “Yes. Rebecca Schroeder and Nicholas Kane.”
“It’s a little odd she took the BioNex founder’s last name,” Diana muses.
“I think it was her husband’s idea. At least, that’s what I heard in a commentator video somewhere,” Zoey remarks. “A kind of hat’s off. But who cares? Nicholas Kane is going to be here!” Zoey would bounce if she could, but she’s still wearing a cast. “This entire night will be worth it if I can get a picture with him. He’s so cute. Bridger worships him. He’ll be so jealous!”
“Have you thought of a name for your new organization?” Diana asks, keeping on task as always.
I hum softly. “I was thinking Voices for Humanity.” I cringe. “It’s cheesy, isn’t it? Give me time. It’s a work in progress.”
I glance around. The Loft is a gorgeous venue, with an impressive crystal dining room where chandeliers shimmer and glisten above our heads. The tables are dressed with white cloths and white-and-yellow flower arrangements. The sharply dressed staff is all human. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping into another world.
I can tell in an instant I’m outdressed. Ben Flagler’s multiple guests are all wearing gowns three times my budget, and the drop-dead gorgeous Mrs. Lydia D’Angelo—the fourth wife of a security tech tycoon—wears a diamond necklace that has to cost more than I make in a year. From a distance, I spot the mayor, Jacquelyn Rivera, and Rebecca Schroeder, standing with her husband, Oliver.
Their affection for each other is plain. Not in a cringy, PDA way. It’s in the way they move, the soft buzz of electricity between them as they greet people and chat with the guests around them. They’re a team, facing the world together.
Can Ezra and I ever do that? Could we get married?
I push those thoughts aside. Marriage is huge. I can’t be thinking about that yet. I don’t want to ruin this by moving too fast. But, oh, how lovely would that b—no, Katrina, focus.
Rallying both my courage and my wits, I decide to take the initiative and welcome them personally. “I’ll meet up with you at dinner,” I tell Zoey and Diana, then move toward Mayor Rivera, Rebecca, and Oliver.
Nervous but unable to stop my trajectory when Rebecca spots me, I come right up to them and smile. “So glad you could make it, Mayor, Councilmember Schroeder.”
Mayor Rivera nods at me. “Miss Carson, I believe?”
“Katrina, please,” I say with a polite smile, turning my attention to the others. “Or Kat, if you like. It means a lot that you’re here with us today.” I offer my hand to Rebecca. “It’s wonderful to finally meet in person.”
“I’m pleased to be a part of this event.” She takes my hand and shakes it with a smile. “I’m glad we can collaborate for a greater good.”
“I’m a fan of your message, your intention to make more jobs for human employees,” I continue. It’s sofreeingto tell her to her face and mean every word of it. “I wish more people recognized we don’t disagree as much as they think we do. And I think you’ve brought a lot of common sense to city leadership. My hope is, with some small adjustments in legislation to bring big business to heel, these altercations between androids and humans can end, and the people behind Humanity First can focus on helping those in need instead of needless conflict.”
Rebecca brightens. “I agree. I’m excited for this.”
