Page 62 of Definitely (Maybe) Dating
“The piece you are referring to was painted on a garage door, which was approved by the owner,” Piper explained. “I understand that to you this just looks like graffiti. But it’s so much more. Urban art tells the stories that we often, as a society, overlook. It’s a visual history of the people who walk those streets. Their story is as important, if not more so, than ours. If not for art, it might never be told.”
Margo looked out at the group—and they were all looking back, rapt by the drama that was about to unfold. She cleared her throat. “We have already chosen a well deserving charity that benefits stray animals and local shelters.”
Piper wasn’t sure if the woman was comparing her girls to strays, but a seed of anger the size of a stone began to burn in her stomach, and that same determination, which had served her when she lived on the streets, solidified. She was going to win over this crowd, even if it meant taking on the mother of the man she was definitely, maybe dating.
“I’m sure People Against Purebreds is a deserving charity, which is why I’m not asking for any of the money this event earns.”
“But you are,” one of the ladies, who was seated at Margo’s right, wearing a button that read PUREBREDS with a big red line through it to state her alliance, said. “If we agree to put those photographs into the auction, it might take money away from the other items.”
“They won’t be in the auction. Each work will have a set price and if there is interest, a person can pay the asking price or they can offer any amount over, whatever they feel the piece is worth.”
“You’re expecting us to hand over all the money from the sales,” Margo said. “Who knows where it will end up?”
“Ten percent would go to your chosen charity.”
“They were promised all of the proceeds of the auction,” Margo shot off. “This charity was selected a year ago when I was the president. And I won’t have the decision undone because someone wants to benefit from my hard work.”
And there it was, the reason Margo was sinking her teeth in. She’d lost her crown to Kitty, and by splitting the attention of the auction she felt as if she were losing her legacy.
Piper put as much sincerity as she could in her expression as she said, “I understand your hesitation, Margo. You have worked hard to create an event that has helped so many people over the years. Let me address your concern. In no way will Urban Soul distract from the amazing evening you have planned. And it won’t affect the auction. I’ve spoken at great length with Darcy about how to lay out the showcase.”
At the mention of Darcy being on board, Margo’s lips puckered as if she’d bitten into a lime.
“And we’re not asking for a dime from the auction or the per-plate cost for each guest,” she explained. “We’re only talking about the money raised by Urban Soul.”
“Whatwillyou do with it, dear?” Ms. Dalton asked.
“The remaining ninety percent would be divided, with fifty percent going into an account for each girl, so when they age out of the system, they’ll have funds for college or starting their independent lives. Because when they age out, they are on their own.” Piper hoped no one else heard her voice crack on the last part. Only Josh had, because she felt him shift closer. “The other forty percent will go to help Skye’s the Limit.”
“That was another concern. I took the liberty of researching this Skye’s the Limit and the woman running it,” Margo said, her necklace swinging with contempt. “Some things popped up, and I was hoping you could put my mind at ease. How would it look for the Ladies of Portland to support an organization run by a woman who was hosting an illegal half-way house out of her home and was arrested for unlawful gathering?”
A fierce protectiveness overtook her, and Piper was about to say something she’d regret when she felt Josh’s hand turn over to lace with hers. She met his gaze, touched to realize he was asking if he could take this one. She gently nodded.
“Mom, the house is a home for girls who need a safe place to land. She rescues girls who would otherwise have no one in their corner,” he said, and Piper was relieved that she’d never mentioned to Josh that Skye took in younger girls as well. Not often, but ‘no’ wasn’t in Skye’s vocabulary. “I can’t even imagine what that would feel like, not having a loving and supportive family, but we have the chance to help change some lives.”
“I used to be one of Skye’s girls,” Piper admitted, leaving out that she’d been barely seventeen at the time. Lost, hungry, and young enough for Skye to lose her homeless shelter status. “Skye might be a little eccentric, but she’s dedicated her life to rescuing girls from a life you couldn’t possibly imagine,” Piper said, but Margo crossed her arms defiantly. “Girls like me who needed a safe place or even just one person to be kind and care about whether they lived or died.”
Piper watched as Kitty and three of the other board members teared up. She didn’t need Margo’s vote to win, but she wanted her vote. Not only because the woman needed to be informed of what was happening in her beloved city, but also because she was Josh’s mom. And while Piper didn’t give a rat’s ass at the engagement party, things had changed.
She’d changed.
“You have raised a wonderful family, but not everyone has that. Can you imagine what it would be like to have nothing? Not a toothbrush or book or even a second pair of shoes?”
“Well, from what I understand, you had a pair of shoes that landed you in some trouble.”
Piper sat back in her chair as if she’d been shoved. While her past would always be an important part of her, she was no longer the girl from that juvie record, which was supposed to be sealed. Was this what happened when you became friends with someone in power? They investigate you?
No, she decided. They’d just investigate someone like her.
“They were boots because it was winter and I was cold, and they landed me in Skye’s house, which saved my life. She’s saved many girls over her lifetime. Maybe not girls you would even acknowledge, but they exist, and they need help.” Piper addressed the board. “I need your help to help them.”
“I think this is an interesting opportunity for our organization,” Ms. Dalton said. “Would you mind if we discussed it among ourselves?”
“Of course.” Piper stood.
“We’ll take a vote at Thursday’s meeting and notify you of the outcome.”
“Thank you.” Piper stood then paused. “There are thousands of Rebeccas in Portland, and we have a unique opportunity to help a few of them feel significant and special.” She handed Kitty her remote. “I have some more samples of what would be showcased in my presentation. Feel free to scroll through them. There are some really amazing pieces.”
