As much as I hate the thought of Noah and Nova moving on, having a life without me, it’s a thought I need to get to used to.
Clearing my throat, I meet Brenna’s gaze. “I’m not going to have this conversation with you. I appreciate you helping Noah out with the media, but moving forward, I want you to butt out. No more running interference. I’m done.”
“Leni.” Brenna places a hand on my arm, but I shrug her off and stand.
“Can you give me a minute?” I step back to the mirror, grab my earrings from the dresser, and put them on. “I need to finish getting myself together for tonight.”
Brenna walks toward the door and looks back at me. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Brenna. Really. Now, if you don’t mind.”
The look on her face tells me she doesn’t want to leave, but when I raise my eyebrows, she steps out the door, shutting it softly behind her.
I look up at the light, trying desperately to keep my tears in because I need to hold myself together. I have a speech to give and people to interact with, and they deserve my very best. I take several deep breaths and eventually regain my composure. Then I find my phone and shoot Charlotte a quick text.
Me: I love you, Char. You’re my best friend.
Her response is instant.
Charlotte: You better not be crying.
Charlotte: And the feeling is mutual.
I’m sad she couldn’t make it tonight, but I understand. The flight here was way too expensive, and her stubborn ass refused to let me pay for it.
Me: Is it bad that I already wish tonight was over and it hasn’t even started?
Charlotte: I have a feeling tonight is going to be epic ; )
Me: You’ve been eating too many pink Starbursts again.
Charlotte: *gasp* NEVER!
Me: Goodnight
Charlotte: Call me first thing in the morning and tell me all about it!
Me: Will do.
Tucking my phone in my bag, I give myself one last onceover in the mirror. With a Kleenex, I lightly dab my eyes, searching the dredges of my soul for any remaining strength. I smile and straighten my spine. I might not look like I’m falling apart on the outside, but inside I know Noah is gone from my life forever, and that makes even the good things I have left seem hollow.
“Wow,” I say, smiling at the sea of faces. “We’ve got a beautiful crowd of people with us tonight. I want to start by thanking each one of you for coming out to support Children Everywhere. It warms my heart to know you love this organization as much as I do. You’ve opened your hearts and your wallets, and I’m proud to announce that we’ve blown last year’s donations out of the water.”
The crowd erupts in applause, and I smile back at them.
“Every penny raised here tonight will go directly toward assisting young men and women. Your kindness doesn’t go unappreciated, and you should rest easy knowing that your donations will help fund much-needed education. They will give our at-risk youth a chance to thrive. Tonight, because of you, we’ve raised over two million dollars!”
The crowd erupts again, and everyone jumps to their feet. I step away from the podium to applaud them, because I’m not the one who did all of this. Sure, I put it together, but if it weren’t for their giving spirit, none of this would be possible.
“Thank you,” I say, stepping back up to the podium. “Thank you for coming out and for all of your generosity. The band will be here for the next hour, so please, dance and enjoy the rest of your evening.”
I step off the stage and make my way thr
ough the room, personally thanking some of our biggest sponsors and supporters. As the crowd dissipates, I move toward the bar. I’ve played hostess for four hours. My feet are killing me, and I’m in desperate need of a glass of wine.
I’m standing at the bar, talking to the bartender about what a great turnout we had, when my mother steps up beside me.
“Mathis called me,” she announces.