“You’re not missing out on much,” Camilla said. “I’d rather be home in a nice relaxing bath, but, social obligations and all.”
April smiled. She was beginning to like this woman.
“Your little pitch was the most interesting thing I’ve heard all night,” Camilla said.
“It wasn’t meant to be a pitch. I care a lot about the library, that’s all.”
“I can tell. Your passion will take you far in life. I’ll speak with Vicki about helping out the library.” Camilla finished off the last of her drink. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go find some more wine. God knows I’ll need it to get through the rest of the night.” Without another word, Camilla slipped away.
Vicki took the opportunity to pull April to the side. But April was tired of being dragged around. And she hadn’t forgotten about Vicki’s comments about the library earlier.
She put her hands on her hips. “What the hell was that, Victoria?”
Chapter Seventeen
“Let me explain,” Vicki said.
“What is there to explain?” April threw her hands up. “You just disparaged West Heights and the people who live there to your rich friends!”
“I had to get you fired up about the library somehow.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Vicki held her palms out in front of her. “Hear me out.”
“Fine,” April said. “Talk.”
“You were just speaking with Camilla, right?” Vicki said. “Not only is she one of my good friends, but she comes from a very wealthy, influential family. The Robinson’s are old money. They have fingers in every pot. Politics, banking, real estate. I wouldn’t be surprised if tonight’s big anonymous donation came from Camilla.”
“What’s your point?” April asked.
“This is why I asked you to come mingle. I wanted you to talk to all these people.” Vicki gestured around the hall. “This room is filled with the most important people in the city. These are the people who hold all the power. They’re who you need to lobby if you want to protect West Heights. We both know that all the changes happening in the city are inevitable. But if you work with those in power instead of against them, you can have a say in how those changes are implemented. Direct where the money goes, make sure that there are policies in place to protect the vulnerable, and so on.”
“How am I supposed to do that?” April asked. “I run a library. I don’t have all these connections like you do.”
“You don’t need to,” Vicki replied. “At least, not yet. Ever since that town hall meeting, I’ve been thinking about how good you’d be at politics.”
“Me? Politics?”
Vicki nodded. “If you want to make a difference, that’s how you can do it. You have a talent for it. You took on Oasis and made us listen to you. You even convinced ‘the Duchess’ that libraries are a good thing. Obviously, running for office takes time, so it won’t help the library’s current situation.”
“Running for office?” April shook her head. “Why do you of all people want me to do something like this?”
“Because I believe you could do some real good. I’m not the evil villain you think I am. I care about the city too. And West Heights.”
“Considering your comments earlier, I find that hard to believe.”
“Like I said, I had to get you fired up.” Vicki smiled. “You’re much more persuasive that way.”
“You tricked me,” April said.
“It worked, didn’t it? I was trying to prove my point.” Vicki shot April a smoldering look. “And you should know, I find that fire of yours sexy as hell.”
April folded her arms on her chest. “You think you can charm me into forgetting what you just did?”
“I’m being honest.”
“You’re unbelievable.”