Chapter 23
The Gala
Raven
Getting ready for the Gala this year is a much different experience than last year. Mike bought a table for MJ Labels and invited the rest of Sayge and a few of his employees. Tripp, Jimi, and Gabe are also here this year. The event has doubled in attendance and donations since last year.
My mom still asked me and Robbie to do the initial set-up during the day on Saturday and Declan agreed to help. We set up the silent auction and the swag bags according to my mom’s directions. We weren’t allowed in the main ballroom yet because they were having problems with some sort of presentation prop being used tonight.
Since our group has paired up into couples since last year, we have to make different room arrangements. I’m not sure how the others plan to pair up, but my parents gave us their room because they’re going home.
Harper and Kendall are not coming because they have made plans to be here next week for my Fall Break. As far as Declan knows, we’re planning a girls’ weekend. But in actuality, we start filming the video for “Surviving” next Thursday night. They took Thursday and Friday off to come down and offer moral support.
I get ready with Abbi, Ella, and Charlie in their room. I chose a deep emerald gown with cap sleeves and a rouged waistline. There’s a slit up the left side to mid-thigh. My shoes are silver stilettos that will hopefully last through the night. My hair is piled on top of my head with silver beaded clips, and my make-up is very subtle. My mom joins us to get ready and brings a bottle of champagne
Dad has all the guys meet him in the hotel bar. We are running late because we keep texting pictures to Harper and Kendall who want to know the details on everyone’s outfits. I even snap a picture of my mom and me for Finn and Max. Max immediately calls to compliment us and promises to see us at Thanksgiving. Finn was probably asleep.
When we finally got to the hotel bar, I can’t find Declan anywhere. I ask Robbie where he is, and he tells me Mike and Declan walked out a few minutes ago to talk about something. I don’t have to wonder long because a minute later I feel a hand around my waist and his breath on my neck.
“Exquisite. That is what you are.”
“You haven’t seen the front yet.”
“I don’t need to. I can see why you wouldn’t let me help you get ready.” he kisses a trail along my neck.
There’s a loud cough to my side, and my dad is giving Declan a look that could kill. I move forward a bit so I can turn around to see him. When I do, my breath catches in my throat. His hair is still messy, but it’s styled to look that way. His tuxedo fits him perfectly, and his eyes are sparkling brightly. My heart beats rapidly in my chest from looking at him. He notices my shock and smirks.
“Careful baby, your dad’s still giving me the evil eye.” he murmurs and then steps back to look at me.
He links our hands and leads us to the bar where the other guys are watching football. I give hugs all around and compliment Cooper, Nate, and Blake on their choice of suits. Before I can order a drink, my mom announces it’s time to go to the ballroom. The guests are arriving.
When we enter the room, it is a completely different set up than last year. All around the room are pictures of soldiers in different environments. There are military flags in each corner of the room and several men and women in uniform walking around. The stage has a podium with the American Flag directly behind it.
I wipe the tears from my eyes just as Mr. and Mrs. Black come over. I hug them both and Mrs. Black surprises me by hugging Declan tightly. We make small talk for a little while and then they excuse themselves to find my parents. Declan and I find most of our friends at the bar and hang with them until dinner is announced.
Robbie insists on sitting on the other side of me. Abbi, Jimi, Robbie, Mike, Tim (the Creative Director), Cooper, Declan and me are all seated together. The others are sitting with two more of Mike’s associates at the table next to us.
Like last year, my mom and her co-chair welcome everyone and describe the mission of tonight’s events. They remind the crowd about the silent auction items in the other room and thank the major sponsors. The Governor speaks for a few minutes and then our dinner is served. The conversation at the table is very relaxed. Mike, Robbie, and Jimi catch up on the last few years. Abbi, Declan, Nate and I talk to Tim about the video preparations.
When the dishes are cleared, and dessert is served, the Mayor welcomes and thanks everyone. Then he introduces the speaker of the night, which is a woman dressed impeccably in a beautiful floor length black gown. Several men and women stand behind her on stage in their dress uniforms. I notice the Marines immediately. She’s an officer in the Navy and praises the bravery and dedication our troops have. During her speech, I notice Robbie getting antsy. When she finishes, she doesn’t leave the stage but announces a special presentation. Screens drop from the ceiling and a video starts playing. Men and women tell their stories and experiences and how the multiple charities have helped them with their recovery after returning from war.
I inhale loudly when his picture fills the screen. Looking right into the recorder are the crystal blue eyes I miss every day. Finn is on the screen recapping the accident last year. The screen switches, and Max tells the story of hearing about the bomb and the fear of losing his brothers. At this point, I’m full out crying. Robbie pulls me to him, and Declan holds my hand. Then my brother’s voice fills the speakers. He tells his story of recovery and the support awaiting him when he returned home. The screen switches to each person on the screen thanking their families and friends.
Then the music starts and the side doors open. Robbie physically lifts me into Declan’s lap and gets up. The men and women in the video walk into the room in full uniform. Those on the stage raise their arms in salute, and the whole room goes crazy jumping to their feet and clapping loudly.
I sob when Finn and Max walk in, and Robbie joins them. Declan is holding me tight. When the speaker finishes the presentation, and I know it’s appropriate, I run to the three men standing at attention to the crowd. As soon as I reach Finn, Robbie, and Max I use all my force to pull the three into a hug. I don’t care if the room is looking at me. I don’t care that I broke their stance. The room is still going crazy with cheers.
They grab me from all over and hold me up. I bawl into a chest, I think its Finn’s. When I hear a throat clear behind me, I release him and see Finn’s parents waiting. I move to the side and allow them to greet him and the rest of our group. Declan puts his arms around my waist, and I smile up at him. Once everyone has hugged and shaken hands, I finally get to speak.
“How did this happen? We’ll come back to the part about both Finn and Max being in town without telling me, but you are all so private about your time in the service. How did they talk you into being a part of this presentation?” I ask the three of them.
“We were coerced. James said there was a large donator that wanted as many stories and soldiers as possible. We brought in ten-thousand dollars each.” Finn answered me. “And I only landed a few hours ago, so we didn’t keep it secret for too long.”
“How long are you home for?” I ask looking at both Max and Finn.
“I’m here for a full week. Then I’ll be back at Christmas.” Max answers.
“I’ll head back Wednesday, but I still plan on coming home the entire week of Thanksgiving.” Finn tells me.