The Do-Over(66)

“In your case a life-sized cut-out is actually taller than you are,” Laynie kidded, laughing.

“Not with these on.” Jill lifted her dress a smidge to show off her skyscraper Louboutin’s.

“I love this.” Scarlett was whizzing through the screens of the touchscreen. “You can see and hear everyone’s story and there’s a button to donate on each page.” Finally, she came back to Jill’s video. I felt tremendous pride as we viewed it. It was real and touching and it spoke directly to the person watching it as Jill shared the devastating blows and kick ass triumphs of her journey.

As we walked toward the reception desk, the corridor was lined with cutouts and touch screens for all the video stories and people were stopping at each one, spending time, hearing the stories and making online donations. It was a brilliant introduction to the evening and I felt a part of the joy in knowing that my work had contributed to the success of the cause.

“We’re at Table 36,” Scarlett announced, handing all of us our personalized place cards.

“I need a drink,” I muttered loud enough for only Laynie to hear as we entered the famed four-story ballroom. As if magically hearing my wish, a waiter appeared with a tray of champagne flutes and we each grabbed one. “Let’s find you something else bubbly,” I said to my daughter as her hand approached the tray.

Negotiating our way through the room, we found Table 36. Jonathan was already seated with his newest paramour, Andrew.

“Hello, handsome and handsome,” I greeted the two of them.

“Don’t you ladies look gorgeous,” Jonathan rose to greet us all with kisses.

“We do clean up nice,” I agreed. “Are Jamie and Shelby here yet?”

“I haven’t seen them. But Chris and his contingent are at Table 41.”

“Okay, let me go find them and say hello.” Putting my purse down on my chair, I turned to Scarlett, Laynie and Jill. “I’ll be right back. I need to go say hello to Chris.”

Making my way across the ballroom, the pink tulle and ribbon décor for the evening’s event gave the room a very ethereal feel and I started singing Train’s Drops of Jupiter in my head.

“You’re a smiley one tonight.” My boss greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. Then holding me at arm’s length, “You look fabulous.”

“Thank you. It’s fun to dress up sometimes.”

“Have you seen Wes?” he asked.

Shaking my head, “Not yet. We just got here a few minutes ago.”

“I think he’s like two or three tables away from you.”

“Well, I’m sure I’ll see Renata because she’ll certainly be in something eye-catching tonight. And speaking of eye-catching, how much did you love the life-sized cutouts and displays with the videos we did for their website?”

Chris’ green eyes twinkled. “I loved it a lot.” He tapped the program sitting on his plate, “And I also loved the visibility they’re giving our work throughout the evening.”

“Oh, I haven’t looked yet. I’ll check it out when I get back to my seat. It appears that this thing is about to start. I’ll see you in a little bit.” As I made my way back to my table, I tried to casually scan the room for Wes, but didn’t spot him anywhere.

A moment after I sat down, salads were delivered to our table and the Executive Director of the Breast Cancer International Research & Support Fund welcomed us all to their annual event, promising an evening that would be as uplifting as it was educational. Thanking the evening’s host and main sponsor, C-Kicker Athletic Wear, all eyes turned toward Wes’ table and that was my first glimpse of him.

I couldn’t help but smile just seeing him there in his black tux and white bowtie, looking so freaking handsome that I could feel my body react at just the sight of him. He stood and did a brief wave.

Laynie’s arm snaked around the back of Scarlett’s chair and grabbed my bare shoulder, squeezing it. Leaning toward her, she whispered in my ear, “Now I understand.”

It was the first time she’d seen Wes in person. I knew she could see in my eyes that my heart was breaking all over again just being in the same room as him. There had been no closure and the gaping wound I hid under the sparkly gown threatened to publicly expose itself in a hideous manner.

“Who’s the handsome guy two seats away?” she asked.

“The devil incarnate,” I hissed, actually sneering.

“Oh, that’s him? I am totally going to f*ck with him tonight.”

My eyes popped open wide.

“Not f*ck him. Fuck with him. The douche needs to be tortured.” And she sat up straighter and shifted in her chair pointing her high-beam nipples at him like lures.

“Have at it and do lots of damage.” She certainly had my blessing.

As the waiters removed our empty salad plates, Wes made his way to the stage and took his place behind the podium. Before he even uttered hello, the room burst into applause and the staff at the C-Kicker table stood, giving their boss a standing ovation. The rest of the ballroom followed suit and I could tell by the smile on Wes’ face that he was both humbled and touched by the crowd’s response.

Again, reaching behind Scarlett’s chair to get to me, Laynie pinched my upper arm hard.

“Ouch.” I turned to give her a what the f*ck look.