Willow Creek, Blue Velvet Longue December 14th, 2023
Tonight, if anywhere was the place to be, it was the Blue Velvet Lounge. Marlene Sato made sure of that.
The place was packed to the brim with patrons with heavy pockets and a giving spirit.
Marlene graciously smiled at her guests. They danced merrily to the jazz band, laughing amuck and spilling their drinks. Marlene excused their behaviors with a frail smile. Even though she was disturbed that the attendees showed no grace, she had to remember these people were partying for a good cause.
This event was a last minute effort to raise funds for her charity, Every Child Deserves. Marlene was only a few thousand dollars away from her goal and year end was quickly approaching. Marlene knew in order to shrink the gap, she needed to pick up the phone and called a person who knew a person and everything would be squared away.
“You remember I have to work in the morning right?” Bethany questioned. She peered over at Sabrina across the table. Bethany Landers had driven for hours from San Myshuno to be here with Sabrina Fox tonight.
“Of course. You have to work everyday.” Sabrina answered. Bethany released a deep sigh that flickered the table’s candle.
Did Sabrina not realize the question was rhetorical?
“Excuse me,” a voice as crisp as freshly washed cotton sheets, shot through the room.
“Oh my.” The words fell from Bethany’s lips. Sabrina peered over the balcony at the woman in the red coat. Bethany had heard so much about her but this was her first time seeing her in the flesh.
The woman commanded the room’s attention.
“Thank you for attending Every Child Deserves holiday charity event. I am grateful to be able to gather such kind and generous people together for a great cause. I remember looking forward to Winterfest as a child. For me, it wasn’t just about the gifts. I loved watching Winterfest films with my family while drinking hot chocolate and wearing matching pajamas with my sister. And at ECD, we believe every child deserves to have such fond memories too. So I promise that every dollar donated will be matched by one of our lovely sponsors.” The crowd erupted into an applause.
“Thank you. As promised, open bar is until midnight. As we wrap things up tonight, please keep in mind the children and remember they too deserve a chance to experience holiday joy!”
The cheering continued as Marlene made her way off stage.
“She sure knows how to work a crowd.” Beth commented. Sabrina nodded her head and took a long sip of her drink. “Yeah, she always knows just the right things to say.”
Bethany peered at the her phone. It was quarter after eleven. Bethany released another loud sigh as a signal that it was time to go. This time, Sabrina obliged and the ladies made their way downstairs.
“My dear.” It was a familiar voice that had stopped Sabrina and Beth in their tracks. Quickly approaching them was the Marlene Sato.
In close proximity, Bethany could better make out Marlene’s face. As the ladies exchanged greetings, Bethany quietly compared the two. She has always known Sabrina to be beautiful but Marlene was absolutely breathtaking. There was just something about Marlene that just glowed.
“Marlene, this is my top client, Beth.” Sabrina introduced.
“Ah, yes! Mayor Bethany Landers. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you! I know it was a long drive from San Myshuno. Thank you for being here.” Marlene said.
“I should go to the ladies room before we leave. Marley, keep my client company.” Sabrina said before running off.
“I may be Sabrina’s client but I’m definitely a long time friend too. I’m glad to finally meet you too! Sabrina says so many great things about you, Mrs. Sato. I think tonight was fantastic. Great turn out! I throw events like this too. Actually, I’m having one next week. Please join us.” Bethany invited. Having The Satos, the owners of today’s most prominent company in technology, at her holiday party would be a great look for Mayor Landers. Her inner circle would die if she could pull this off.
“Of course I’ll be there. And I’ll make sure my husband is there too. It’s the least I can do since you came all this way and made such a generous donation for such a great cause.” Bethany smirked.
Perfect.
The ladies continued their cordial conversation until Sabrina rejoined them. Marlene gave Sabrina a warm hug before dismissing herself to go mingle amongst the last few patrons.
“What do you think of her?”
“She’s…pleasant.” Sabrina nodded in agreement. That was a perfect word to describe her sister – pleasant.
The night was finally over. As the last few patrons made their way out the door, Marlene made her way to the bartender.
“Madame. Great event. How about a toast to celebrate?”
“No thank you, sir. I think I’m just going to grab the donations and head home. I’m exhausted.” Marlene imagined kicking off her shoes, taking a hot shower and then fall asleep next to her husband, who was probably still up working too.
“Donations? Your assistant handled it already. He picked up all the checks not too long ago.”
“The other bartender, Mikayla, said that at the end of her shift, a man came up to her and said he was your assistant and collected all the payments. She told me before she left that she gave it to him. He said his name was Shio.”
Marlene froze at what the bartender revealed to her.
“Antonio, I don’t have an assistant.”
miss moodring musings 
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