Page 28 of Be My Valentine

“I feel uncomfortable. It almost feels like a war.”

“It is, in a way, but for the good.”

“You want to pin the biggest medal on yourself.”

“To build a girls’ school in an underprivileged neighborhood. Think about the outcome, Kate. It’s an ambitious project.”

“The firm will get its image back.”

“And it’s the main benefactor. That’s a good thing, Kate.”

“Yes, I understand that. I’m just not used to these social mechanics. To me, charity means sticking ten dollars in a jar for a collection.”

“You have to start somewhere. The jar is just a little bigger.”

Kate laughed at Emma’s casual handling of the matter.

“An auction!” she said suddenly, “You should hold an auction. It would be more involved; some people might donate more than expected just to get the word out. Others would do it to show off and hint that their business is thriving more than expected. It could work!” She affirmed seriously.

“You learn fast, I’m impressed.” Emma clapped her hands “What should we auction off?”

“That’s where you and your connections come in. I bet you frequent all the trendy stores in town, as well as the best restaurants. People who may have never set foot at an event like this, up-and-coming designers, new small business owners reselling famous brands. Don’t ask high, ask low. Invite them to the event as recent and generous benefactors who have provided an item of clothing or a pair of shoes, ask restaurants who are trying to create a name for themselves, ask that they provide their chefs, or a table for Valentine’s Day… it’ll only be a few days away and if someone hasn’t made a reservation…”

Emma looked at her in amazement.

“You’re a fucking genius.”

Kate laughed.

“My friend Allie is a sales attendant. You know her store, we met there! I’m sure the owner would give up a pair of shoes for an invitation to the Plaza. It’s not a prestigious store, but it could become one.”

“It will work. We just need to make a list and contact as many donors as possible.”

“You get it ready; I’ll go shoe shopping and convince people. You need to rest in your condition.”

But Emma’s mind was elsewhere.

“Clothes, shoes, dinners, wines… we could also use something different, more cultural.”

“A visit to the planetarium?”

“Mmm…” Emma tapped her finger on her lips, “a guided tour of the planetarium, maybe with a professor who is an expert in the subject.”

“I can’t think of anyone, I’m sorry, but I might know who to ask. We could go to the Columbia campus tomorrow.”

“Do you know anyone there? Mark and I went to Harvard.”

Who would have thought it?

“Yes, I know someone.” Kate remained vague, “Now let’s think about the Plaza.”

Kate admired the grand ballroom with genuine awe. She was enchanted by the atmosphere it exuded. Immense crystal chandeliers cast an almost old-fashioned light, the colonnade on either side, the draperies draped over the huge stained-glass windows: it was a fairy tale. While the attendant told them about the famous dances that had been held right in there, mentioning above all the famous ‘Black & White Ball’ by Truman Capote, Kate seemed for a moment to see the couples twirling. A sigh escaped her and the man in uniform smiled at her.

“It does that to a lot of people.” He reassured her.

The set-up was a merciless struggle. Emma’s stubbornness allowed her to get exactly the arrangement she had planned. Kate admired her ability to get what she wanted.

“I’m exhausted and the baby won’t stop kicking!” She complained when they were back in the car. They were traveling with Hugh, the chauffeur who had served in the family for years.