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It was a smart move. The event had been pushed up to offset the drama with Will Lloyd. The man’s dismissal from his post and the details of that dismissal had already made the rounds through Wilder. The foundation’s planning committee, led once again by Minka Gerald, had decided to push up the annual fund-raiser before those details leaked over into public knowledge.
Though disappointed by the change in plan, Vectra knew it was a better move and had saved her household from being turned upside down. Still, the place had been abuzz with excitement regarding the gathering. Most, if not all, Carro employees had known or knew of someone who’d gone to school on a Wilder Foundation scholarship.
Vectra wouldn’t let herself believe that the final decision was in any way personal or that Qasim would hold a grudge. He’d said that he loved her, and she believed him. She felt the same. He’d bared his soul, and she...hadn’t done the same. But she didn’t need to, did she? Qasim was right. This was going to keep coming back to bite her unless she fought it and kept fighting. He had been so forthcoming with her. She had to verbalize her fears and verbalize them to the man she loved.
* * *
The Hembry Downtown had been the site of the Wilder Warriors Foundation events in years past. The hotel enveloped its visitors with a ’20s vibe. The architecture was understated elegance speaking to the charm of the era.
The Hembry was a testament to the jazz culture and speakeasy flavor of the time. It was the perfect setting for the event taking place that evening. The planned costume ball wasn’t scheduled until the following night, but Vectra figured she’d go on and get decked out in the spirit of things. She wore a dazzling silver fringe hem dress that adored her every curve just as the matching vintage-inspired T-strap pumps accentuated the stunning length of her legs. Her pixie cut was the perfect style for the evening and went well with the ’20s-fashion cloche hat.
May as well go all out, she thought. She had no idea how the evening might turn out. She might not be back to enjoy more of the extravaganza. Vectra closed her eyes, commanding herself not to think the worst. She tethered her thoughts and steadied her steps with the reminder that Qasim Wilder loved her.
A waiter, dressed in a classic tux befitting the time period, stopped to offer champagne. Vectra accepted a flute of the bubbly beverage without hesitation. She sipped, smiling faintly at the hint of fruit she detected in the otherwise dry blend. Covertly, she surveyed the crowd, eager to find Qasim and not quite sure what she’d say or do when she did.
The matter was offset for a while, at least, when she spotted Minka. The woman was making her way to one of the chesterfield-style sofas that dotted an enormous gold-and-cream checkerboard lobby where the opening party was being held.
“Minka!” Vectra made her way over to the woman, watching as she reconsidered taking a spot on the antique furnishing.
Minka’s trademark sunny smile flashed. “Vectra!” She pulled her close for a hug. “So glad you could come!”
“Yeah, well...” Vectra scanned the lovely, glamorous room. “I wanted to see what the competition has that I didn’t.”
“Sorry about the change.” Minka’s apology mirrored her expression of regret. “We really did feel bad about putting such an event on you in the first place.” Minka studied the sumptuous room, as well. “We’ve been thinking about a Gatsby-type weekend event for a long time, though. Given the Hembry’s recent renovations to maintain their vintage style...we thought it’d be the perfect locale.” Minka winced. “Then we got their pricing sheet and we weren’t so sure.”
“Ahh...” Vectra offered a mock toast with her glass. “Pricing with a little extra tacked on by Will Lloyd.”
“Hmph,” Minka said, smirking. “He made it sound like the Hembry’s recent maintenance work was to blame.”
“And now, thanks to you—” Vectra raised a hand toward the chandelier’s illuminated ceiling “—here we are.”
“I didn’t want to get here like this.” Minka sighed. “Feels like I had to crawl through a lake of mud in Pettysville, USA.”
“Understood!” Vectra laughed, her eyes still sparkling well after the laughter quieted. “Sometimes we have to spend a little time in the dirt to get to the happy places in life.”
Minka’s expression brightened. “I like your optimism.”
Vectra shrugged. “A good friend told me that dark areas crop up from time to time, but that’s life.”
The corners of Minka’s mouth tilted down, proving that she was impressed. “Your friend sounds like a pretty smart person.”
