From my room, I could hear my parents' voices echoing in the studio. The door was ajar, and though they tried to keep their tone low-key, their words came through clearly. They had been preparing tonight for weeks, and now, everything was about to come to fruition.
"Did you confirm that the catering service has everything ready?" My mother asked, her tone warm but firm, demonstrating the attention to detail that always characterized her.
"Of course, Amelia," my father replied with a smile in his voice. And I also made sure that the presentation on the expansion plans is ready. This is not just a patriotic celebration; it is an opportunity to secure investments.
"Of course it is," I thought as I bent down to tie the sandals I had chosen for tonight. I knew for days that this meeting was going to be much more than a party. My parents owned Sapphire Grove Hospital, and expanding it had been their dream for years. The guest list was made up of entrepreneurs, investors and key people in the world of real estate and health. Everything else—the scenery, the music, the lights—was just the wrapping.
I looked in the mirror once more, adjusting the dress I had chosen. It was a deep blue that highlighted my blonde hair and light eyes. It wasn't that I wanted to impress anyone in particular, but I knew that tonight I would be surrounded by critical looks. It always was.
"Lindsay, are you ready?" My mother's voice came from the hallway, in a soft tone that still carried an air of urgency.
"Yes, almost," I replied, grabbing a pair of earrings from my dresser and quickly attaching them.
My mother appeared at the door, knocking before entering. His gaze was kind, yet scrutinizing, and when he looked me up and down, a light smile came across his face.
"You look beautiful, darling," she said sincerely. I'm sure everything will be okay tonight. Remember that many of the guests are important to the future of the hospital, but don't forget to enjoy yourself a little too.
"I know, Mom," I replied, feeling a little less tense under his sympathetic gaze. Although I knew that this night was crucial for them, my parents always made an effort to include me in their plans in a way that didn't feel forced.
"Perfect. Lower when you're ready. Your father and I will be waiting. He gave me one last smile before leaving the room.
When the door closed, I let out the air I hadn't realized I was containing. This night was going to be long, but maybe not as bad as I had imagined.
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The drive to the hotel was brief, but the conversation in the car revolved mainly around the final details of the evening. We arrived at the Waldorf Astoria, where the lobby was impeccably decorated with flags, lights, and an atmosphere that combined the patriotic with the sophisticated. As hosts, my parents had to be the first to arrive and greet guests, while I had a little more freedom to explore.
I slid over to the snack table and grabbed one of the small canapés. The food was always exceptional at these gatherings, and although he preferred not to stand out, he enjoyed watching the room begin to fill with people. Some faces were familiar; others not so much.
"Lindsay, also running away from protocol?" The voice belonged to Charlotte, an acquaintance of my age who used to be present at these meetings. She wore an elegant red outfit that contrasted with her dark brown hair.
"Just taking a breath before the serious stuff starts," I replied with a light smile. Charlotte always seemed to know exactly what to say to break the ice.
"Seriously? Rather the boring," interrupted Alex, another acquaintance who joined us. He was wearing an impeccable suit, though his relaxed demeanor said otherwise. Always the same: endless speeches and adults talking about business. At least the food is worth it.
"And dessert," I added with a small laugh, feeling a little more comfortable with them.
"And how about everything, Lindsay?" I haven't seen you in a long time," Charlotte asked, her tone genuine as she took a sip from her glass of water.
"Well, I suppose. My parents have been busy with the expansion of the hospital, and well, tonight is a big part of that. And you?
Charlotte sighed. "My parents are in the same thing, negotiating this and that. Sometimes I wonder if they also need a party to relax, not just to work.
Alex nodded, rolling his eyes exaggeratedly. "Tell me about that." Although, to be honest, I think they enjoy this more than they admit. What about you, Lindsay? Do you feel like dancing after all the formality?
"We'll see how the night progresses," I replied with a smile, noticing how the room began to fill with more guests. Deep down, my parents were busy hosting key figures, but I was grateful to have Charlotte and Alex to distract me, at least for a while.
It was at that moment that I noticed a man who had just entered the room. Her elegant demeanor and serious look caught my attention immediately. Next to him walked someone who was surprisingly familiar to me: Sack. He wore a dark suit that, although impeccable, contrasted with his usual bored and apathetic expression. I couldn't help but open my eyes a little more than necessary. What was he doing here?
The last time I had seen him, he was working at the Adidas store in the mall, helping me pick out a pair of sneakers and then at the Starbucks next to that outgoing guy. His casual, disinterested attitude had made me assume that he was just another ordinary, albeit handsome, boy, but now, standing next to this man who seemed important, Sack was a complete enigma.
"Lindsay?" Charlotte asked, noticing my distraction and looking in the same direction as me. "Oh, good eye, that boy looks cute.
"Not as much as me, but it's okay I guess," Alex added while still lost in thought.
"I was going to get it, but Lindsay saw it first," Charlotte shrugged.
"Huh?" don't talk nonsense, I'll go get some fresh air," I said, heading to a balcony a little away from the people, I hoped had a good view.