of the appetizers from the plate and popped it in my mouth, groaning as the flavors exploded in my mouth.
“Phyllo roll pastry with figs and ricotta cheese,” he said.
“Good,” I mumbled with a full mouth. “Damn good, really. What else?”
“Here we have a classic bruschetta with local cheese and tomatoes.”
I gave that a try, quickly chewing and swallowing. “Classic and tasty. One more.”
“My take on a kebab. Pita bread with sirloin and a black pepper aioli.”
One more bite, one more series of quick chews, one more hard swallow. “Also good. But I’m seeing a little bit of a theme here.”
“And what’s that?” he asked, eyebrow lifting.
“It’s all bread-heavy. And no vegan options.” He glanced down at the tray, then at me. “Trust me, Bennet, these upper-crust types have more allergies and food preferences than stocks in their portfolios. And half of them are on one restrictive diet or another. Kenna, what was that one you’re on?”
“Caveman,” she said with a bright smile. “If it wasn’t something a caveman could eat, you don’t get to have it.”
My eyes on Bennett, I gestured to her with a “see what I mean?” look on my face.
He frowned thoughtfully, then said, “I could do some meatballs…no bread, of course.”
“And throw something with kimchi on there, too.”
He grinned and nodded. “I’ve got just the thing in mind.”
Before he had a chance to step away, a thought occurred to me. “Oh, and can you do a re-up on this app plate? I’ve got a VIP out there who’s probably starved by this point.”
“You got it.”
He snapped his fingers at one of the sous-chefs, then gestured to the plate. Moments later, the food was replaced. I gave my thanks to Bennet as I smoothly took the plate from the counter.
“I have to admit,” Kenna said as we headed for the door. “This auction thing seems a little strange.”
“You kidding?” I asked, pretending to be shocked. “They’re a blast – you march out a parade of studs and people go nuts. Nothing quite like seeing seventy -something society women drooling over beefcakes in tuxes. And they earn so much cash it’s crazy.”
We approached the kitchen doors and I marched through, the events hall laid out before me. And what a space it was. I’d worked dozens of events there over the years, but the sight never failed to bowl me over. It was huge, done up in Art Deco style, with tall, vaulted ceilings that stretched up into forever, a gorgeous mural of the founding of Nickle Creek in the center, crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. The floor was stunning, glossy parquet, and the grand stage up front elevated and adorned with columns fit for royalty. The tall, arched windows looked out onto the mountains in the distance, the peaks jutting up into the star-strewn sky
Over the stage was a navy-blue banner that read “Pitt Medical Autism Research Foundation” – the name of the charity heading up the event. I loved being able to run charity events, and the fact that this particular one was the brainchild of my best friend and her wonderful husband was a cherry on top of the whole thing.
“This place is so cool,” Kenna remarked. “I want to actually attend a party here instead of only planning them.”
“Then start saving,” I quipped. “You know how much per plate tonight’s gala is.”
Appetizers in hand, I spotted just the woman I was looking for.
“Alright,” I said, a small smile on my face. “I need to have a quick tete-a-tete with the lady in charge. Go do a quick sweep of the serving staff and make sure they look presentable. And if anyone’s staring at their phone instead of getting ready, you have my permission to chew them out.”
She gave another cheeky salute. “You got it, boss.” Kenna headed off, and I turned my attention to said lady in charge.
Annie Pitt, so pregnant she looked like a sudden surprise might make her pop, was seated at one of the white linen-covered tables, her sneakers propped up on the surface, the linen pushed up a bit so her feet weren’t on it. When she laid eyes on me – specifically the plate of food in my hand – an expression of relief washed over her pretty face.
“Oh hell yes,” she said, reaching out her hands. “Gimme, gimme.”
I laughed, handing over the plate of appetizers. She rested it on her round belly and popped a quick triplet of them into her mouth.