Savannah’s Alpha

The Benefit

Savannah awoke on Saturday morning fully rested. She was excited but nervous for the events of the evening. Tonight would be her first performance in this town and she didn’t want it to be her last.

She showered and washed her long hair. The benefit auction was first on the agenda, and she was auctioning off a one hour harp performance at the request of the Northern Compass University orchestra director, Cynthia.

Cynthia had practically begged Savannah to participate in the benefit, assuring her that the wealthy guests would bid generously on a private harp performance. “They appreciate fine art. And they host elaborate events all the time. I’ll bet you receive some inquiries for weddings and parties after the benefit performance as well” Cynthia had said, sealing the deal.

Funds raised from the auction would directly benefit the school’s music program, and Savannah wondered how much these rich folks would be willing to spend. $500? $1000? Surely not more than that. Thinking about money reminded her that she was broke. She hoped to make at least $100 at Neon Moon tonight. Jade had told her she would pass around a tip jar. Drunk people in the city were usually pretty generous. Would that be the case in northern Maine?

Gabby hadn’t come back to the dorm last night, but she strolled in as Savannah was doing her hair. She had French braided the hair around her face and pulled the rest back into a loose chignon.

“Hey babes, you look great! You missed a killer time last night. Greg was there!”

Finished with her hair, Savannah turned to face her friend. “What? Greg?”

Gabby giggled “Don’t worry girl. He was just hanging out with some guys. I talked to him though. He was a little drunk but he is seriously into you!”

Savannah didn’t know how to feel. She wasn’t upset that Greg had been at the party, but what else did he tell Gabby? Did he tell her they kissed?!

Gabby flopped on her bed. “Let’s get lunch. Emily and Jade are coming over in a couple hours to get ready. Jade is a makeup pro and will make us look like freaking models tonight”

…

Gabby wasn’t kidding. Jade was truly a pro with makeup. Savannah barely recognized herself in the mirror. Smokey shadow and strip lashes made her green eyes pop, and her lips looked like she just had a syringe of filler. She pulled on the black chiffon off shoulder dress Cynthia had given her to wear. It was a loaner from the orchestra closet but looked majorly expensive.

Emily came up behind Savannah and helped zip the back of the dress. “You look great” she said earnestly. Emily had seemed quiet and withdrawn today, and Savannah had chalked it up to a hangover. At 4pm the girls departed the dorm building, walking to the fine arts center linked arm in arm.

…

The fine arts center was tasteful, elegant, and packed with beautiful people dressed to the nines. Savannah had never been to an event like it before. Cynthia had made her rounds, clasping Savannah’s hands and air kissing each cheek. “You like marvelous, darling. And I can’t wait for everyone to hear your music”

Gabby introduced Savannah to her parents, Mr and Mrs Black. They were very welcoming and expressed their excitement for her performance. Waiters were passing champagne. Gabby grabbed two glasses and handed one to Savannah. “For the nerves” she said, clinking their glasses together.

Savannah took a sip of the bubbly champagne, and immediately got the feeling of being watched. The same feeling she had at The Daily Grind..

She looked up and there he was.

Jameson, as gorgeous as ever in a tailored black suit. His white shirt was unbuttoned at the top, hair effortlessly tousled to perfection and he was again staring directly at her.

This time she didn’t smile. She stared back, challenging him to look away first. His honey eyes burned into hers, neither backing down.

Gabby saw Jameson and called to him, just as she had in the coffee shop. He broke the staring contest, and Savannah felt a wave of victory. Mr and Mrs Black waved to Jameson, and he nodded in response. Then he turned and climbed the stairs to the balcony.

“He’s been acting so weird lately” Gabby mused.

“Jameson is very busy, dear” Mrs. Black replied.

Mr. Black cleared his throat “Let’s take our seats. The auction will be starting soon”

Mrs. Black nodded, and swept Savannah into a quick embrace. “Break a leg” she whispered before taking her husband’s arm and heading toward their floor seats.

Gabby downed the rest of her champagne and hugged Savannah too. “I got you a little something for your shows. You’ll see it on stage” she winked.

Savannah made her way backstage. There were speakers and auctions ahead of her, so she took the opportunity to sit and think about what Gabby could possibly have gifted her. But her thoughts quickly drifted to Jameson. Why was he here? And what was with his staring? If he wanted to stare, she would give him a performance to stare at.

…

“Our next auction is for a one hour performance from a very talented student. She is here tonight to grace us with a sample of her music. Get your bidding fingers ready and please welcome Savannah O’Riley to the stage”

Hearing the introduction from Cynthia, Savannah took a deep breath and walked out into bright lights.

Two orchestra volunteers dressed in white suits wheeled her harp onto the center of the stage and carefully removed it from the platform. Tears came to her eyes when she noticed Gabby’s gift. It was a beautiful custom marquee sign of her name.

Savannah took a seat next to her harp, directly in front of the illuminated sign bearing her name. She adjusted her dress so a sliver of her leg was visible and bowed her head as her fingers gently strummed out the well known “Hallelujah”.

When she finished, she lifted her head and gave the audience a smile. The applause was deafening. Some members of the audience were on their feet, giving her a standing ovation. She knew Gabby was one of them. Savannah stood and offered a small curtsy to the crowd, intentionally looking up the balcony where she knew Jameson was sitting.

She couldn’t see him with the spotlights on her, but she knew he was watching.

…