Writing Camp Secrets

Week 6 Writing Camp How to create Dialogue/Charity Ball

“Layla, we are going to be late for the Charity ball. All of the donors are going to be there that help to keep the community center open, and I am wanting to know who one of our donors is. He has contributed so much money in the last month for our training program. I want to thank him for helping so many people get on their feet and get jobs,” said Maia excitedly.

“I am done.” I said checking myself in the mirror.“ I decided to wear my red chiffon floor length gown. ”I don’t know why I have to go with you.  I have a new client and a lot of work to do,” I said feeling exhausted. 

“You are always working. That is why you are coming.” Maia said, dragging me by the arm. She looked nice in her black evening gown and six inch heels. Maia had a car waiting to take us to the charity ball. We climbed in the back seat and the driver waited for us to get settled before he closed the door.  It was a thirty minute drive to the community center. A red carpet was rolled out to receive the patrons. We walked in to reporters and camera’s flashing. The event was in full swing with waiters and waitresses serving champagne on trays. I took a flute off the nearest tray and took a long drink. 

“This is beautiful. Look at the many people that came out to support this event.” I said amazed. We walked around. Maia greeted the donors that she knew, introducing me as well. Cheryl, one of the community center workers, rushed over to Maia, accidentally causing me to spill my drink on myself.

“I am so sorry. Maia, I had to rush over to you to let you know who that anonymous donor is,” she said almost out of breath.  I got some napkins to dab the small spot on my dress. I headed to the restroom to dry the spot. Walking with my head down I collided into a hard chest. I lifted my head to look into a familiar face.

“Vincent?” I whispered.

“Layla Knight, it’s been five years and you haven’t changed a bit.”

“W-what are you doing here?” I stammered.

“I moved here six months ago. I didn’t know that you lived in Dallas,” he said.

“If you excuse me, I need to go to the restroom,” I said, side stepping around him and continuing down the hallway. I pushed the door open and locked it behind me. My breathing was coming in short breaths.  All those feelings that I buried deep down came rushing back up. I needed to calm down. I turned on the hand dryer to dry the spot on my dress. I did a quick look in the mirror and put on my best smile. I prayed that he was not standing on the other side of the door when I opened it. I slowly turned the knob and cracked the door before completely opening it. The hallway was empty.  I turned in the direction where everyone was listening to the speaker. I spotted Maia and strolled over to her table. The plates of chicken breast, mashed potatoes and corn were placed in front of each person. I placed my napkin on my lap to prepare to eat.

“I found out who the anonymous donor is,” she said cautiously. At that very moment Vincent Grange took the podium as the other donor stepped down.

“Vincent Grange,” we said in unison. He flashed a smile before he started talking about the community center and why he wanted to help.  Then he turned his head in my direction mentioning a new project that he was about to undertake. He thanked the people for the award, and he stepped down as another donor took the podium. A waiter walked by and I took a flute off the tray and gulped down the champagne. 

“Are you okay,” Maia asked.

“I don’t know,” I said unsure.

“It was like he was looking right at you,” she stated.

“I know,” I said nervously.

“Ladies, how have you both been?” Vincent asked, embracing Maia first then embracing me. He took a seat next to Maia.

“I am good. When did you move to Dallas?” Maia asked.

“Six months ago,” he said.

“Why didn’t you contact us?” Maia asked.

“I didn’t know that you both lived here. Just as I said in my speech I was looking for a project to do when I drove past the community center. I contacted Cheryl, and she told me of her vision and the rest is history,” he said nonchalantly.

I sat there listening, not able to say a word.  Vincent continued to look in my direction, but talking to Maia.

“Do you still talk to William?” Maia asked.

“Yes, he is my business partner. He would have been here, but his wife was sick,” he said matter of factly. 

“Where is your wife?” I found myself asking.

 Vincent got a sly grin on his face before he responded. “I’m not married.”

He then looked across the table at my hand to see that there wasn’t a ring. Then he grabbed Maia’s hand to see that she also was not wearing a ring. He looked at us with a raised eyebrow. 

“I see that I’m not the only one who hasn’t found that one,” he chuckled more to himself. The tension was broken when Cheryl took the podium drawing everyone’s attention and thanked everyone for coming and to enjoy the meal. I pushed the food around the plate. Vincent gave us his business card.  “It was good seeing you too. If you’re not too busy maybe we can have lunch. Just give me a call.” Then he walked off. For the remainder of the evening, I stared at the food, unable to eat it. A live band was the entertainment, but I couldn’t enjoy the music. After an hour, people were clearing out. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Maia asked.

“I don’t know where to start. I thought I was over him. Moved on. Are you ready to go?” I asked.

“Yes, let me make sure the driver is outside,” she said, taking her phone out of her purse to call.

Maia hung up her phone and we proceeded to the exit. Once in the car I recalled the night of graduation.  I told Maia about the kiss Vincent and I shared. She listened attentively. I told her  how I went back to the hotel to confess my love, when I heard a female voice I turned and left. Maia got a strange look on her face. “I’m about to tell you something,” she said, taking a deep breath. “After you left the party, I stuck around until the end.  I was in the lobby waiting for the front desk clerk to come back.  Vincent had come back in from being outside.  I guess that was when you two had kissed. He asked me if I wanted a drink. We went to his room. I sat on the couch and he poured us a drink.  Then he went to the bathroom to take a shower.  He was in there for a while. I decided to order room service. That was probably around the time you came. Vincent came out wearing a towel. We heard the knock on the door. I asked if it was room service. It was me that you heard.” Maia paused to see if she needed to continue.  I couldn’t say anything so she continued. “Vincent quickly grabbed his bag and went back into the bathroom. He came out dressed. He tried to call you but you wouldn’t answer. He left me in his room.  Room service came. I took my food and went back down to the front desk. Now I don’t know what happened when he came back. I was in my own room,” Maia concluded.

I tried to process everything Maia had just told me “The voice I heard was yours.” Maia nodded. “He called me and left messages for me to call him back and I was too hurt to hear him.” A single tear slid down my cheek as I thought of how stupid I behaved.