The Butler

Chapter 19- Red

The last few days were like walking on seashells. I was trying to not trigger Damon and make him leave. He was extremely cold now. The walls were up and stronger than ever. I couldn't fathom him talking to me and opening up. I was just hoping if I kept him close to me, he would EVENTUALLY open up. It might take forever, but call me an optimist. It's better than nothing.

Today was possibly the busiest day of my life. Usually I have charity parties at places that actually are meant for events, but today, we decided to have it at my home. I have decided I will never do another event at my home because it was too much work.

Sasha finally moved in after I kept putting it off, but now that she was here, the work lessened. Unfortunately, she had to break her back today to help with the charity party. We were cleaning my home and moving furniture around to create more space. I had a bar in the living room, so I was restocking the shelves with the most expensive alcohols that were available in the market today. Hopefully it would satisfy the snobs that were coming today.

There were thirty two people that reserved their spots, and each were going to donate five million dollars to the children's cancer foundation. The guests were allowed to bring as many as two other people with them so I wasn't sure how many people were coming. Some replied with the exact amount of people they were bringing and others didn't. 

These guests were going to be the wealthiest, most successful business owners, and they were all coming to my humble home which made me anxious. I know my home was small compared to other millionaires, but I was doing all the work at my home before I hired Damon and Sasha. I didn't want to clean a ten million dollar home by myself. I'm glad I honestly didn't either. I feel like if I tried to hire a butler when I first moved, I wouldn't have met Damon.

The top floor was off limits, but the pool was available to guests. The pool was drained, cleaned and refilled. The kitchen, living room and dining room was cleaned from top to bottom. Luckily, I hired a gardener for today to maintain the backyard which was where the dinner was going to occur. 

There would be a large platform that was going to come in to be placed in the backyard so that all tables and chairs wouldn't wobble uncomfortably. I rented all furniture from a wedding rental company because it looked the least gaudy. I also had to pay a hefty sum for the orchestra and chefs to come. Hopefully the huge backyards would prevent the orchestra from carrying noise throughout the neighborhood. The enormous tent was billowing in the breeze ready for the guests.

I checked my phone: twenty minutes until the orchestra would arrive and an hour before the guests would arrive. The chefs already arrived. I had to buy the head chef out for him to not work at his five star restaurant. It was an intense bargaining battle, but he gave me a cheaper price than expected because I always came to his restaurant. 

Nia arrived in a black, lace dress that hugged her figure. It definitely brought attention to the right, or wrong if that wasn't her intention, places. She came at the perfect time because I was going to suggest that we would "taste test" the food. I knew the food was going to be scrumptious, and I knew all of us were hungry.

I guided Damon, Nia and Sasha like a sheep to the kitchen, so they could eat. Today was also the first day my second guard was going to work. I realized that I was working Liam to the bone from the early mornings and late nights, so I got another guard to alternate days with him. It was also torture telling Liam that Nia had a boyfriend. The new guard's name was Javier. He was an older man, and his physique wasn't like Liam, but honestly, I don't think I would be able to find another bodyguard with the same build as Liam. 

I grabbed a few bites as Javier and the orchestra arrived. I took the time to introduce myself and learn a few names of the orchestra members. As the orchestra was practicing, I swayed to the music while putting decorations on the tables: candles and flowers. 

I checked my phone that showed that it was fifteen minutes before for the guests to arrive. I kept the gate open so that the guests could be dropped off by their chauffeurs. Realizing I was still in sweats with a messy bun, I sprinted to my room to change and put makeup on. I chose a form fitting red cocktail dress that stopped above my knees. It was a one-shoulder dress with a draping open sleeve. Nia came in to rescue me. She used a large hot curling iron to gently wave my hair while I did my makeup. I finished it with a red lipstick that matched the same color as my bright red dress. Red color showed off confidence, and I needed confidence for this night because I was an anxious mess.

I could cars roll through my the front entrance, so I briskly walked over to my front door with Jim following me close behind. Time to get the party on the road as I swallowed a lump in my throat.

There were a lot guests who gave me kisses on the cheeks, some that gave me hugs and a few that gave me handshakes. I preferred the handshakes because it made me feel like I was taken seriously. I felt like because I was a woman in the business industry, a lot of the men felt like I was minute.

I expected to only donate $160 million dollars, but some of the guest's entourage donated too which was a pleasant surprise. 

The last guest was coming in with a limousine. It took me all my willpower not to roll my eyes. As the car rolled to a slow stop, a familiar figure stepped out. 

"Ryan," I said bluntly as I stuck my hand out in a business-like manner. This was the guy who sent me all the flowers. His rich daddy stuck a golden spoon in his mouth which caused him to grow up unruly. His extravagant personality was seen from the parties he threw. Another person stepped out behind him, and I had my world spinning.

Patricia Sallow, Damon's mother.

The next words made me drop my jaw.

"This is my step mother," Ryan introduced us.