Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
“Good luck,” Brienne says.
Up on the stage, I find an immediate benefit to the lighting. It’s focused directly on me, which leaves the rest of the crowd shrouded in dark shadows. This gives me a tiny boost of confidence because I can sort of pretend no one’s out there.
I throw a short prayer up: Please don’t let me pass out.
Taking my notes to the podium, I trace the front of the first card as I look at the words written there.
You’ve got this, Dani.
Leaning toward the microphone a tad, I say, “Good evening. And welcome to the Adam Norcross Charitable Foundation Kickoff Gala hosted by Brienne Norcross and”—my voice rises to a crescendo—“your very own Pittsburgh Titans hockey team!”
The ballroom erupts into thunderous applause and I wait several seconds for it to fade. I smile out at the shadowed audience and when it quiets again, I continue. “I know everyone is excited to be here, but some of you might be wondering who the heck I am. My name is Danica Brandt, and my husband Mitch was a Titan. I lost him when he went down with the plane on February 20 of last year.”
It’s so silent in the ballroom that it almost feels surreal. With the audience in the shadows and no noise whatsoever, it’s easy to believe I’m all alone.
But I’m not.
“I’m the director of the Adam Norcross Charitable Foundation because somehow, Brienne thought I’d be great for the job.” I twist my neck to look at Brienne offstage and she grins at me. Turning back to the crowd, I say, “It was a big leap of faith. I had no higher education and no work skills. I was a mom first and foremost, and Mitch was the breadwinner.” I take a breath and rather than look at the index cards, I push them to the side. “After Mitch died, I was utterly lost. Not only was I mourning, but I had a grief-stricken son to support, emotionally and financially. Sure… we received life insurance proceeds and the Titans generously fulfilled Mitch’s contract through the end of the year. We had some retirement accounts, but those were off-limits. And… we did what a lot of professional athletes who make good money do. We lived a grand lifestyle. But here I was with limited financial means that would dwindle fast, so I had to make quick, sharp decisions. The only problem was, I had no clue where to turn. I couldn’t even fathom what I needed to do.
“Now, I’m a lucky woman because Brienne—who I met in a support group for those of us who lost loved ones in the crash—stepped in and guided me all the way, not just in giving me a job but in helping me figure out how to survive on my own with a young son. She helped many of the widows in the same way. Throughout the months following the crash, Brienne realized there was a great need for a charitable organization to help widows and widowers who’ve lost the main income-earning person in their family. It was through these talks and meeting with other survivors that Brienne formed a vision, and here we are now.”
I glance around again knowing I can’t make eye contact with anybody because it’s too dark. I hope they all feel exactly how important Brienne is to me. “I wouldn’t be standing before you tonight if it weren’t for Brienne Norcross. She single-handedly brought this team back from extinction. She made it viable and provided this city with a new roster of players who have energized and invigorated the nation.
“But she’s so much more than that. I am lucky to call her my friend, my employer and one of the best people I know. If everyone will please join me in welcoming Brienne Norcross to the stage.”
I feel the wave of people as they get to their feet, their applause almost deafening. Brienne glides onstage waving out at the crowd as she moves toward me. She takes me by the shoulders and kisses my cheek, whispering, “That was fucking fantastic.”
Relief and giddiness wash through me as I realize my part is done and I can enjoy the evening. “Knock ’em dead.”
Brienne’s remarks are inspiring, and I wait for her offstage with Drake who appeared sometime when I was at the podium. When she exits, the lights come on and the servers file out with the salad course. There will be speakers throughout the evening while everyone eats, the goal for our guests to open their wallets and donate. We’re using a fundraiser app that donors can download at the tables to make their pledges. After the food, there will be music and dancing.
Drake puts his hand around the back of Brienne’s neck and pulls her in for a soft kiss. “You were amazing, Ms. Norcross.”