Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“I’ve got it. There’s a florist right next to Lorraine’s. Easy trip for me to make.” She pauses. “What about audio-visual and lighting?”
“The venue takes care of that part. I’ll give their stage manager your contact information, though, in case they need you to go in before the day of.”
“Good.”
I take a deep breath. Robbie really is a great sister. She’s taking on all of this without question. It’s nothing overly complicated, but it’s a lot of busywork, and she already has her hands full on the ranch as one of our veterinarians.
“Anything else, Ray?”
“I think that’s it for now. Just shoot me a text if you have any questions. Thanks so much, Robbie. You’re really saving my ass here.”
“You’re the one who’s going to be saving asses, Ray. I’m just doing what I can to help. I’ll head over to Lorraine’s right now. Love you, bye.”
“Love you too.” I end the call.
Okay. Next is Emily herself. I dial her number.
“This is Emily.”
“Hey Emily. It’s Raven Bellamy.”
“Raven, yes! I was about to call you and check in on your plans for the gala.”
I sigh. “That’s what I’m calling about. I’ve been ordered by the doctors to go on bed rest for the next few weeks before the gala. I already have my sister helping take care of some of the arrangements, but I’m afraid I’m going to need a little extra help from you. I’ll be compensating you for your time, of course.”
She laughs. “Raven, I’m happy to do the work pro bono. This is a great cause. I’m so sorry to hear you’re not feeling well, though.”
“I’ll live.”
At least, I hope I will.
“What can I help you with?”
“The guest list, mainly. Most of the people I’ve invited will be coming, but I have a few empty seats I’d like filled. Do you have any…philanthropic contacts?”
“I know quite a few. Including some whose lives have been touched by cancer. I’m happy to make some calls.”
“Good, thank you. I’d also like to arrange a silent auction.”
“Wonderful idea. My firm has contacts with plenty of local businesses who would be willing to donate items or packages. In fact…” Her keyboard clicks in the background. “An old mentor of mine in Colorado has some pull with Steel Vinyards on the Western Slope. I bet we could get them to donate something.”
“Wonderful. If you don’t mind making those calls on behalf of the foundation, I’d really appreciate it.”
“It would be my pleasure, Raven. And while I have you, have you managed to find a doctor who would be interested in joining the board?”
I smile. “That’s my next call.”
“Perfect. Take care, Raven. Again, I’m so sorry to hear you’re under the weather.”
My stomach twists. All the lies.
“Like I said, I’ll live.”
“I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ll start making calls right now. Talk to you later.”
“Sounds good. Bye.”
The call ends.
My next call is to Landon Michaels, an oncologist who works at the hospital I was treated in. He and I never worked together, which means he would have less of a conflict of interest. I call his office.
“Dr. Michaels’s office. This is Sherri speaking.”
“Hi, Sherri. Is Dr. Michaels available? I’d like to speak with him.”
“One sec.” Typing and shuffling paper for a second. “Actually, he’s in his office right now. May I tell him who’s calling?”
“Raven Bellamy.”
“Of course. I’ll transfer your call.”
“Thanks.”
A few seconds pass.
“Dr. Michaels speaking.”
“Yes, thank you for taking my call, doctor. My name is Raven—”
“Raven Bellamy, yes. Sherri told me. You’re the daughter of Austin Bellamy.”
“Yes, I am. Perhaps you have heard that I am organizing a nonprofit for the treatment and research of blood cancers. We have a gala coming up in a couple of weeks.”
“Let me stop you right there. How much would you like?”
“I’m not asking for a donation, though of course if you’re interested in making one, we won’t turn you down.” I let out a nervous laugh. “But actually, I wanted to know if you’d be interested in sitting on our board. Your expertise would be invaluable to our cause.”
“I’m flattered, Ms. Bellamy.” He pauses. “When did you say your gala will be?”
“In a few weeks. You would be invited, as well as Mrs. Michaels.”
“There isn’t a Mrs. Michaels.”
I slap my palm to my forehead. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed.”
“Not a problem. I’m divorced.” He chuckles. “Perhaps I’ll see if I can scare up a date.”
“You would both be welcome. We won’t be starting board meetings until after the gala, so you wouldn’t have to do anything until then but show up.”
“Sounds good.”
“So you’ll join the board?”
“I would be delighted to.”
“Wonderful. I’m actually resting up a bit before the gala, so my sister and my attorney will be the main contacts. But this number is my personal number, so please feel free to call me if you have any questions.”