Free Web NovelChapter 148: A Name: Hannah
Once we cleaned up a bit, Roman decided to head out for the day. We moved past Rachel and I couldn’t even bring myself to look in her direction, embarrassed that we had just had perhaps the kinkiest sex ever just in the other room. We walked hand in hand to the elevator. We couldn’t stop smiling.
Something about it made me feel young, like teenagers who were sneaking around behind their parents back. It was absolutely thrilling. I didn’t think I ever had as much fun as I did with Roman.
We got down to the car and as we headed for the exit, Roman asked, "Want to go to lunch first?"
"Are you asking me on a date?" I asked him cheekily.
He grinned ear to ear. "Maybe I am."
"If you are, then I accept," I beamed.
He shook his head as he let out a little laugh. "You’re adorable."
We rolled down the streets, and I couldn’t help but fantasize how this could very soon be part of typical life. Of course, I always had Roman and we had a healthy and active sex life at home. It was titillating to think about it happening during the day while we both worked.
Of course, there wouldn’t be any leaving early for the entire day once that was the reality. I would have so many women relying on my presence. Stepping away for a long lunch, though... I blushed just thinking about it.
We went to an upscale Mexican restaurant downtown and were seated in the lofted portion of the restaurant next to a massive window. We both got agua frescas; I got watermelon and Roman got a mango one. My eyes fell to the window and I did some mental math, trying to figure out what direction we were facing. I moved around a bit, as though it would help me look around the buildings. "You can almost see the brewery building from here," I commented.
"Your passion is something to admire," Roman smiled, raising his glass to mine. "Cheers to the start of something beautiful."
"Cheers," I grinned, clinking glasses with him. I loved that Roman thought everything was in need of a toast when we were together. I remembered nearly every meal on vacation had started with the toast. It was something so endearing about his personality. Everything was in need of a celebration, it was sweet. freeweɓnøvel.com
"So what’s the next step? Once we get a lease," Roman asked.
I shrugged and blushed. "I’m not totally sure. I guess hire a construction crew and while that’s going on, I’ll start gathering counselors and staff, and talking to local businesses to set up fundraisers."
He nodded and eyed me before he stated, "We could have a gala. It could easily raise enough money to keep your place running for a couple years."
"That’s a wonderful idea," I smiled. "I’ll have to get Lori to help with that. I think she would love it. Where do you think we should hold it?"
He tilted his head side to side. "There are some venues in town that I own. Wouldn’t be a problem to get it penciled in. I’ll ask Lauren and Rachel to handle the guest list."
"I have a feeling Lori and Lauren will take over the planning, and I’m not upset about it. I think I have enough on my plate anyways," I giggled. I could just see the excitement and joy on their faces. I knew they had just as much going on as I did with starting their business, but I just had the sense that they wouldn’t shy away from the task of throwing a massive party.
"They will certainly make the most of it," he nodded.
We enjoyed a lunch of ceviche and al pastor tacos, eating until we just couldn’t eat anymore. I texted Lori, to see if the two of them to come over that afternoon to pitch the idea of a gala, as we headed back to the house. When we pulled onto our road, something in the mirror caught my attention. I turned around and was devastated to see the same sort of town car. "Do you see that car?" I asked Roman, blurting it out before I could think it thought. I couldn’t help it, anxiety was starting to grip me. Something about black town cars were haunting me.
"What about it?" Roman replied, peering in the rear view mirror.
"Is it one of the neighbors or something?" I asked.
"I don’t think so. It’s probably just one of those nicer taxis services," Roman shrugged.
I relaxed just at the mention. He was right. For all I knew, it had been rental cars or whatever you wanted to call them, the entire time. And there I was, flinching at them like a small child afraid of its own shadow every time. I was so embarrassed, I almost blushed. I turned my face away in case I did. I didn’t want to think about it. I didn’t want to blush. I didn’t want him to see and ask questioned.
"Why do you ask?" Roman asked.
"Oh, just seen it around a bit. But you’re probably right," I stated in a dismissing way, not wanting to drag it out anymore.
By the time we were walking into the house, Lori and Lauren were pulling into the house. I couldn’t help but smile and roll my eyes at their obvious excitement. "Did you guys run every red light on the way here?" I asked as they headed over.
Lori and Lauren laughed in unison. "We were nearby, but we did boot scoot right over," Lauren replied.
We headed inside and all lounged in the den. "So, what’s with the invite?" Lori asked, her eyes bright and her smile tender.
I sat up a bit and cleared my throat. "Roman had a great idea to raise money for the non-profit." My gaze shifted between the two, anticipating their reaction. "We should throw a gala."
The two squealed from excitement. "I haven’t been to a gala in so long!" Lauren exclaimed.
"Oh, this will be so fun," Lori beamed.
"I was hoping, if it’s not too much trouble, you guys could spearhead the party planning?" I asked shyly. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
"Oh, is that even a question? Or a given?" Lauren laughed, clapping her hands excitedly.
"Reach out to Rachel to get a guest list together for people within the company you may not be too familiar with," Roman chimed in. "And she can give you a list of the venue locations we own."
"Oh my gosh, this is so exciting," Lori stated, nearly bouncing as she talked. "Is there anything you have in mind? A theme? A gimmick? A goal?"
I shrugged and rubbed my arm. "The only thing I care about is raising money for the women we plan to help. Maybe nothing scandalous or sexual, just to make sure it’s appropriate."
"Of course," Lauren nodded. "We could incorporate an art auction into it? That’s always a way to get people attending. Art sold at those things always go for so much money. I’m sure I know a few artists that would donate some pieces to the cause."
That made a light bulb go off in my head. "That’s perfect. Do you think any of them would be willing to do a mural at the shelter? Once we get the lease."
"I don’t see why not," Lauren smiled. "I’ll ask around."
"Make sure they know they will be paid," I commented.
"There’s so much going on!" Lori exclaimed. "So much to do. What do you think we should do, Lauren? Fashion-forward sort of theme? Like a mock met gala? Or masquerade ball?"
"Hmm, good question," Lauren replied.
The two started spitting ideas at each other at a lightning speed. It was almost impossible to keep up.
My eyes slid over and locked onto Roman’s. We shared a shy little smile. It was such a nice change of pace to have exciting things that were positive going on. There was such a hustle and bustle to it all, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I was so happy that we were thriving together as a couple, and as a family.
"Hannah? Hannah? Hannah!" Lori chanted, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I turned to her, blinking, "Yes?"
She laughed lightly. "I asked what the name of the non-profit is."
"Oh," I muttered. "I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t know."
"Why not the Thaddeus Foundation?" Lauren suggested.
"That’s already taken by one of the environmental projects," Roman informed.
They went back and forth about ideas and possible names. None of them felt right. I grew quiet and thought long and hard about it.
Then, when I had it, I sat up straight and announced, "What about Women Helping Women? Putting a name on it feels weird, but at least this one is descriptive. Let’s them know exactly what they are getting into and knows it is women led, so they don’t have to be afraid of men in power."
"That’s a beautiful name," Lori smiled.
"I’ll check state data bases," Lauren nodded, jotting it down.
Women Helping Women. Something felt right about that.
