Chapter 46
46
Table two is Wale’s table. He’s sitting three seats away, going by his place name card. With the night in full swing, he spends most of the evening greeting guests or pacing with his walkie-talkie. When I manage to tear my eyes away from him, I’m either chatting with Kathy and the other people at my table or admiring the exquisitely decorated hall adorned with Chiavari chairs and candelabra centrepieces. And then the food arrives. Aunty Shirley’s curry goat with rice and peas does not disappoint.
Still, all I keep thinking is, What does this mean? Why did Wale tell me to stay? Is it because he’s forgiven me? Or perhaps he’s just being nice and if I hadn’t given him his manuscript, he would have politely told me to leave. And what does this olive branch mean for us? Our working relationship? Our friendship? Our future?
Three courses later, we’ve managed to whizz through an auction, a spoken-word performance and a few speeches. We’ve also watched some heartstring-pulling videos of how this gala will benefit the carers. Breezy Brett is doing a brilliant job as MC and keeps the programme ticking along with great sensitivity and wit. He has just asked Wale to come on to the stage.
Joining in with the applause, my heart flutters as Wale strides on to the platform, giving Breezy Brett a hug and a dab. I know what’s coming next.
He clears his throat. ‘Good evening, everyone,’ he says. His smile is dazzling and the audience whistles and laughs. Gosh, he is so heartachingly charming; it’s hard to reconcile this man with the one I encountered a few hours ago. ‘My name is Wale Bandele and I’m the former Events and Fundraising Officer at ACE. Although many of you may know me as that guy from The Villa. ’ He pauses. ‘To the boomers in the room, The Villa is a reality TV dating show.’
There is a ripple of laughter.
‘Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’m not about to take my shirt off. Though, tonight is a charity fundraiser … Any cougars in the room?’
The laughter is louder this time.
A lady in the back heckles, ‘I’ll take you!’
Wale laughs. ‘Nah, in all seriousness, thank you everyone for showing up tonight. We’re here because we want to support ACE. And ACE is here because of one special person.’ He gestures to Kathy. A spotlight picks her out of the crowd and her face flashes on the screen. Kathy is clearly surprised to be singled out. ‘As you all know, Kathy McGiffin is ACE’s CEO and founder. But she’s also a mother figure, an aunt, a mentor, a friend. She has dedicated her life to supporting carers … and I have benefited from that myself so I know just how incredible she is. So, tonight, ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together as I present the one and only Kathy McGiffin with a lifetime achievement award!’
The cheers and applause are thunderous. An emotional Kathy makes her way to the stage. She hugs Wale tightly, rocking him from side to side. Shona hands her a glass plaque.
Kathy steps towards the mic, shell-shocked. Her fingers are visibly shaking and her fascinator is now slightly lopsided. She looks at the audience, then at her award, then at the audience again.
‘For a woman who likes a good natter, I’m surprisingly speechless.’
Everyone laughs.
‘Although I’m honoured to have received this award, I would like to dedicate it to my ACE family. To every staff member, trustee and volunteer. To every fundraiser and supporter. And most importantly, to every carer.’ Her voice wobbles. Wale reaches for her hand. She holds the bridge of her nose until she gathers herself. ‘To every carer in the room and beyond who has ever felt forgotten or invisible, this award is for you. ACE sees you and we appreciate you and we’re with you. Always.’
The clapping is deafening as everyone rises to their feet. Wale wraps an arm around a teary Kathy as she takes everything in. And then, as if I’d called Wale’s name out loud, he looks directly at me.
He’s … smiling. Though I’m not sure if he’s smiling at me – he was already smiling before he looked at me. But then he offers me a slow, steady nod that makes my heart feel like it has springs.
I have a chance.
We have a chance.