Chapter 39 – Remington #2
“I do not, Auburn. I said it’s fantastic,” she calls, loud enough he can hear her.
He chuckles in my ear. “Tell Perri I’ll make sure to send one in her size to our Houston store with her name on it.
” I relay the message, and she fist pumps before going back to her tacos.
“Anyway, what I was calling for is the charity event we’ve been working on.
It’s to provide orthopedic surgeries and aftercare for kids whose families can’t afford it. It’s really special to me and Gianna.”
Their adopted daughter, Jane, spent several years in an orphanage in New York. She was in a wheelchair, unable to walk until the Bouviers adopted her, so I know this charity is very personal to them. They could certainly afford the surgery, but there are so many kids out there who can’t.
“It was in Dad’s notes, so I’m aware of it, but can you tell me more?”
“It’s going to be a ball held next year. Gianna is spearheading on our end since Bouvier is a major sponsor. Your dad indicated that Hale Cosmetics would do the same.”
“Of course,” I say. “We’re happy to sponsor. Just let me know what I need to do.”
“It’s going to be fucking huge, and I know you’re as busy as I am, so you’ll need to choose someone to be the point of contact for your company. Someone who can plan and organize an event of this magnitude.”
“Sure thing,” I agree.
“We recently got a third major sponsor. Since we have cosmetics and clothing covered, I wanted someone in the jewelry industry.”
The back of my neck prickles. “You got Tiffany’s? Harry Winston?”
“No, actually it’s Carlisle Jewelry. The son, Grant, will be in charge of this for them.”
The prickles on my neck turn into heat. Dammit, I hate those assholes, and now someone from my company is going to have to work closely with Grant fucking Carlisle.
I guess I’ve been silent too long because Auburn asks, “Is something wrong?”
I shake my head, even though he can’t see me.
“No, no, not at all.” There’s no way I’m mentioning our family history with the Carlisles when all he’s trying to do is provide medical care for kids.
It seems petty in comparison. “I look forward to working with you on this. Can I get back to you with my person?”
“Of course. Just let me know, and we can talk more in January.”
That reminds me I need to get Mindy to book my trip. The beginning of the year is always hectic and not an ideal time for me to travel, but I’m not missing out on this tournament.
“What was that look on your face?” Perri asks as soon as I hang up.
I sigh and drag a hand over my face. “The Bouviers are organizing a charity for children with orthopedic issues, and we’re one of the major sponsors.”
Perri claps her hands beneath her chin. “Oh, I love that. Little Jane is such an inspiration.”
“She is,” I agree because the kid is just a ball of freaking sunshine.
“And the problem is?” my sister prompts.
“The other major sponsor is Carlisle Jewelry,” I say flatly, and her face falls.
“Oh no, and you can’t complain about it because you would look like a shithead who cares more about a century-old feud than literal babies who are disabled.”
“Right,” I heave out on a long breath. “And I have to come up with a person to run this along with Gianna Bouvier and Grant Carlisle.”
Perri gnaws the corner of her mouth and swirls a chip through the queso dish. Finally, she says, “I could do it.” Her eyes are big and hopeful on mine.
Taking a drink of my iced tea, I say, “This is a huge deal, Per. Like astronomically huge. If I know Bouvier, there won’t be a single donor there worth less than five hundred million dollars.”
My sister straightens her spine and squares her shoulders. “Are you forgetting I’m a Hale? I’ve been going to events like this since I was seven. I probably know most of the attendees anyway, so I’d be the perfect fit for this job.”
I stare at her, working it over in my head as she continues making her case.
“I know you still think of me as a kid, Remi, but I’m twenty-three now, and I’ve been employed by the company since I was a teenager.
And I’ve been full time in the PR and marketing department for two years.
Just ask Phoenix. I’m reliable, organized, and I work well with people. ”
“I don’t have to ask Phoenix. He’s told me several times what a good job you’re doing.”
She beams a smile at me. “So I can have the project?”
Dipping a chip in the warm queso, I take a bite. “You really think you can do it?”
“I know I can,” she says confidently. “Plus, since this is an important sponsorship for the company, it makes sense that someone from the Hale family is in charge. And I’m the least likely to punch that Carlisle dude.”
I laugh. “That’s a good point.” Rolling the idea over in my mind again, I think this might be the solution I was looking for.
I could actually see Perri shine with an event like this, and she’s arguably the most personable of the Hale siblings, with Phoenix a close second.
“My only issue is that I don’t like you having to be around Grant Carlisle.
I want you to promise to come to me if he puts a single toe out of line. ”
“I promise,” she says earnestly, and I smile.
“Then congrats, sis. I know you’re going to do a great job.”
As long as Carlisle doesn’t start any shit. Because I will fucking end him if he’s mean to my sister.