"Ashley," she said, voice well practiced and thoroughly rehearsed for this moment.
"How lovely to finally sit together."
Ashley took the hand offered. Her grip matched pressure for pressure. "Welcome," she said, evenly. We're glad you could join."
The masters of the ceremony chose that moment to interrupt as he introduced the first speaker. Applause rose and fell. A flash went off at various angles, turning eyelashes to bright wire.
In the soft chaos, Maddie lowered herself into the empty chair at the head table and slid the card beneath her palm with a smile that meant, the show had just began.
Intermission arrived disguised as applause and dessert forks. Donors stood to "stretch," which meant trade promises in softer lighting.
Brooke's smile appeared at Maddie's side, polite, professional, bait that looked like a compliment.
"Ms. Vale? Mrs. Camila's media would love a quick quote for the donor reel. Two minutes, quiet room."
