date: sometime around Christmas.
where: A luxe fundraising event put on by the Windsors to support the renovation of the Gravewood High School football stadium.
Christmas time was one of the best times to host fundraisers for many a reason. Wealthy patrons are looking for last minute donations to pad their books and wash tax payments, the Windsors look to spend their remaining “profit” so they can get out of taxes altogether, and people come together to celebrate the holidays in luxe style. It was a PR miracle.
Naturally, it only made sense to host the soiree at L’abattoir at Black Bear Lodge. The glass walls looked down the snowy slopes, the light of a dozen adorned Christmas trees filled the room with a warm glow. Even the crackling of fireplaces and soft violin music carried through the air, despite the chatter of wealthy patrons. It was a black tie affair and despite it being a fundraiser, it was invite only. Everyone was out in their opulence, their finest jewels on display. It was as much a celebration of wealth and a celebration of the year that was as it was an effort to “raise money”. As if they needed to. But, again, it was good PR.
Elijah stood amongst his peers - various staffers of the local government, senators, and even the Governor of West Virginia stood by his side. They shared stories of their triumphs from the year - battles lost and won, though more battles seemed to be won than lost. It was a good year. Even Elijah found himself smiling amongst them. Even though he was not the Mayor yet, they regarded him as an up and coming star. Their approval sent a rush through him like the best high. But, a tether kept him taught to the ground.
Hanging on his arm was none other than his fiancé. Their engagement was still fresh, and despite his attempts to think of a better alternative to pitch to his father, it was still steadily moving toward a wedding in the summer. When he thought too hard about it, it made him gut harden to steel. If someone had paid attention, they would have noticed his use of downers accelerate in the last few months. But, no one did.
She laughed when she was supposed to, she rattled on about his accomplishments, and she even complimented the other wives on the parts of their outfits that seemed the most expensive. She was good at this and he knew it. That didn’t change anything for him, though. She would be a good ally and that was it.
As the conversation shifted, Elijah excused himself and left his fiancé in their “hands” while he navigated across the room toward the open bar. He kept a pleasant smile on his face, charming those he passed with well wishes and promises that he would return with a bourbon in hand. Everything was going to plan and he knew it. When he stopped at the bar, he did as he promised and ordered a top shelf bourbon neat. The burn was familiar and welcome, the heat spread throughout his chest as he sighed. Even his eyes fell closed in ecstasy, as if he were all alone.