"The Fillmore Country Club, please." She reached in her bra, pulled out the cash, and handed the cabbie $40.00. Will this cover it?"
"Yes, Ma'am, and then some."
"Keep the change," said Teresa. As the taxi pulled away, she once more looked at the home of Mathew and Laura Connelly, and then bowed her head. Leaving Laura was hard, but it had to be done.
*
Austin let the chauffer open the door for her, and then scooted out behind Maggie. He offered his arm again, returned her smile and escorted her to the door. The first one he introduced her to was the doorman, Samuel, who looked pleased to see Austin with a date.
The wide hallway was filled with the sweet smell of flowers, and faint music that grew louder as he walked her to the doorway of the Fillmore Country Club's ballroom. The polished hardwood dance floor glistened under slowly revolving light fixtures that gave off a soft blue and gold glow. Bouquets of orchids on white stands sat between floor-to-ceiling windows; with blue velvet draperies that were tied back to expose white sheers. Waiters, dressed in white jackets, carried drinks on large silver trays while the orchestra played a waltz. Some of the couples were dancing, while others sat at tables, or were helping themselves to the light buffet.
"Is it not divine?" Maggie asked.
Austin leaned closer. "It is, now that you are here."
She blushed slightly and began to examine the faces in the crowded room. It seemed everyone knew Austin and it wasn't but a moment before he began introducing her to everyone. Maggie was pleasant to them all, thanked the ones who complimented her looks and prayed that part would be over soon.
"How many guests," she asked when there was a slight lull in his constant greetings.
"Two thousand, I believe."
"Two thousand? I don't imagine I can bear that many introductions."
"Would you care for a walk in the gardens?"
"Please."
He wrapped her hand around his arm once more, and took her out a back door. Behind the building, were manicured shrubs and an abundance of late blooming roses and lilacs. Beyond those were tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool.
Maggie let go of his arm, walked to a window that had the sheers pulled back and looked in. "Do you know all of them?"
"Probably, unless they brought guests I am not aware of. They are all wealthy and very important to the cause."
"What cause is that?"
"The money goes to provide schooling and necessities for homeless children."
Maggie's eyes lit up and she smiled at him. "What an honorable cause."