Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“Why did you bring me here?”
“Because these events are usually boring for me, and I thought we’d have some fun together.”
Leila rolls her eyes. “Me? We barely know each other. You would’ve been better off bringing Mason.”
“I have in the past. This time, I thought you and I would have a good time. We always do when we’re together.”
“I’m still nervous.”
I loop my arm with hers. “Don’t worry; I’ve got you.”
Leila clings to me as we walk around the large, crowded room. I introduce her to some of the people I know, including the charity board.
“You know, we wouldn’t be standing if it weren’t for Spencer’s generosity fifteen years ago.”
“What do you mean?” Leila asks Bill, the current president of the MD foundation.
“There were bigger charities to care about that affect more people, so we were desperate. We figured we had one year left, so we were making the most of it. A few of our kids were big fans of As We Grow, so we arranged for them to visit the set and meet the actors.”
“I got attached to some of the kids,” I interrupt. “And the MD foundation became my charity of choice. Everything I do benefits this charity in some way.”
“Wow, that’s really great, Spencer,” Leila says. “This is the side of you people should see. Not the guy who parties and gets into fights at clubs.”
“I can be both,” I say with a laugh.
“You know, I’d never heard of muscular dystrophy until you told me about this event.”
Bill sighs. “Not many people have. You’ll learn more about it today, and I hope you’ll spread the word.”
“I will,” Leila promises.
Bill walks away, and I tug Leila to the side. “Bill has been the president of this foundation since the late nineties. Two of his kids had muscular dystrophy, and they both died pretty young. You’ve probably heard of it and didn’t realize. Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a type.”
“Oh! I didn’t make the connection. That makes sense.”
“That’s only one kind, and it’s the only one that gets any attention. This charity focuses on the other types that are unfortunately more common in younger children who don’t make it to adulthood.”
Leila tears up. “This is a lot sadder than I expected.”
We approach a bar. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad. This is a great organization, and you’ll hear some of the kids talk. They don’t want you to cry.”
“Then I’ll need another drink in me.”
“Coming right up.”
I get us two beers just as the MC of the night announces that dinner will be served soon, so we should find our seats. Leila and I are at a table with a few other small celebrities, some of whom I know but most of whom I’ve never heard of. We introduce ourselves and make small talk until the salad course comes out.
After the salad is a soup course, and then the main meal.
“I hope you don’t mind steak.”
“It looks delicious!” Leila says, eyeing the food in front of her. “I haven’t had a steak in forever. Not in my budget.”
“Then you’ll definitely enjoy hanging out with me. I’m a red meat and potatoes kind of guy.”
“That’s how I like them.”
We eat our food and talk to each other, mostly ignoring the people sitting around the table with us. The six of them don’t seem to mind that we’re in our own little world. This adds to our credit as a couple, but that’s not the most important thing to me here. I want to enjoy this time with Leila, and I wasn’t lying before. I always have a good time when she’s around. These last couple of weeks have been awesome. I couldn’t imagine bringing anyone else to this dinner.
After we eat, dessert is served, and I’m called to the stage.
“I didn’t know you were making a speech!”
“Just a few words to introduce the kids.”
I get up to a scattered round of applause. Most hands are busy digging into the triple-chocolate cake slices being placed in front of them, and I don’t blame them. The cake is delicious. I snuck a bite before I got called up.
“Thank you everyone for being here today,” I say into the microphone. “This event raises money for all the activities the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation does throughout the year, as well as funds research that helps these kids and adults live their best lives. I’m honored to be a part of a foundation that does so much good, and I want you all to know how much your presence means to us here today. A few of the kids who are a part of the foundation are here and would like to talk with you about their lives and the events the MD Foundation puts on for them every year. First, please welcome Sammy J., who has an amazing poem to read to you! Thank you again for being here and enjoy the rest of your night.”