I looked over my shoulder at Viola and she laughed.
Pierre walked us through the first landing and to the left set of marble stairs that looked to be a creamy color. The whole staircase seemed golden, though. We reached a large foyer with marble flooring.
"To the left we have the Elevator, Ladies Bathroom and Bridal Suite –"
"Bridal suite?" I interrupted Pierre.
He nodded.
"Yes, typically weddings are held up here, so we have a special suite here for the Bride; however, it can be used for whatever," he waved his hand in a 'whatever' manor. "Anyhow, to the right is the Gentlemen's Bathroom, along with the hallway that leads to the Skylight Room, Atrium and Outdoor Plaza. Behind us is the Night Club, and in front of us is the Grand Ballroom Music Hall."
My head started to spin from all of the information he was spewing out.
"How about we go room to room?" Viola stepped forward, wrapped her left arm in my right one and led the way.
Pierre caught up quickly.
"Of course, Madame," he pushed open a set of large doors and we entered a large ballroom. "This is the Grand Ballroom Music Hall," he announced as we followed him into the room.
It was unreal. The floors were all wooden, the ceiling had to have been about fifty feet high, a balcony wrapped around room, and there was a stage at the far end.
"We’ll use the stage for the auctions, speeches and entertainment," Viola used an informative tone.
"It’s beautiful," I barely got out in a whisper. Viola’s arm tightened around me and I glanced at the large smile on her face.
"Pierre, we will need to set up some dates to come in and discuss the menu, decorating, so forth." Viola spoke over her shoulder to him.
"Of course."
"Let’s take a look at the Skylight Room," Viola spoke as she guided me through a set of doors that were on our right.
We entered a long room with skylights lining the top.
"We’re using this room as well?" I questioned.
Viola giggled.
"We have the entire floor, Lilli." She heard my gasp and patted my arm. "We do this every year. The Black and White Ball is a large, well, a very large event."
"It’s one of the biggest highlights of the year," Pierre added as he passed us and opened a set of doors across from us. "This is the Atrium."
We walked into a room filled with greenery. It smelled of plant life, moisture, and flowers. The walls were made of windows.
"The whole place is beautiful." I looked around the room.
"Outside is the Plaza area. However, based upon the season, I doubt many will be out there." Pierre started toward the door. "Now, let’s have a look at the Night Club, shall we?"
Viola and I followed Pierre closely as we headed into the skylight room and down a smaller hallway, ending our journey back in the foyer. Pierre then led us through another hallway and we came into a long club looking room with a bar and tall tables with stools. There was even a pool table at the far end of the room.
"Most of the men end up here at some point." Viola giggled. "Drinking scotch, playing pool, and discussing business," She took a deep breath and exhaled. "Well, let’s get started. We have a lot of work to do in the next month."
After the three of us returned to the Grand Ballroom, the planning and discussion of ideas began.
"So, I’m thinking we have the trumpeters at the entrance, like last year." Viola looked at Pierre who nodded. "I also would like to put a small string quartet in the first floor landing to play as the guests arrive."
"That sounds lovely, Madame," Pierre was busily writing down things as she spoke.
"Lilli, what do you think?" Viola turned to me and my eyes widened.
"Um…I think your ideas are great." I smiled.
Viola shook her head and smirked.
"What are your ideas, dear? I want your input."
"Oh…well, the quartet and trumpeters sounds wonderful. Um…I think we should get white draperies to line the walls in this room, maybe with black beading or something." Viola was smiling widely.
"That sounds wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Pierre can we replace the red draperies around the stage as well?"
"Of course, Madame, we can do whatever you would like," he was starting to remind of a small lapdog the way he would move to Viola’s side and obey her. I started waiting for his tongue to flop out as he pant at her feet.
For the next three hours we discussed decorations, seating, menus, entertainment and set up times and days to meet with Pierre. Once we had finished, Viola turned to me with a large sigh and a small smile.
"I’m starving." She wrapped her arm in mine again. "Let’s head out for lunch."
"Sure," we left the Grand Prospect. I was exhausted.
"How do you do this all the time?" I asked Viola as we sat waiting on our salads to arrive to our table.