"Oh, I just keep those kids in my head and my heart." She sipped her water. "They are my drive to do all of this, having you with me on this is such an amazing help as well. I’m thrilled that you decided to help me." She smiled warmly, but must have seen my hesitant smile. "What is it?" She asked.
"Um…I don’t know if I should work with you ‘officially’. I mean, I love helping you, but I’m still not sure that it is a good idea –"
"That’s nonsense! It is a wonderful idea." She smiled.
"But in four years…Viola, I won’t be… I mean, Aidan could eventually meet someone –"
"Look, I’m going to be blunt and I don’t want you to be offended, okay?" I nodded and bit my lip. "I love Aidan, but I love you too, my dear. Even in the short time we’ve known each other. Regardless of what happens in four years, I know you’re the person that should be working at the foundation with me. I saw the way you were with those children and I see it every time you are with them." I smiled at just the thought of them.
"See!" she pointed at my face. "That’s what I am talking about." She reached over and grabbed my hand. "Lilli, you are an Iverson now. You’re Aidan’s wife and, by marriage, you are automatically a very huge part of the foundation, legally."
I raised my eyebrow, questioning.
She took a drink of her water and then took a deep breath.
"I run the foundation, yes. However, Aidan owns the foundation. It was a part of his inheritance. As his wife, it’s more like your inheritance."
"My…wait…what?" I furrowed my brow.
"The foundation belonged to Aidan Senior’s first wife, Isobel. Aidan Sr. basically did whatever she asked of him, she was his true love." She smiled warmly. "The foundation was then taken over by Olivia, Aidan Senior’s second wife. So, you see, technically, it’s now your foundation to run."
"I would never take that from you. You’ve had it and managed it. Well, hell, Viola, I could never –"
"Oh Lilli, I run the foundation because I want to, because I love those children and because Aidan Senior asked me to help Olivia before she passed away." She patted my hand. "You should be involved. Olivia would have wanted it and, from what I know of Isobel, she would want you involved as well."
Before I could talk to her more about this revelation, our food was brought to the table. Viola changed the subject to table placement, seating, and table arrangement. We talked over lunch for over an hour before heading towards our next destination, an appointment with an event decorator and planner. It was time to discuss decorating options.
After two hours of fabric textures, lighting, flowers, frosted or clear crystal, and many other décor options, we had finally decided on flat matte black table clothes, all white dishes, silver flatware, frosted glasses, tall, clear, crystal vase centerpieces with long stemmed white calla lilies and a red, satin ribbon wrapped around the neck of the vase. White votive candles would line the tables underneath the flower arrangements. We would have flat white draperies that had intricate black crystal beading lining the walls and the stage. And this was just in the Grand Ballroom.
The Skylight Room would have white couches instead of tables with black pillows and white roses would be the centerpieces for the large, square, black coffee tables.
The Atrium was already so full of plant life that we decided on simple black chairs and tables, along with one large bundle of white peonies in the middle. The Night Club would have red accent lighting against the walls with zebra print chairs and furniture cushions.
By the time I got home, I was beat. I drug myself into the kitchen where a happily busy Rachel was finishing up dinner.
"Oh, Mrs. Iverson, Mr. Iverson called and stated he wouldn’t be home until late, but I should go ahead and prepare dinner." I nodded. Aidan had texted me earlier to tell me.
"Rachel, please, call me Lilli." I smiled at her and then turned to the fridge for a bottle of water.
"Okay…Lilli." Rachel smiled back at me. Since Aidan wasn’t home, I sat in the kitchen with Rachel and her son, eating dinner with them. Rachel’s son was very smart and loved football.
After dinner I helped clean up, even though Rachel tried to object repeatedly. Then I headed to a long hot bath before collapsing on the couch in the library with a book.
The rest of the week went the same. I spent my days with Viola and Aidan worked late. I only saw him early in the morning, which was very brief, since we were both busily getting ourselves together for the long days ahead of us.
Viola had me so involved with the preparations for the ball, along with other foundation things, that I now carried a leather messenger bag. My IPhone was loaded up with business contacts, information, as well as my new work email address. I realized, a little too late, that I was in so deep with the foundation in just a matter of days that getting out would almost be too difficult to consider.