We are at the first Stanton Mental Health Institute charity ball and I am flitting around the room with my committee. Nicholas and I have joined forces and we make a mean team.
The voice echoes from the stage. “Can I please welcome to the stage, Natasha Stanton.”
The crowd clap and I make my way through the throes of people, walking nervously up to the stage.
I take my place behind the microphone and I feel my heart swell with pride. This is what I was meant to be doing. This is my calling. I have never felt so strongly about anything as I do about being an advocate for mental health.
I am wearing a heavy lace fitted black dress and my hair is out and full. Adrian has done well with this little number. I feel confident and comfortable.
I smile nervously and give a little wave to the crowd
Everyone laughs softly, and my eyes search the crowd for my man.
“Hello. I would, once again, like to thank you all for coming tonight.”
This is my second speech of the night. The first one I gave had people in tears.
“The Stanton Mental Health Institute has one goal and one goal only. To advocate, care for and create funding for research on mental health. With your help, we can break down the stigmatism and create hope and quality care.”
I open the envelope and smile broadly as I read the next line. Oh my God, is this the true figure?
I look up and find Joshua in the crowd and I feel myself tear up.
“It is my great pleasure to announce that, thanks to your generosity, we have raised eleven point two million dollars tonight.”
The crowd all cheer and I drop my chin to my chest to hide my emotion. The committee and everyone involved have worked so damn hard on this project. Cameron, his father and Joshua have called on every contact they know to make this a success. We are all so proud of this charity.
I can’t do anything but stand and applaud along with the audience for an extended time.
I raise my hand to the committee and the crowd continues to clap.
“From all of us at the Stanton Mental Health Institute, we give you a huge thank you. Tonight’s funding will change so many lives,” I announce through my tears. I bow softly and the crowd clap and cheer and I exit the stage to find my man.
I arrive back with my family and smile with happiness. They are all celebrating the monetary figure.
Cameron kisses my cheek. “Fucking hell, Tash. Eleven million!” he whispers.
Dad shakes Joshua’s hand aggressively. “Well done, son.” He turns and kisses me. “Well done, Natasha.” He smiles.
I smile again broadly as I feel lips on my cheek and a hand slide around my waist. I turn to see my handsome husband and I kiss him gently on the lips.
“Did I sound ok?” I ask.
“Perfect.” He smiles. “I’m so proud of you, Presh,” he whispers.
I smile and put both of my arms around his neck. “The formalities are over. Please get me a drink, my Lambo?”
He smiles and drops his hand to my behind. He cracks his neck hard as he gives me that look that he does so well.
His eyes drop to my breasts that are pushed up against his chest, and I feel his cock harden up against my body through his dinner suit.
“You just got yourself a ticket to Pound Town, Mrs. Stanton,” he whispers in my ear.
My lips linger on his and his sweet scent surrounds me.
“Please,” I breathe as I subtly rub my body up against his erection.
“I want the scenic route,” I whisper.
He smiles broadly. “We will always take the long way, Presh.”
He kisses me again.
“You know it, baby.” I smirk.
I will never get enough of this man.
Of the life he has brought me.
Of the children he has given me.
Of the way he makes me feel.