Chapter 145

Logan

I offered my arm to Alyssa and escorted her into the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza as Alanna walked ahead. A bellman took our coats as we walked in, revealing Alyssa's lovely dress that fell over her body like water-very elegant and sexy. If this event hadn't been in my honor, I would have taken her back to my condo and not let her out of the bedroom for a week.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and beige pillars stood along the sides of the room, as the ceiling glowed in peach lighting. An ornately decorated Christmas tree sat at the far end of the room to the right by the stage, and tables set along the edge, leaving the center of the floor open. Christmas lights hung around the room, elegantly decorated but not overly done.
When Alanna slipped out of her coat, she had the attention of every man in the room with her barely-there dress. I escorted them both to the head table where Frank and Craig were sitting with us, on my invitation.
"Frank!" Alyssa gushed as she gave him an air kiss and he pulled her in for a hug. "Roxanne! What are you two doing here?"
"We're providing the entertainment tonight," Frank said, and stepped back so Alyssa could give his wife a hug. Frank reached over and shook my hand. "Thanks, Logan or should I call you Mr. Ambrose now?"
"Before long, you'll have to call him Senator Ambrose," Roxanne interrupted.
I laughed. "No, not yet, but soon, I hope."
Craig stood and shook my hand, but Alyssa stood back. For a moment, I wondered what had happened between them. He had been her agent, after all. "It's good to see you again," Craig said as he shook my hand and hugged Alyssa. "It's good to see you, too, Alyssa."
She forced a smile. "I'm glad you could make it." Then, she looked around and asked Frank, "Who's providing the entertainment?"
"It's a surprise," Frank said proudly.
"Really? Someone I know?" Alyssa asked.
Frank shrugged. "I think you'll enjoy it."
Everyone laughed, and then Curt Davis approached our table.
Alyssa smiled as she stood and pulled him in for a chaste hug. "I'm so glad you came here tonight," she said, and then turned to me. "May I introduce Logan Ambrose. Logan, this is Curt Davis."
I smiled and offered him my hand. "Thank you for coming."
He shook my hand. "I'm glad to be here," he said, smiling as he looked over at Alyssa. "Alyssa here is the best consultant in all of New York."
She blushed. "Oh, you're just prejudice."
"Maybe I should consult her about my campaign," I said as I released his hand.
"Maybe you should. She's very knowledgeable in business," he said, smiling. Then, he looked over at Alanna with interest. "Well, I was hoping that the lovely Ms. Keel would grant me a dance."
I looked over at her and raised an eyebrow. Even though I had just met Alanna, she was a friend of Alyssa's and I felt protective of her.
She gave me a slight nod, and then turned her attention to Curt. "I'd be honored, Mr. Davis."
"Please, call me Curt," he corrected as he escorted her onto the dance floor.
"I hope she knows what she's getting into," Alyssa said as she watched them on the dance floor.
"Knowing Alanna, I hope he knows what he's getting into," I corrected as everyone laughed, knowing how strong willed she was.
"True," Alyssa said as she leaned closer to me.
"Would you like to dance?" I asked her, wishing that we could be alone.
"I thought you'd never ask," she breathed as she leaned against me, causing me to catch my breath.
I smiled as I led her onto the dance floor and pulled her into my arms. I lifted her hand to my chest and wrapped the other around her waist as we swayed to the music. "Are you happy?" I asked as I looked into her eyes.
She nodded. "Very. Are you?"
I smiled. "The happiest I've ever felt in my life."
She returned the smile and leaned her head against my chest as I waltzed her around the floor. The band played classical Christmas music and classic band era swing-perfect for a political fundraiser event. As another slow song came up and we continued dancing, I wished the night would never end.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my parents walk in as my insides tightened. They looked around the room, and then my mother pointed when she saw us, just as the song came to an end.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for coming tonight," Mayor Townsend said into the microphone as he clapped for the band. "Of course, you all know why we're here tonight. We're here to celebrate the candidacy of Mr. Logan Ambrose to run for Senator, and to raise money for the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital!" The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. "Come on up and say a few words, Logan!"
I looked across the room at my parents and then at Alyssa, who hadn't seen them yet. I felt as if I was leaving her alone to fend off the vultures. "Alyssa, would you please sit with Frank for a moment?"
Her eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Sure. What's wrong?"
"No time to explain," I said as I pulled her toward our table and Frank was there sitting with his wife, thank goodness. "Frank, can you look out for Alyssa for me?"
He nodded, concerned. "No problem." He stood up and held Alyssa's chair as she sat down.
I rushed onto the stage, knowing that Frank wouldn't let anything happen to her, and stepped up to the microphone with a smile plastered on my face. You might know that my parents would come in just when I had to step away from Alyssa. "Thank you for coming tonight, ladies and gentlemen! I'm very excited to run for Senator!" The crowd erupted into thunderous applause. "I have a lot planned to help the people of New York. To start, I plan to improve the healthcare system. As you know, I recently visited the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and many of the children there are terminally ill. And I'm sure there are a lot of parents with sick children who cannot afford this magnitude of healthcare for their children. I plan to do what I can to improve it and provide healthcare for all of the children in New York. Children should not be forced to have to live in a hospital. Especially not at Christmas time. Let's do our best to see that all children celebrate their holidays at home instead of in a hospital. As a result, a portion of the campaign funds collected tonight will go to the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in an effort to make this a reality." The crowd clapped loudly. "I also plan to examine our gun control laws and take exotic weaponry out of the hands of criminals. These savage attacks on nightclubs, schools, and churches must stop!" The crowd cheered even louder. As I looked out over the crowd, my parents were convening on Alyssa and a sudden protective urge came over me. I had to get to her now! "I'm Logan Ambrose! And if elected Senator, I plan to work tirelessly to help the people of New York and the country! Thank you!"