When the laughter died down, the VP continued.
“He’s too modest to say it, but what Simeon does, the amount of money he gives…it’s a beautiful thing. If that doesn’t deserve a toast, well, I don’t know what does. So, a toast to generosity in all its forms. That’s why we’re here.”
They raised their glasses and hit them together. Gently. They drank.
“That’s very kind of you, Eliot,” Rothschild said into the mic. “It’s true that I’m modest. I’m one of the most modest people in the state.”
The crowd laughed and he waited it out. He held the mic with one hand and let the other hand settle in his jacket pocket. From far away he looked different-the veins were smoothed by distance, and the dark eyes were just spots to center the audience’s focus. Jake wished he had his notebook. He listened instead.
“It’s great to have so many old and new friends here today. All of you are important to this company and what we are trying to do for Florida. We are trying to build high quality spaces for a range of residents with a range of needs.”
He switched mic hands and walked to another part of the room. He was a politician, hitting every corner.
“Just the other day, I met someone who told me that our work helped them to afford their first home. And the next day, I met someone who said that our work helped them finally reach the luxury they deserved. They didn’t put it quite like that, of course. But it was gratifying to hear people embrace Rothschild.”
He crossed the room again and picked up a glass. Not water. Champagne bubbles rose to the top.
“As you know, we have our fair share of opponents. Tonight we saw that. The environmentalists are a violent and extreme group. Many of them have great principles, but far too many don’t. If Conrad hadn’t tackled that man, who knows what he would have done? Who knows what might have happened? Sadly, a lot of the environmentalists are like our bearded friend tonight. They are violent. Concerned only with personal gain. They aren’t the people we listen to though, are they? We listen to the people who want to live in Rothschild units, whomever they may be.”
People began applauding. He put down the champagne and waved them off.
“Those whackos aren’t what we’re here for tonight. We’re here to talk about charity. We have been building the Rothschild foundation for years, and we aren’t going to stop growing.”
Jake touched Mel’s arm.
“This is why we’re here?”
“It’s the tenth anniversary.”
“Seeing how our efforts have grown,” Rothschild said, “has been an amazing process. Still, I know we can do better. That’s why I’m announcing that I’ll be increasing my personal donation this year. We can do more for the great communities around us. That’s what this foundation has always been about.
“Part of the reason we’re doing it is to expand our mission. As you know, we’ve always dealt with a wide range of issues and concerns in this area. We won’t stop. We support a wide range of causes. With my donations, and your help, we can add depth to our breadth.”
Everyone clapped again. Rothschild didn’t bow or acknowledge it. He just stood waiting. He’d heard all the applause before.
He circulated the tables again, never sitting down. The band played a slow song and people began to file out of the room. The waiters and waitresses circulated, asking the guests if they needed anything else. No one did. Jake was talking to Mel when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and black eyes stared back.
“Quite a night, wasn’t it, Mr. Russo?”
“It was, Mr…Simeon. Quite a night.”
“Did you see that madman? He must have a personal vendetta against glassware.”
“He must.”
“Mel,” Rothschild said, “I’m going to make you tackle him next time.”
“He teases me,” she told Jake.
“I’d ask the same of you, Mr. Russo. Hopefully we didn’t make a poor impression.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“Good.” He raised his chin and looked across the room. He placed his fingertips at the top of his cummerbund. “I’d hate to make a poor impression. It was a good thing we had Conrad, wasn’t it?”
“Was he the gentleman who tackled the man?”
“That’s correct. He’s a very genial man. But when he needs to act otherwise…”
He laughed and Jake and Mel laughed with him. He stopped suddenly.
“But enough of madmen. When will we be speaking?”
“Sir?”
“An interview. I want to tell you about our plans. Your readers would love to know more about me.”
“Well, if you’d like to schedule a time, I’d be happy.”
“Here.” He handed Jake another business card, made of thick stock. “This has my information.”
“I’ll give you a call.”
“No. It’s to write down the time. I’m free the fourteenth. Lunch. We’ll have it.”
“I’m not sure-”
But he was already walking away. Mel pulled at Jake’s sleeve as they got up to leave.
“That’s the thing about Simeon Rothschild. He not only starts conversations when he wants to.” She shrugged. “He also ends them when he wants to.”
CHAPTER 11
At night the heat made sense. During the day, he couldn’t understand the weather. But at night it all changed. The humidity seemed to thin out in the breeze. The moon took over the sun’s shift. The roads were finally dark again, instead of being glossed up with mirage. Things made sense at night, especially with a woman in the passenger’s seat.
She looked over at him.
“Where now?”
“Your car’s still at Sunset Cove, right?”
“Yes, I guess that’s where we can go.” She looked back at the banquet building.
He started driving. He’d gotten the door for her that time. Heard the seatbelt buckle click. They didn’t turn the radio on. All they heard was the road rushing, because Jake liked the windows open. Mel spoke over the wind.
“How was your interview with Charlotte?”
“That? Interesting. She has some interesting theories about things to be sure. A little obsessed with bridge.”
She laughed.
“They all are.”
“Are they?”
“Definitely. I know-I’m the one who schedules the common room for bridge games. It gets intense.”
“It sounds that way.”
The wind blew loudly into the car as they accelerated. Mel smiled.
“Can you hear it?”
“What?”
“The Gulf.”
He went on the ramp.
“You can hear the ocean from here?”
“Yes,” she said and laughed. “And it’s the Gulf of Mexico. Not an ocean.”
He looked over quick. Her tan paled in moonlight. She smiled and her teeth shone.
“You learn to hear the water when you live here all your life.”
“I’d think you’d notice it less.”
“Most people do. But I always appreciate it.”
