Chapter 22

The black Town Car pulled into the parking lot. Marc arrived at Chloe's office at precisely 10 am. He adjusted his rearview mirror and quickly looked in the back seat, then turned down the radio and waited.

The office door opened, and he spotted a nicely dressed Chloe and a tall white man. He assumed he must be Stanley Roberts. Marc was surprised at how casually he was dressed for a millionaire. He opened the door and walked around the passenger side, then opened the door and greeted his two passengers.

"Good morning!" he said cheerfully.

Chloe smiled and him and replied, "Good morning, Marc. Thank you for being on time. This is Stanley Roberts. Stanley, this is Marc. He'll be our driver today."

Stanley extended his hand. "Good to meet you, man." Stanley shook his hand firmly. Marc shook his hand back and said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Roberts." "Please, call me Stanley," he said.

"Okay, Stanley. Please get in," he said.

Chloe smiled and slid in the back seat. Stanley smiled and climbed in behind her. Marc shut the door and walked around to the driver's side and got in the car.

"Marc, we'll be visiting the Marigold shelter, and then we're going to Zoe's Soul Food Kitchen," Chloe said.

"Very good," he said and put the car in drive.

Anna greeted Chloe and Stanley as they entered the shelter. She gave them a tour of the shelter and introduced Stanley to the staff. When the tour was over, Stanley asked to speak with Anna in her office.

"You're doing good work here, Anna. I'm very impressed with what you've accomplished with little money," he said.

"We really depend a lot on donations. We get 40% of our food donated. We have organizations that will help us with blankets and bedding, hygiene supplies, clothes, shoes, and even first aid supplies. I have volunteers who help out in the kitchen, donate time and supplies for maintenance and the upkeep of the building and cleaning. As you can see, we do a lot of laundry here, so having a working washer and dryer and other supplies is a priority. For most of the people we help, this is the only place they can take a hot shower or get clean clothes."

"You do more than offer shelter," he said.

"Yes, we do," replied Anna.

"I really like what you're doing, and I'd like to help. Chloe tells me you have a fundraising event coming up," he said.

"Yes, one of our volunteers has allowed us to use her restaurant to have an open mic. She's really been planning. We're very excited," Anna said.

"Yes, Chloe mentioned your marketing budget was a little tight. I'd like to contribute some money to help you spread the word. I can also help with social media. I can make a few phone calls and have a campaign put together in a few hours," he said.

Anna's eyes lit up. "I don't know what to say. Thank you." "I also heard you had a large donor back out," he said.

"Yes," said Anna. "Our plan is to purchase a new building. The facility would be larger and be able to accommodate more people. There are times when we're at capacity and have to turn people away."

"I'll be honest. I can donate to any charity, several charities. But I'm looking to partner with an organization and develop a long-term relationship. An organization that can grow and expand. Your shelter is just such an organization. You have tremendous room for growth, and you help hundreds of people a day. I like what I'm seeing. I want to be a part of it." "Mr. Roberts –"

"Stanley," he interrupted.

"Stanley," she said, "I'm at a total loss for words. I've never had such a generous offer. I don't know what to say."

"Say yes, and let's get started!" he said.

"Anna, if you can provide me with some information for the fundraiser, I can send it over to the marketing team," Chloe said.

"Of course," she said.

She went through the scattered papers on the desk and produced a flyer with the event information. Chloe took it from her hands.

"Yes, this will do. Is it okay if we come up with a logo and spice it up a bit? It'll look better on the social media platforms."

"Sure, do whatever you'd like," Anna said.

"Great," said Chloe. "Stanley, we're due at the restaurant for lunch."

"I'm going to have my assistant call you today, Anna. We need to get things in order. For starters, I want to give a small donation today. Use it on what you need, but know that more help is coming. I want to talk about the new space you were looking to purchase." He pulled out his wallet and handed Anna $1,000.

She stared at the money. "Take it," he said.

She took the money, ran around her desk, and hugged him.

"Thank you, Stanley." She had tears in her eyes.

"It's my pleasure to help you and your wonderful organization. My assistant will be in touch today," he said while hugging her back.

Marc was waiting for them as they emerged from the shelter. He opened the passenger door and watched both his passengers get in, then hopped in the driver's seat and started for Zoe's Soul Food Kitchen.

"Marc, have you been inside the Marigold Shelter?" Stanley asked.

Marc looked into the rearview mirror. "I actually volunteer in the kitchen and help out with some maintenance."

"Really? So you know Anna?" Stanley asked.

"Anna is great. She really cares about the people. I mean, she spends her own money if something is needed. I've worked with her for a while," Marc said. "So, you volunteer and drive?" Stanley asked.

"Well, I volunteer because I have some spare time and I enjoy giving back. I'm working to expand my business. You know, buy more cars, hire more drivers, that kind of thing. So when things are slow, I drive Lyft or Uber and volunteer at the shelter."

"Wow," said Stanley. "An entrepreneur and a volunteer. I'm impressed, man."

"Thanks," said Marc. He caught Chloe's reflection in the rearview mirror, and she winked at him.

He smiled and continued driving.

Chloe quickly sent a group text to Tallulah and Zoe:

We're on our way- A game bitches

The town car pulled in front of Zoe's Soul Food Kitchen. Marc put the car in drive and jumped out of the driver's seat. Stanley had already opened the door and was climbing out of the car before Marc could get to the passenger's side of it. Stanley then held out his hand for Chloe and helped her out of the car.

He turned toward Marc and said, "Come on, man, you gotta eat, too," motioning for him to come inside.

The trio was greeted by a tall hostess. Chloe said, "Hi Simone, is our table ready?" "Yes, Ms. Chloe, this way," she replied.

She led them to a table toward the back of the restaurant. It was Zoe's favorite table. Close to the kitchen, but not too close.

Tallulah walked up to the table. She was surprised to see Marc.

"Welcome. My name in Tallulah, and I'll be your server. Can I start you off with something to drink?"

Stanley spoke first. "It's customary to let the lady order first. Chloe?"

"I'll have some water and a sweet tea, please."

Tallulah nodded her head and wrote down her request. Stanley looked at Marc. "Too early for a beer?"

Marc held up his hand. "I'm driving. I'll have water, and that sweet tea sounds good." Stanley smiled. "Well, I'm not driving, so I'll have a beer."

Tallulah smiled and said, "Great, I'll bring those right out." She then turned and walked toward the kitchen.

Stanley opened the menu. "Chloe, what do you recommend? It all sounds great."

She didn't even bother to open the menu. "Well, Zoe makes wonderful ribs, catfish, oxtails, brisket, chicken, collards, mac and cheese, potato salad, and much more. What do you feel like, Stanley?" she said.

"I haven't had ribs in so long…ribs," he said.

Marc nodded. "They're really good. I really like her catfish."

Tallulah returned with the waters, beer, and sweet teas. She was carrying a large tray and a small folding table. She carefully unfolded the table and set the tray on top.

"Okay, for the lady, water and sweet tea. For the gentleman, water and another sweet tea. And for the other gentleman, beer, and I also brought you a water."

"Are you ready to order?" she asked.

Chloe looked at her and said, "T, you know what I want. Gentlemen?" "T?" Stanley questioned.

"Stanley, this is my best friend, Tallulah Brock. She's the writer I told you about." "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Roberts," Tallulah said.

"Tallulah, it's nice to meet you. I hear you're a very talented writer. We should talk," he said, extending his hand.

She shook his hand. "Really? That would be great." "Great, what are you doing now?" he said.

"Well, I'm doing this, helping out Zoe. I also write for a small local paper called Big World, and I'm freelancing for You & Me," she said.

"You & Me?" he said. "That's the glam mag…Sylvia's thing, right?"

"Yes, but I've never met her. I work primarily with the editor, Sharon Eckerson. Now, I know what Chloe's having. What about the gentlemen?" she said.

"Ribs, with all the works!" said Stanley.

"I'm going with the oxtails," said Marc.

"Great. I'll put this order in right away," she said, then turned to walk back to the kitchen. "What's the name of the paper you write for? I'd like to read your stuff," Stanley said. She spun around. "Big World. I think I have a copy. I can bring it to you."

She walked into the kitchen and immediately started jumping around. "Hell yeah!" she yelled.

"What's that about?" Zoe asked.

Tallulah continued to dance around. In a singsong voice, she said, "Stanley Roberts wants to

read my stuff. He's a media mogul!" She danced around and handed Zoe their order. "He wants

to try your ribs, with all the fixins!"

"Stop. Please stop." Zoe laughed.

After lunch, Zoe joined the group at the table. She introduced herself and sat down. Stanley was very impressed with her restaurant, and he complimented her several times throughout their conversation. Tallulah walked up to the table and handed Stanley an old copy of Big World. "Thank you," he replied. "Please, sit down, join us."

She looked around, then looked at Zoe. "As much as I'd love to sit and talk with you, I have other tables. It was a pleasure meeting you."

Stanley stood up. "It was great to meet you. We'll talk again, I'm sure," he said.

"So, Stanley," Zoe started, "what did you think about the shelter?"

"I'm really impressed with Anna. I also like the way she works with the volunteers. People like you and Marc. I can definitely see the potential to reach a lot more people. I like the idea for your fundraiser. It's unique and different. I'm going to partner with Marigold," he said, looking at Chloe. She opened her mouth, but he held up his hand. "I'll make the announcement next week, just in time for the fundraiser. That also gives us time to put together a social media blitz." Chloe shook her head and pulled out her note. She jotted down some notes and looked at her watch.

"Well, Stanley, this is all I had planned for today. Marc can take us back to the office, and we can put something together there," she said.

Marc stood up. "Thank you so much for lunch, Stanley."

Stanley stood and smiled. "My pleasure. I like entrepreneurs. I think you'll do well. Any referrals I can push your way, I'm happy to do so."

Marc smiled. "Thank you, that's very generous. I'll be in the car," he said.

He thanked Zoe for lunch and headed toward the main door of the restaurant. On the way, he caught sight of Tallulah. They made eye contact, and he winked at her. She smiled back, then turned her attention back to her customers.

"So, you and Chloe went to college together?" Stanley asked.

"Yes, Tallulah, too. We were roommates," she replied.

Chloe stood up and hugged Zoe. "Thank you so much for lunch. I'll call you later." Zoe shook Stanley's hand, and they walked toward the door."So, what do you think about this place for the open mic?" she asked.

He looked around. "Good food, welcoming atmosphere…I like it. I'll admit, I've never been to an open mic, so it'll be a first for me," he said.

Zoe stopped at the door and watched Marc open the door for Chloe, then turned to Stanley. "I'm glad you enjoyed lunch. I look forward to seeing you soon," she said.

Stanley nodded and waved goodbye. She watched him climb into the black Town Car and drive away.

Tallulah unlocked her apartment door. She was exhausted. As she stepped inside, the first thing she did was take off her shoes. She then closed the door behind her and went straight into her

bedroom. Normally she would have gone to the couch, but that was Michael's bed, and she tried to give him as much space as possible.

She threw herself across the bed and rolled over onto her back. She closed her eyes and groaned out loud, lay there for a few moments longer, and decided to take a shower. When she finally stepped out of the shower, she could hear Michael on the phone. She couldn't make out what he was saying, but she could hear him. She dried herself off and dressed in a pair of old sweat pants and an oversized T-shirt. She then put up her hair and went out into the living room.

Michael was just ending his call. "Thanks, Dave. No, it's next week. I expect to see you…okay…later."

He hung up, and she sat next to him on the couch. "Hey, how was your day?" she asked.

"I just hung up with Crazy Dave."

"Okay, and…?"

"Well, he said he spoke with Owen Katz today. Lily's old producer."

"And?" she said, sounding anxious.

"Well, Dave said the man is a talker. It took forever for him to explain who he was and why he was calling. But he said the old man has a memory like a steel trap. He told him all about his time with Lily. How he found her, making the album, his studio being burned to the ground, and how he believes it was Sylvia's mother, Amanda Worthington-Blass."

Tallulah's eyes were wide, and she was sitting up. Her mouth was slightly ajar. "He really talked to him?"

"For over an hour. He recorded the call, so he's sending the record over via email. I should have it in an hour or so."

"So, Owen Katz…huh. Well, I've got some news," she said. "What a day I had. So first of all, let me say, the article for the shelter is almost done. I took your advice and told my editor." Michael looked at her.

"For fuck's sake, Michael, you told me to tell her. I technically work for the lady. So anyway, I tell her. Next thing I know, she says she's coming here in two days. Wants to talk in person."

"What's that about?" he said.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I have no fucking idea. Would you hop on a plane to fire someone?"

He laughed. "No. I think she could do that over the phone."

"Oh, and I met Stanley Roberts today. I gave him a copy of BW." Michael looked shocked. "He asked for a copy?"

"Yes, so I had an old copy and gave it to him. He's going to partner with the shelter." "I never thought someone like Stanley Roberts would pick up a copy of BW." "And why not? It's a good paper."

Michael leaned back on the couch. "I've been looking at apartments. I found a few I'm going to check out next week. Zoe offered to have me stay with her, too," he said.

Tallulah smiled widely. "Really? And?"

He shook his head. "No, I'm going to get a place soon. I think it would be awkward. I like her. I don't want to live with her; not like this."

"I get it," she said.

There was a light knock at the door. They looked at one another. The knock came again. "Tallulah, are you home?"

Tallulah smiled. "Mrs. H." She stood up and walked over to the door.

Mrs. Herrera stood in front of her door, holding a large basket. "I brought some food. I was just cooking today and thought you and Michael might be hungry."

Tallulah stood to the side and let her in.