Chapter 1: Not Your Typical Fundraiser

By: FireBloodandTruth

Melissa Schemmenti had seen her fair share of fundraisers over the years. Most were the same tired routine—cheap wine, a few too many speeches, and a bunch of people with their wallets half-open but minds already somewhere else. Still, she showed up every time. Not because she believed in all the do-gooders talking about change, but because, in her eyes, there was nothing more important than the kids at Abbott. Even if she had to rub elbows with people who wouldn't last two minutes in her South Philly neighborhood, she did it for them.

Tonight was no different. She stood near the snack table, eyeing the shrimp cocktail with the skepticism of someone who'd been burned one too many times by the rubbery offerings at these kinds of events. Across the room, Barbara was in her element, chatting up some PTA moms like they were old friends. Of course, Barbara was. That woman had connections all over Philly.

"Never thought I'd say it," Melissa muttered, arms crossed as she scanned the room, "but Barb makes these things look easy."

"Yeah, well, she's got the patience of a saint. I'd be outta here in five minutes if I had to talk to one more person about how important 'community involvement' is." Janine popped up beside her, bouncing on her toes like a kid at a carnival. "Are you having fun?"

Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Does it look like I'm having fun?"

Janine's smile faltered, but only for a second. "I mean, it's for a good cause, right? Raising money for the school, getting people excited about helping us out…"

"Sure, sure," Melissa said, her voice thick with sarcasm. "Except half these people don't know the first thing about what really goes on at Abbott. They see a cute flyer and think dropping a hundred bucks at a fancy party makes them heroes."

Gregory, who had been lurking nearby, chimed in. "It does help, though. Those hundred bucks go towards real stuff. Supplies. Field trips. Better lunches."

Melissa glanced over at him, unimpressed. "Yeah, I get that. But I also get that these people are just gonna go home to their cushy lives and forget all about the kids they claim to be helping."

Gregory shrugged, his usual quiet, observant self. "Maybe. Or maybe some of them will actually care."

"Ha, good one," Melissa scoffed, but there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. She respected Gregory for being practical, even if she thought he was a little too optimistic sometimes. "Anyway, who cares? Long as we get what we need."

She leaned back, watching the room with the practiced ease of someone who had been through this a thousand times. Teachers, parents, and a few people Melissa didn't recognize milled about, sipping wine and pretending to listen to a soft jazz band in the corner. A woman in a dark green dress caught her attention from across the room. She had her back turned, talking to some older guy in a suit. Nothing fancy, but her posture, the way she carried herself—something about her made Melissa pause.

"Who's that?" Melissa asked, nodding in the woman's direction.

Janine followed her gaze. "Oh, I think she's new. I haven't met her yet, but she's been at a couple of these events."

"Another teacher?" Melissa guessed, though something about it didn't feel quite right. The woman's dress wasn't flashy, but it was tailored in a way that suggested money—real money, the kind Melissa had only ever seen in magazines.

Melissa narrowed her eyes, studying the woman's movements more closely. She wasn't huddled with the other teachers, gossiping about classroom stories or the latest district nonsense. She stood a little apart from the crowd, poised, comfortable, like she belonged there, but not in the way most people did. There was no nervous fidgeting, no scanning the room to see if she was making a good impression. Just calm, collected confidence.

"Definitely not a teacher," Melissa muttered, more to herself than to Janine.

"What?" Janine asked, leaning closer.

"That one, over by the old guy," Melissa said, tilting her chin toward the woman in green. "She doesn't look like one of us."

Janine squinted. "You think? I don't know, maybe she's from one of the charter schools?"

Gregory chimed in again, voice low. "She looks a little too... polished, don't you think?"

Melissa smirked. "You're learning, G. Took you long enough."

Gregory gave a small smile, but kept his eyes on the woman, his brow furrowed in thought.

"Maybe she's just better at dressing for these things than we are," Janine said, optimism never wavering. "You know, some people really know how to—"

"Not about the clothes, Janine," Melissa cut in, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Look at her. She's too comfortable here. People like us, we don't feel like we belong in places like this."

Janine pursed her lips, watching the woman a little closer now, but still looked unconvinced. "I don't know, Melissa. We can't always judge people by—"

"Yeah, we can," Melissa interrupted again, with a little more bite in her tone this time. "You can tell a lot by the way someone carries themselves. I'm tellin' you, she's no teacher. I'd bet money on it."

"Well," Janine replied, brightening up again, "why don't we go find out?"

Melissa's eyes flickered back to the woman in green. Something about her still rubbed Melissa the wrong way, but curiosity gnawed at her, too. Whoever this woman was, she wasn't blending in like she thought she was.

"Fine," Melissa sighed, uncrossing her arms. "But if she turns out to be some rich lady here for a tax write-off, I'll be the one to tell her where she can stick her—"

"Melissa!" Janine hissed, half-laughing, half-scandalized.

Gregory, keeping quiet but clearly amused, raised an eyebrow. "Let's just... try to keep it professional."

"Yeah, yeah," Melissa waved him off, already moving toward the woman, her eyes never leaving her target.

As they got closer, the woman shifted slightly, revealing more of her profile. She was younger than Melissa had thought at first—mid-thirties maybe. Her dark hair was pinned back elegantly, and her expression was calm but focused, as if the conversation she was having with the suited man was more important than the entire room around her.

Melissa could hear Janine prattling on behind her, something about introducing themselves, but her attention was locked on the woman now. She was close enough to catch part of their conversation—something about "strategic partnerships" and "long-term goals," words that definitely weren't coming from a teacher's mouth.

Before Melissa could second-guess herself, the suited man turned and left, leaving the woman standing alone for the first time that evening.

Melissa took her chance.

"Hey," she said, a little gruff but not unfriendly, as she stepped into the woman's line of sight. "You work at one of the schools around here?"

The woman blinked, her surprise barely showing before she smiled. It was a soft smile, polite, but there was something behind it that felt... calculated.

"No," the woman said smoothly, her voice low and composed. "I'm not a teacher."

Melissa narrowed her eyes. "Figured as much."

Janine, ever the diplomat, stepped forward with a bright smile, extending her hand. "Hi! I'm Janine Teagues. We're both teachers at Abbott Elementary. This is Melissa Schemmenti, one of our veteran teachers. We just thought we'd come over and introduce ourselves since you looked... familiar?"

Melissa shot Janine a look, but the woman in green didn't seem fazed. She shook Janine's hand with that same measured smile. "Pleasure to meet you both. I'm Emma," she said, pausing before adding, "Emma Russo."

"Russo, huh?" Melissa echoed, the last name triggering something in the back of her mind, but she couldn't place it. It was common enough around Philly, so she didn't dwell on it too long. "So, what brings you to a fundraiser for a bunch of underfunded schools? Don't usually see people who aren't teachers throwin' cash our way."

Emma's smile didn't falter, but Melissa noticed the slightest flicker in her eyes. "I have a strong interest in education," she said smoothly. "My family's always been involved in philanthropic efforts around the city, and this seemed like a worthy cause."

Gregory, who had hung back a bit, joined the conversation. "So, you're a donor?"

Emma's gaze flicked to him, her smile tightening just a bit. "In a manner of speaking. My family's foundation helps fund initiatives like this one."

Melissa crossed her arms, suspicion gnawing at her. "Right. So, you're one of the ones writin' the checks, huh? Gotta admit, I don't usually see the big money actually showin' up to these things. They just send their assistants with a check and a smile."

Emma met Melissa's sharp gaze head-on, her tone calm but firm. "I believe in seeing where our money goes and understanding the impact it has firsthand."

Melissa tilted her head, still not entirely convinced. There was something too polished about Emma, too well-rehearsed. She wasn't like the other rich people who strutted into these events, throwing money around without knowing what it meant to be in the trenches. Emma seemed like she had something to prove—or hide.

Janine, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension, continued her enthusiastic chatter. "That's amazing! Honestly, we're so grateful for any support we can get. You wouldn't believe the kind of things we have to put up with sometimes. Did you know our textbooks are older than I am?"

Emma chuckled softly, glancing between the three of them. "I've heard the public school system here is underfunded. It's part of the reason I wanted to get involved."

Melissa raised an eyebrow. "So you just, what, show up to all these events and throw money around because you feel bad for us?"

Emma's expression softened, just for a moment. "No. I come because I believe it's the right thing to do. Helping people who actually need it."

The sincerity in her voice threw Melissa off balance for a second, but she wasn't about to let it show. She grunted, half a nod, still watching Emma like a hawk. "Well, as long as that money goes where it's needed."

Emma smiled again, but this time it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I make sure of that."

Before Melissa could ask what exactly that meant, a new group of donors entered the room, drawing Emma's attention. She excused herself with a polite nod, slipping away into the crowd, leaving Melissa standing there with her arms crossed, the gears turning in her head.

Janine turned to her, wide-eyed and impressed. "She seems so nice! And she's really passionate about education. Maybe she's one of the good ones?"

Melissa snorted. "Nobody's that nice for no reason. Mark my words, there's somethin' off about her." She glanced toward where Emma had disappeared into the crowd, her eyes narrowing. "I just haven't figured out what yet."

Melissa kept her eyes on the spot where Emma had disappeared, a strange feeling gnawing at her gut. Something wasn't adding up, and Melissa's instincts rarely steered her wrong. She'd spent enough time around people pretending to care about the things that really mattered, and Emma didn't quite fit. She was too smooth, too polished. People like that usually had an angle.

"Maybe you're being a little hard on her," Janine said, her voice dipping with uncertainty as she glanced between Melissa and where Emma had gone. "I mean, sure, she's got money, but what if she really does want to help?"

Melissa shook her head, the suspicion still weighing heavy in her thoughts. "I dunno, Janine. It's too clean, too easy. People like her don't just show up and get their hands dirty because they care. There's somethin' else."

Gregory, always the quiet observer, cleared his throat. "I wouldn't dismiss her entirely, Melissa. She could be an ally for the school. But it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye on her, either."

Melissa nodded at that, appreciating Gregory's pragmatism. "Exactly. She says she's here for the schools, but I've seen plenty of people like her throwin' money at problems without gettin' close enough to know what they're fixin'. I'm not sayin' she's bad news, just... something's off."

Janine bit her lip, clearly conflicted, but didn't argue further. "Well, I guess we'll see. Maybe she'll surprise you."

Melissa grunted, half-listening, her thoughts already miles away as she scanned the room again, half-hoping to catch another glimpse of Emma. This wasn't over, not by a long shot. If Emma Russo thought she could waltz in here, drop a check, and walk away without scrutiny, she clearly didn't know who she was dealing with.

Just as Melissa turned to grab another drink, Ava swept into view, her usual swagger on full display. "Ooooh, look at you guys all serious and scowling. Who died?" Ava grinned, clearly enjoying the sight of Melissa and Gregory looking deep in thought.

Melissa rolled her eyes. "Nothin' died, Ava. We're just talkin' about how some rich lady thinks she can swoop in here and save the day with her checkbook."

Ava raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Rich lady, huh? You sure she's not just here for the free booze and cheese plates? 'Cause if she is, she's got the right idea."

Janine, always quick to defend, shook her head. "No, Ava, she seems genuine. Her name's Emma Russo, and she's part of some big foundation. She said her family helps fund stuff for schools."

"Oh, Russo?" Ava's eyes widened in mock surprise. "You mean Russo, as in the Russo family? Like Russo Construction? Russo Banking? Russo who practically owns half of South Philly?"

Melissa felt her stomach drop. Of course. That's why the name sounded so familiar. Emma wasn't just rich. She was Russo rich.

Melissa's stomach tightened at Ava's words. Russo Construction. Russo Banking. That was serious money, the kind that didn't just make donations to fundraisers. They bought buildings, they funded entire districts. Suddenly, the pieces started falling into place—Emma wasn't just some rich woman at a fundraiser. She was part of the family that practically owned South Philly.

"Well, well, well," Ava smirked, clearly enjoying the revelation. "Looks like you've been rubbing elbows with the big leagues, Melissa. Maybe you should've smiled more."

Melissa shot Ava a look but didn't say anything. Her mind was racing. What was a Russo doing at an Abbott Elementary fundraiser? Sure, the school could use the money, but this wasn't the kind of place people like Emma typically involved themselves in.

"That's... that's a good thing, right?" Janine asked, her wide-eyed optimism unwavering. "If she's really part of that family, she could really help us! I mean, imagine what we could do with that kind of funding. New textbooks, maybe even a whole new wing for the school!"

Melissa wasn't so sure. "Yeah, maybe. Or maybe she's here for somethin' else. People like her don't just show up without a reason."

"Could be she's scouting for a tax write-off," Gregory suggested, nodding slowly. "But it wouldn't hurt to get her on our side. If the Russos invest in Abbott, we could really make some big changes."

Ava raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I don't care if she's here to write off her lunch as long as we get the money. You think I'm sayin' no to a new gym or a fancy security system? Please." She paused, then glanced toward the spot where Emma had disappeared. "You know what you should do, Schemmenti? Go seal the deal. I'm talkin' 'make the pitch, lay on that tough Schemmenti charm,' get her to invest in the Schemmenti School of Excellence—otherwise known as Abbott Elementary."

Melissa snorted. "You want me to sweet-talk some rich heiress into throwin' money at us? That ain't really my style."

"Doesn't have to be sweet," Ava smirked. "Just... convincing. You've got the whole Italian thing going on. Use it. People eat that up."

Before Melissa could fire back with a retort, Janine jumped in, clearly excited at the idea. "That's actually not a bad idea, Melissa! You're great at talking to people, and maybe if she got to know more about what we need, she'd be willing to help out even more. We should go find her and—"

Melissa held up a hand. "Whoa, slow down there, Janine. I'm not about to beg some fancy millionaire for scraps."

"But you wouldn't be begging," Janine pressed, her eyes wide with determination. "You'd be showing her what really goes on here, what it's like for us day-to-day. Maybe she doesn't know how much her help could mean."

Melissa sighed, running a hand through her hair. The idea of giving Emma Russo a sob story didn't sit well with her, but Janine had a point. If Emma had real money to offer, it could change things for the kids. Maybe it wasn't about pride—maybe it was about giving them what they needed.

"Fine," Melissa muttered, glancing back at where Emma had gone. "But don't expect me to grovel."

"Never said you had to," Gregory chimed in. "Just... let her know what we're about. She might surprise you."

Ava grinned, nudging Melissa's arm. "Oh, she's gonna surprise you alright. Go get that check, Schemmenti."

With a reluctant grunt, Melissa turned on her heel and headed in the direction Emma had disappeared. She found her standing near the bar, looking as composed as ever, chatting with a couple of guests who looked just as wealthy as she was. Melissa could feel her pulse quicken slightly as she approached, the tough exterior she was so used to wearing suddenly feeling a little tighter.

"Emma," she called, cutting through the small talk without hesitation.

Emma turned, her face lighting up with that same polite smile. "Melissa, right?"

"That's me," Melissa said, stepping closer. She glanced at the people Emma was talking to. "You got a minute?"

Emma's smile didn't falter. "Of course."

Excusing herself from the group, Emma stepped away with Melissa, her sharp eyes taking in the older teacher with the kind of subtle interest that hadn't been there before. Melissa noticed the shift immediately.

"So," Emma began, "what can I do for you?"

Melissa didn't waste time. "Look, I get it. You're here to help, and we need that. But we don't just need money thrown at us for show. Abbott needs real investment—stuff that makes a difference for the kids. I figure someone like you knows how to spot a good investment when you see it."

Emma tilted her head, clearly intrigued by Melissa's approach. "You think Abbott is a good investment?"

Melissa crossed her arms, her voice firm. "I know it is. But I'm not lookin' to sell you a sob story. We're good at what we do, but we need help. Real help."

Emma studied her for a moment, then smiled—this time, a little less polished, a little more genuine. "I like your honesty, Melissa."

"Yeah, well, it's what I'm known for," Melissa said with a shrug, though the compliment hadn't gone unnoticed. "You wanna help? Then get to know what we're about."

Emma's smile widened slightly. "I'd like that. In fact, why don't we talk more about it—away from the fundraiser?" She glanced at the bar. "How about we grab some real drinks after this? I'd love to learn more from you, directly."

Melissa raised an eyebrow, taken aback for a second. Emma was inviting her out? That wasn't something Melissa expected. She was used to pushing people away, especially when they tried to get close. But there was something about Emma's invitation that felt... different.

"Real drinks, huh?" Melissa said, her voice carrying just a hint of amusement.

Emma's eyes gleamed, a flicker of warmth beneath her composed exterior. "Why not? I'm sure you have plenty of stories to share, and I'd love to hear them."

Melissa didn't know what to expect when Emma suggested grabbing drinks after the fundraiser, but a grungy South Philly pub definitely wasn't on her list. The place, Tony's Tavern, had been around longer than Melissa could remember—dim lighting, cracked leather bar stools, and the faint smell of beer-soaked wood. It was the kind of joint where the regulars didn't leave until the bartender flipped the chairs over the tables at closing time. Definitely not the sort of place someone like Emma Russo would hang out.

Yet, there she was.

Melissa spotted Emma sitting at the bar, completely at ease in the grungy surroundings, her posture still poised, but her outfit much more casual than before. She had swapped the fancy green dress for a fitted black blouse and jeans—still expensive, Melissa could tell—but more down to earth. Emma looked like she belonged there, which threw Melissa off.

"This is where you wanted to go?" Melissa asked, approaching with a raised eyebrow as she took in the scene. "I didn't exactly take you for a dive bar kinda girl."

Emma turned, smiling that same calm, confident smile as she gestured to the empty stool next to her. "I figured something a little more real would suit the mood. I spent a lot of time in places like this when I was younger."

Melissa snorted as she slid onto the stool. "Sure you did."

Emma leaned forward, the glint of amusement never leaving her eyes. "What, you don't think I can handle a little grit?"

Melissa smirked, signaling the bartender. "It's not about handlin' it. Just didn't peg you as the type who knows how to navigate South Philly dive bars. Figured you'd be more at home sippin' champagne somewhere uptown."

Emma's lips curved into a slow smile, her eyes lingering on Melissa in a way that made the older woman feel warmer than the whiskey she was about to order. "I like to surprise people."

Before Melissa could respond, the bartender appeared, a gruff man with a face like he'd seen more bar fights than happy hour specials. "What'll it be?"

"Whiskey. Neat," Emma answered without hesitation.

Melissa blinked, surprised. "Two," she added quickly, eyeing Emma again as the bartender poured their drinks.

Emma swirled her glass, watching Melissa with that same, easy confidence. "I know how this must look," she said, taking a slow sip of her drink, her voice dipping into something warmer, flirtatious. "But I'm not just some uptown girl slumming it for the night. There's more to me than meets the eye."

Melissa couldn't help but grin, the challenge in Emma's tone sparking something in her. "I'll bet there is. But you can't blame me for wonderin' what a woman like you's doin' in a place like this. People like you don't exactly make a habit of rubbin' shoulders with the locals."

Emma set her glass down, leaning in just a little closer, her voice dropping low. "Maybe I'm here because I like the company. Or maybe I just wanted to see if you could keep up."

The implication wasn't lost on Melissa. The air between them thickened, a subtle charge buzzing just beneath the surface of their words. Melissa wasn't one to back down from a challenge, especially not one so boldly thrown her way.

"I've kept up with worse," Melissa said, her tone husky as she held Emma's gaze. "But you? You talk a big game. I'm not sure you're ready for what comes next."

Emma smiled, slow and deliberate. "I guess there's only one way to find out."

Melissa took another sip of her whiskey, savoring the burn as she let Emma's challenge hang in the air. For all her smooth words and expensive clothes, Emma wasn't playing it safe tonight. And neither was Melissa.

"So," Melissa said, leaning back just a little, "if you're full of surprises, how about you surprise me by makin' a real difference at Abbott? I know you've got the means. What we could do with someone like you backing us? We could give those kids a shot at something real."

Emma's smile didn't falter, but her eyes seemed to soften just a touch. "Right to business?"

Melissa shrugged, playing it casual. "Can't blame me for tryin'. I don't have the luxury of sittin' back and waitin' for things to fix themselves. You come from money, you know how it works. People like you hold the power to actually change things."

Emma tilted her head, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "It's true. Money does open doors. But what makes you think I'm the right person to help Abbott?"

"Because I've been around people like you long enough to know when someone's serious," Melissa said, her voice steady. "And you don't strike me as the type to show up at some fundraiser just to feel good about yourself. You wanna make an impact, I can tell. And Abbott? That's where you can do it."

Emma's gaze lingered on Melissa, something thoughtful and curious behind her eyes. "You're very convincing, Melissa."

"I'm not trying to convince you. I'm just tellin' it like it is." Melissa leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering. "Abbott needs more than just a check. It needs someone who gives a damn and continues to invest more than just for the tax-break. And I think you're that person. But if you're not, no hard feelings. I'll just keep lookin' and take your one time donation."

Emma took a slow sip of her whiskey, her eyes never leaving Melissa's. "I'd like to learn more. See the school for myself. But if I'm being honest... I'm more interested in you."

Melissa blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the shift in Emma's tone. She'd expected interest in the school, maybe even some vague promises, but not this. The way Emma's eyes seemed to darken, her gaze settling on Melissa's lips for just a second too long—it wasn't lost on her.

"Me?" Melissa said, trying to play it cool. "What's there to know about me? I'm just a tough teacher tryin' to keep my kids in line."

Emma chuckled softly, her fingers brushing against the side of her glass. "I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit. You're passionate. You're not afraid to speak your mind. And... you're not exactly hard to look at."

Melissa felt a heat rising in her chest, the kind of warmth that came from more than just the whiskey. She'd been flirted with before, but something about the way Emma was looking at her, the casual confidence, the subtle invitation in her words—it was getting to her in ways she wasn't used to.

"I could say the same about you," Melissa shot back, her voice husky. "But people like you don't usually come after people like me."

Emma's smile turned into something more dangerous, more intimate. "Maybe you don't know me as well as you think you do."

Before Melissa could respond, Emma leaned in, closing the space between them with a quiet intensity. Her hand brushed against Melissa's on the bar, and the small, deliberate touch sent a shiver through Melissa's spine.

"Maybe," Emma continued, her voice barely above a whisper, "I came here because I wanted to see how well you'd keep up with me. Maybe I wanted to see if you're as tough as you act."

Melissa's breath caught in her throat, her pulse quickening. Emma's face was just inches from hers now, and for the first time in a long time, Melissa felt herself at a loss for words. The tension between them had gone from playful to electric, and Melissa could feel it in the air, buzzing with possibility.

"I don't just act tough," Melissa managed to say, her voice rough and low.

"Good," Emma whispered, her eyes flicking down to Melissa's lips before she closed the distance completely.

The kiss was sudden but not rushed, like Emma had been waiting for the right moment and had finally decided to take it. Her lips were soft, but the pressure was firm, deliberate, like she was making a point. Melissa's hand instinctively moved to Emma's waist, pulling her closer as she deepened the kiss, the heat between them flaring to life with every second.

When they finally broke apart, both of them slightly breathless, Emma's eyes were still locked on Melissa's, filled with that same smoldering intensity.

"I told you," Emma murmured, her voice still low, "I'm full of surprises."

Get the chapter a day early on our writing group's blog https://fictioneers.thinkific.com/pages/blog.