Another tug at the bottom of the suit jacket and she was almost ready to leave the small room. These events were always so damn formal and all she really wanted to wear was her old flannels and jeans. That's all any of them really wore when there was a field event. Julianna checked the mirror one last time, putting the 'mona lisa' smile back in place.
Pretend to be a Ventrue was the mantra of the evening. The Ducks Unlimited people didn't notice. There were mostly upper middle class and had the view that a little conservatism never hurt anyone. She probably could prove otherwise, but that was for another night. Instead she moved around the banquet tables like a seasoned pro, smiling and nodding to the Mayor, shaking the Police Chief's hand, and chatting with many of the local business owners. She fit into that last category, though most others probably were not as kind in that assessment. Ornithology rarely made what Kine would consider decent money.
If the cause wasn't such a good one...well, she wouldn't be at the dinner. She chose a seat near the small stage and sat, the table almost empty. It was check time. She would write out a nice donation and then leave. And just have time to get the wax coating of civility off before dawn. She signed the check with a flourish as the speakers on the stage made another short announcement. It usually didn't pay to listen to them much, just old news.
Julianna grabbed her small handbag and was about to stand when a hand touched her shoulder briefly. "Ms. Margot? I don't know how you missed the announcement ma'am, but you won the last door prize. If you would come with me to the club table?" The elderly gentleman, president of the local hunting lodge, took her elbow gently and led her across the room. Well, she was going over there in a moment anyway to give them the check. She smiled, it had been a while since anyone had escorted her anywhere.
A young man, in a very spiffy suit, was waiting with something in hand. They stared at each other for a moment, as her escort left. He fidgeted and she grinned. "Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't sure which was the prize." She took the shotgun from him, carefully sliding her fingers against his. "Thank you. Is this where I can leave my donation to the group?"
He nodded shortly and pointed to a seated woman a short distance away. She winked, "Again, thank you." The giggle was stopped in time, and she made her way carefully to the secretary of the club to drop off the check. Time to get away, she glanced back at the young man at the prize table again. He was still staring at her. It was a worthwhile evening. She hefted the shotgun in her hands and made her way out of the convention center.
