A General's Daughter

Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

His Gambling World

The birthday dinner party of the VIP Club co-member that Derek mentioned was held at the large private dining room of RW Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. 

Derek introduced Katherine to the birthday celebrator and ten other VIP Club co-members. Derek took great pride of introducing her as the future Mrs. Z. So everyone in the party addressed her as Mrs. Z. Derek’s co-members likewise introduced their respective wives, girlfriends or dates to them. The birthday celebrator was only on his fifties while his wife was on her early twenties. Two other co-members were also in their fifties, four were on their forties, and the other four on their thirties. All their woman companions were on their thirties or twenties. Derek was the youngest among the men while Katherine was the youngest among the women. The co-members also had with them one or two assistant and/or close-in security personnel. 

At the dinner, guests were all allowed to choose from the menu. When the dinner was served already, they were all serenaded by a twelve-man string orchestra with classical music. The orchestra was composed of young breed of talents. 

When Derek and Katherine were already about to finish eating, Derek whispered some instructions to Raoul. 

Just as when Derek and Katherine finished eating, the maestro of the orchestra spoke up. “Good evening everyone. We don’t usually play contemporary music but due to a personal request we will. Our next music is lovingly dedicated by Mr. Z to her fiancée, the future Mrs. Z.” 

Derek stood up then led Katherine to an empty space at the center of the private dining room. 

As the orchestra started to play Jim Brickman’s Love of My Life. The maestro was a pianist and a talented singer as well who knew the song very well and sung it for them. 

Derek put his arms around Katherine’s slim waist. Katherine put her arms around Derek’s neck. They were looking at each other’s eyes. 

Everyone in the room was looking at them. Katherine’s cheek blushed. 

Katherine asked him, “Isn’t this an imposition to our host, Derek?” 

Derek assured her, “Raoul had asked his permission first, Mrs. Z. You don’t need to worry.” He bestowed a short kiss on her lips. 

They danced comfortably enjoying each other’s warm embrace. They also kissed each other’s lips once in a while.  

After the music, other men had also requested songs for their woman companion. 

By the end of the party, the maestro personally thanked Derek. 

“Thank you, sir. You made us earn ten times more for this event.” 

“I am the one who should thank you for allowing my request. You even sing our song for us,” Derek responded to the maestro who seemed to be just a few years older than him. 

“I’m a Jim Brickman fan, Mr. Z. I know all of his music. The message of the song will just be wasted if we only heard the melody so singing the lyrics was inevitable. You’re a very lucky man to have your angel in the person of your fiancée.” 

Afterwards, they all proceeded to the gaming room. They all played on a mini poker tournament. First round were six heads-up games among the twelve members. Two players played against each other in six different tables. Second round were three heads-up games among the six winners in the first round. The third and final round was a poker game among the three winners from the second round.