There is much trouble in Paradise

Chapter 38

Doug ended up visiting the local fast food along Albert. He's got sick of all the fancy stuff and needed a break.

"You know... the fundraising is soon." Albert said.

"I'm coming, I promised Rob. But I honestly don't feel like it."

"Shane is also coming..."

"Albert, I hold no personal grudge against Shane. I act formally with him each time we meet. He made a mistake and then fixed it that's all. I'm mad at myself for letting me being so used by a mere woman." Doug said. "Shane only had better luck. I can't be mad at him. I have the feud only with Valerie."

"Doug..."

"You know what? Alisha was right! Fuck her! I don't care anymore. With Shane, without Shane, with Bryce in jail or not, with Sean at college or not, it's not my business anymore. I don't want to know!" Doug said.

"That's the spirit, pal! I can't be happier knowing you let her go!" Albert said, patting his back.

"Don't imagine that from tomorrow I won't know her name anymore, she'll just stop matter for me."

"Baby steps, Doug. No one asks you more." Albert said. "Little by little you will eventually get away from her."

The men went home late in the night.

Finally, the fundraising party arrived. This time Doug showed up without any fancy date. Of course Shane came accompanied by Valerie. She eyed Doug a couple times during the party, but he just flatly ignored her.

"Now, it's the time to hear the word from our sponsors!" Robert said at some point.

Long story short, Doug and Theodore  donated generous sums of money and each held a heartwarming speech.

"I'm new here, and to be honest, sometimes I do miss the city life." Shane said. "Even so, I love this island. It's full of amazing people. To be straight, I'll gladly offer 50.000 $ to the campaign! I hope it's going to help the ones in the most need!" Shane said and climbed down the stage in applause.

"Wow, you looked impressive!" Valerie said.

"Thanks! It's just me!" Shane joked.

"Now, our next sponsor, Cara Iverson!" Robert announced.

Cara elegantly stepped on the stage.

"Hello. As you know, this year we all suffered a great loss. My beloved husband, Garret Iverson, was severely beaten by a terminal illness for which no one found cure. Garret was a friend of everyone and I know his death left many persons suffering. To complete what Mr. Powell earlier said, yes this place is full of people with potential. So, in behalf of Garret, I'm donating 70.000 $ for research and development purposes!" Cara announced. Everyone cheered as she exited the stage.

It was Albert's turn. The last one.

"First of all, since Cara brought Garret up, I want to say he was one of the kindest men I've had to know. I admired him and to show my support I'm also donating 45.000$ for the campaign." Albert said. Everyone started to cheer. "But before I conclude, I want to thank to a really special person in my life, Holly!" Everyone turned to her clapping. Holly sat there in amazement. "Babe, you are my sunshine, for you and Alisha I would do anything! I love you, and that's why today I'm standing in front of you and asking, will you be my wife?" He said putting one knee down and taking a ringbox from his coat.

Everyone cheered and looked at Holly. She covered her mouth with her hands in surprise.

"Of course I will!" She said going up the stage.

The two kissed as everyone cheered, clapped and congratulated the couple.