So, Here I Am

Chapter Four The Presentation

Larry and Laurent had arrived in London, two weeks after their meeting at the agency's office in L.A.   They were staying at The Shangri La hotel on the upper floors of The Shard, but decided they would pay for this themselves.  They wanted the treat of it, but it didn't seem right that a charitable foundation should pay for their stay.

When they entered their suite, their jaws dropped at exactly the same time.  They were used to staying in NICE hotels, but this was something else.  Extremely comfortable and luxurious, each with their own room, a central living room, a kitchenette and a bar.  They even had their own concierge and butler.  The floor to ceiling windows, bowing outwards, made it seem like they could stand outside the walls of their room, and it was a weird feeling.   Amazing views of the city and the river.    Yes, this would do nicely.

They had arrived the night before, and Larry wanted to go find the best club in the city, but Laurent was going to have a relatively quiet night with a couple of friends he wanted to catch up with, as they didn't get to London very often.

They were to be presented with their "check" at a luncheon.  It wasn't a real check, just looked like one for photos and promotion.  The grant would be transferred to the Winged Feet Foundations account after the event.  They were given a whole bunch of blurb about the event, what time to arrive, what to expect, and who else would be there.   Basically, how to behave. They were used to this kind of thing, they had been to enough charity galas and balls, and had walked in runway fashion shows, for the likes of Dior, Chanel and Givenchy.   Just because they were in hip hop, and danced to a pulsing, hypnotic beat that told stories of fucking bitches, did not mean they did not know how to act in public.  Their mama taught them better.

With a last look in the full length mirror in the living room of their suite, they gave each other a last once over, as they always did.   One checked the other, to make sure nothing was missed, an odd piece of lint here, a turned up collar there.

They both wore tight black jeans, and their foundations logo on their T shirts, the winged feet, but they each dressed it up differently.   Laurent wore a plain, crisp white shirt over his, open so you could see the logo, and a fitted, long black suit jacket, with the usual black and white MJ's. He wore his hair in long twists, with the usual assortment of rings, bracelets and chains.          Larry had a white nehru shirt, just done up by the top button, and a black bomber jacket over that.   Also black and white MJ's, his hair the familiar Fro, the usual complement of jewelry.

They arrived at the building where the lunch was being held. Getting out of their taxi, they were impressed by the facade of the beautiful old building, that used to be a banking hall.  They were also taken aback by the number of photographers and journalists that were waiting for them and the other attendees.  HH was right, maybe this was a big deal.  They had better get their Twins heads on, promote their brand, and the Foundation.

There were assistants everywhere, politely asking them to join the line, where to go and when, where to wait, who to look at for photos, who to talk to next.

"Last photo, guys" a petite young woman was telling them " then you can go in and just enjoy the moment".   There were to be no reporters or photographers allowed inside, and they could just chill.   As they made their way along the red carpeted corridor, Larry looked up at the ornate ceiling and let out a sigh. It was magnificent, all ornate swirls and gold leaf, beautiful architecture.  They tried to take it all in as they walked, but found it almost impossible not to fall over their own big feet.   Funny, they never had that trouble while they were dancing.

They had arrived at the reception room, where other groups and couples were stood talking, mingling, with a bar in the far corner.

"Please avail yourselves of the bar, sirs. Lunch will be in twenty minutes." a very polite, very English voice prompted them.  They found themselves talking to a variety of people, from different foundations, but most were like them.  Newly formed charitable foundations, struggling to get off the ground, desperately trying to make a difference in the Arts world.   A couple groups knew who they were, and the Twins gladly, discreetly, posed for pictures and selfies with others.   Precisely twenty minutes later, they were ushered into the dining room, and seated at a table by the window, at the front of the room.   As they started eating, Larry noticed some of the assistants coming over to groups at the tables, and taking them to who knows where.   Each group returned about ten minutes later, clutching an envelope with huge grins on their faces.