America 1982-Chapter 254 - 2: Tommy’s Encounter with Betrayal

On Fifth Avenue in New York, Fiori Italian Restaurant.

Several women dressed in chic evening gowns, looking like wealthy socialites headed to a banquet, were taking photos on the restaurant’s iconic staircase, even going as far as to bring a lighting technician, striking various poses on the staircase that flowed like rippling silk.

"If I were the chef of the restaurant, I’d be happy to know that someone had called a week in advance to reserve a table, but when I found out that upon their arrival, they didn’t care whether the food was delicious, only crowding on the stairs to take pictures, I’d definitely chase them out with a kitchen knife." Tommy looked at those women, complaining while taking out his wallet and gesturing for the waiter to come over:

"I and my girlfriend are sitting here because we wanted to appreciate this staircase, which is like a work of art, while tasting the food, not to have our mood ruined by flashbulbs or some other lights every few seconds. Can’t you offer a service next time where photos are only taken outside of dining hours? Here’s a tip, go spill some blueberry sauce or something colorful on those women..."

"Be more tolerant, Tommy." Odilia was not sitting across from Tommy but beside him; at that moment she gently grasped Tommy’s hand and smiled at the waiter: "Take the tip, by the way, I really like the Italian coffee ice cream at the restaurant, could you bring me another once we’re done dining?"

"Of course, madam." The waiter, relieved, took the tip from Tommy’s hand and quickly stepped away.

Odilia, holding Tommy’s hand, said, "Every time you dine with me in New York, you seem unhappy."

Tommy squeezed her hand back and then let go, continuing to eat with his head down: "In California, no one would bring a photographer and lighting into a restaurant while the customers are eating."

"This is New York, those ladies might just be from other states, wanting to create some beautiful memories while they are visiting." Odilia said gently to Tommy:

"Just like when we travel, we also take photos to remember and put them in an album to look back on those memories when we’re old."

Tommy nodded and gave Odilia a relieved smile: "Of course, you always dissipate my displeasures quickly. Speaking of which, you seem to be in a good mood today."

"My executive assistant Judy quietly told me something today." A small look of pride crossed Odilia’s face as she delightedly looked at Tommy.

Tommy put down his utensils and looked at Odilia cooperatively: "What happened?"

Odilia happily told Tommy: "I’ve received a nomination for the Albert Topfer International Humanitarian Award for my work in Gabon."

"I’m truly proud of you, Odilia." After Tommy wiped the corner of his mouth, he immediately offered his congratulations and gave his girlfriend a hug: "You deserve every honor in this world."

The Albert Topfer International Humanitarian Award, established just last year, is an international charity accolade initiated by an American businessman named Albert Topfer who is involved in the food business in Germany. It’s mainly to acknowledge and thank those philanthropists who have contributed to humanitarian causes.

It was completely deserved that Odilia would receive this charitable award since KeyBank agreed that if their charity business in Europe involved buying food, they would prioritize their business accordingly.

Odilia said, "I never thought I would get this award, the nomination itself was already a surprise. Do you know? All the other nominees are... I think each one of them rightfully deserves it, just to have my name alongside theirs is already an honor. Among them are Archbishop Desmond Tutu from South Africa, American civil rights activist Marian Wright, and Mother Superior Isolina Ferre from Puerto Rico ..."

"Of course, I know you don’t care whether you win the award or not, what’s important is that you have helped those in need. But don’t be too modest, you’ve truly helped a lot of poor people. Not everyone is willing to give up their comfortable life to pay attention to them," Tommy told Odilia.

In reality, among the four nominees, three were people of color and one white woman; the result was quite apparent, except that Tommy couldn’t congratulate Odilia on winning the award just yet.

Odilia said earnestly to Tommy: "If it weren’t for your encouragement, I’d still be in Newport helping my godmother as an assistant. Tommy, you showed me a different side of the world – poverty, hunger, injustice – and you’re willing to join me in trying to change it, even if it’s just a tiny bit, but there will always be someone who benefits."

"It’s your kindness that drives you, not me," Tommy said.

Odilia looked at Tommy with hopeful eyes: "Now that you’ve graduated, can I join you in doing these things?"

"Me?" Tommy was taken aback before he said, "No, I can’t. I mean, I have more important things to do in California. I’m planning on setting up a small TV channel, focusing on black people, helping black people, striving to let more people overcome their stereotypes about black people. It’s still in the planning stage; there are a lot of issues to address personally. Besides... I don’t want to rely too much on you. Imagine if I were to appear by your side, your work assistants would snicker, ’Look, here comes Miss Farrell’s boyfriend again, seeking attention.’ Pretending to accompany Miss Farrell on her charitable interests, while in reality, it would only prove he’s an idle fellow..."