September 27, 1997
Samantha's jaw dropped the moment she stepped into her boss's uptown Manhattan condo. The room was nothing short of breathtaking, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the lush greenery of Central Park like a living masterpiece. The sprawling park stretched out below, bordered by the glowing city skyline - a view that never lost its magic, no matter how many times she'd seen it. But tonight, as spectacular as the scenery was, it paled in comparison to Angela.
She stood there in a navy blue strapless gown that exudes timeless elegance. Sequins scattered across the fabric sparkling softly under the lights, adding a touch of brilliance. Her figure, accentuated by a fitted bodice with a layered tulle skirt that fell in graceful folds, catching the occasional glimmer.
"Wow, Angela, you look… incredible!" Samantha gasped.
Angela blushed, a rare sight for someone so poised. "You think so? It's not too much?"
"Are you kidding? You look absolutely stunning," Samantha reassured her. "It's so different from the usual suits I see you in."
Angela managed a shy smile, adjusting her gown as they prepared to head out.
Tonight marked the annual "Homerun Heroes" charity gala, a cause that held a special place in Samantha's heart. Years before joining Angela at the Bower Agency, Samantha had devoted herself to crafting ad campaigns that championed youth sports programs. During her interview two years ago, she had passionately shared her work and the impact it had. Impressed by Samantha's dedication, Angela made a decision shortly after hiring her, to make annual, charitable contributions to the very programs Samantha had once supported, as a way to give back while welcoming her to the agency. The following year, Samantha took things a step further by successfully bringing "Homerun Heroes" on as a client at the agency. Though it was an unconventional choice for their roster, Angela saw the importance of Samantha's connection to the cause and readily approved the partnership. Now, for the first time, Angela was attending the gala not just as a contributor, but as a guest of honor.
As they walked into the gala, Samantha couldn't help but glance around in awe. "Wow! This is on a whole other level compared to how these galas have been in past years. Angela, this is incredible. You know, every time I think about the campaigns we've worked on, it amazes me that events like this exist because of the vision you had."
Angela smiled, her voice calm yet purposeful. "It's not just my vision, Samantha. It's our team's dedication and passion that brings these ideas to life. And don't think I've forgotten how you inspired this particular initiative."
Samantha looked down at the emerald-green carpet with the "Homerun Heroes" logo underfoot. "I'll admit, seeing it all come together like this feels surreal. Two years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, working alongside someone I've admired for so long."
As the words left her lips, her mind drifted back to a moment from her childhood - mid 80s, when she was just 13 years old. She could vividly recall sitting cross-legged on the living room floor, watching TV with Mrs. Rosinin in her Brooklyn apartment. It was then that she saw the now-iconic Guacamunchies commercial - a quirky, fun advertisement that had captivated her young imagination. She remembered laughing at the clever tagline, mesmerized by the colourful animation.
Years later, as a teenager curious about the world of advertising, she stumbled upon an article that revealed a woman had been behind the commercial's creative vision. That revelation had been a turning point for her - a moment when she realized that women could hold powerful, impactful jobs in industries she had only vaguely understood at the time. It planted the first seed of her dream to work in advertising, a dream that had ultimately led her to Angela and the Bower Agency.
The memory brought a soft smile to Samantha's face as she returned her focus to the present. It felt like everything had come full circle, and standing here tonight, she was reminded of just how far she had come.
Angela turned to her, sincerity shining through her poised demeanor. "You earned your place here, Samantha. Your work is exceptional. I knew from the moment I interviewed you that you brought something unique to the agency. And look at what we've achieved together."
Samantha blushed slightly but managed to smile. "Thank you, Angela. That means a lot, especially coming from you. And… as tonight's guest of honour, I think we should let everyone here meet the amazing person behind all of this."
Angela chuckled softly, adjusting the delicate sheer layers of her gown. "Let's not put too much pressure on me. But I do appreciate you being here tonight with me. It's not often I get the chance to step out of my role and just… enjoy the work we've done."
The two women exchanged a moment of shared pride before Angela added, "Now, let's get out there and make the most of this evening. It's not every night I get to step out of a business suit, after all."
Samantha went one way and Angela, the other. As she turned to walk the crowd she felt a gentle nudge against her shoulder. She glanced up to see a man steadying himself with a polite, apologetic expression.
"Oh, I'm sorry," he said with a slight grin. "I promise I'm better at mingling than dodging."
Angela chuckled softly, brushing it off. "No harm done. These galas can get a bit... crowded."
"Clearly," he replied, gesturing lightly to the packed room. "Guess I'll try not to make it a habit."
She smiled, her attention lingering for just a moment longer than usual. There was something familiar about him, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. "Well, enjoy your evening," Angela said, her tone light as she stepped back into the crowd.
"Yeah, you too," he replied casually, a faint smile playing on his lips.
As Angela walked away, he found himself watching her for a few seconds longer than he intended. Something about her sparked a faint tug in his memory - a fleeting recognition that eluded him entirely. Shaking the thought, he turned back toward the room and immersed himself into conversation with the other guests.
Angela weaved through the crowd, the gentle hum of conversation mingling with the soft strains of live jazz music. The grand ballroom was alive with energy. The gleam of crystal chandeliers overhead reflected off the polished floors, casting a warm glow that seemed to animate the elegant attire of the guests. Waiters floated by with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres, the faint clink of glassware adding to the vibrant ambiance.
Sipping on a glass of sparkling wine, Angela exchanged polite pleasantries with a group near the bar. "Angela Bower, right?" a silver haired gentleman asked, his tone warm. "I believe I've seen your agency's work on a number of campaigns."
Angela smiled, ever graceful. "You might have. I'm lucky to work with some very talented people." She glanced at Samantha across the room. "It's their passion that makes what we do possible."
Another guest, a woman in a stunning emerald gown, chimed in. "Your contributions to this program have been tremendous. 'Homerun Heroes' has made such an impact in the community."
Angela gave a modest nod. "It's a great cause. And tonight, seeing the work they've done highlighted like this - it's a privilege just to be a part of it."
As the crowd continued to buzz around her, Angela made her way to the table she and Samantha were assigned to, weaving through clusters of animated conversations. The green carpet, embossed with the "Homerun Heroes" logo, felt soft beneath her heels as she approached the designated dinner area. Round tables adorned with crisp white linens and tall floral centerpieces were arranged with precision. The soft flicker of candlelight gave the space an intimate charm, even in its grand scale.
Angela slid into her seat beside Samantha just as a waiter began to pour wine into their glasses. Samantha turned to her with a sheepish grin. "So, I still haven't seen my dad yet. Knowing him, he's probably taking his time charming everyone he talks to."
Angela chuckled softly. "If he's anything like you, I'm sure he's being thorough."
Samantha laughed. "Fair enough. I'll track him down soon. I really want you two to meet."
Angela gave her a reassuring smile, glancing toward the stage where the speeches would soon begin. The lively energy of the evening seemed to settle into a sense of anticipation as the room grew quieter, the spotlight shifting toward the evening's speakers and the many courses of dinner they were to be served.
They sat listening intently as the evening's speakers took turns addressing the crowd.
The first was the program director of "Homerun Heroes," who spoke passionately about the transformative impact of youth sports programs. He shared heartfelt stories of children who had found their footing through mentorship and teamwork, bringing a round of applause from the audience.
Next came a former player who had grown up in the program and gone on to lead a successful career in professional baseball. He talked about the lessons he'd learned on the field that had carried over into every aspect of his life - discipline, resilience, and the importance of camaraderie. His speech was punctuated with laughter and moments of deep emotion, resonating with everyone in the room.
Angela found herself captivated by the themes of perseverance and community that tied the evening together. As she glanced across the room, her gaze landed—
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer began, "it is my great pleasure to welcome our keynote speaker for the evening. This is a man whose love of baseball took him all the way to the pros, only for a devastating injury to end his playing career prematurely. Rather than letting that setback define him, he dedicated his life to ensuring young athletes are given the tools and resources to reduce injuries in the sport. His programs have impacted countless players, coaches, and communities nationwide. Please join me in welcoming Tony Micelli!"
Angela straightened slightly in her chair, her curiosity so great as she watched the man she had bumped into earlier walk toward the podium, his easy confidence commanding the room, that she didn't even register his name.
At that moment, Samantha leaned in with a sly grin and whispered, "Well, there he is in the flesh. The man, the myth, the legend."
Angela turned to her, her expression a mix of shock and intrigue. "Wait… that's your father?"
Samantha tried to suppress a laugh, leaning back in her chair as she whispered back, "Yeah. I told you he's charming."
For a moment, Angela sat frozen, the realization hitting her. The resemblance was undeniable now that she saw it, and it explained why he'd seemed so familiar. She turned back toward the stage, momentarily at a loss for words.
"He's one of those people who always has a story to tell and somehow never forgets a name. It's both impressive and mildly infuriating."
Angela's gaze shifted back to Tony, now even more intrigued as he adjusted the microphone and began his speech.
"Life is unpredictable," Tony began. "One moment, you're chasing home runs, and the next, you're redefining yourself after an injury ends it all. But challenges teach us resilience. And sometimes, life's simplest moments can carry more weight than we ever realize."
Samantha groaned softly, leaning in toward Angela embarrassed. "He always tells this story. I swear, if he had it his way, it'd be printed on a plaque and hung in every room of his house."
Angela chuckled, torn between amusement and intrigue, her eyes flicking back to the stage.
Tony looked out at the sea of faces, and continued.
"Life has thrown many challenges my way," Tony began, his voice steady and warm. "Some might even call them curveballs," he joked, earning a ripple of laughter from the audience. "But one of the biggest fears I ever overcome, believe it or not, was a night at summer camp. I was just a boy, 11…12 years old maybe, and I found myself alone by the lake with a girl." A few audience members whistled playfully, prompting Tony to smile knowingly and nod in agreement before adding, "the moon was full, the light dancing on the water, I was so distracted by her that I nearly tripped in the dark," he added with a chuckle, drawing another soft laugh from the room. "I was terrified, but I mustered up the courage to kiss her. That moment taught me that sometimes, the scariest things can lead to the most beautiful memories."
Guests exchanged knowing smiles, some tilting their heads in quiet admiration, clearly moved by the simplicity and sincerity of his memory.
He paused, letting his words settle before continuing. "That same nervous energy - fear and excitement - never left me. Years later, in the majors, I felt it every single time I stepped up to the plate to bat. The pressure of the moment, the roar of the crowd, the weight of expectations - it all brought back that same flutter in my chest, that same electric anticipation. And just like that night by the lake, I had to push past the fear, trust myself, and take the swing."
Tony smiled, his expression softening as his tone grew reflective. "Because whether you're an awkward kid at summer camp or an athlete under the bright lights of a stadium, it's those moments where courage meets fear that define us. They teach us to step forward, even when we're trembling inside. And they remind us that sometimes, the scariest things lead to the most unforgettable and rewarding experiences."
Angela hung on his every word, her chest tightening as Tony's story unfolded. The memory of his first kiss by a lake, under the moonlight, stirred something deep inside her. When he compared the nervous excitement of that moment to stepping up to bat, she felt a familiar pull, faint but persistent. Bits and pieces of her own past began to surface, the echoes of old emotions growing stronger with each word. She leaned forward slightly, holding her breath, as the feeling of recognition grew in a way she couldn't quite understand.
"As I mentioned, I had the privilege of playing professional baseball. It was a dream come true, and I loved every moment on the field. But at the height of my career, I suffered a devastating injury. It was a career ending blow, and I felt like my world had crumbled."
Tony took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting the pain of that memory. "I could have let that injury define me, but instead, I chose to find a new purpose. I turned my focus to coaching, and that's when I discovered my true calling. Working with young athletes, helping them develop their skills and confidence, brought me a sense of fulfillment I never expected."
He smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across his face. "I founded a youth league, not just to teach kids how to play baseball, but to instill in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. Watching them grow, both on and off the field, has been one of the greatest joys of my life."
Tony's voice grew softer, more introspective. "Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. We all face challenges and setbacks, but it's how we respond to them that defines us. That night at camp - when I overcame my fear and kissed that girl - was just the beginning. It taught me that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it head on."
He looked out into the audience, his chest swelling with pride as his gaze found Samantha sitting among the crowd. His expression softened, his eyes filled with affection for his daughter. But then his attention shifted, his focus catching on the woman sitting next to her - Bower? … Angela?... For a heartbeat, time seemed to stop, and a new expression flickered across his face. Recognition.
It struck him like a sudden wave, transporting him back to that moonlit night at the lake - the hesitant courage of a boy, the fleeting magic of a first kiss. The years in between melted away, and in that moment, the connection he thought he'd forgotten was undeniable.
His voice deepened with emotion as he reached the end of his speech. "And sometimes," he said, his eyes never leaving Angela's, "life has a way of bringing us full circle, reminding us of the moments that shaped us… and the people who touched our hearts."
As Tony's words sank in, Angela felt her heart begin to race. It couldn't be…
She tried to focus on the closing remarks from the program organizers, but her mind was flooded with the memory of the lake, the moonlight, and a nervous kiss that had stayed with her longer than she'd ever admitted.
Tony stepped away from the podium, his heart full of gratitude as the applause echoed around him. His gaze swept over the audience, landing once again on Angela. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.
Samantha's voice broke through the moment, tugging Angela back to reality. "What did I tell you? The man knows how to work a room," she said with a playful grin, oblivious to the quiet storm brewing beside her.
Angela turned to her slowly, her voice low and almost tentative. "Your Dad… did he ever tell you more about that girl at summer camp?"
Samantha raised an eyebrow, her grin shifting to mild confusion. "Summer camp? Uh, yeah, he's got a few stories. Why?"
But Angela didn't answer. Her gaze was already drifting back toward Tony, who was now weaving his way through the crowd, stopping occasionally to shake hands and exchange words of gratitude with attendees. Each step he took in her direction sent her pulse ticking a little faster.
Angela's breath hitched, their gazes held, her fingers tightened around her wine glass, her thoughts spinning as she tried to process the familiarity she felt. But before she could focus on the thought, someone approached her - another guest wanting to chat about the agency's work.
Tony, meanwhile, found himself stopped repeatedly by clusters of attendees eager to thank him for his speech. He accepted their handshakes and kind words with a polite smile, but his attention kept drifting back to Angela, catching fleeting glimpses of her across the room. Each time their eyes met, the connection strengthened, like a taut string pulling them closer despite the crowded ballroom.
Angela tried to concentrate on her conversations but kept glancing toward Tony. Each time she thought he was heading her way, another guest pulled him aside. Her pulse quickened when their eyes locked again, just a fleeting moment, but then another person approached her, complimenting her gown and asking about the gala's charitable initiatives. She smiled graciously, her responses automatic as her thoughts remained fixed on Tony.
The ebb and flow of the evening kept them apart, their silent connection interrupted time and again by the vibrant chaos of the gala. The tension hung in the air, unspoken yet undeniable, as they continued moving through the room, stopping to greet other guests while stealing glances at one another.
Eventually, Angela lost sight of him. Her heart sank slightly as she scanned the room, the crowd shifting and swirling, leaving her unable to pinpoint where he had gone. She sighed softly, deciding it was best to step away and take a moment to clear her mind. The night was beginning to feel overwhelming, the unresolved tension pressing against her chest. She made her way to the restroom, heels clicking against the polished floor.
Inside, she took a deep breath and pressed some cool water to her cheeks. She stared at her reflection, her pulse still racing as she replayed fragments of Tony's speech in her mind. After reapplying her lipstick and straightening her gown, she stepped out, only to startle, her breath catching as she nearly collided with someone.
Tony was there, leaning casually against the wall near the door. He straightened when he saw her, his grin warm and teasing. "I didn't know if I was ever going to find you again in that crowd," he said, his voice tinged with humour. "And then… just when I did, you went somewhere I couldn't follow. You really know how to keep a guy on his toes."
Angela laughed softly, the surprise melting into amusement. "I didn't mean to make it difficult, but it seems you managed just fine."
They maintained eye contact, the air between them charged with anticipation. Tony's tone softened as he said, "You know, you remind me of someone I used to know."
Angela blinked, her grip tightening on her clutch, a faint tremor betraying her calm. "Funny… I was just thinking the same thing."
Tony hesitated for a moment before asking, "Would you mind taking a walk? It's quieter outside. I think we could both use a break from the crowd."
Angela nodded, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "I'd like that."
He offered her his arm, and she took it without hesitation. Together, they stepped into the crisp night air, the city lights sparkling like distant stars against the dark sky. As they began to make the short walk across the street from the Plaza Hotel, the buzz of the gala faded into a faint murmur behind them, replaced by the steady hum of traffic. The brisk air carried a hint of early fall, refreshing and calm.
They stepped into the park, the cool night air brushing against them as the soft rustle of leaves filled the quiet. Without hesitation, Tony shrugged off his jacket and gently placed it over Angela's shoulders. "Can't have you freezing out here," he said, his smile both teasing and kind. After a moment, his gaze dropped to her heels, and he chuckled softly. "Though I have to admit, those probably weren't designed for a stroll through the park. I guess I didn't think this through."
Angela glanced down at her shoes and smiled, her tone playful. "Well, I could say the same thing about your jacket. It might be warmer on you, but I won't complain."
Tony chuckled softly, shaking his head. The easy rhythm of their footsteps filled the brief silence that followed, the sounds of the park wrapping around them. Finally, he broke the quiet, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. "You know, I finally found Sam in the crowd at the end of my speech. And when I saw you sitting next to her, it hit me. I realized it was you… and then it clicked - you must be Angela Bower." She smiled and allowed him to continue.
A soft laugh escaped him as he glanced her way, recalling the fleeting flashes of recognition earlier in the evening. "Samantha speaks very highly of you, by the way. Has she ever told you that you're practically her superhero?"
Angela chuckled. "She's kind. I don't know about superhero, but I do try to make a difference where I can."
Tony smiled to himself, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. "Well, it's not my story to tell but I'm sure one day you will hear it from her." He said with a hint of mystery, leaving Angela intrigued.
"The infamous Angela Bower," he said, almost to himself, letting the words linger in the air. Angela glanced at him, her brow furrowing slightly, but before she could reply, he continued.
"Truthfully, I didn't know who you were when we bumped into each other earlier. Not until I saw Samantha talking to you at the table. That's when everything clicked. I realized she'd been sitting next to you the whole time."
Angela tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "And what exactly clicked?" she asked, her tone light but probing.
Tony paused, letting the question hang between them for a moment before replying. "The name. Angela Bower. I've heard her say it a dozen times before - always with admiration. But tonight, when I saw you sitting beside her, and then I connected the dots with your speechless reaction during mine… well, I started to wonder if you were the same Angela who…" His voice trailed off as he glanced at her, hesitating.
Angela's heart skipped a beat as Tony stopped walking. He turned to her fully, his expression open and searching. "This might sound crazy," he said, his tone light but warm, "but… that was you at camp, wasn't it?"
Angela froze for a moment, feeling the weight of his words settle over her. The memory rushed back in vivid detail - the moonlit lake, the cool breeze brushing her skin, the soft glow reflecting off the water, and the boy who had made her heart flutter in a way no one else ever had. She hadn't revisited that moment in years, but now it flooded her, bringing a warmth to her chest that was both exhilarating and overwhelming. Her fingers grazed the edge of her gown nervously as she nodded, her voice quiet but clear. Slowly, she nodded, her voice soft but steady.
"I think… I… did you trip over the canoe?" She asked, hesitantly, not knowing what she hoped his answer would be. Her cheeks flushed at the thought, and she couldn't help but bite her lip.
Tony's face broke into a grin, equal parts relief and astonishment. "All this time," he said, shaking his head softly, "I never thought I'd see you again. And yet, here we are."
Angela didn't reply, too busy grappling with the rush of emotions swirling inside her - part disbelief, part nostalgia, part something she couldn't quite name. Before she could gather herself enough to speak, Tony chuckled lightly and continued.
"You know, I went back to your camp the next day," he said, his tone turning softer, almost sheepish. "I was hoping to see you again."
Angela's eyes widened in surprise, her brow furrowing slightly as she took in his words. "You did?"
"Yeah," Tony said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I, uh, didn't find you, though. Turns out… your name isn't Ingrid."
Angela flushed even deeper, her hand flying to her mouth as the memory hit her with full force.
"Oh!—" she started, a mix of embarrassment and laughter bubbling to the surface, but Tony gently waved her off before she could stumble through an explanation.
"Unfortunately," he said, his smile teasing but kind, "teenage girls aren't great under pressure. When I asked for you, a couple of them stared at me like I had two heads before one of them whispered—'this must be the boy Angela kissed last night.'" He laughed, the memory clearly amusing him. "Albeit," he added with a grin, "not very quietly."
Angela gasped, her mouth falling open as her hands flew to cover it. "Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed, laughter bubbling out despite her embarrassment. "I'm so sorry!"
Tony shrugged it off with an easy smile, his voice warm as he reassured her. "Ah…." He paused, his expression softening slightly. "But I uh… I did leave after that. Figured you didn't want to be found, and I wanted to respect that."
Angela's laughter quieted as she stared at him, her heart catching in her chest. The sincerity in his voice was undeniable, and the way he'd respected her boundaries - even when he was just a boy - only made the memory of him shine brighter in her mind.
Angela glanced up at Tony, the glow of the city behind them illuminating the gentle curve of her features. "You know," she began lightly, "Samantha was practically bouncing off the walls earlier. She couldn't stop talking about how excited she was for us to meet tonight - the irony…"
Tony laughed, his voice warm and easy. "Hah, yes, the irony," he said, shaking his head with a grin. Angela couldn't help but join in, her soft laughter mingling with his. "That does sound exactly like her though," he added, his tone rich with affection.
Angela smiled, shaking her head softly. "Well, it's not every day someone gets to introduce their father as a living legend."
"She said that?!" Tony asked, his eyes widening in mock disbelief as he broke into laughter, his head shaking in amusement.
Angela nodded, "She's very proud of you, Tony." Her tone offering a quiet sincerity.
Angela didn't know much about Samantha's past, but she was aware of one important detail: Samantha had lost her mother at a young age. And her father had stepped up, raising her on his own with unwavering dedication. It was clear to Angela that the bond between them had been shaped by both love and resilience.
His laughter faded into a quieter, more reflective smile as her words sank in. His steps slowed slightly, and his tone softened. "She's a great kid. I'm lucky to have her," he said, a glimmer of emotion in his voice.
For a moment, the two walked in silence, the natural rhythm of the park around them filling the space - the rustle of leaves, the faint buzz of the city in the distance. It was a comfortable quiet, unspoken emotion lingering between them.
"So, what about you? Any kids?...husband?" he asked tentatively, his voice laced with curiosity and just a touch of hesitation.
"I have one…a son—his name is Jonathan, and he's a few years younger than Samantha. He's currently at UCLA studying Environmental Sciences - his father lives out there as well. And as for a husband... I'm divorced. Have been for many years now." She added.
Tony glanced at Angela, his expression thoughtful. When he finally spoke, his words were measured but sincere. "I uh," he said softly, "I'd really like to see you again - if that's okay with you?"
Angela looked up at him, surprised but delighted. A smile crept across her face, and her reply was simple but heartfelt. "I'd like that very much."
Tony smiled at Angela's answer, a warmth in his expression that mirrored her own. They continued their slow walk, the crisp air carrying with it a sense of quiet anticipation.
After a moment, Angela glanced sideways at him, a hint of uncertainty clouding her features. "What about Samantha?" she asked softly.
Tony's steps slowed slightly as he considered the question, his hands sliding into his pockets. "That's a good question," he admitted, his tone thoughtful. "She was so excited for us to meet tonight - I'm guessing she didn't realize we already had."
Angela chuckled softly, the irony of the situation not lost on her. "No, I'm sure she didn't. I just… I don't want this to take anything away from her evening or her position at the agency. She's worked so hard for this."
Tony nodded, his gaze fixed ahead as if lost in thought. "Maybe we wait…see where this goes?"
Angela glanced at Tony, contemplating his words. See where this goes. Her curiosity stirred, but there was something reassuring in his tone - a quiet confidence that kept her from pressing further.
Instead, she nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah," she said softly, "that sounds fair."
They fell into a comfortable rhythm, walking arm in arm as the distant hum of the gala began to grow louder. Angela's thoughts swirled, but she pushed them aside for the moment. There would be time for reflection later - for now, she wanted to focus on the easy connection they seemed to have found.
Angela tilted her head, studying him for a moment. "You really raised an amazing daughter, you know…"
Tony smiled, the pride evident in his eyes. "I did my best. She's the real deal - always has been."
Tony glanced back at Angela again, his voice quieter now. "When the time's right, I think she'll love that we've got this connection."
Angela smiled at his optimism, her own doubts easing. "Yeah," she agreed softly. "When the time's right."
"We should probably head back though," Angela added, "She's likely still looking for us" their eyes met and they both shared a knowing laugh before turning back towards the Plaza.
They stepped back into the elegant glow of the gala, the energy of the room embracing them once more. Angela caught sight of Samantha across the room, animated as ever as she conversed with a group by the stage. She smiled to herself, the thought of their shared secret weaving a strange but wonderful thread through the night.
Tony leaned in just slightly, his voice low and warm. "I guess for now, we focus on enjoyin' tonight."
There it is, she thought with a hint of subtle affection.
The faint trace of his Brooklyn accent slipping through, softening the edges of his words. Angela noticed it immediately, the way it contrasted with his otherwise polished tone. She hadn't picked up on it earlier, but now it struck her, unbidden and familiar. It wasn't the same as she remembered from their childhood - back then it had been more pronounced, rawer, as if it carried the rhythm of the city itself. Now, it was subtle, refined, peeking out only when he relaxed.
And she realized, to her surprise, that she liked it.
Angela nodded, her smile growing. "I think that's a good idea."
Tony returned her smile, his voice soft but certain as he said, "I'll pick you up at six tomorrow?"
Angela felt a flicker of surprise, quickly replaced by a quiet sense of anticipation. "Looking forward to it," she replied warmly.
With that, the two melted into the crowd, the hum of conversation and the clink of glasses swirling around them. As they navigated the bustling room, neither spoke of their shared revelation - their past connection remained theirs for now, unspoken but undoubtedly present.
Angela couldn't help but notice the occasional glances Tony cast her way as they blended into the crowd, their connection a quiet undercurrent beneath the gala's lively atmosphere
Anticipation tugged gently at her thoughts as Samantha finally spotted them. "There you two are!" she exclaimed with dramatic relief, waving them over to join her group near the stage. Angela shared a glance with Tony, an unspoken agreement passing between them.
When Samantha gleefully introduced her father, Angela couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly Tony charmed the group, carrying the conversation, but Angela found her attention slipping.
Watching him engage so effortlessly reminded her of the stories Samantha had shared, about how he'd always been able to light up a room and leave people feeling heard. She couldn't help but notice the small gestures - the way he made direct eye contact, the warmth in his laughter that made even strangers feel at ease. It was clear where Samantha had inherited her natural charisma.
Angela's gaze shifted momentarily to her glass, the faint hum of the gala's chatter surrounding her. She thought back to his speech and the memories it had stirred, the quiet realization of how their paths had crossed before and how fate had brought them together once more.
Samantha's voice pulled Angela back to the moment, her eyes alight as she beamed at her father. "Isn't he amazing?" Samantha asked, her pride unmistakable.
Angela smiled, her heart warmed by the bond between them. "Yes," she replied softly, her tone thoughtful, "he really is."
Angela couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was unfolding - something she hadn't quite pieced together yet. She knew there'd be time to reflect on it later, but for now, she let herself be swept up in the energy of the evening, ready to see where it all might lead.