“The organizer said those seats are strictly reserved for top-tier sponsors.”

A waiter in a black apron came to our table with a heavy brass camera mounted on a tripod.

“Good evening, folks,” the waiter said.

“The house offers a complimentary group portrait for special occasion dinners.”

Derek pushed his chair back and stood up, smoothing his red silk tie.

“Let’s take it right now before the entrées come,” Derek said.

Eleanor stood up right away, waving her hand toward the dark mahogany paneling along the wall.