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“I’ll leave you to it.”
The door had barely clicked shut when Beau had her phone to her ear. “Can you come to West 56th?” She nodded at whatever one of her brothers said. “Bring Teague too.”
There was a sitting area set up more like a living room than the usual tables and chairs in a space like this. Nearby was a water pitcher and a platter with fruits and cheeses.
Beau poured a glass of water and offered it to me. I declined and she downed it in one swallow.
I squeezed her shoulders. “You wouldn’t want to do this if it wasn’t important.”
The doors opened. A guy walked in carrying two cases of equipment, followed by a woman looking like she’d just walked out of a department store. Her hair barely moved as she walked.
And then it occurred to me Beau was casual in a pair of worn jeans and a light sweater. She wasn’t in the armor she had to wear for her father and the rest of the world. I did like those dresses and heels, but I’d take her this way any day. She felt a little less out of reach.
“Miss Hollingsworth. It’s lovely to see you again.” The woman sashayed over like a lion who’d just caught dinner.
If Beau was intimidated, she didn’t show it.
“Veronica.” She held out both hands and kissed her cheeks. “It’s Calhoun. And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Beau?”
The woman’s eyes widened a fraction as they flicked over to me. “It sounds as if we have lots to discuss, Beau.”
“This is Veronica Espisito. A journalist withNew York News.”
A journalist? I’d said I was up for anything she needed, but I wasn’t sure I was up to this task.
“Veronica, this is my husband Garrett Calhoun. Everybody calls him Cal.”
There was possession in Beau’s tone. She’d started calling me Garrett more often. It was still hers and hers alone.
I extended a hand. “Pleasure.”
“Likewise,” she said as she shook. “I have to admit, I was intrigued by your phone call. Usually I’m the one having to chase you down.” For the first time, the woman’s smile was genuine.
“I admire the pieces you’ve done to spotlight women. You haven’t been shy about the good and the ugly. I want someone to showcase the truth and I believe you’re the person to do it.”
I placed a hand on the small of Beau’s back, but it was more for me than her. What was this about? I had a slight idea, though it seemed a stretch. Some things were too personal to share.
“I appreciate that.” She glanced back at the sitting area. “The hotel did a lovely job with the setup. It’ll take us a few minutes to get our equipment ready.” Then she tilted her head. “We might need to move the chairs closer to the windows for some natural light.”
“Tell me where you want them,” I said, though I was really speaking to Beau. Her show.
“I like the middle windows. What about you?” she asked Veronica, but there was no room to question her choice.
“That’s perfect. Stan, will you help Cal move the sofa, please?”
He dropped his case and grabbed one end. We easily set it where directed, along with the other chair and coffee table.
“My brothers are on their way. I’d like to wait for them.”
“You are full of surprises,” Veronica said. “We have a few more things to get out of the van anyway.”
“That’s fine. And please, help yourselves to the refreshments.” Beau gestured toward the table.
This was the Beau that came from refined wealth. The version who knew how to handle reporters and everyone else with confidence and ease.
“Excuse me a minute.” Beau disappeared from the ballroom.
I looked around the room; it was opulent yet had a welcoming feel. It wasn’t stuffy or pretentious. But I couldn’t relax.
