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“But you have some questions,” I say, finishing her sentence, and I don’t miss my brother as his head whips toward me.
“Go ahead.” I sweep out my hand and offer her the floor.
“What is happening with security? When I went through the guest list, I noticed that there will be a lot of high-profile people attending, so I wondered what firm you had booked for security?”
Mom remains silent and looks at her as though she is stupid.
“We have our own team we will use.” She punches her words heavily so they make a mark. To ensure that Beth understands we are a family with means.
“Oh, of course,” Beth says, looking down at her notepad again, and I admire her stamina. Anyone else would have broken under my mother’s gaze already.
“Also, in terms of media, will they play a part and, if so, who will be managing the media scrum?”
Mom looks startled for a moment, and it is then I realize this is something she didn’t consider.
“We are looking into that at the moment,” she says, saving face, and I see Lilly scribble something down in her notebook.
“Great!” Beth says, remaining professional.
“And one last thing,” Beth says, and Mom sighs as if this is paining her, but Beth pushes on.
“The photographer and emcee run sheet doesn’t match and the menu doesn’t match the guest list dietary requirements. Also, you mentioned the music is a three-piece jazz band, but in this venue, a five-piece may provide a better atmosphere, otherwise the room can look too big when everyone is seated, and the acoustics jump around the space, creating echoes.”
When Beth finishes, once again, the room is quiet for a beat. I see Eddie’s eyebrows rise and Oscar look at her in disbelief. I knew she had this in her and a feeling of pride washes through my chest. She is beautiful, there is no doubt about it, but her take-charge attitude, all delivered with a smile almost as charming as my own is what really makes me pay attention.
“All good points, Beth,” I say, backing her up, and our eyes meet briefly. I notice a soft pink tint come to her cheeks before my gaze lands on Mom and Lilly. They wanted this gig, they wanted to be responsible for managing this event, so they need to make sure it is in line with what we need. And Beth is what we need.
Lilly looks between me and Beth before she pipes up. “This isn’t our first event, Beth, we know what we are doing.” The sharp tone of her words is meant to maim, but Beth continues to smile. The passive aggressive attitude that Mom and Lilly are giving off is uncalled for, but Beth is handling it with grace. I smirk at Oscar across the table, giving him anI told you solook.
“Of course, I’m just crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s. We want to ensure that this event is a terrific night, given it is kick starting the campaign. A statement really needs to be made,” Beth replies, her eyes flicking to me, and I nod, giving her a smile, in agreement to everything she says. She seems to like the silent praise, her posture and smile telling me that she is relaxed in her decisions as long as I approve. And I do. Very much so.
“Oh, Harrison and I have color coordinated our outfits and so we will make a grand entrance together that I am sure the cameras will love!” Lilly gushes. Eddie covers his laugh with a cough, and I think Oscar groans. Lilly just tried to mark her territory, even though I am not hers and never will be.
“I am taking Beth to the event,” I announce, sitting back with confidence, my eyes honed in on one person and one person only. I hear the collective gasps from around the table.
“You are?” Lilly and Beth both ask in unison.
“Yes. I am.” My eyes now lock with Beth’s, and I see her shimmery blues sparkle, flickering, appearing to be happy with my suggestion. I look around the table to see Eddie's eyes widen, matching his smile, while Oscar covers his mouth with his hand, and my mother looks like she is going to jump across the table and slaughter me.
All in all, it was a good meeting.
11
BETH
Day two at the new job and my driver Tom is taking us to the first appointment of the day.
“I can’t believe we are meeting with Arthur this morning!” I say cheerily, because this is not work for me. I have been to Arthur’s office a few times, and have spoken to his secretary a lot, so I am looking forward to seeing them both.
“Yes. First Arthur, then a press tour at the Elementary School. I haven’t spent a lot of time with Arthur over the years. He hates me, but I am trying to find some middle ground so he can support my campaign,” Harrison says from beside me in the car. We are sitting close, and it feels electric.
My senses continue to heighten whenever we are together. The humming in my body only grows, and I wonder if he feels it too.
As the car turns and weaves through the city traffic, my heart feels like it is going to thump right out of my chest. The dream I had of him last night isn’t helping, my mind racing with all sorts of inappropriate scenarios.
It is just the two of us this morning, as Oscar and Eddie are meeting us at the Elementary school later, where Harrison is having a photo op with the media as part of his education policies that he will introduce if elected.
I feel good. After his confidence in me at the meeting yesterday, I feel like I am on cloud nine. The way I catch Harrison looking at me, however, has my stomach fluttering, as does the fact that I am his date to the event next week. Something I still need to talk to him about.
