Chapter 26 – A LiberTEA party
Balloons, confetti and patriotic streamers of crepe paper are splashed everywhere around the hotel ballroom in an extravaganza of red, white and blue.
An unrecognizable amalgam of Johnny Be Good and the national anthem blasts from giant speakers, eradicating any chance of ordinary social conversation. An original piece perhaps, Katrina reflects on the music, smiling as she hands out another big glass of chilled red Liberty Tea to a party supporter.
Free floating balloons and loose bits of paper bounce on the air currents from the air conditioner fans and the movements of the crowd, giving a visitor the feeling of floating dreamlike on, or in, a giant American flag undulating in a tired wind.
The instruments are not tuned to concert pitch. The tempo is awkwardly uneven, and too quick. The musicians seem to be trying to compensate for their shortcomings with enthusiasm and volume.
The campaign is in full swing.
Katrina sighs, wishing she had thought to bring earplugs. She looks around as if searching for a way to get some relief, but she knows very well that she has to endure the evening until it ends. Smilingly she pours two more tall glasses of the popular red herbal tea, which empties another gallon jug from her supply. Still smiling, she hands the glasses to two well-dressed people she doesn't recognize, probably a married couple. She picks up another gallon jug. Fifteen down, twenty-five to go, the calculation pops into her mind.
The well-dressed woman sips the tea and looks surprised, smiling as she turns to her husband to see his reaction. He sips the tea and smiles back at his wife, nodding, then turns to look at Katrina. He points to the placard displayed imposingly behind the table, and nods approvingly. The placard says:
What would a LiberTEA rally be
without a cold glass of Liberty Tea?
Make tonight a Tea party -- for the LiberTEA party
Special limited trial for LiberTEA party supporters only
Liberty Tea
Let us know what you think
of the new gourmet drink
Let Them Eat Tea Page 29
