by Amber Crewes
Meghan and Jacqueline stood amongst hundreds of Sandy Bay residents for a special ceremony that had been hastily scheduled to memorialize Paula Brown. The governor himself had traveled back to Sandy Bay to dedicate a plaque in the square in honor of his late wife, and the entire town had gathered for the ceremony.
“You know, it is bright out here,” Meghan admitted as she shielded her eyes from the bright sunshine. “It feels a little wrong to have such a somber ceremony on a beautiful day.”
“I can’t believe Governor Brown is out and about so soon after his wife passed away,” Jacqueline whispered into Meghan’s ear as Kirsty Fisher approached the platform that had been set up in the middle of the square.
“Attention, everyone,” Kirsty called out in a quivering voice as she ascended the platform and stepped forward to speak into the microphone. “Good afternoon. My name is Kirsty Fisher, and I was one of Paula’s closest friends.”
Meghan raised an eyebrow at Jacqueline. “Were they really?”
Jacqueline shook her head. “Maybe in Kirsty’s mind…you know how she likes to put on airs!”
Meghan giggled, but then silenced herself upon seeing the stern look from the couple standing next to her.
“The tragedy of Paula’s death is unforgettable, but we have gathered here today to commemorate her passing with something special. The Governor has brought a special plaque to dedicate to Paula’s memory. I thank you all for being here today, and I hope that we can all send our thoughts and good wishes to the governor at this time.”
The Governor appeared behind Kirsty, and she kissed him on both cheeks. Meghan noticed that he looked exhausted; with dark, deep bags beneath his eyes, and red, swollen eyes, Meghan’s heart ached for the governor, despite his wife’s rudeness toward her at the ball.
“Thank you, Kristy,” Governor Brown said as Kirsty wiped a tear from her eye with a monogrammed handkerchief.
“See?” Jackie muttered. “If his wife and Kirsty were truly dear friends, surely the governor would know her name….”
“Shhhhhh,” Meghan hushed as the Governor continued.
“Paula had a vibrant, exciting life; she was Miss Texas, she was a film star, and most recently, she was my beloved wife and the first-lady of our state….”
“Excuse me? Meghan Truman?”
Meghan jumped as someone tapped her shoulder. She turned around and squinted; the sun was directly in her eyes, and she could hardly make out the figure in front of her. Meghan could tell it was a woman, and she held a hand in front of her face to shield it from the bright light.
“I’m with the Governor’s staff,” the woman explained quietly. “He would like to speak with you after the event. Take this pass and go to the VIP tent after his talk.”
Meghan blinked in confusion, calling out as the woman turned and walked away, “Why does the Governor want to talk to me?”
The woman did not answer, and Meghan turned to Jacqueline. “What was that all about?”
Jacqueline shook her head. “I have no idea,” she replied. “That woman was gorgeous. I wonder what she does on the Governor’s staff.”
Twenty minutes later, the Governor finished his speech, and Meghan took off toward the VIP tent. She pushed through the crowd, careful as she wove through the people politely clapping for the Governor. When she reached the tent, a uniformed guard examined her pass, and then he waved her inside.
“Ahhh, Meghan Truman.”
Meghan’s hand flew to her mouth in shock as the Governor greeted her by name.
“Thank you for joining us here, Meghan,” the Governor said graciously as he loosened his blue checkered tie and took a seat on a white folding chair. “Please, sit.”
Meghan sat down on a black folding chair, and the Governor took her hand in his. “My assistants and Paula’s assistants informed me that she was a bit…brisk to you at the event. My apologies, Meghan.”
Meghan cocked her head to the side as she glanced around the tent. A table filled with deli meats and cheeses was on the far right side, and generators were plugged in to warm the small space.
“How do you know who I am?” Meghan asked.
The Governor chuckled. “It was my ball, remember? The ball is my favorite event each year, and I make it my business to know who is coming and going. I’ve actually been enjoying your desserts for months now; my assistants have an order sent over each week, and it was my idea to feature your treats at the event.”
Meghan blushed. “That explains the order we send to the capital each week,” she murmured. “Thank you for thinking of me. Your business means a lot to me. I’m also so sorry about your wife. She was a hero of mine when I was a child. I’m from Texas originally, and I always admired her spirit.”
The Governor took Meghan’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you for saying that,” he said softly. “It was a shock when my wife died—the police are suggesting it was a murder, can you believe that? I am devastated, but I am so glad I got to come to Sandy Bay today to lay the plaque.”
Before Meghan could respond, a young man came to the Governor’s side and whispered in his ear. “Oh, excuse me, Meghan,” the Governor apologized. “My assistant here says I have a conference call scheduled. I will be right back!”
As the Governor left the tent, Meghan was shocked when Jack walked inside. “Jack?” Meghan asked. “What are you doing here?”
Jack nodded at the walkie-talkie in his hand. “You would know if you would answer my calls,” he muttered. “I’m working security. I saw you come in here, and I wanted to make sure you are okay. What were you and the Governor discussing?”
Meghan tossed her dark hair behind her shoulder. “That’s really not your business,” she said feistily. “Your friend, Michelle, is on his staff. Why don’t you go ask her?”
Jack narrowed his eyes at Meghan. “Don’t talk like that, Meghan,” he said. “Michelle is here today, but she is just a friend. In fact, she was the one who gave you the pass to come back here.”
Meghan gasped. “I didn’t recognize her,” she replied. “The sun was so bright, and I didn’t know it was your friend from the dance floor.”
Jack crossed his arms across his chest. “Meghan,” he began. “We have to talk about this. Michelle is just a friend, and if you can’t accept that…well, I’m afraid that if you cannot get over this Michelle thing, we are really going to need to have a serious conversation about our future as a couple. I can’t do this for much longer, Meghan, and if we need to break up, then let’s just do it now.”
8
As Meghan sipped her caramel latte, her heart sank as she recounted the chaos of her evening; following her quarrel with Jack, the couple had met in the park to discuss their relationship. After two hours of fighting, Meghan and Jack had decided to remain a couple, but both parties knew that they needed some time apart. They decided to take a few days away from each other, and while Meghan was sad that she and Jack were going through a rough patch, she was happy that they had decided to stay together as a couple.
The other chaotic part of Meghan’s evening took place upon Meghan’s return from her lengthy conversation with Jack. As Meghan walked into the bakery, she heard Trudy screaming at Pamela from across the dining room.
“I don’t care if you are talented, or pretty, or the Queen of England,” Trudy snarled as Pamela cried. “I am Meghan’s assistant, and when she is gone, I am in charge!”
Meghan saw Pamela’s lip quiver. “I only asked if I could help with a different project, Trudy. I didn’t mean to make you mad.”
Before Trudy could speak, Meghan held her hands up. “What is going on in here? Trudy? What is the meaning of this?”
Trudy shook her head. “That little girl just prances around here like she owns the place.”
Meghan frowned. “Pamela is a great help to us, Trudy,” she argued. “And as the owner of this place, Trudy, I have concerns we need to address. Pamela? If you could take your things and head home for the night, I think
Trudy and I really need to speak in private.”
Pamela nodded, and she gathered her jacket and backpack. “Bye, Meghan. Bye, Trudy.”
Once Pamela had closed the door, Meghan sat down at one of the little white tables. She gestured for Trudy to join her.
“I have some concerns, Trudy,” Meghan informed her employee as Trudy glared at her. “Your attitude has been concerning. Can you please help me understand what is going on? You’ve seemed tense here, and I even received some complaints about your professionalism at the ball. I heard you were snippy with some of the guests, and I also heard that you had a camera out and were taking selfies. You know we cannot do that at an event. That is unacceptable.”
Trudy’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious? People are talking about me? What the heck, Meghan? I can’t believe this. All I do is work my tail off here, and you make me feel bad by saying these things?”
Meghan shook her head. “No, Trudy,” she protested, placing a hand on Trudy’s shoulder. “I am worried about you. You have always been happy-go-lucky, and lately, it’s seemed as if something is wrong.”
Trudy rose from the table. As she turned to leave, she stopped and waved a fist at Meghan. “This is ridiculous. See if I don’t go join some other bakery, Meghan. I am sick of the games and nonsense.”
Trudy stormed out of Truly Sweet, and Meghan forced herself to take three long, slow breaths. “Well, that was exactly what I wanted to deal with after a long argument with Jack,” Meghan muttered sarcastically. “Ugh, I need to take a walk and clear my head.”
Meghan gathered her red purse and locked up the bakery. She was happy that the air wasn’t too cold, and she tucked her hair behind her ears as she wandered through the town.
“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” Meghan thought to herself as she walked. “And I want Trudy to be back to her normal, cheerful self. I know what I will do! I will go down to the fruit market and get a basket for her; maybe if Trudy knows how much I appreciate her, she will relax a bit. I will get the basket for her and surprise her with all of her favorites, and maybe things will go back to normal.”
Meghan smiled to herself as she imagined the happy look on Trudy’s face when she surprised her with the fruit basket. She set off toward the fruit market, eager to make things right with her assistant. As Meghan perused the aisles of fresh fruit, she noticed a familiar-looking man staring at her from across the market. “That’s odd,” Meghan thought as she studied the man’s face. “Where have I seen him before?”
Suddenly, Meghan remembered why she recognized him; the man was Paula Brown’s personal assistant. They had spoken briefly at the Governor’s Ball. Knowing that the man was probably mourning his late employer, Meghan decided she needed to give her condolences. She put the fruit back in its bin and made her way over to the man.
“Hey,” Meghan said softly. “Do you remember me? I’m Meghan. You are Paula Brown’s assistant, yes?”
The man looked down at his shoes. “I was her assistant,” he gently corrected. “Rest in peace, poor Paula.”
Meghan touched his arm. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Paula must have been such an interesting woman to work for. What was your name?”
“I’m Donnie,” the man said. “Meghan, I’m glad you said hello.”
Meghan nodded. “Of course,” she said. “How are you doing? What a difficult time it must be for you.”
Donnie shrugged. “It hasn’t been easy,” he admitted. “But Governor Brown is a good guy; he’s offered to find me another spot within his own staff, and I am so thankful to be employed by the Browns.”
Meghan smiled. “He seemed like a kind man.”
Donnie agreed. “He is the best,” Donnie told Meghan. “I have learned so much from the Browns. I want to get into politics myself someday, and I am in such a better position now that I’ve had
so much exposure to the way they do things. It isn’t easy; the Governor demands excellence, as did Paula, but I can only thank them for the experiences I’ve gained.”
Meghan placed a hand on her heart. “That is a wonderful thing to say about your employer,” she gushed. “I can only hope my employees feel that way about me.”
Donnie smiled. “I’m sure they do. You seem like a nice gal. Anyway, I need to run, but I have to tell you that your treats were fantastic. I loved your tarts at the event, and I’ve been craving more.”
Meghan reached into her purse and fetched a Truly Sweet giftcard. “Here,” she said as she pressed the card into Donnie’s hands. “Take this. Swing by any time for a treat; it’s my treat!”
Donnie grinned. “You are adorable. I will have to talk to the Governor to see if we can do a mass order of your treats for his mansion and offices. I know you already do a shipment to him each week, but I think a mass order would be better for all involved.”
She clapped her hands in excitement. “You would do that for me? You just met me, Donnie.”
He winked at Meghan. “You seem truly sweet, Meghan,” he cooed. “What kind of future politician would I be if I didn’t extend a hand out to the little people every once and awhile?”
9
“That looks so good on you, Meghan!” Jacqueline gushed as Meghan showed off a chunky knit sweater. “Olive is definitely your color; it makes your skin just glow! That would make for such a cute outfit for New Year’s Eve.”
Meghan spun around in the dressing room of Smitten Kitten, the women’s boutique around the corner from Truly Sweet. Jackie had suggested a little shopping date to get Meghan’s mind off of Jack, and Meghan had gladly taken her up on the invitation.
“Are you sure it isn’t too flashy?” Meghan asked as she stared at the sweater’s square neckline. “These puffy sleeves feel a little too high fashion for plain old me.”
Jacqueline smacked Meghan playfully on the bottom. “Meghan, you are beautiful. Your thick, dark hair is the envy of every girl in Sandy Bay, your dark eyes have that sparkle to them, and your smile brightens every room you walk into. That sweater fits your body perfectly, Meghan, and I would be a bad friend if I didn’t let you buy it. Besides, it’s winter now. Surely you need a few cute new pieces for your wardrobe. This isn’t warm Los Angeles, after all.”
Meghan glanced back at herself in the mirror. “I think you’re right,” she admitted to Jacqueline. “This is a good color for me, and I do like the way this sweater fits. Okay, Jackie, you have convinced me. Add it to my pile.”
“Yes!” Jacqueline. “Hey, Meghan? Now that it’s been a few days…well, I hate to ask, but what happened at the ball? I didn’t want to ask too many questions, but since you seem so relaxed….and it’s just us two in this dressing room. Care to share?”
Meghan sighed. “It’s fine,” she relented. “At the ball, Paula was a bit rude to me, and I was upset. I went looking for Jack, and I saw him getting a kiss on the cheek from some stupid girl he was friends with back in the day.”
“I wondered why the pair of you were taking a few days off,” Jacqueline said as she handed another sweater to Meghan to try on. “Who is the girl?”
Meghan rolled her eyes. “Jack says she is just a friend, but from the looks of it, it seemed a bit fishy; she was one of those drop dead gorgeous girls who just looks like she could sneakily steal a boyfriend from right underneath someone’s nose.”
Jacqueline shook her head. “That’s awful,” she said. “I can’t believe Jack would talk to someone like that.”
Meghan laughed sadly. “You know how guys are when they see a pretty face….”
Jackie watched as Meghan slipped a soft blue turtleneck over her head. “No,” Jackie dismissed as she looked at Meghan’s torso. “That isn’t flattering. Take it off.”
Meghan obeyed, removing the sweater and hanging it on the rack in the dressing room. “I think I have enough new clothes to last me a lifetime,” Meghan told Jacqueline as she giggled at the pile of skirts, tops, underthings, and accessories. “Let’s get out of here, Jackie; I don’t think my bank account can
take any more major hits!”
Jacqueline chuckled, and the two women gathered the pile of clothes. As they exited the dressing room, they ran straight into a thin, auburn-haired woman who was sitting primly in a love seat in the corner of the main dressing area. It was Michelle, Jack’s friend. Meghan gasped.
“Meghan,” Michelle said coolly, her hands clenched together and resting on her left knee. “Pleasure seeing you here. I can’t say it was a pleasure hearing you, though; do you often speak ill of people behind their backs in public?”
Before Meghan could respond, Jacqueline stepped forward. “She doesn’t speak ill of people who aren’t trying to steal her boyfriend!”
