by Ewens, Tracy
“Javier is in charge of blogging and your father’s internet presence. He’s working with the senator’s staff to ensure we can control anything that pops up on the web and also be sure we don’t miss any opportunities or buzz words for his opponent. Believe me, we have it on all fronts.”
“How long have you been doing this?”
Kate was a little thrown by the question, not knowing if he was making a personal inquiry or if he wanted her resume. “I started at the bottom of a firm in New York, working phones and getting coffee while I was still in college. Once I graduated, we moved here and I started at Bracknell. I was promoted to junior associate shortly after, and I’ve been a full associate for just over two years.” She paused, not sure if she had answered what he was asking. “How long have I been handling this type of exposure?”
Grady nodded.
“About three years.”
“We?” Grady asked taking a sip of water.
“I was married,” Kate said and added nothing else, hoping she was clear that she didn’t want to discuss her personal life.
“Ever have anything worse than containing a spoiled ass?” Grady asked, obviously getting the message.
“Yes.”
“That was a joke.”
“I know.”
“Wow. Do you handle your own PR or does someone else take care of that for you?” He said and then sat back smiling at her.
Kate took a deep breath. She felt better, a bit of weight lifted. She could handle this project. He was funny, she would give him that. It was probably pretty easy to be funny when everything was handed to you.
Chapter Six
Kate married Nick Galloway because he had great shoulders, warm eyes, and a fearlessness that tempted her cautious nature. They both liked to read the paper on Sunday morning and the sex was intense, passionate. They were great together. Well, he was great and she was great at making him feel like there was nothing he couldn’t do. Kind of like a cheerleader. Christ, she’d never liked cheerleaders.
Curled in the leather chair of the conference room, Kate was reviewing proofs for the Carousel of Hope Ball menu and press kit. The Children’s Diabetes Foundation used Bracknell and Stevens for the ball they held every two years. They used them for some of their daily marketing materials too, but the ball was a huge event that had taken almost a year to plan. All monies raised from tickets and the auction went to the foundation. It was an important night and Kate was always so proud to play a small part. It was a little awkward now because her ex-husband would be there. Type 1 diabetes deeply touched his family, and both of his nieces were affected. It was a cause very close to his heart. She knew Nick wouldn’t miss it. It became a little less awkward once Kate reminded herself that the Children’s Diabetes Foundation worked tirelessly researching and caring for children dealing with a disease far beyond the coloring books and video games that occupied the minds of most of their friends. They were a wonderful organization. The least Kate could do was stop worrying about her stupid ex-husband, and make sure the foundation pulled off another spectacular event.
Mark was at his wits end with a certain political campaign client and needed a Saturday off. Kate told him she would take care of the rest of the paperwork for the ball. The proofs were due to the printer yesterday, but Kate spoke with them and assured the woman she would have everything emailed back by two o’clock. She had just finished proofing the menu, and made a few corrections, most notably that dessert was missing an “s,” making it sand, and not a delicious Key lime torte. Kate leaned back in the chair, adjusted her feet, and sipped her coffee. She held up the cover of the menu that mirrored all of the print work for the ball. It was the silhouette of a child’s face, rounded cheeks and rosebud lips. Within the silhouette there were other outlines of children, all different ages. It was meant to show the cycle of a child growing up, often with something they carried since they were born. The outlines were sketch-type and the colors were bright but muted, so it didn’t come off as too much. Kate liked it, but made some adjustments to the wording and noted that part of the image was cut off at the fold of the menu. That would need to be adjusted.
The Carousel of Hope Ball was a couple of months away. Mark informed her that she would be working this year, introducing Senator Malendar, who would be one of the keynote speakers. According to Mark, the senator would be discussing the climate for children within the current healthcare system, and policies he would like to see implemented if re-elected. Kate had opened up an email and was about to send some questions about the title font to the printer when her phone vibrated. She looked at the screen and took a very deep breath before answering.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hello, sweetheart. I was thinking we could all have dinner tonight after Chloe’s spring performance.”
“That sounds like a great idea, but I won’t be there tonight. I already spoke with Ethan and Faith. Senator Malendar has a political fundraiser tonight and I need to be there. I can’t get out of it.”
The line was silent. Kate knew it would be.
“She’s going to be a sunflower. Your niece, she will be dressed up like a sunflower and singing You Are My Sunshine. You’re going to miss that for some chicken-on-the-plate fundraiser? Oh, Katie, come on.”
Kate let out another deep breath. The guilt trip was in full force. “I know, and Eth said they would record it. I’ll be at your house next week for Easter. I can watch it then. I sent flowers to the school, sunflowers even.”
“Well, that’s nice, but it’s not the same as having her only auntie there for her first spring show. This job, I mean it’s one thing when you’re working with our community, but this new project seems . . . distracting. I mean your father says this kid, this guy you’re representing is kind of a shyster.”
Kate rolled her eyes and took out the banana and package of Toaster Strudel she’d brought for lunch.
“Mom, Dad says everyone’s a shyster. Anyway, the job is the same. This is a pretty all-encompassing client, but nothing I haven’t dealt with before.” Kate added peeling her banana.
“Well, if you say so. I’m just saying that your ‘encompassing client’ seems like he’s taking up quite a bit of your time.”
“What are you even talking about?”
“It’s Saturday. Where are you?”
“At work.”
“See, it’s not good for a single divorced woman to be working so much, at work on Saturday. It’s just not right.”
Jesus Christ! “Mom, this client has nothing to do with me being here on Saturday. In fact, I came in to help Mark with the Carousel of Hope Ball press kit. I actually just finished reviewing the menu. Looks like it’s going to be a great night. Did you and Dad donate anything to the auction this year?” Kate tried to change the subject.
“Really? Well, that’s a good use of your time, not on a Saturday, but much better than watching after that . . . that . . . philanderer. You need to watch yourself, Katie. You’re not living with Nick anymore and a single woman has to be careful.”
“Is that so? And what exactly would you know about being a single woman?” Kate spit back and regretted it as soon as the last word left her mouth.
Her mother said nothing.
“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. I’m sorry, Mom.”
Still no response.
“Listen, I’m just tired. Maybe you’re right; I shouldn’t be here on a Saturday. I’m just going to finish up and head home. Maybe I’ll take a nap before—”
“A week at Huntington Lake.”
“Sorry?”
“That’s what we donated for the silent auction. A week at that cabin place at Huntington.” Kate recognized that her mother was pissy, but was moving on. She was certain the ‘you know nothing about being single’ comment would come up again; when she least expected it her mother would swing back. Save for later and then sneak attack. That’s just how she was. Kate tried to appease for now.
“Oh, right. Well that was very
generous of you both. I’m sure someone will love that.”
“And it’s going to such a wonderful cause. Those babies, and their families. Your Nick’s little nieces, remember them, so precious.”
“Mom, he’s no longer my Nick, and of course I remember Sasha and Mellie. It is a wonderful cause. The menus are lovely. Key lime torte for dessert, looks yummy. Listen, I need to get going so I can finish up. Please give Chloe a big kiss from me.” Her mother said nothing. “And Mom, have a great time at the recital.”
“Oh, I’m sure we will. There will be a void, of course, because the whole family isn’t there, but we will manage. Did I tell you Neil is coming after working a double?” Of course, her sainted brother Neil would be there. Kate put her hand on her face and leaned on the table in front of her. Dear God, her mother was a master at the guilt.
“I did hear that. I spoke with him yesterday. That’s great. Okay, well have a wonderful time. I’ll see you next week.”
“Okay. I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
“Please be safe and remember to fast on Friday. I’m sure I don’t need to mention that you should remain abstinent on that day too, because . . . well, hopefully that’s not an issue for you right now.”
At this, Kate said nothing, but she actually lowered her head to the table and tried to remember if she had Tylenol in her purse, as her mother continued.
“Anyway, please try to squeeze in the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, if you can tear yourself away from your very important job. Good Friday is our most somber day, Katie. I don’t make you kids go anymore, but you should—”
“Remember what Christ gave up for me. Right, got it. Talk with you later, Mom.”
“Bye bye.”
Good Friday service, was she kidding? Kate hadn’t been to church since . . . she couldn’t remember. She was a heathen in her mother’s eyes, so Kate wasn’t sure why she kept trying. Finishing up her coffee, needing a refill and Toaster Strudel, Kate took her empty cup and her zip lock bag to the kitchen to find the office toaster.
That night, Kate arrived at a fundraiser for Senator Malendar. While she was a little aggravated that Grady had not shown up to the parent center opening at the children’s hospital yesterday morning, she was still pleased they had gotten through a week without incident. She stopped by the powder room to check her dress before entering the Agave Ballroom. It was very nice for a hotel event. The ballroom had four sets of doors that were open and leading to a balcony. It was beautifully lit and there were fresh flowers on each of the round tables throughout the room.
Kate set her bag down at her place setting. No one was at her table yet so she turned to get a drink at the bar. The sound guys were doing mike checks, and Kate saw Stanley adjusting the microphone at the podium. Stanley, who never liked to be called Stan, was a balding guy, she guessed mid-forties. He was incredibly well dressed, and seemed to do it with ease. From what Kate could tell, dressed-up Stanley was the only Stanley. His hair was cut very short to his head and his ears were small and round. They stuck out a little, and when he was angry, he looked a bit like a monkey. Stanley was often angry or frustrated with what he considered “the incompetence all around him.” Kate smiled in case he saw her, but he was engrossed in shaking hands and passing important people along to the senator.
Kate wore a simple black silk dress. Long, straight across and off the shoulders. It was her “go to” dress. She loved the lines, the feel of the silk, and the barely-there strappy sandals she always wore with it. It fact this dress was the only time she ever wore the insanely high strappy sandals. Her hair was up and she felt together, calm even, when she ordered a sparkling water and lime. She didn’t often dress up to the evening gown level, but when she did she was always reminded that she was a woman. She knew that was silly, of course she was a woman, but since the divorce she had forgotten a lot of things.
Grady, who was talking with a man and a woman Kate recognized as his childhood friends, Peter and Samantha, looked over at her and then excused himself and made his way through the crowd. As he approached, Kate was now acutely aware she was female, and slightly annoyed that the temperature in the room went up an easy ten degrees.
“Katherine.”
“Grady, haven’t we settled the name thing? It’s Kate.”
“I’m sorry, but that is not a Kate dress. That is most definitely a Katherine. Hepburn, Deneuve, take your pick, but it’s a Katherine.” He took her hand, kissed her knuckles and lingered. Kate tried to remember if a man had ever kissed her hand. If it had happened, it was never like this. “You look stunning.”
“Thank you.” That was all she could get out of her mouth. It was one thing to know the magazine cover Grady. No question he was lovely to look at and his tux was perfect, but since spending time with him, Grady had grown on her a bit. There was something in those eyes, behind them, that spoke to Kate far more than his beautiful face. She had clearly not been a good judge of men in the past, but this one did seem like a decent guy. She was about to ask where he was yesterday, when a blonde in a bright dress with a sizable slit took Grady’s arm. He looked awkward for the briefest moment, but Kate was prepared and doing her best to be gracious.
“You must be Maddie, that’s quite a dress. I’m Kate from Bracknell and Stevens.”
“Oh, you work for Grady? For a minute, from the look on his face, I thought you were moving in on my guy.” She giggled; there may have been a little snort, and Grady’s cheeks actually tinted. This was going to be fun. “How did you know my name? Have you been talking about me?” She made some weird pouty face at Grady and he started to say something, but Kate jumped in.
“It’s part of my job to know who Mr. Malendar is with during the campaign. Maddie Brinks, you are twenty-four, your family has been close friends with the Malendars for years. You went to UC Santa Barbara, majored in fashion design, and you currently own a little boutique in Los Angeles. Um, “Madly Chic,” yes that’s what it’s called. You and Mr. Malendar have been dating for approximately five hours, so it’s super cute you’re already keeping an eye out for him.” Kate smiled her best girlfriend smile. Grady began to smirk and turned toward Little Miss Mile High Slit.
“Wow, you’re good. She’s good, isn’t she, babe?” she said.
Grady was now into a full warm and wonderful smile. He looked right into Kate. “She certainly is. She’s the best.”
“It must be great to have such good employees looking out—”
“She’s not an employee.” Not looking away from Kate.
“Grady, it’s fine. I’m sort of an employee.”
He turned to his date, as if she were a toddler, and explained. “Maddie, Katherine works for one of the largest PR firms in the country. We are her client, I’m her project.”
“Oooh really? Katherine—”
“Kate, please call me Kate.”
“Kate, where’d you go to school? Have you worked with a lot of celebrities or only politicians?”
At this point Kate was distracted by the drinks being passed around, as the senator and his wife were about to toast and welcome their guests. Grady should probably be down there, at least available to his father. He must have read her mind because they started walking toward the main table. Kate liked work and was more comfortable with speeches and guest lists. Work didn’t have a lot of hand kissing and she liked it that way. As they took a seat at their table, Kate answered Maddie, who still wanted to know about the celebrities.
“Columbia, I went to Columbia, and I’m not at liberty to discuss our clients. Maddie, it was a treat meeting you, but if you’ll both please pardon me, it looks like the senator is about to toast.” Kate smiled at Grady, who looked perfect and poised, and she moved toward the center of the room.
Grady had schmoozed and even spent a painful half hour talking with Senator Grafton about his new parrot. After surviving that, and the rubber chicken dinner, Grady managed a dance with Samantha and even sat w
ith his mother and her bridge friends for a while. Maddie tagged along, but after all of the talking heads had finished talking, Grady had driven her home, telling her he was heading home too. She had offered to tuck him in, which was the farthest thing from his mind. He kissed her on the cheek and knew he would wait maybe another week before making a clean break. It was explained that his father wanted him to have a “significant other” during the campaign, but Maddie was not that other. Grady was restless after dropping Maddie off, so he returned to the fundraiser. Sam and Peter would still be there, and Kate. Kate would still be there and, well shit. He wanted to see her.
By the time he got back things were winding down. Most of his father’s staff and a few select friends had moved from the ballroom to the senator’s suite. Grady walked into the large presidential suite, which was bigger than most LA apartments, and saw her first. His gaze fell on her instantly, and why not when she was wearing that dress? Her hair was piled on her head, messier than it was earlier in the evening. A few strands curled at her neck. She was talking to her boss, Mark, and the small crease between her eyes appeared. It was there every time she focused or was mentally prepping her argument. He knew that now. He noticed things about her. When had that started? Grady was now used to Kate’s serious and often starchy personality. It was stimulating, and for the first time in a long time he was on his toes and enjoying it.
