Tongue Tied

Chapter 10

Before leaving my office the previous day, Mr. Hilliard had given me strict instructions for approaching Sean Ashworth at the fundraiser. Michelle had burned a disc for me to give to Sean which had both my slideshows along with the poster board images on it. I was supposed to flag him down and get a few minutes of his time to show him the pitch before he had a chance to speak to the media. In the meantime, Michelle and Renee continued attempting contact with Sean, trying to bypass Margaret - which wasn't working out so well - while the afternoon hours ticked away until it was time for me to head for Raleigh.

I skipped out on work early to go home and get ready. Carlie came over and did my hair in a fancy style that I was absolutely in awe of. I had planned on going with my hair in a bun or just down but she'd insisted that I couldn't attend an event like this not looking completely flawless. Of course, I didn't feel flawless. Every dress I pulled out of my closet didn't feel like the right one, but I settled for a long, floor-length gold gown that complimented my hair color and skin tone.

While Carlie worked on my makeup, which she also said had to be perfect, I complained about the Rutherford Laurence issue and how much I hated having to go to the fundraiser. Carlie was sympathetic and gave me a pep talk, trying to convince me that I'd easily earn back Sean's business, ninety-percent based on my appearance. I disagreed, but if looking like one of the rich, stunning women who often attended these events would get me any extra points with Sean, I figured it was worth sitting through Carlie throwing mascara and foundation on my face.

The drive to Raleigh felt longer than usual. I'd driven this highway multiple times but the apprehension of having to try to make a last minute pitch to Sean in a very inappropriate setting was grinding my gears. I was sure I was about to waste my time and leave feeling like I'd made a complete fool of myself.

I pulled in beside a parking meter and sat in my car for an extra ten minutes trying to gather my wits and come up with a plan of action. The problem was I'd never been to this particular annual charity fundraiser before. I wasn't familiar with the layout of everything and I had no idea what time Sean was supposed to address the media or where to find him. Upon entry into the hotel ballroom, my eyes scanned the crowd for Sean but all I could see were rich executives clad in literally flawless attire and mountains of gold and diamonds, and the group of reporters taking pictures and filming the scene. I spotted Mike Arthur and made a beeline for the opposite side of the room. If I never heard about boiled egg soup again, it would be too soon.

I decided to ask around and find out if anyone had seen Sean or knew where I could find him but before I could interrupt anyone's conversations, my phone started buzzing in my clutch. I ignored it the first time but then it began ringing again immediately after the missed call notification. Much to my surprise, it was Alec calling me.

"Are you fucking kidding me right now, Shaffers?" I yelled in a hushed tone so no one would hear. "I've been calling you for a week and you have horrible timing!"

I was pissed. Of all the chances he had to call me back or even just shoot me a text saying he was okay, he had to pick now to call as the unknown number of minutes I had left to flag down Sean were quickly ticking away.

He sighed, sounding like he really regretted making me wait so long to hear from him. "Hey. Hey. I'm sorry, okay? Can we-"

"Alec, I don't have time right now," I cut him off. "I've got to go track down Sean Ashworth and try to convince him to give Corbin and Hilliard's pitch a last minute chance and I don't know how long I have to do that."

Alec's tone shifted dramatically. "Stay where you are. Hang on."

"What?"

He hung up. I frowned at my phone, briefly considering calling him back but I knew I didn't have the time. The feeling of a hand on my shoulder nearly startled the daylights out of me. I jumped and turned around to face a very well-dressed Alec, tie and all.