by White, Karey
“Yes.”
“I’m glad. And did Kyle talk to you about his plans?”
“Yes.”
There was an awkward pause. “Charlotte, are you shopping right now?”
“Yes, with my roommate.”
“Would she mind if I joined you?”
Suddenly, I felt like crying. “I don’t think she’d mind.” I turned to Mia. “Do you mind if she comes shopping with us?”
Mia shook her head.
“She doesn’t mind. We’re at Union Square.”
“I can be there in half an hour. Let’s meet at Neiman Marcus. By the makeup counter.”
“Thank you, Roberta.”
“This will be fun. It’ll give us a chance to talk.”
Mia walked with me to Neiman Marcus. When we arrived at the makeup counter, she hugged me. “I’m going to take off.”
“No way. You said you didn’t mind if she joined us. That means you’re going to stay.”
“Charlie, this woman could be your mother-in-law.”
“And you’re my friend.”
Mia held up her hand. “This woman has also lived the future you’re worried about. Talk to her. Ask her questions. Listen to her answers and listen to what she says behind her answers. Maybe this will help you not be so nervous.”
“I was excited to shop with you.”
“We’ll shop when you need a new swimsuit or something to wear to your work Christmas party. She’s the right one to help you shop for something like a benefit. I’ve never been to one of those in my life. What do I know?” I bit my bottom lip, and Mia laughed. “Stop worrying. Find something gorgeous.”
“What if I can’t afford what she thinks I should get?”
“Don’t be cheap. Remember, if this continues, Kyle will be buying your expensive dresses. You can always look at this as an investment in your future life—the life where money won’t be a concern at all.”
“Is there such a world?”
“Learning how to spend money is probably going to be a bigger adjustment than any of the other things you’re worried about. If Kyle’s mom finds you the perfect dress, get it. Now, I’m going to go before she gets here.”
Everything about Roberta was intimidating. Everything except her smile and her warm personality. She looked elegant in navy cigarette pants, a coral and white striped sweater set and pewter flats. Her blond hair was pulled up in an elegant twist, and she carried a gray, moderately-sized designer bag. I felt like an ogre standing next to her when she arrived. My hair was in a messy braid that hung over one shoulder, I’d worn almost no makeup, and my yoga pants and t-shirt had been intentionally chosen to make trying on dresses easy. Now that I was shopping with Roberta, I looked like the ugly step-daughter in desperate need of a makeover.
If Roberta noticed my dreadful appearance, she didn’t let on.
“I’m so glad you called,” she said. “I was facing an entire afternoon of listening to Donald and Devon strategize. This is much more fun.” She put her arm through mine and guided me to the escalator. “I’m not sure if we’ll find what you want here, but I figured it was a good place to start. Where’s your friend?”
“She had some things to do and figured I was in good hands with you.”
“Well, let’s go prove her right. We’ll start here, and if we can’t find something appropriate, we’ll widen our search.”
Roberta had picked out three dresses within five minutes of arriving in the evening gown department, and already I could tell this was going to go better than the stop with Mia. “When you’re looking for a dress you’ll be wearing to an event like this, you want something elegant and conservative. You don’t want it to draw too much attention, but you want it to be beautiful enough that those who do notice you are impressed. Daytime events are the same. You want something polished and professional, but also pretty. And you want it to look expensive without looking too expensive.”
“Sounds terrifying,” I said.
“It was the first few times I had to choose what to wear, but soon it became second nature.”
After I’d tried on the dresses Roberta had chosen, she folded her arms and thought for a moment. “You know, I think you want something a little younger. These look more like my generation. If we’re going to be appealing to a younger demographic, we want you to look conservative and elegant, but we also want you to dress your age. Let’s check out a couple of other places.”
Two hours later, I carried a dress bag out of Anthropologie. I’d never spent so much on clothing before, and I cringed at the hit my bank account had just taken. I had to admit, though, the dress and shoes were perfect.
“Do you have time to grab a sandwich at The Rotunda?”
I had no idea where The Rotunda was, but since I wasn’t in a hurry, and I was actually quite hungry, I agreed. We walked back to Neiman Marcus and made our way to the posh, expensive restaurant where we ordered chicken salad sandwiches and raspberry lemonade.
“I’m so glad Kyle talked to you. And I’m glad it didn’t send you running for the hills.”
“I was surprised. I had no idea he had political aspirations.”
“It’s such a predicament since he’s not married yet. Of course, he doesn’t want to scare women off by telling them too much too soon, but at the same time, when I could tell he was interested in you, I felt it was important for you to know.”
I wasn’t sure what to say. This was Kyle’s mother. Of course she’d have his best interests in mind and would want me to do whatever was best for Kyle. On the other hand, she was a woman who had lived the life that now might face me. Would she be honest with me?
“Charlotte, I can tell you’ve got a lot on your mind. Do you have any questions?”
I took a sip of water. “How did you do it? Did you move to Washington part of the year?”
“I stayed here and kept the boys in school the first few years. We thought the continuity was important. Each option has its pros and cons, but since Kyle and Peter were both in high school and were so involved, we figured it would be better for them. Shawn was already in college, so it didn’t affect him as much. Alex had never been as involved in school, so when Peter graduated from high school, we decided we’d go to Washington with Donald. That meant we dragged Alex back and forth all through his high school years. I don’t know that we did the right thing for him. I don’t think he’s ever felt settled. I’ve wondered if that’s part of the reason he’s always...” Her voice trailed off. “Well, anyway, I think it was hard on him.”
“It’s strange to be having this conversation. I mean, we’re just dating.”
“That’s true. And it will be up to you two where you go with this. But I think you both need to know what lies ahead. You certainly do so you can decide if a public life is something you can live with. And of course, Kyle needs to know if you can fit into the future he’s planned.”
Roberta reached across the table and patted my arm. “I don’t mean to sound heartless or harsh. It’s just good to have all the information.”
I nodded. Our sandwiches arrived, and the conversation turned to topics I had answers for, as Roberta asked about my job and we talked about our families. I learned that Donald and Roberta had met working on a campaign during a presidential election in the seventies. She told me Kyle was the only one of their four sons who had an interest in politics. Lucky for me!
Roberta paid our tab, and on the sidewalk in front of the store, she hugged me. “Don’t ever hesitate to call me if you have any questions or worries.” I was glad Mia had told me to call her.
Dressing for the Mercy House benefit calmed my nerves. It was difficult to put on the orange blossom, Grecian style dress without feeling elegant and sophisticated. Because of my height, the bow-embellished, ivory flats looked pretty as they peeked out from under the dress. Thankfully, they were also comfortable. I styled my hair in smooth, loose curls with one side pulled back.
“You look amazing,” Mia said when I walked i
nto our little living room. I twirled, and the fabric floated around me.
“That’s a red carpet dress,” Graham agreed.
I took a deep breath and held it.
“I know this is all new to you,” Mia said, “but try to have fun. Remember, it’s for a good cause.”
The doorbell buzzed, and Mia looked over the back of the couch. “It’s him.”
“I’m on my way,” I said into the intercom.
“Mom said you were going to blow me away.” Kyle said when I arrived downstairs. He took my hand and stepped back, looking at me with appreciative eyes. “She was right. You’re stunning.”
“Woowee!” Cuddy said from the doorway of the barbershop. “Wish I was about forty years younger.”
“Oh, Cuddy. No wonder I love you.”
“You’d have to fight me for her,” Kyle said.
“Forty years ago, I could have given you a run for your money.” Cuddy winked at me.
The benefit was held at the Julia Morgan Ballroom. I’d never been there before and was awed by the beauty. Floor to ceiling arched windows lined the walls. Mahogany octagons covered the ceiling, giving it a honeycomb look, and an enormous fireplace took up nearly an entire wall. Large, round tables filled the floor. A riser with a podium stood in front of three of the windows. Each table had three framed pictures of children with the stories of what Mercy House had done to help them. Votives and short, crystal bowls with floating flowers surrounded the pictures, making the tables look stylish without detracting from the beauty of the children’s faces.
I saw Wyatt from across the room, and she waved. She looked stunning in a navy, boat-necked dress with a beaded bodice and flowing, chiffon skirt. Her fiery red hair was tucked up in a neat chignon. Angus was right. She was gorgeous.
“How are you two doing?” Wyatt asked. Up close, she was even more beautiful. I could see the tiny headset she was wearing.
“We’re great,” Kyle said. “Just looking to see if Dad’s here. Ah, there he is. Would you two excuse me for a minute?” Kyle squeezed my hand and left me to talk to Wyatt.
“Wyatt, this place is beautiful.” I looked around the room.
“We’re so lucky. They usually charge a huge event fee, but they’re not charging Mercy House a thing. Someone on the board has a relative who has done volunteer work for Mercy House in the past. They pulled some strings, and when I called, they agreed to donate the ballroom. I was thrilled.”
“The table decorations are perfect. Did you come up with that?”
Wyatt shrugged. “They weren’t a big deal. I do things like this all the time. I love your dress, by the way. You look amazing.”
“Thank you. I don’t usually attend things like this, so I had to go shopping.”
“You shopped well. Love the color.”
“Do you always have to dress up for these things?” I asked. Wyatt looked like she’d stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine.
“It depends on the event. I dress up for weddings and formal evening events, but it’s often more casual. This dress wouldn’t work well at a corporate picnic. But I probably have more formals than the average girl. I should have had you come check out my closet. I might have something you could have worn, although you probably won’t mind having that gorgeous dress hanging in your closet. Maybe I’ll be calling you.”
I laughed. “You’re being kind.”
“I’m not. I love it. By the way”—she leaned in and spoke quietly—“I wanted to thank you for introducing me to Kyle. Having his parents involved in this benefit was a huge score. Once they put out the word that they were attending, we sold almost a hundred more tickets. That’s almost $50,000 more for Mercy House. And that doesn’t even count any of tonight’s donations. They were so happy.”
“I think it was a win win. Kyle’s family is getting some good exposure tonight, too.”
“Well, thank you. I put you two and Kyle’s parents at different tables. They’re both near the front. Senator Aldsworth said he’d like Kyle to be seated with any media, and since you’re with Kyle—”
“What are you two whispering about?” Kyle asked, putting his arm around my waist.
“You know. Dresses and table settings,” I said.
Wyatt put her hand to her earpiece. “Thanks, Jeff. I’ll be right there.” Then she spoke to us. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to run to the kitchen. Have a wonderful evening. Maybe I’ll catch up with you later.” Wyatt moved gracefully toward the back of the room, pausing for a moment to straighten a table setting on her way.
“Everything good?” Kyle asked.
“Everything’s great,” I said.
“You’re definitely the belle of the ball,” he said and kissed my cheek. I laughed as I looked around the room at the beautiful dresses and tuxedoes. I wasn’t sure I’d agree with ‘belle of the ball.’ I was glad I’d found a dress that fit in with all the finery. “Come say hi to Mom and Dad.”
We moved through the tables, Kyle’s hand on my back, to where Donald and Roberta were talking to a small group of people. Roberta looked sophisticated in a gray silk skirt and jacket. “Charlotte, it’s great to see you,” Donald said, kissing my cheek. “Edward and Beth, this is Kyle’s girlfriend, Charlotte.”
Edward and Beth expressed their delight to meet me, and Beth kissed the air beside my cheek.
“Don’t you worry.” Roberta linked her arm through mine and leaned close. “Relax and be yourself.”
“Thank you. And thank you again for helping me find this dress.”
“It was fun. Call me anytime.”
After a few minutes, a tinkling bell chimed, and we made our way to the table with our place cards. An older woman stood at the podium and welcomed everyone to the benefit. “We’re so happy to be here tonight for a wonderful cause. Mercy House has been helping children for almost forty years through generous donations from good people like you.” She held her arms out to the audience, and polite clapping followed. “We’re so honored to have some distinguished guests and contributors here this evening. We’ll hear from them later. Mayor Jackie Pinelli and her husband, John.” A couple seated at the same table as Donald and Roberta stood and waved to the crowd. “Senator Donald Aldsworth and his wife, Roberta.” Donald and Roberta stood and waved. “And finally, Senator Aldsworth’s son, Kyle, and his lovely date, Charlotte.” My stomach dropped. Kyle took my hand, and we stood and waved. I felt like an awkward child playing dress up.
Kyle didn’t let go of my hand when we sat back down. I was embarrassed that it was trembling. What was wrong with me? I’d stood in front of people before, hadn’t I? My mind combed through the years, trying to remember a time when I’d had to stand before a large group of people, and finally, I had to admit that except for oral presentations in high school and college, I didn’t have anything that had prepared me for this kind of attention. Suddenly, I wished I’d taken a speech class or my mom had entered me in pageants. Maybe then my hand wouldn’t feel embarrassingly slick.
“Enjoy your dinner,” the woman said and left the podium.
Dinner was delicious and fancy. Now I knew what a $500 per plate fundraiser got you. The room hummed with conversation. A couple sitting to Kyle’s left immediately engaged him in conversation about the most recent session of congress and their take on the lagging economy. They included me by asking a couple of questions, but it was difficult to hear, and after I’d repeated my answers twice, they weren’t in a hurry to ask me a third.
“So you’re Kyle Aldsworth’s date,” said a woman to my right. She looked about thirty and had an intense gaze that seemed to pick up everything going on around us.
“Yes, I’m Charlotte. And you’re...” I glanced at her place card. “Angela?”
“Yes. Angela Prescott.” She shook my hand with the tips of her fingers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I have to tell you, your dress blew me away when I walked in here. It’s the most amazing dress in the room.”
“Thank you.”
I laughed. “That was me.”
“That must have been terrifying for you. How are you?”
“It was pretty scary, but I’m doing fine.”
“I saw the news story about the accident, and I instantly crossed that off my bucket list. I’d be too scared to try it now.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I’ll be going up again anytime soon.”
“It’s so good of you to support a benefit like this,” Angela said. “It’s great for Mercy House to get extra exposure and to see politicians supporting things like this. Did you know Mercy House is a private organization? They don’t get any government aid, which makes them a little less important to most of the politicians.”
“I didn’t realize that, but I learned some impressive things about Mercy House when I started reading about it. I figured I should know as much as I could since I was going to be here tonight. I was impressed. Did you know Celeste Mendez lived at Mercy House while her father was in prison? Her mother had passed away, and she said Mercy House was a lifeline.”
“I thought she might be here tonight, but I haven’t seen her.” Angela craned her neck and looked around the room.
“Probably on tour. I read she replaced all the old beds about a year ago.” I was glad I’d done some reading so I had something to say.
“I like to hear about celebrities who don’t forget where they came from.”
I glanced at Kyle, who was still talking to the couple. He looked at me and winked. I wasn’t sure, but it sounded like they were now talking about domestic terrorism. I was grateful Angela was so talkative. It kept me from looking awkward while Kyle schmoozed with what looked like important people.
“These poor kids have it pretty tough,” Angela said.
I buttered a warm dinner roll. “I know. The stories of some of these sweet children broke my heart,” I admitted. “It made me realize how lucky I am I never had to worry about where my next meal was coming from or what condition I’d find my mom in when I came home from school.”