“Are we early?” I asked. “We’re the only ones in the room.”
“Someone should be coming for us in a bit,” Tom assured me. “They asked everyone to be prepared for a photo shoot before the festivities. I hope you don’t mind?”
I tried on a smile. I never liked having my photo taken but I could play along on Tom’s big night. “That seems like a real good idea. That way if you get blood on your tie or I spill wine on my gown it won’t matter so much. They’ll have their photos when we were still all spiffy.”
Tom chuckled at Raf’s horrified expression. “That’s exactly right. It shouldn’t take too long. They will seat us all again before bringing the Clintons.”
“So Bill and Hillary are really gonna show?”
“So I was briefed. You don’t really plan on calling them by their first names do you?”
“We all call them that, just not to their faces. I scrunched my eyebrows when I heard a sigh escape him. “Did I have you worried?”
“Not at all,” he said hurriedly. “I believe they’re ready for us now.” He rose and helped me from my chair just as a young woman in a business suit approached the table.
“Mr. Thornton, if you and your party will follow me, please?” She paused just long enough to shake our hands and introduce herself. “I’m Judy Sims the events coordinator for this evening. Shall we?”
She led us into an adjoining room with a raised platform on which was a podium. There were quite a few people in the room, some I recognized, others, I didn’t. The Governor and his wife were conversing with the former president and first lady. Several dark suited guys and gals stood near them. I assumed they were secret service. Our tax dollars at work.
Members of the wealthier Arkansas families were in attendance, one was a competitor of Tom’s. He did medical research, testing new medications and such, as well as owning several of those clinics where they paid you to donate plasma. Members of the local clergy were also present. There were nowhere near the two hundred or so that the banquet hall was set up for. Only the high mucky-mucks were in this room, fifty at best. Was that for security reasons?
The Governor excused himself from the former president and came over as soon as he saw Tom enter.
“Tom! Good to see you.” He shook his hand hardily. He seemed excited and pleased. “This has been a long time coming. You sure deserve it.”
“I appreciate your good wishes Governor, but I’m sure there are others worthy of this honor,” Tom said humbly.
“That may be true, but that doesn’t make you any less worthy. Son, you’ve done more for human/vampire relations in the past year than has been accomplished in centuries! You should be proud.”
Okay, let me say here that I really like our current governor. He was for the vampire rights amendment that allowed them full citizenship. He supported stronger animal cruelty laws and many other causes I held dear to my heart. So I was fairly beaming when Tom introduced us.
“Governor, I’d like you to meet my companion, Miss Constance Bennett.”
“My pleasure, Miss Bennett,” the Governor said as he shook my hand.
“Please call me Connie, Sir.” I smiled up at him. Raf snapped another photo.
The governor took my hand and led us to the Clintons. He introduced us to his wife first, which I thought sweet, she’s a tiny thing, then to the Clintons. First Hillary, “Mrs. Clinton, a pleasure. I was planning on voting for you,” I told her honestly. She had a good grip for a woman. Then it was Bill’s turn.
“Mr. President,” I said as he took my hand. Raf snapped another photo — or twelve.
“Now young lady, I know you didn’t vote for me. You wouldn’t have been old enough,” he teased.
“Missed it by a little bit, sir,” I told him as I extracted my hand.
The photo op was over in no time. The reporters were polite and kept most of the questions directed to the guest of honor; although one woman did ask me how long we’d been a couple. I answered honestly with, “Not very long.” I didn’t recognize her, she wasn’t local. There were a lot of national and international news services around the Clintons.
Finally the maître d came to the door and said we should all take our seats.
Our table was the table; the Clintons, the Governor and his wife, us three and I think the other two were secret service. They were dressed to the nines, a guy and a gal, like everyone else, but they had those little ear buds in.
Did we eat before the speeches or did the speeches come first? I was starving.
CHAPTER 21
The Governor took a sip from his water glass, excused himself from the table, and stepped up to the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we come together this evening to honor one of Arkansas’s leading citizens. A transplant from Texas, he chose to make his home here with us. He has taken on the joys as well as the burdens of this new home with a fervor and zeal seldom seen, much less matched, by others.
He went on to speak highly of Tom’s business enterprises and his philanthropic contributions.
“Friends, I give you our Arkansan of the Year — Mr. Thomas Thornton!”
The Clintons led the standing ovation. The applause continued for several minutes after Tom took the stage to accept the Lucite sculpture of the state of Arkansas, engraved with his name and the year. He was very handsome in his tux with the toes of his black cowboy boots peeking from under the pant leg. I felt a little tug in the area around my heart.
“As most of you who have come to know me can attest, I am a man of few words.” A titter of laughter ran through the audience and more than a few eyes cut toward Bill Clinton.
“You welcomed me into your state, making a transition that for some was very difficult, much easier. For that, I thank you. Arkansas has been good to me and to my businesses. I wanted to repay that kindness. There was a great need among our homeless population which I have endeavored to ease. More must be done, but we have made a promising start. These harsh economic times take their toll on all of us, but affect those with the least, most. It is the duty of those who have been blessed with plenty to care for the less fortunate. We must all do what we can.”
Murmurs rose from the audience, followed by applause.
“The crime rate is on the rise in this state, as in most others, again the economy can be blamed for some of this. Our jails are inadequate to fill today’s needs. With the influx of different … races … needs have changed. My race possesses greater strength than others and our jails must be able to confine them safely. While I hope the cells see little use, it would be disingenuous of me to say we have no — ’bad apples’. Those persons not willing to conform to society’s laws must be removed. You now have a safe means of doing so. I deeply appreciate the honor the citizens of Arkansas have bestowed on me this evening and hope to remain worthy. Thank you.”
The audience applauded and cameras flashed as the governor shook Tom’s hand again. Tom returned to his seat and whispered, “How’d I do?”
I didn’t dare speak but I think my smile told him, at least I hope it did, as I patted his hand and blew into my eyelashes.
The entrées were lemon-peppered chicken or a beef fillet with mushroom sauce. The chicken was a safer bet with the white dress, so naturally, I chose the beef, Tom being a cattleman and all. With the beef, came red wine. Again, not a good choice but I really don’t care for white wine. The food was excellent, but in the way of fine restaurants and caterers everywhere, skimpy. The entree was served with six whole green beans and a radish flower. Dessert was a heavenly, if small, crème brulee.
I discovered Tom secreted in some of our “private stock” RR for the vampire guests in the room. Some I had seen in television commercials for years, with no inkling they were vampires. All seemed a little startled when their menus were circulated. I took a look at Raf’s, which included all the usual flavors, O, AB negative, B positive, served warm. The blends were listed next: beefsteak tartare, grilled rib-eye, and fruity ones with n
ames like blueberry buckle, strawberry surprise, and apple delight, to be served either hot or cold. Tom’s ad team must be working overtime!
Tom had the rib eye, Raf the blueberry buckle, and our male secret service agent ordered the tartare. Warm drinks were served in earthenware mugs, to hold in the heat. The cold drinks came in smoked wine glasses with little garnishes of mint leaves. The plain old RR was served in clear wine glasses. The container choices served a less obvious purpose. Tom could tell at a glance what everyone was drinking. Smart!
Even with the usual dinner conversation, the meal was over quickly and the mingling commenced. I soon gave up on remembering names. I focused on not sloshing wine on my dress, making sure no one else did, and not falling off my shoes. It was a full time job! My gown and shoes received numerous compliments even though they were a little more glamorous than some of the ladies.
A small buxom brunette, who had been sitting with a vampire who owned one of the largest car dealerships in the state, sidled up to me. She reached out a hand to touch my necklace.
“It’s so beautiful!” She gushed. “Blood rubies right?”
A chill ran up my spine. “Are they? I’m not much on jewelry I’m afraid. I couldn’t tell a diamond from a zirconium.”
She appeared to be an expert. In the sunlight the diamonds gleaming from her fingers, neck, wrists and ears, would have been blinding. Lucky for me, the lights were dim.
“They must cost a fortune!” she breathed.
Rude much? “I have no idea.” I was getting a little annoyed at her pawing.
She gave me the strangest look, “They aren’t yours?”
“No. What is your problem?” I hissed in a voice so low only the vamps in the room could hear it. Hers did and appeared at her elbow in a blink.
“You must forgive Stephanie, Miss Bennett. She’s like a raven, attracted to sparkling things.”
“So I see. Whatever melts her butter,” I said with a shrug. “They’re beautiful but also a lot of trouble and very expensive. Tom has better uses for his money.” I smiled my very best smile and said, “It’s so nice to meet you at last. I feel I already know you from your commercials. I best find the boys. Y’all have a good night.”
Stephanie opened her mouth, but a whisper from her companion turned her attention and glare, on him. I spotted Tom in a secluded corner discussing the blends with some businessmen.
“We’re considering a pure synthetic with the fruit blends. It’s lighter in flavor, has fewer calories and can be kept in regular vending machines with no degradation. It’s still in R&D.” He put his arm around my waist when I reached him. “And we have Connie to thank for the wonderful idea.”
“Really? However did the thought occur to you?” a portly man with very little hair asked.
C- something. Chaucer? Chandler? Charles. “Mr. Charles, Tom explained to me vampires can’t digest solid foods. Since flavorings were already being added — the blood types — that made me think of all the artificial flavorings on the market. I figured they would be worth a try. I’d sure hate to eat the same thing day in and day out. Wouldn’t you?”
“Why yes young lady, I certainly would.” He laughed in a self-deprecating way.
“She’s not just pretty; she has a good head on her shoulders,” Tom said as he squeezed a little tighter.
He seemed to be enjoying himself and with the exception of the odd little incident with Stephanie, so was I. Surprisingly, my feet weren’t killing me. Yea, shoes!
Before the close of the evening, our former president took the podium. We held our collective breathes but he kept his speech short. Yea Bill! Mostly he just congratulated Tom and told him to keep up the good work. It was after all, Tom’s night.
Raf took my claim check and went to get my wrap as Tom and I exchanged good-byes with the Governor and his lady. The Clintons would spend the night in their private apartment on the top floor. It has a lawn on the roof!
Tom called the driver to bring the limo around from wherever you park a car that’s a city block long. When it pulled up, we stepped out onto the sidewalk.
“Vampire whore!”
I heard the yell, but not in time to sidestep the can of red paint hurtling at me. Well, blood would have been pretty stupid with vampires around. The can froze in mid-flight. I stepped around it to come face to face with the unfamiliar “reporter” who’d asked how long Tom and I had been together. Figures! Her eyes were the size of dinner plates as she stared at the suspended can, the paint sloshed out into the air. She screamed when she collected her wits enough to speak. “Witch!”
“No I’m not, but I know one I’d love to introduce you to,” I said in her face. “You got a problem with me?” I grabbed her by the front of her blouse.
“How can you sleep with one of them? They’re dead; it’s an abomination.” She spat in self-righteous indignation. Her film crew, one man with a camcorder, filmed from the shadows behind the fountain.
Raf and Tom flanked her. She wasn’t going anywhere, so I let go of her blouse. “First of all, who says I’m sleeping with him — or was it them? And if I was, how is it your business?”
“He bought you with jewels. You’re his whore!”
“Oh, these aren’t mine, so, I guess I’m not a whore.” I walked past her toward the limo.
“He’s dead and you’re fornicating with him.”
“Honey, does he look dead?” I gestured a hand toward Tom. “Doctors can’t even agree on what that is. How about this one, isn’t he yummy?” Raf strangled a laugh. “Now tell me you wouldn’t jump into the sack with either of them. Tell the truth because God will know if you’re lying.” I reached the limo and turned back to ask, “Well, wouldn’t you love to have either of these fine, fine men in your bed?”
“I would never!”
That’s as far as she got. At that precise moment, the paint can reacted to gravity and hit the sidewalk sending red paint into the air and all down Miss Thing’s back, hair to shoe.
“Maybe that’s your problem. You should remember what the Bible says about loving your neighbor. I don’t recall an ‘except for vampires’ clause. On the whole whore issue, I recall Jesus being real fond of Mary Magdalene. So, if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather be in her company than yours. Have a nice night.” I slid into the car seat. Once the boys were settled, the driver pulled away.
“Damn, when Bianca does a protection spell, it really holds up!”
“So do you, girlfriend!” Raf gave me a high five.
“Years of practice,” I said. “Will this boat fit in a drive-thru? I need food.”
“I think we can manage something,” Tom assured me. He wasn’t smiling.
“We can go on home if you’d rather? I can always fix something there … ” I offered as I gave in to the urge to cuddle into his side. It was sort of like snuggling a fabric wrapped rock. “Are you okay?”
He stared at me for a moment. When he finally opened his mouth, he simply asked, “You weren’t upset by that — person?”
Just friggin’ great! I guess I wasn’t going to be able to put it off any longer. Tom and Raf had told me their stories. Well, at least the highlights. I was hoping to avoid this if not forever, at least until I was myself again. My luck was sure holding. “I got used to comments like that in High School. I had a bad reputation.”
“I find that difficult to believe,” Tom said.
“I didn’t say it was deserved, at least not in the beginning. After a while, I decided if everyone was going to think the worst about me, what was the point? I made a pretty successful attempt at living up to the rep.”
“Honey — ” Raf began.
“It’s okay. I got my shit together. Everyone makes some bad decisions in life. Hopefully you learn from them and move on.”
“So what did you learn,” Tom inquired quietly.
“It doesn’t matter what others think only what you think of yourself. The people who really care about you don’t stop caring when you make
mistakes. The rest, don’t count.” I shrugged.
We rode in silence, each in our own thoughts, until we pulled through the Burger King. I don’t know how the driver managed the tight turn past the building, but he did. I placed my order.
After the paint incident, I no longer feared getting anything on my dress, so I chowed down. I just couldn’t seem to get enough to eat these days. If I didn’t get a grip soon, I’d be buying my clothes from Goodyear.
“I always seem to be hungry these days,” I commented to know one in particular. Raf gave Tom the hairy eyeball. “What?”
“I haven’t,” Tom reassured Raf.
Raf seemed skeptical.
“What?” I demanded, swabbing my mouth with a napkin.
“Our friend seems to think I drink too deeply,” Tom answered.
“Huh? Oh. Oh! Pervert! He did not. Well he did. You saw the mark. But he only took a sip so he could … I cannot believe we’re having this discussion!” I grasped for a reason, any reason, and said, “My schedule has been shot all to hell. My nights and days are backward. Add to that all this emotion and drama. Spells, dismembered bodies, attempted murder, deceitful friends, yada-yada … Maybe I’m an emotional eater? I’ve never had a chance to find out. Give me a break.”
“I’m just sayin’ we need to watch out for you and not overdo things,” Raf began.
“Why do I think you have ulterior motives?”
“Me? Oh look, we’re home!” He hit the window button and keyed in the code. Rather than have the limo pull into the garage, we disembarked in the drive. The driver backed out after we went inside, the door closed after us.
The new auto lighting snapped on. I hitched my dress tail up over my arm. I wasn’t taking any chances of it brushing anything in the garage. This maneuver showed my leg from mid-thigh down the long line to my lovely red shoes. I glanced up to find Tom staring appreciatively. I finally got a smile. Or was it a leer? Sometimes it’s hard to tell with a vampire or perhaps men in general.
Midnight Sun, Inc. (Crimson Romance) Page 18