Stage West - Dalton

by Annie Pelle

  “Hey Dalton, why are we having a meeting?” asked David as he, Lindsay, Nathan, Gabby and Nick came into the living room. “Is there a problem?”

  “No, there isn’t a problem. Do you remember that article in the paper a few days ago about the HQ Service Foundation?” Dalton looked around the room as his family nodded. They had all been impressed by the type of foundation. “Anyway, I went to see the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation today. He called in the president of the foundation to talk to me. I was a little puzzled by this but he explained that his name was on the foundation but that the president was the one who ran the whole foundation. He also explained that the president was also his personal assistant.” Gabby began to squirm in her seat but Dalton ignored it. “Sarah Dawson is his personal assistant and the president of the foundation. She walked in and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw me. Then proceeded to treat me as if she had never met me before.”

  Lindsay was in shock. Her friend had been found. The tears started down her cheeks. She flung herself at Dalton “Please tell me she is okay. Do you know how to get in touch with her? Where is she living?” Dalton hugged his sister and replied “She is fine and yes I have a way to contact her. I already called her but she just kept calling me “Mr. Matthews” and insisting that my assistant contact her tomorrow. I told her I was headed home to tell you that I had found her. She said you could contact her.”

  “Lindsay, what are you going to do?” David asked as he came to his feet.

  “What am I going to do? I am going to call her of course. Give me the phone number, Dalton”

  Gabby looked to Nathan for help but he just stared at the floor. She had to stop this from getting out of hand. “Lindsay if she is the president of this foundation she is probably in the middle of planning the gala. Maybe you should just email her and then see her at the gala. You are going, right Dalton?”

  Dalton replied, “Yes, we have an invitation.”

  “Ok, Mama Gabby, I’ll just email her for now.” Lindsay replied. Lindsay raced to her office to write her friend an email. The rest of the meeting participants remained in the living room but just looked at each other without saying much.

  David was the first to comment. “How was she really Dalton? How did she look?”

  Dalton replied, “She looks good and she really is okay I believe. That calling me “Mr. Matthews” was annoying and unexpected but other than that she is fine.” After five years to walk into a meeting and come face to face with Lindsay’s lost friend, Dalton was still a little surprised.

  Sarah spent her evening trying to relax from her stressful day. She had some emails to return from clients and tonight was the night to do that. As she checked her email she noticed one from Lindsay. She took a deep breath and opened it up.

  Sarah,

  I can’t believe I finally know how to get in touch with you. I was going to call but Gabby convinced me to email instead since you are probably busy with party details.

  Dalton and I are definitely coming and I can’t wait to see you. Then after the party we will be getting together to catch up.

  See you Friday

  Lindsay

  Sarah sat at her computer and cried for all the years she had lost with her friend. She hoped that someday Lindsay would forgive her. All these years Sarah’s hope was to be able to figure out something to tell Lindsay without revealing what really happened. She knew it would be the worst possible thing to come between Lindsay and Dalton.

  Sarah replied to Lindsay’s email

  Lindsay,

  Yes, I am very busy with party details but I am glad to hear you are coming to the gala. It is going to be a great party and silent auction. Tell Dalton to bring his checkbook.

  Anyway, I’ll see you Friday

  Sarah

  The next email that came in was from Gabby.

  Are you okay? We just had a family meeting and Dalton told us what happened. We did not say anything about us being in contact with you.

  Dalton kept saying that you called him Mr. Matthews. He was stilling smarting about that when we left the house.

  You know we love you but we don’t understand any of this either. Why did this happen?

  Sarah smiled and replied.

  I am fine. It was a surprise to see Dalton. I still cannot tell you what happened, it is better if no one knows. I will see you soon. Call me when you check into the hotel and I will escape from the last minute rush in the ballroom and come see you.

  Sarah

  Sarah changed her id over to the foundation’s online support group and started the weekly meeting. The online support group was just one of the programs at HQ Service Foundation and was for anyone with a chronic illness. There was a counselor who joined in with the meetings and a MD to help answer questions from the clients. It was Sarah’s favorite time of the week, no one knew her as the foundation’s leader they only knew her as one of their own. Sarah could see from her list of participants that everyone was on tonight; that was a great sign. It meant that everyone felt well enough to participate. She began on the online chat group “Good evening everyone. How are you today? Anyone need to share something specific tonight? Any medical questions?”

  Two hours later Sarah signed off the support group and signed on with the counselor and MD. “Was there anything that concerned you in tonight’s group? Any type of follow-up that might need to be done?” Both doctors replied that every seemed okay to them. Sarah wrote out her goodbyes and signed off.

  Sarah shut down her computer and went to prepare for bed. Her journal entry today would be memorable; she was in contact with Lindsay again after so many years. She was glad but afraid also.

  Early the next morning, Sarah started her day with her usual swimming routine. Most days, that CeCe was in Phoenix, they exercised together but since CeCe had had a bad day yesterday Sarah didn’t know if she would come to the pool. Sarah was starting her warm up stretches when CeCe appeared.

  “Good Morning, CeCe. How are you today?”

  “Much better. You know how it is Sarah, sometimes you just need rest. Sometimes it is a week off. This time was just rest.” CeCe entered the water and both women swam through the regular exercise routine before settling down on the patio for a light breakfast.

  “How are you doing Sarah? Are you getting enough rest and relaxation so that you are ok for the gala?”

  “I believe I am, that is one of the reasons I planned things so much in advance. I knew I could not handle the stress of last minute problems. Amy and Tyler are also a wonderful help to me.”

  CeCe nodded her head in agreement “I love them both also; they are so sweet to me. They cater to my every need.”

  “Well of course, that is what I trained them to do. But they love their job and they love working for you and Greg. They have told me it doesn’t seem like a job”

  Sarah and CeCe went over CeCe’s schedule and commitments for the next few days to make sure that all the details had been worked out. CeCe was taking some time off from making films but she still was in demand for public appearances. Not to mention the last minute details for the gala.

  “Sarah, Greg mentioned that Dalton Matthews came to see him yesterday.”

  Sarah answered in a professional tone that did not betray her true feelings about Dalton Matthews. “Yes, he says that he wants to help with the foundation. I am not sure what that means but his assistant is supposed to call me today to set up a time for a meeting.”

  “I have always admired Matthews International for the charitable work. Their organization has grown so much over the last few years. Dalton has transformed that organization to one of the biggest companies in the state. And their ranch is supposedly the best horse breeding program in the country. I would love to see it firsthand. Even though I cannot ride, I love horses. I would love to get Greg a new horse to keep here at the estate. The stable here is almost empty
.”

  “When Mr. Matthews’ assistant calls me I will ask if you and Greg can go to the ranch and look at a horse to purchase.”

  “Thank you, Sarah. Greg also mentioned that Dalton and his sister Lindsay would be attending the gala. Maybe we should try to fix you up with Dalton. I hear he is an eligible bachelor.”

  Sarah stifled a groan. “Don’t you think I have enough to worry about at the gala? I don’t need to be fixed up!”

  “I know Sarah, but sharing a bit of conversation with him wouldn’t hurt you.”

  “He is always appearing in the newspapers with an escort. Some beautiful woman with a body to die for. Believe me; I don’t qualify for a fix up with Dalton Matthews.”

  “Sarah Dawson! I am going to shove you in that pool for putting yourself down like that. No one does that in my presence. You are beautiful inside and out. And when the gentlemen at this gala see you in the dress my designer made for you” CeCe winked “you will have plenty of company. Including Dalton Matthews.”

  Sarah chuckled “CeCe, you are crazy but I love you anyway. Now, last details, you are scheduled at the salon on Friday at one pm. Tim will get you to the salon and home in time to change. I will see you at the hotel at seven pm and the guest should start arriving about eight. The receiving line will be just inside the ballroom. It will be Greg, you and me. Amy and Tyler will be stationed nearby. We have rounded up some “fillers” to escort and entertain the guests.”

  CeCe pointed at Sarah and accused “I can see you are going to ignore my comments but when your phone is “ringing off the hook” next week with dates, I will remind you that I was right. You are going to be a hit.”

  “Bye CeCe, I have to get to work now. Call me if you need anything else.”

  “I am going to say “I told you so Sarah”, just wait and see.”

  Sarah rushed home to shower and change for work. The last thing that would ever happen to Sarah would be to grab the attention of any gentlemen and especially NOT Dalton Matthews.

  Chapter 4

  “Amy and Tyler, I can’t thank you enough for all your extra efforts with the gala.” Sarah told them as they were having the last minute meeting later Thursday morning. “I have one more request for you though. Yesterday, Dalton Matthews came to see Greg about the foundation; he and his sister will be attending the gala. I need two people to snag them at the door and entertain them for the evening. I know we have “fillers” in place to make sure everyone is escorted and given special attention; but, I need some extra special people to keep these two occupied. I would like Desiree and Cameron to show them around for the evening and never leave their side. Can you have them briefed on the Matthews by tomorrow night? Have the research staff find out all they can about them and show it to Desiree and Cameron, I want the Matthews greeted and catered too as soon as they arrive. And please have security announce their arrival in my earpiece. Any questions?”

  Tyler looked at Amy before replying “I’ll take care of these arrangements.” He was puzzled by the special treatment these two would receive. “Sarah, you only working half day today, right?”

  “Yes, Tyler, I am going to go to my house very shortly. I am just going to leave you two in peace this afternoon. I will have my personal cell phone on in case you need me. I am leaving my other cell phone with Amy. She can transfer any important calls to me at home.” Tyler and Amy nodded in understanding.

  “Amy, Mr. Matthews’ assistant was supposed to call me and set up a meeting time. Will you handle that scheduling for me? My calendar is up to date so you should be able to find a time for this meeting. Just remember the scheduling rules. No late afternoon meetings or dinner meetings.”

  “Yes, Sarah, and when was the last time I forgot your scheduling rules?”

  “Sorry Amy, I know the Matthews’ meeting is important but it cannot break my rules.”

  “I know, it won’t. I’ll handle Mr. Matthews’ assistant.”

  “Oh, one other thing to schedule with Mr. Matthews’ assistant is a trip for Greg and CeCe to Stage West, the Matthew’s ranch. It will probably be an all day trip.”

  “Got it. Anything else?” Amy inquired.

  “No, I am heading home now. Call me if you need me.” Sarah said as she gathered her belongings to head across the estate to her house.

  As Sarah left the office, Tyler exchanged confused glances with Amy. “That is pretty special treatment she is arranging for the Matthews, why?”

  “I have no idea, it struck me as kind of odd also. Probably Greg or CeCe asked her to do it. Sarah will do anything for this foundation.”

  “Yeah, it is very special to her. Oh well, I am going to research and then track down Desiree and Cameron to “brief” them on their new assignments. Talk to you later.”

  As Amy settled down to work on the monthly reports, Sarah’s work cell phone began to ring. “Sarah Dawson’s office, Amy speaking, how may I help you?”

  “Yes, my name is Gloria and I am Mr. Matthews assistant. I need to schedule a time for Miss Dawson and Mr. Matthews to meet. Mr. Matthews would like to meet Miss Dawson for dinner one night next week.”

  “I’m very sorry, Gloria, but Miss Dawson is not available for a dinner meeting. She has other time available in her schedule. She is free on Thursday and would have time to meet with Mr. Matthews on that day.”

  “Mr. Matthews is free that day also, how about two pm, would that be acceptable with Miss Dawson?”

  “Yes, I will schedule her. Would he prefer that Miss Dawson come to his office? And if so, what is the address?”

  As the assistant gave that information, Amy typed it into Sarah’s schedule. “Gloria, there is one more thing. Mr. and Mrs. Greg Davis would like to tour Stage West and see the horse facilities. Would you be able to arrange that?”

  “If you could hold for one minute, I’ll contact the ranch for a good time. Please hold”

  A few minutes later, Gloria returned to the call. “Amy, Lindsay said that the Davis’ were welcome at any time. Just to call and let them know when to expect them.”

  “Thank you, I will pass the information along to Sarah and she will schedule it for them. Can I assist you with anything else, Gloria?”

  “Yes, Mr. Matthews would like to speak to Miss Dawson.”

  “Again, I am very sorry, but Sarah is not available. May I have her return Mr. Matthews’ call? Would this number be the appropriate number to contact him on?”

  “Mr. Matthews said to have her call him at 602 555-4444. He would greatly appreciate that. Thank you.”

  “I will give her the message.”

  Amy returned to typing the reports regarding the call logs that Sarah needed. After a while, Tyler returned from research. “Research has a done a great job with the information on the Matthews. And Desiree and Cameron are briefed on their responsibilities. So we can check that off of our “to do list”. I am heading home after I stop in to see Greg in his office. I will check in tomorrow morning from home in case I am needed. Then I will see you at the hotel tomorrow.”

  “Have a good evening, get lots of rest. I will need it tomorrow.” Amy said to Tyler’s retreat from her office.

  Just before Amy was wrapping up for the day, the intercom from Sarah’s house buzzed.

  “Amy?”

  “Hi, Sarah, did you need something?”

  “Did Mr. Matthews’ assistant call?”

  “Yes, you are scheduled to meet with him next Thursday at two. He wanted to do a dinner meeting but I said you were not available. And the Davis can go out to Stage West at any time. Just call the ranch and give them notice.

  “Thanks Amy. Any other messages?”

  “Yes, Mr. Matthews would like for you to call him.” Amy rattled off the phone number and then asked Sarah if there was anything else.

  “No, that is all. I will talk to you tomorrow and see you tomorrow night.”

  “Sarah, Desiree a
nd Cameron are ready for their assignments tomorrow night and research has them some information.”

  “Thanks Amy. Bye”

  Sarah was not looking forward to talking to Dalton. It was painful and stressful. Both things she did not need right now.

  “Hello”

  “Mr. Matthews this is Sarah Dawson.”

  “Don’t start that Mr. Matthews with me again Sarah.”

  “What can I do for you Mr. Matthews? My assistant said we are scheduled to meet next Thursday.”

  “Sarah, how long have I known you?”

  “Since Lindsay brought to the ranch the first time.”

  “And have I ever asked you to call me Mr. Matthews?”

  “No”

  “Then knock it off.”

  Sarah’s side of the conversation went dead. Why is he doing this? I know how he feels about me, just get to the point of this call. Sarah wanted to be exasperated with Dalton but reminded herself that she was the point person for the foundation and Dalton could help her. “Is there something that you needed from the foundation or the Davises?”

  “No, I wanted to talk to you. Did Lindsay contact you? Are you going to get together with her? Lindsay wants you to come to the ranch on Sunday and see everyone?”

  “Yes, I have heard from Lindsay. She mentioned something about getting together after the gala.”

  “And what about coming to the ranch on Sunday?”

  “No, I have other plans that day. Thank Lindsay for the invitation Mr. Matthews.”

  “Sarah” he growled “stop calling me Mr. Matthews! And when did you need an invitation to come to Stage West. Everyone wants to see you.”

  “I am not available, sorry.”

  “OK, but that answer is not going to work at home. They are going to bug me until you come.”

  “Did you want me to send you some information regarding the foundation before our meeting next week?” Sarah rapidly inquired trying to get off this painful subject.