Chapter 7 #2
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll Photoshop the shit out of them.” Phil yawned.
Raleigh took pity on him. “It’s been a long night. Why don’t you head back to your room? I’ll use my phone camera for anything significant and send them to you. We’ll catch up in the morning to discuss what shots we need from tomorrow’s activities.”
“Are you sure?” Phil asked with hope in his voice.
She laughed. “Yes, I’m sure. Text me in the morning.”
“Thanks, Raleigh, you’re the best.” Phil stood and squeezed her shoulder. He picked up his camera off the table and headed out of the room.
The waiter arrived at her table and placed her drink in front of her. “Can I get you anything else?”
“You know, I didn’t get anything to eat. Is there still time?”
“Ah”—he glanced at his watch—“you’re cutting it close. What were you looking for?”
She smiled. “Whatever I can get.”
“OK. Let me see what I can do. My name is Mark, by the way.”
“Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate this.”
Mark smiled. “No problem. You’ve been working hard. You deserve a break.”
“Excuse me?” Raleigh gripped the edge of the table.
“Oh, God! Sorry. That sounded kind of creepy.” He had the decency to look sheepish.
“I noticed you and your friend with the camera. This is not an easy crowd to work with at times, but you did a great job. That’s all.
I didn’t mean it to come off as weird.” His look changed to one of embarrassment.
“Sorry. It must be the long day getting to me. Anyway, working these types of events can mean long hours. That’s all I meant. ”
“Um, well thanks.”
“I’ll see what I can find for you,” he said and headed off.
The whole incident left her a bit unsettled, but she wasn’t sure if it was really upsetting, or if she was just tired and on edge so it seemed worse than it really was.
She sighed and took a sip of her drink and rolled her spine, releasing the tension caused by standing for so long.
It was nice to sit down, that was for sure.
“Raleigh!”
She jerked her hand, spilling her drink. She then turned toward the voice and froze. Daniel Jenkins, one of the most notorious letchers in Bedford Hills. Shit.
“What are you doing here, darling?” the short, balding man asked as he sat down beside her. His suit navy suit was rumpled and his pungent cologne couldn’t quite mask the stench of sweat.
“Mr. Jenkins,” she rasped. “What a surprise.” She hoped her tone made it clear it wasn’t a pleasant one. She’d managed to avoid him all evening, but her luck had run out. “I didn’t know you would be attending.”
“It’s Jenksy, please. Of course, I’m here.
I’ve known the Harris family for years. Lydia and I are on several boards together, you know.
” Jenkins’s thin lips turned upward into what passed for a smile.
It reminded her of the Joker from the Batman movie.
It wasn’t a good look for him. Raleigh guessed he must be in his early fifties, although he was doing his damnedest to look at least ten years younger.
“So, what are you doing here, besides looking divine?” Jenkins demanded as his eyes traveled over Raleigh’s torso.
God, that perusal made her crave a shower. “I work for the PR firm Lydia hired.”
“Lydia hired a PR firm for her own daughter’s wedding?
Why am I surprised? Any opportunity to get herself and the family good press.
Well, if you want the real scoop, I’ve got some stories I would be happy to share about all of the big named people here.
” He leaned toward her and rubbed his hand along her arm.
“Why don’t we get together to discuss them? ”
Before she could respond, another voice piped up.
“Now, Daniel, you know Ms. Ross is not a gossip, are you, Raleigh? It’s her job to make sure none of your stories see the light of day.
” Calvin Clark, a well- known businessman, stood across the table from Jenkins.
His light gray pinstripe suit was still crisp, as was his smile.
He was distinguished looking with dark hair, graying at the temples and blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
She gave Clark a small nod. Clark came from real estate money.
Her instincts always went on alert when he was around.
There was something off about the man and she had no idea what it was.
Where Jenkins was obvious about his predilections, Clark was slyer.
He was originally from the Hamptons, but he was pursuing politics in Bedford Hills instead of his hometown.
He was running against Lauren’s boss, the current mayor, with the backing of the Harris family.
“No, Mr. Clark, like you say, I’m just here to help make sure things go smoothly.”
“Darling,” Jenkins said as he stroked her arm, “how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Jenksy. Everyone does. So, did Lydia asked for you specifically? Be careful what you write, then. Lydia can be difficult if she doesn’t get what she wants.
Feel free to run anything by me if you want to check and see if it’s ok. ”
“Relax, Jenksy,” Clark said. The look he gave Jenkins said cool it, and Jenkins removed his hand.
Interesting.
Turning to Raleigh, Clark asked, “Who’s your friend?”
She blinked. What was he talking about?
“The guy you were with earlier?” Calvin asked, amusement evident in his voice.
“Oh, sorry.” Her face flushed. “It’s been a long day, and I think I’ve spoken to everyone here. Dylan Black is his name and he’s my, uh, boyfriend.” She’d almost blown it there. Focus.
“I didn’t know you had a boyfriend,” Jenkins said as he narrowed his eyes. “Have you known each other long?” he asked.
Raleigh had the immediate impression it was more than idle curiosity. “We’ve been together for a while now,” she answered quietly. “We’ve kept our relationship kind of quiet.”
“There you are! I lost you in the crowd.” Calvin Clark’s assistant approached the table. “Here is— Raleigh, what are you doing here? I had no idea you’d be here.” He wore a look of bafflement.
“Hi, Josh. How are you?”
“I’m well,” he managed to respond before turning to Clark. “Sorry, Calvin.” He handed Clark some papers and a pen. “You just need to sign these so I can send them off to… Well, send them off.”
“No problem, Josh.” Clark quickly signed the papers and handed them back. “Why don’t you deal with those and then come back and join us?”
Josh looked pleased until the older man finished his thought. “I may need you a bit later,” he said in a dismissive tone.
“Yes, sir.” A flash of something lit his face, but it was gone an instant later, and he looked crestfallen. Josh caught her eye and shrugged. “We’ll catch up later, Ral,” he said and then disappeared into the crowded dining room.
Raleigh sighed as she watched Josh go. It had to be hard to work for Calvin Clark.
Josh was like a wounded puppy, always looking for praise and finding none.
She glanced at her watch as a wave of fatigue hit her.
She wouldn’t be here when Josh got back.
She just didn’t have it in her. Not after the day she’d had.