Part 19 (1/2)

I did my time in the booth and escaped the first chance I got.

Marvin and I made a pretty good team in my opinion. I handled the simple questions like ”how are you doing?” and Marvin took over when the topic turned to hair products and style.

In the sitting area of our suite, I kicked off my shoes and took a look at my cell phone. There were at least a dozen text messages and two voicemails from Kalen. I gave her a call, knowing what her first question was going to be...

”Did you go to the social last night?” Kalen said after the first ring.

In a child's voice, I replied, ”Yes, ma'am, and Marvin made me pretty.”

She ignored my att.i.tude and went on to the next question.

”Have you been down to the booth yet?”

”Been there all morning, Kalen. We broke for lunch, and I'm in the room resting my aching feet. Marvin is having lunch with a guy he met, and Angela is as happy as can be.”

Kalen exhaled loudly. ”Good, you're almost done.”

12.

*”How are you feeling?”

”Sleepy. I swear this baby is draining the life out of me. I had to sit down after I took a shower this morning, I was exhausted,”

Kalen said with a yawn.

”I guess it probably was the best thing that you didn't attend.

We've been on the move pretty much since we arrived.”

”I know you don't care to hear this, but I'm really proud of you, sis.”

”Yeah, well, save your praise until after I've made your speech.” My stomach turned at the thought.

”You're gonna be fine. How is Marvin doing?”

”He's in his element surrounded by fellow hairdressers. He's talked the ear off of everyone that's dropped by the booth. Angela adores him.”

”He was a great find. I have to hand it to you, you really picked a winner.”

”If I choke or throw up during the speech, he still gets the bonus, right?” Kalen chuckled, but I was dead serious.

We ended the call after she reminded me again of how proud she was of me. I'm sure she thought she was bolstering my ego, but it made me feel even more anxious. If I tanked on anything, I would be disappointing not only my sister, but Angela, as well.

Marvin would probably feel like a failure, too. Pressure started to build, and I hoped that I wouldn't melt down like Chern.o.byl.

The crowds pus.h.i.+ng through the exhibition hall were much larger after lunch. I felt out of place as Marvin and Angela talked to everyone who visited the booth. Angela had two additional reps working with her, and they all had their hands full. Everyone looked haggard and tired by the time the hall closed for the evening.

”How about dinner?” Angela asked Marvin and me as we left the booth. ”I should at least treat you both to a meal.”

I was looking forward to room service and a hot bath. Marvin, however, seemed to catch a second wind, and before I knew it, we were walking down the sidewalk to an eatery that Angela was

12.

*fond of. Apparently, nearly everyone at the convention had the same idea, and we had to wait in the bar for nearly an hour before we would be seated for dinner.

Angela pa.s.sed me a brown drink with a celery stick protruding from the gla.s.s. I gave it a sniff before asking what it was.

”It's a Stanky Leg,” Angela said with a shrug. ”I have no idea what's in it, but it's the house specialty.”

I waited for Angela and Marvin to take a drink first before I worked up the courage to put my lips to the gla.s.s. It was sweet and spicy at the same time and went down smooth. It wasn't long before I'd finished it and another was being pressed into my hand.

”Hmm, is that a Stanky Leg?” a familiar voice said from behind.

I turned to find Zoe standing behind me with what looked like a martini in her hand. ”It is, and it's not half bad.”

”Mind if I taste?” Zoe wrapped her hand around mine and lifted the gla.s.s to her lips. Her gaze locked with mine as she took a sip while I wished I had an ounce of her confidence. She licked her lips and smiled before saying, ”Tasty.” She let her fingertips trail over the back of my hand as she released it.

”Would you like one?” I asked.

She held up her drink and leaned into me, pressing her body against mine. ”Maybe later. I tend to lose all my inhibitions when I drink.”

I seriously doubted she had any inhibitions perfectly sober.

”Would you like to join us for dinner, Zoe?” Angela said, appearing beside us.

Zoe slipped an arm around my waist as she turned to look at Angela. ”I wasn't planning on eating, but now I'm feeling a bit hungry,” Zoe said as she gave me a squeeze.

”Good.” Angela shot a quick glance at me. ”I'll let the hostess know that we have another joining our party.”

I caught Marvin's eye as I watched Angela walk off. He was sporting a huge grin as he turned, leaving me alone with Zoe.

”What are your plans for the rest of the evening?” Zoe asked, keeping me in her grip.

12.