Page 48 of A Moment In Time

“Well, I’m not sure I’m an improvement over your husband.”

Edie smiled. “Dear, we all know my husband, bless his heart, is a little too enthusiastic sometimes.”

Gage laughed. “If not an improvement, then a definite change in presentation.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Gage and Sydney sat, while Edie wandered off to greet the ladies coming in. Gage leaned closed to Sydney. “I thought I was the only one who thought Bessler was a blowhard.”

She put a finger to her lips. “Shush. Stand up and greet the women as they come in.”

Gage stood, ran a hand through his hair, then turned to face the oncoming deluge of smiling women. He shook hands, got hugged, and received two kisses on the cheek. Those were fromrelatives of his, though. He smiled and threw out compliments until everyone was seated. Then he took his chair between Sydney and Edie. He glanced at Sydney and she gave him a thumbs up.

When it was time to go to the buffet table, Edie insisted Gage and Sydney go first. Gage went to the table and picked up a plate.

“So, how much do I eat? Is there a balance between gluttony and insulting your host?”

“I’d say somewhere in the middle.”

“Moderation, then?”

“Yes.”

He glanced at her. “How am I doing so far?”

“We’ve only been here thirty minutes.”

“Still.”

“You’re doing fine. Just keep the conversation going during lunch. Although, I’m pretty sure Edie will take care of that. During the Q and A, don’t commit yourself to anything you can’t follow through on.”

“No grandiose promises.”

“Exactly. And don’t offer anything. Just respond to the questions. If you don’t know the answer, or if it’s something you can’t deliver on, then just be honest.” She looked at him. “You’re good at that.”

He was pretty sure that wasn’t a compliment. “Right.”

“You seem fairly relaxed.”

“I am.” He took a breath. “Sort of.”

She looked like she was going to say something else, then changed her mind. She looked away from him and made her way down the buffet table. Gage followed her, taking a little bit of everything except for the dessert. He’d come back for that later.

Sydney returned to the table and Gage followed her, then sat down. He leaned toward her ear. “How’s this?”

“Do you really need me to approve of your food choices?”

“No. I guess not. Why are you mad at me?”

“This isn’t the time or place to talk about it.”

He glanced at the other ladies from their table who were all getting their food. “When, then?”

“Just not here.”

He nodded. “Later, then.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

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