Page 104 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 74

Alex spotted Hannah sucking up to a new executive vice president and smiling like a beauty pageant queen. Crossing the now-almost-crowded lobby, Alex acknowledged the bank officer, asked if she were enjoying herself, and tugged on Hannah’s sleeve. “When you’re finished, I need to have a word with you.”

Hannah said, “Word.” She and the EVP laughed as though it were the best joke they’d ever heard.

Alex ignored their ridiculous banter and stepped back into the kitchen where a sweaty Cheri stood over a sink filled with dishes. “Don’t you have people to do this?”

“Normally, yes, but this has been one of those days. It’s fine. I’ll be done soon.” Hands sudsy, Cheri glanced over her shoulder. “I’m thrilled they like the new food.”

“We do enjoy our barbecue. I should have mentioned that. It’s not your fault, plus you made it right. I can’t thank you enough.”

Waving a plastic-gloved hand, Cheri said, “Any time.”

Alex checked her watch again. “I can’t believe not one reporter has shown up.” She stepped back into the lobby. As if on cue, bright camera lights shone on the crowd. A young, handsome reporter held a microphone that read Ozarks5. A camerawoman was close behind him. Both searched the room, obviously waiting for direction.

Crossing the lobby in three steps, Alex extended her hand, but Hannah beat her to the action.

Shaking the reporter’s hand much too vigorously, Hannah told him she was in charge of marketing, and naturally, she mentioned she was the daughter of the bank president.

Alex stood a foot away, deciding to watch this play out. The reporter’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re the bank president’s daughter?”

Hannah rushed to defend her position. “I’m not a paid employee. That would be nepotism. I’m actually an intern working on my master’s degree.”

Covering her mouth to keep from laughing, Alex was amazed at how quickly Hannah had worked that nugget into the conversation. Master’s degree. If I never hear that phrase again, I’ll die happy.

The reporter continued. “If you’re an intern, who’s your boss?”

Clearly taken aback, Hannah did her best to hide a grimace behind a forced smile. Ignoring the direct question, she asked, “Would you like to speak to the bank president?”

“Sure.”

Alex swiveled her head and scanned the room but didn’t see Jim. Earlier, he had been embroiled in a deep conversation with three Chamber members. She stepped toward the reporter who had begun shifting from foot to foot.

“Hi.” Alex extended her hand. “Thanks for coming by Show-Me Bank’s anniversary extravaganza. I’m Alexandra Mitchell, Vice President of Marketing.”

She heard Hannah mumble, “If she had a master’s, she’d be Senior Vice President.” Alex bristled but let the comment go.

“Good,” the reporter said. “Mind if I interview you?”

“Um, okay. Sure.” Alex scanned the room again. Her boss was nowhere to be found. She knew Jim loved the camera, so where was he?

With ease, the reporter straightened his tie, nodded to the camerawoman, and spoke into the black box pointed toward his head. “This is Joe Tucker reporting from Show-Me Bank. I’m here with . . .”

He thrust the microphone in Alex’s face as the camerawoman turned on a blinding light and pointed the camera inches away from her nose.

At that moment, Alex realized she had never been on live television. Even though she had written scads of television commercials and had coached her boss and several loan officers through rehearsals numerous times, being on live television with a microphone thrust in her face was alarmingly scary.

She froze, staring blankly into the camera. After one or two long seconds, the reporter tried again. “Your name is?”

Swallowing, she said, “My name’s Alex. People call me Alex.” She noticed the reporter and camerawoman exchange glances.

“Okay, Alex. What’s the purpose of the bank’s celebration?”

“It’s uh, uh, a—” Obviously drawing a blank, she motioned for Hannah to step forward.

Hannah smiled, thrust out her massive chest, and finished the interview as if she were Hoda freaking Kotb. The reporter asked several questions about the bank’s history, number of employees, branch locations, and services. Toward the end of the discussion, Hannah had both Ozarks5 reps in stitches. Afterward, she suggested they scan the crowd, the bank lobby, and asked them to be sure the bank logo was prominent on-air. When the reporter finished, Hannah invited them to eat.

She turned toward Alex. “That’s okay, right, boss?” She drew out the last word for emphasis.

Alex couldn’t be more miserable. Fighting back tears from her flop of a non-interview, she couldn’t believe Hannah had been completely comfortable in front of the camera and even, gasp, charming. Managing a nod, Alex motioned toward the food. “Sure, sure. Help yourselves.”

Embarrassed and ashamed, Alex nearly galloped to the kitchen. Cheri had finished cleaning up and left a note: Thanks for the opportunity. I hope the anniversary celebration is a huge hit. ~Cheri

Alex wished she could disappear. I’ll never hear the end of this.

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