Page 16 of The Love Dose
“Oh. Well, okay, I’ll have a steak, medium rare, a house salad, and glass of cabernet.”
I’m surprised and once again, proud of her. When the waiter leaves, Sam says, “You mentioned the foundation. I assume you’re referring to Bernard’s charitable outfit.”
I nod.
“How can I help you?”
“It’s for The Shining Stars Gala.”
Her face brightens. “I loved that event. It was so elegant.”
Shining Stars was set up years ago with funds designated to help children with special needs. I’m relieved by Sam’s reaction. It makes my imminent pitch easier. “I love it, too,” I say, even as a pit grows in my stomach. Bernard won’t be in attendance, ever again. With everything going down in my life, I allowed the spring event to take the back burner. The gala requires a great deal of planning and I’ve done embarrassingly little.
The wine arrives and I watch with surprise as Sam swirls the fluid in her glass.
“It needs my full attention which I cannot give it.”
“Why not skip it this year? I’m sure people will understand.”
I shake my head. “The schools are counting on us for funding their programs. I can’t skip it. Besides, it was Bernard’s pet project.”
This is where Sam comes in. She’s the mother of two teenagers, and an outstanding planner and organizer. Just whatI need. I tell her so. “I’m going through a challenging time and really need a coordinator.”
Sam’s lips press together, her telltale sign of discomfort. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, Caroline but I already have a job.”
“Don’t you get off for winter break?”
She frowns. Maybe I’m pushing too hard. I know she needs the money but she already has a busy life.
“Yes, but I like to spend it with the kids.”
I know some things are more important than money. Family, for one. Kids, specifically. I never had children of my own but I’ve seen the kind of mother Evie is. If Sam is even half as devoted, nothing and no one will take precedence.
But Evie filled me in on the crucial point. I wait.
I see the lightbulb go off and Sam's face falls. She’s recalling what Evie already told me. “The kids are going to their dad for two weeks over the holidays. I’m going to miss them terribly.”
Evie was the one to suggest I extend the job offer, certain it would be a good distraction for Sam while helping me and the foundation. Win-win.
“Sorry,” I say, trying to sound compassionate while wondering why she’s not booking a trip to Paris on her own. She’ll be a free bird for two weeks. But Sam looks anything but excited about the prospect. It's hard to relate to the pressures of parenting.
“Maybe the project would keep you occupied. You know, get your mind off things while staying creative. You’ll have a team of volunteers who would follow through on your directions. I can forward you all the material.”
Despite my blatant hardball pitch, I see her doing mental calculations.
“I know this is a lot to ask but the foundation can pay you well.”
I tell her how much and see her brow lift. A pang of guilt hits me. I’m nottryingto steamroll her but I know that I am.
I bring it home. “I understand if you can’t take this on. I’ll find someone else.”
“No, I’ll do it.”
I can’t hide my relief. “Really? Thank you!”
“Send me the info and I’ll get on it.”
I’m the one facing a crisis but Sam seems more down in the dumps than I am. When I first met her, she was upbeat and the perpetual optimist. Not anymore. It kills me that one man stole her joy.
