Page 51 of Too Much In Common
“That’s the most depressing thing we could have in common.”
Tian tried to laugh. It sounded like a sick seal.
“You sound tired.” His voice was as soothing as a cup of hot chocolate.
“I should go to bed. I have a 9:00 a.m. flight to LAX.”
“Call tomorrow?”
“Sure. Only next time, let’s be sure who is calling who.”
“Agreed, sleep well. I’d say don’t let the bedbugs bite, but I am sure you already checked. Be safe.”
“Yes, I did. Night, Chris.”
Tian checked her alarm and connected the charger. The conversation had been like her book—less than satisfying. She wouldn’t feel as bad about ending the relationship after another two nights of generic conversation.
* * *
Green rooms were rarely green. The depth of Chris’s thoughts reached a new low as he waited in the room next to the sound stage where Candace gave her second interview of the day promoting her theme park for critically and terminally ill children and their families ahead of the national fundraising campaign with the goal to purchase two planes to shuttle children for whom a standard commercial flight presented too many dangers. Having heard the presentation several times, Chris could answer questions as well as the Ogilvie’s PR firm.
A man entered the room. Chris brought his thoughts back to the present as he analyzed the newcomer with the familiar face.
The make-up artist rushed in. “Mr. Kirkpatrick, if you would come with me. Those lights will wash out your face.”
That is where he’d seen the man—political ads. He was running for senator. Chris relaxed. He may not agree with the man’s politics, but he was not likely to threaten the Ogilvies either.
The sound of clapping penetrated the door to the studio. The interview was over. He only had to wait a few moments for Candace to enter the room. Chris stayed back as a tech removed the microphone.
Dana came through another door and stopped next to Candace. “The audience loved you.”
“If they will only donate. We have enough for one plane, but there are personnel to pay, maintenance, crew, pilots...” Candace adjusted her jacket. “I have an interview in the conference room on the fourth floor. I need to stop at a restroom on the way up.”
“There is one on the other side of hair and make-up,” offered Dana.
The last interview finished at two. Chris held the SUV door open for Candace.
“Next stop—home. I have no desire to speak to anyone but family for the rest of the day.”
Chris climbed into the passenger seat. Dana entered another vehicle headed for the school. The driver dropped them at the front door of Two Garden Tower. Chris followed Candace into the elevator.
“You’ve been quiet today. What is up?”
“Nothing.”
Candace studied him. “I am not overly convinced of that. Do you have plans for tonight, since I won’t need you?”
“No.” It was a mistake to call the billionaire’s wife by her first name. Now she thought she could comment on his personal life.
“What about the pilot?”
“She’s working today and tomorrow.”
“That must make it hard to get to know her.”
“Our schedules are not exactly complimentary.”
They reached the penthouse. Candace pushed the hold button, keeping the elevator open. “If I can do anything to help, let me know.”
