Page 35 of Wild Cub

“Hey Tess, you ready? We have the luncheon with those donors, remember?” Reva pops in, tugging a sweater on over her dress. I shake my head yes, when the real answer was that I forgot. But then, I remember we’re bringing Lucie Lynn so she can tell her story to the donors. I’m not supposed to have favorites, but she is a true testament to the work the Foundation does.

We pick Lucie up at the corner of her apartment building parking lot. She’s wearing a bright blue sundress, highlighting her light caramel skin that shines in the sun. Her bouncy curls are pulled into a half updo. She reminds me of a little fairy who just wants to make you smile.

“Miss Tessa,” she shrieks from the back seat, wrapping her arms around me from behind. “Thank you for picking me up while my car’s in the shop.”

“The shop where your boyfriend works, from what I hear.” I peer behind me, winking at her. She just giggles and turns red in response. She deserves a good man in her life to treat her like the queen she is.

“You ready to tell your story, love?” I always check with her, knowing that some days are harder than others. I know what that feels like. The shame, the anxiety, the memories.You’re lucky you have me, no one else wants you. You embarrass me.I shake those words away. This is not the time.

“I got this, Miss Tessa.” She nods her head.

As much as I know this is part of the job, luncheons and meetings break my heart. I wish I could do more on-the-ground responsibilities. Still, if I have to pimp myself out for the Foundation I’ll do it. A few of the most prominent families, the ones from old money, are in attendance. It’ll be worth it in the end. Lucie Lynn is a charmer, and her story is powerful.

“Boss, I think we have a tail,” Reva whispers so Lucie can’t hear. I look in the passenger mirror, spotting a white Ford pickup truck. Alexander drives a blue Dodge when he’s not on the bike. I dial him for the first time in a long while.Pick up.A few rings go by unanswered.

“What do you want, Teresa?” His tone is rough, like I’m a nuisance.

“Gotcha, no term of endearment. Fine, I’ll keep this brief.” That stings a bit. I guess I deserve that. “White Ford pickup, I think either 250 or 350. Is that you or one of your men?”

“That’s Memphis.” Nothing else. No smart remarks, no tender warning. Back to the coldness, like the beginning. A brief silence falls between us.

“Got it.” I hang up before I let myself talk more.

Fifteen minutes later, we arrive at the restaurant and head towards the private dining room. Wine is already being served, and I can sense Reva looking at me like it’s a bad idea. I give her a look like I’ll be fine.

“Mr. and Mrs. Carter, it’s nice to see you again! How’re the grandkids?” I screw on my fakest smile, selling enthusiasm. On any given day, this wouldn’t be so hard. Today, however, the ADHD and anxiety are in high gear. “Thank you all for coming today. We are only a few months away from the silent auction, which I know most of you plan to attend. I wanted you to meet Lucie Lynn. You may have seen her around the agency as a volunteer. What you don’t know is that she is a graduate of our shelter program. Lucie, take it away.”

I take a sip of my wine, enjoying the strawberry and cherry notes. My phone buzzes with a message, but I ignore it. My eyes and ears are on Lucie.

After she finishes her awe-inspiring story including her journey with the foundation and the triumphs of leaving an abusive situation. She has been through so much, but she is the image of strength in my eyes and perseverance. I follow with a toast. “To Lucie, and to the future of the Foundation and the many individuals we will continue to help regain their lives.” As we take a collective sip, my phone buzzes again. I take another sip.

Leif Erickson:Don’t drink too much wine.

Leif Erickson:I told you, I have eyes everywhere

Asshole. This hot and cold treatment is giving me a migraine. Reva raises an eyebrow at me. I respond back with a middle finger emoji, hoping he’ll leave me alone so I can enjoy the rest of this meal and get back to work. I turn off my phone for the rest of the meal.

“Do I want to know what that look was about?” Reva leans in my direction.

I smirk. “Just putting an asshole back in his place.”

Reva isn’t buying it. “Are you going to be okay? You’ve got a couple more meetings today.”

“Yeah. I’ll be fine, Revs. This is Lucie’s time to shine.” I nod towards her, and Lucie gives me a grin as she sparks a conversation with Mrs. Carter. Lucie may have convinced more people to our silent auction than I ever could on my own.

After lunch, I throw myself back into my work at the Foundation, flipping between my own research and running reports and meetings. I’m starting to feel like bringing Alexander in was a waste. Again, I’m having to take things into my own hands, like a broken record. Close to the end of the day, a knock sounds at the door.

“Hey, boss lady. Got a minute?” Sam walks through the door and closes it.

“For you, Sammie, all the time in the world. What can I do for you?” The look on her face is a mixture of confusion and worry. Something uneasy boils in my stomach.

She wrings her hands, like something’s happened. “What do you need from me? I’ve been combing my brain trying to find a way to help. ”

“You help me out tremendously with the hotline. I got caught in a spider web and I’m going to get myself out of it. Don’t worry about me.”

“I know, but I do anyway. Just give me something, please.”

I let out a breath. Maybe a second pair of eyes on reports would help. “Okay, look at the past few months’ reports and the call volume compared to last year as well. Maybe look at the call times and notes and see if there’s a trend or something out of the ordinary. Who knows, maybe we’re missing something.”