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“Amtrak. Private car will pick you up and bring you to the hotel.”
“What about my clothes? I can’t wear the gold lamé on the train.”
“Go buy yourself a travel outfit.”
“What am I going to wear on the way home?” She gave him a mischievous grin.
“Okay, two travel outfits.”
“And shoes,” she added.
“And shoes.” He shook his head.
“Oh, come on, Greg. I earned it.”
“You did.”
“We’re talking about next weekend, as in the one after this one?” She wanted to be sure.
“Yes. Next Saturday, you’ll be on the eleven o’clock Acela, arriving at Penn Station at two thirty.”
“Oh, good. I don’t have to take another day off work for work.”
“Correct.” Gilmour got up.
“So this really wasn’t a wellness check. This was a ‘let’s bring Mel some scones, get her hopped up on sugar, and then give her the next assignment’ check.”
“Guilty as charged.” Gilmour tightened his lips. “Okay, spunky. I have work to do. Enjoy your day off.”
“I have to go shopping.” She gave him her MelDrake death stare.
Melanie took her time easing into the day. Scones, coffee, and a new assignment that required thinking and planning. She went online to search casual travel ensembles. There was a Brunello Cucinelli cashmere, toast-colored drawstring pant with a matching hoodie, and Armani drawstring pants and matching zipper warm-up jacket in deep burgundy. A pair of Prada Double Wheel sneakers finished off the casual, elite traveler.
Fortunately, the commotion at school that week was only a dull roar. She was beginning to understand the dynamics of how holidays, weekends, and school projects affected the children. Especially the children of divorced parents, of which there were many. Melanie often wondered if it was better for the children when the parents split amicably, or minimally tolerated each other to preserve the family unit. It could go either way for the child. Melanie was discovering that children have keen insight and are often underestimated. Their intuition is acute before the world suffocates them with platitudes, misinformation, and doubt. The saying “out of the mouth of babes” has merit. They are unfiltered. Honest. Why did adults think they were pulling something over on kids by pretending to be one big happy family, when their offspring could sense their anger and resentment? Such a conundrum.
The holidays were a couple of weeks away. She was certain they would bring more excitement and anxiety to the classroom. Yippee.
The weekend of her next job was quickly descending upon Melanie. Was she having second thoughts? This was an entirely different scenario from the first two. Away from home base. A billionaire entrepreneur. The two of them alone. At dinner. Then his hotel room? Maybe there wouldn’t be anyone else. How good was their intel? She knew Patterson wouldn’t knowingly put her in serious jeopardy. A little jeopardy, for sure, but serious? Doubtful. She wanted to have another conversation with Gilmour. She sent him a text: Greek tonight?
He sent an immediate reply: Sure. Time? Everything OK?
She responded: Great. 6:00. Not sure.
OK. I’ll pick it up.
Melanie was always self-assured, but this job felt different. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Maybe Gilmour could diffuse her anxiety.
Like clockwork, Gilmour appeared with two large shopping bags filled with Grecian delights. And a bottle of that special wine Melanie liked.
They unpacked the spread, uncorked the wine, and set the table in relative silence. Gilmour knew Melanie would talk when she was ready.
He poured a glass of wine for both of them, and they sat facing each other at the table. The dogs were comfortable in their beds in front of the fireplace.
Gilmour’s curiosity finally prompted him to ask, “What’s going on?”
Melanie took a deep breath. “I’m nervous.” Gilmour didn’t respond. He knew she had more to say. “I’m going to be out of my element. I kinda know New York, but not like I know DC.”
“It’s not going to be any different. We’ve got you covered.”
