For the Record (Record #3)(63)
Author: K.A. Linde

“I’m going to keep you,” he whispered into her hair.

“I sure hope so.”

“I’ll get you in contact with the right person. Thank you for letting me help you.”

She closed her eyes and breathed in the late-night air mingling with the smoke from the bonfire. She let her mind drift away as she lay snuggled in Brady’s arms, content in the company of good friends and the love of her life.

Chapter 24

A REDO

Liz tugged anxiously on the black-lace sheath that hugged her figure like a glove. It had detailed cap sleeves and a lace V neckline. Her hair hung loose to the middle of her back in delicate finger waves, and light, smoky makeup had been carefully applied. This was her big debut at Brady’s biggest fund-raising gala of the year.

Two years ago Brady had brought someone else to the event, but had ended up confessing that he loved Liz later that night. It had all been so confusing at the time, and some of that old anxiety materialized inside of her once more.

“Would you relax? You’re going to be fine,” Brady assured her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and slowly kneaded the tense muscles.

“I know. I know.”

“Then would you lose some of the tension? You’ve been to gala events with me before.”

“I know, but never one for you, where I’ll have to parade around and pose for pictures with you all night,” she said softly.

“You’re not just arm candy. You’re the woman I love. I want people to get used to seeing you with me. Where you belong.”

Liz sighed softly and turned to look up into his brown eyes. “Do you always say the right thing?”

“It’s my job.”

“Okay. Let’s go then. I can’t be any more ready than I am right now.”

“You’ll do fine. Don’t worry. The limo is waiting,” he said as he walked toward the door. “Can you grab my phone?”

“Sure.” Liz snatched her gold beaded clutch up off of the table. Brady’s phone was sitting next to it. She grabbed that too, stashing it into her purse as she followed him out the door.

The driver opened the door for them and they both slid into the darkened interior. Brady wrapped an arm around her waist and planted soft kisses down her neck and over her shoulder.

They pulled up to the front entrance of the convention center a few minutes later. Heather was waiting outside with a photographer and a woman who Brady told Liz was the event planner. The photographer snapped shots of each of them stepping out of the limo. Brady placed his hand on the small of her back and more photos were taken. Liz smiled until her jaw hurt and then smiled some more. The photographer finally stopped and the event planner rushed over.

She walked Brady through the last-minute details as Liz stood a short distance from Heather, waiting to go inside.

“Are you happy that the primary is so close?” Liz asked Heather, trying to strike up conversation.

“Sooner it’s over the sooner we can work on the real race,” she said, barely glancing at Liz.

“Crazy how much has changed in two years. This was the night you first found out about me and Brady.”

“Perhaps you shouldn’t just say everything that’s on your mind tonight. No one needs to know you were here before,” Heather said harshly.

“Look, I know you hate me, but do you mind toning down the condescending-bitch voice for two seconds? I was just carrying on a perfectly normal conversation with you, and every time I try, you snap at me. I’m not here to mess up Brady’s chance at reelection. In fact, I’ve done nothing but support him. I’ve even been writing Brady’s speeches. Good speeches! I’ve done everything exactly how I’ve been told.”

Well, aside from the Dear Congress articles, but she wasn’t about to bring them up.

“He loves me. He told you two years ago, and it still hasn’t changed. I’m going to be around for a while. I’d appreciate if you started treating me like a human being.”

Heather didn’t say anything for a moment, and then she turned to look at Liz. “You’re right.”

“What?” Liz gasped.

“Would you prefer I disagree with you?”

“No. I just . . . was expecting you to.”

“You’re a liability. That much is very certain, Liz. I’ve stood by that from day one.”

“Yeah. I remember.”

“But . . .” she said, cutting Liz off. “He is happier.”

Liz beamed. She made Brady happier. She wasn’t sure Heather could have said anything that would have made her feel better in that moment.

“He’s not happier with me, mind you. And even I can objectively admit that your speeches are good. I read the draft you gave him of his acceptance speech for the primary.” Heather cut her eyes back to Liz. “It’s solid.”

“Thank you,” Liz said, a little shocked.

“The only problem with that is that you can’t fuck up now.”

“I didn’t plan on it,” she said stiffly.

“If you hurt him, if you break him, if you make him forget what is important, then you’ve ruined a brilliant and driven man. Just remember that.”

Well, it seemed the old Heather still existed.

“I’d never do that.”

“Intentionally. Now don’t do it unintentionally either. Prove to me that you’re not going anywhere,” she said before turning and walking to the event planner.

“How pleasant,” Liz muttered under her breath.

“Ready to go, baby?” Brady asked. He extended his arm and she placed her hand on his elbow.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

They walked through the double doors into the massive ballroom decorated in black and gold. A group of people waited at the entrance to greet them. And then came the almost endless number of pictures. Liz was introduced to person after person she was sure to never remember. Only a few faces were familiar from previous events, and even then she wasn’t sure she remembered all of their names.

Barbara, whom she had met at the Jefferson-Jackson gala, was there and hugged her as if they were old friends. Liz promised to find her later to talk about the education for underprivileged children that they had discussed earlier in the summer. Apparently Barbara had thought it a great idea and wanted to help. Liz was a bit floored by it, but Brady just whispered how important and charming Liz was and then they moved on.

Finally at the end of the entrance line was Brady’s family, with Clay noticeably absent. Marilyn gave her a firm hug. “You’re doing great,” she said discreetly, then pulled back to observe her for the cameras. “You look lovely, dear.”