Page 124 of Out on a Limb
Helen was organizing the very first Sand and Surf Pageant, and she’d somehow managed to convince both Julia and I it sounded amazingly fun to help plan.
And it did, but that was before I found myself in the middle of a mess created by horny old men.
Greedy, horny old men.
“Fantastic.” Helen reached out to rest one hand on Gabriel’s upper arm, the same way Elaine had done to the chief. “I am so grateful to your family for offering the space.”
“I wish I could say it wasn’t a self-serving endeavor.” Gabriel leaned in, like he was telling Helen a secret. “But we are hoping this will help us attract a more—” His eyes moved over the people milling the large space. “Youthful demographic.”
I might not have noticed it if he hadn’t pointed it out, which probably said more about me and the company I kept than it did about my powers of observation.
Everyone around us was at least seventy-five. Maybe older.
Helen did the same visual sweep I did. “It is important for a business to maintain a diverse clientele.”
“I could have used that advice a few years ago.” Gabriel’s easy smile held as he led us toward the room. “Too bad our paths didn’t cross sooner.” He pulled open the door and held it as we all filed into what turned out to be a luxurious, private dining room. Four place settings were arranged around a circular table topped with a black cloth.
Gabriel pulled out a chair for Helen, waiting while she lowered in the most graceful sit I’d ever seen anyone accomplish. He quickly pulled out the next two chairs for Julia and me. We both managed to put our butts in the seats without looking too inept compared to Helen.
Gabriel took his own seat as a waiter came in through a door, pushing a cart across the room. The waiter stopped at Gabriel’s side and began passing out the plates.
“This is our most popular first course.” Gabriel draped his napkin across his lap as Helen stared down into the ramekin in front of her.
“Is this French onion soup?”
I was already digging into mine. “Yup.” I lifted my spoon and a long string of cheese held firm to both the bowl and the bite I was trying to break loose. I finally gave up and shoved it into my mouth.
I wasn’t here to impress anyone.
Helen pressed her lips together as I fought the slinging cheese whipping from my spoon and mouth. “I think it might not be practical for a black-tie event.”
Gabriel deflated a little.
He definitely wanted to impress Helen, and I was willing to bet it wasn’t only business based.
“We also offer an amazing wedge salad.”
Helen glanced up as the waiter came in with the main course, which appeared to be meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. “Could I see your actual menu?”
“Of course.” Gabriel jumped up from his seat and disappeared out the door along with the waiter.
I scooped up some mashed potatoes. “I like it.”
Helen took a bite of the meatloaf. “It’s not that it’s bad.” She stabbed a green bean. “It’s just not what the people I’m targeting will be expecting.”
Gabriel rushed back in with three menus, offering one to each of us.
Helen flipped it open and quickly scanned the pages before closing it and turning to Gabriel. “The food is delicious—”
“But?”
“There’s always a but, isn’t there?” Helen gave him a smile that probably softened the blow a little. “But I would say it might be part of the reason you’re not attracting the age group you’re hoping for.” She rested her fork on the edge of her plate. “I’m not sure this menu would be particularly exciting to the people I’m expecting at my event.”
Gabriel was clearly disappointed. “Would you be willing to give me another chance?”
“Of course. I want this to work out for both of us.” Helen slowly stood, making it clear I needed to snarf up as much of the meatloaf as I could manage. “I think there’s a great deal for both of us to gain from this partnership.”
“I agree.” Gabriel made no move toward the door, which bought me a few more seconds with the lunch that lured me here. “Should we set up a time to reconvene?”
