Courting Trouble

Nina smiled. She liked how the girl looked her in the eye, rather than fading into the background, and she appreciated being addressed as ‘miss’. The title of ‘ma’am’ still rankled. ‘You read my mind.’

She took a refreshing sip of the expensive champagne. ‘Very nice.’

The blonde nodded before moving on. ‘Enjoy your evening.’

Nina would, although she wasn’t here for pleasure. She supported the organisation’s cause. Aquamarine was working hard to save both drinking water and the world’s oceans. She’d drop off a generous donation before she left, but she was here to socialise.

After all, it was her line of work.

She meandered about the room, eyeing the displays and the guests. It was a virtual who’s who of the Washington scene. She saw politicians everywhere, mingling with celebrities and sports stars. The high-powered business types might be more difficult for some to spot, but she could call out their industry, net worth and drink preferences if tested. It was her job to know such things.

She waved at Congressman Williams. His wife Eleanor looked lovely tonight, as did the auburn-tressed beauty who was with Salvatore Paul, tennis star extraordinaire.

The redhead raised an eyebrow, but Nina just lifted her glass.

‘Nina, welcome.’

A hand settled a bit too low on her back as Howard Stahl greeted her. Turning his way, she smoothly dislodged the touch even as she brushed a kiss across his ruddy cheek. ‘Howard, the place looks amazing.’

‘Doesn’t it?’ The grin on his face was happy as a schoolboy’s. ‘Did you notice the projection system?’

‘How could I not?’ Undulating waves of blue coursed over the walls, allowing schools of fish to swim across the scene, along with seahorses and even the occasional shark. The overall effect gave one the impression of being underwater.

Nina wondered how many attendees were already seasick.

‘The turnout is impressive,’ she commented.

The Aquamarine Alliance was a charity that both sides of the political spectrum could support, up to a point. All the heavy hitters were here and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Nina’s practised eye saw the smiles, the conversations and the light, publicly appropriate touches.

‘Yes, we’re quite excited about that. Marketing did a wonderful job. Did you see Miss America over there by Aquamarine’s display? Portia Alton is covering the event, and –’ Howard’s voice dropped to a whisper ‘– even Jason Sloan is here!’

Nina’s eyebrows rose. Sloan was a notoriously tough ‘get’. Oh, he showed up at plenty of functions and he could be generous to a fault, but he never deigned to let anyone know his plans in advance. The man had started out as a hockey star, a defenceman for the Washington Capitals, but injury had cut his career short. Now he was an aggressive, impatient and powerful businessman who brought fear to competitors’ hearts and weakness to women’s knees.

His sexuality was known to be potent.

‘It’s going to be a wonderful evening,’ Howard said, rubbing his hands.

‘You should raise a good amount of money for the cause.’

‘Yes, yes. That, too. You’ve got to try the salmon puffs. The Apple Tree Grille is catering tonight, and they are to die for. Where is a waitress? Miss? Oh, miss?’

Again, it was the beautiful blonde who turned, only this time her tray was laden with finger food.

‘These are delicious,’ Howard said, pointing them out, ‘or try the shrimp quiche. It’s simply – Sienna?’

The waitress’s eyes widened.

‘Sienna Blakely?’

The girl froze like a deer in the headlights, yet she quickly covered the instinctive reaction. As Nina watched, the waitress compelled her face to remain calm. Her shoulders dropped and her chin rose, but the set of her spine remained stiff.

‘Mr Stahl,’ the girl responded gracefully. ‘How nice to see you again.’

‘Goodness. I almost didn’t recognise you.’ The evening’s host let out a boisterous laugh that drew the attention of those standing nearby. ‘You’re usually attending these events, rather than serving at them.’

Pink coloured the girl’s cheeks, but she recovered with aplomb. ‘I graduated in May. This job is to tide me over until I find something full-time in my field. You know what they say about idle hands.’

Stahl wiggled his fingers before cupping the girl’s elbow. ‘That they’re the devil’s playground?’

The display made even Nina uncomfortable. She reached out for a miniature quiche, which allowed the waitress to turn away from the older man’s touch.

‘In what area is your degree?’ she asked.

‘Corporate Communications.’

‘It’s a master’s degree, if I’m correct,’ Howard inserted. ‘Sienna’s parents are active in many charities. Her father was an attaché to France, and then … where was it?’

‘Sweden,’ the young lady replied patiently.

‘That’s right. I’m rather surprised they aren’t here tonight.’ Howard surveyed the room as if looking for them. ‘Your folks are usually fixtures at these sort of things.’

The waitress’s smile looked just a tad plastic. ‘Yes, they are, but they just returned from a visit to our country house in Virginia. My mother is still a bit tired.’

Nina watched the girl closely. She was handling what had to be a difficult situation quite well. From what Stahl had indicated, she was usually on the other side of the buffet platter. Instead of being ashamed, though, she was standing tall with her head held high.

‘I love your hairclip,’ Nina said, offering a change of subject.

The waitress’s pale-blonde hair was kept tidy in a chignon by a clip decorated with a jewelled starfish. The piece didn’t look expensive, but it was cute.

‘Thank you.’ Sienna touched her hair self-consciously. ‘I thought it fitted the event.’

It did. The young woman had taken the time to spice up an evening that, to her, had to be long and tiring.

Nina drummed her fingers against her clutch. It was those kinds of details that made a person stand out to her.

The waitress lifted her tray meaningfully. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I need to be moving on. It’s really a wonderful event, Mr Stahl. Congratulations.’

She slipped away, and Howard watched her navigate the crowd. ‘With that girl’s pedigree?’ He tsked aloud. ‘What a shame.’

To be working hard for an honest dollar?

Nina bit her tongue. She’d learned long ago how to force cordiality and keep her true thoughts to herself. She worked with too many types of people to establish a personal stand on issues. It was only those who got closest to her that ever heard her real opinions.

She caught another flute of champagne from a passing tray and put her hand on Howard’s shoulder. Best to touch him before he touched her again. ‘By chance, have you seen Senator Molton?’

‘Dennis Molton? Why, yes, he’s over there by the blue whale skeleton.’

‘Perfect.’ She slipped her arm through her colleague’s. ‘Be a dear and introduce us?’