A Reason to Stay (21 page)

Y
ou wouldn't find a better party than one thrown by a television station trying to promote a new talk show in which they'd heavily invested. Photo ops alone from these types of events were worth gold. No doubt KIAM-TV planned this celebration to mine every bit of public relations currency.

The party would be held at the Houstonian, an upscale hotel in the heart of downtown with stunning wooded views and a price tag that signaled Clark had pulled out all the stops. The guest list read like a who's who in Houston. Invitations were extended to the mayor and his wife, several politicians, sports celebrities, and even some television stars living in the area.

Most importantly, two executives from NBC in New York were flying in.

And the spotlight would be on her.

Clark had graciously rented her a suite so she could get ready for the party and then stay over when the celebration concluded. She was definitely getting the star treatment.

Of everyone she intended to impress, her husband was at the top of the list. Perhaps now he'd see why she'd been so reluctant to place her career on hold. He'd see what was possible for her. She hadn't been selfish in wanting to wait to start a family. She
didn't have her priorities mixed up. She only wanted to let her career have its due first. Once she'd climbed to the top, there'd be time to divert her attention to starting a family like Geary wanted.

Many women anchors had successfully balanced a media career and raising children, including Katie Couric. So could she.

Deep down she thrilled at the idea her own children would someday look at her with pride. It'd been a long way out of the pit. And who knew where she might go from here.

Faith looked at her reflection in the mirror. She'd chosen a safe black sheath dress—sleeveless. To make a statement, she'd discarded the standard notion of a strand of pearls and instead donned a bib necklace made of large tangerine stones accented with turquoise. Appearance mattered when in the public eye, and she couldn't wait for everyone to see this little eye-catching ensemble.

Especially Geary.

Admittedly, she hoped if everything went just right this evening, he'd stay over in her suite. Perhaps they could finally move a bit closer, even if by inches, and repair some of the damage their relationship had sustained.

Maybe he'd finally understand that the only way forward was to accept her career and know that their marriage may not look like Wendell and Veta's—or even Bobby Lee and Dilly's—but that they could still have a bright future ahead in their own way.

But he'd need to do some compromising.

For good measure, she spritzed on some of the Romance cologne he liked so much.

Downstairs, the room was packed with well-wishers and wannabes.

Clark immediately appeared by her side and moved her through the crowd, making sure she made contact with the VIPs.

The mayor's wife held out her hand. “Faith, congratulations on the new show. I am thrilled with the concept and will be watching.”

Faith extended her hand. “I hope you'll be a guest sometime.”

The woman's eyes brightened. “Oh, I'd love that!”

Clark maneuvered her through the crowd, stopping for necessary greetings, until they made their way to the other end of the crowded room where he guided her up onto a dais. At the back of the staged area, a massive banner displayed the show's logo and her image.

Faith checked her watch as she took her place by his side, worried Geary hadn't shown up yet.

Clark clinked his fork against his champagne glass. “Could I have everyone's attention?”

The room silenced and all eyes turned to watch.

“First, thank you all for being here. On behalf of KIAM-TV, let me welcome you.” He turned to Faith. “We are more than excited to bring one of the most appealing and relevant shows for women to morning television—
Faith on Air
.”

Applause broke out across the room. When the clapping quieted, he continued. “We are doubly excited to showcase one of broadcasting's newest and up-and-coming stars. Faith Marin's depth of experience, her intellectual curiosity, and her on-camera persona make her the perfect choice to anchor
Faith on Air
. Her unmatched energy, savvy, and versatility enable her to connect with audiences in Houston and across the southwestern United States,” Clark said. “News is a definitive daily habit for our viewers—and Faith Marin will work with our talented editorial team to pioneer a new chapter of morning journalism.”

This time the crowd went wild. In the midst of a noisy ovation, whistles rang out and confetti dumped from the ceiling, dusting the room with tiny bits of gold paper. Taking her cue, she moved to the microphone.

That was when she saw Geary standing near one of the hors d'oeuvres tables watching her, his arms casually folded. The sight instantly helped settle her jitters.

“Thank you,” she began. “It goes without saying, I suppose,
that I am thrilled with the opportunity to host this new program. I hope you all will join me each weekday morning, first on the news desk and then on
Faith on Air
, where we'll be covering news and topics that people care most about—a lifestyle show with news components that reflect Houston and the people who live here.”

Clark slid his arm around her waist. “Now let's have a good time!”

As soon as Faith could extricate herself from the onstage activities, she hurried to where she'd seen Geary.

He wasn't there.

She changed course and continued her search, quickly maneuvering past pockets of well-wishers gathered around servers with trays of bacon-wrapped shrimp and crab-filled mushrooms. Faith's eyes darted left and right.

Still no Geary.

She'd just about given up when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey,” he said when she turned.

“There you are. I was afraid you left.”

He looked confused. “Why would I leave when I hadn't even seen you yet?”

She shrugged, her uncertainty making her feel foolish. A sidelong glance at what he was wearing made her cringe. She should have told him this was a more formal affair.

Her husband shifted his feet. “I'm not really dressed right, I guess.”

Trying to cover, she quickly shook her head. “No, you're fine.” She pointed to one of the servers. “Are you hungry?”

“Nah, I ate at Mom's.”

Of course he had. “Well, how about something to drink? Champagne?” The minute she said it she remembered he almost never drank alcohol. But this was a special occasion.

She glanced at the floor, then back at him.

Geary, maybe guessing at how she was feeling, mustered a smile. “Look, you did really good up there. This is a big deal.”

She cleared her throat, thinking it was generous of him to say so. She touched his arm. “Thank you for coming, Geary.”

He drew a deep breath. “You smell good.”

She laughed. She couldn't help it.

He laughed too.

The lighthearted exchange made her want to lean in and whisper the suggestion he stay over with her in the room the station had rented for her.

“Faith—over here.” Clark waved her over. “I want to introduce you to the guys from New York.”

She paused, gnawing at her lower lip. “Come with me.”

“Nah, you go,” Geary said. “I'll wait right here.”

She nodded. “Don't go. I'm serious, don't leave.”

His eyes followed her as she made her way to Clark. Her producer's arm slipped around her waist and he guided her forward.

A quick glance back let her know Geary didn't care for the gesture. While she knew Clark meant nothing inappropriate, she casually sidestepped, letting her boss's arm slip from her back.

They neared a group of three men.

“Faith, I want you to meet the brass.” Clark waved over a server and took glasses of champagne and passed them around.

She held up her hand. “No, none for me.”

“Ha, I'll take hers.” One of the men laughed and downed one glass. His pudgy fingers set it on the tray and reached for another.

Clark's face broke into an uneasy grin. “This is Randolph Hessing. He's the network's publicity director.”

The gray-haired fossil looked at her from over top his champagne glass and nodded. She noticed his body slightly weave.

Likely so did Clark because he whispered to the server before turning his attention to the other two gentlemen. “This is Darin Frost and Alexander McElroy. Programming.”

She extended her hand and both men told her how excited they were about her new show. “Thank you,” she said. “I'm delighted with the opportunity and what we have planned ahead.”

Mr. Frost nodded. “Houston demographics are strong for a program of this sort. All projections I've seen look promising.” He smiled. “Makes me wish KIAM-TV was still an affiliate.”

“Even so,” Mr. McElroy added, “New York is watching.”

His comment dangled like a shiny ornament on a Christmas tree with wrapped packages underneath waiting to be opened.

Clark's eyes twinkled. “You watch all you want, boys, but I've got her under contract. At least for several more years.”

The men exchanged knowing looks and smiled. She smiled too, understanding contracts could be bought out.

Geary surprised her then by approaching. “Hey, I hate to break into the conversation, but I just got word I have to leave for a tournament early in the morning and I wanted to tell my wife goodbye before I head out.”

“Already?” Faith asked. There was no mistaking the disappointment in her voice. Reluctantly, she turned back to the men. “Uh, this is my husband, Geary Marin.”

Mr. McElroy eagerly stepped forward and extended his hand. “The bass champ?”

Her husband pulled his hand from his jeans pocket and shook the guy's hand. “You follow the circuit?”

“My son does. Trevor is an avid fisherman. We spend a lot of vacations on the water.”

“Yeah? How old's your kid?”

“Fifteen.”

Mr. Hessing scanned the room. He leaned forward on his toes, then rocked back. “Do you see a server?” He held up his plump hand, his glass already empty.

“Ah, great age.” Geary placed his hand on Faith's back.

“So, you're her husband?” Mr. Hessing's words were slurring
slightly now, making everyone a bit uncomfortable. She never understood why people overindulged, let alone at business functions.

Geary scowled and lifted his ring finger as proof. “Yes, sir. I sure am.”

“Well, she's pretty as Cleopatra.” The older man's gaze drifted to Faith, his double chin folding over the stiff collar of his white shirt. “And she has some great pyramids.”

Her husband's hand dropped from her back. “I beg your pardon?”

She grabbed his hand and squeezed, a silent message imploring him not to make a scene. Clark quickly apologized and the other two gave Mr. Hessing a harsh look.

Geary's jaw turned rigid. “Uh, like I said, I need to get going.” He quickly shook hands and turned to leave.

Faith raised an eyebrow at Clark, who looked mortified at what had just happened. “I'll be right back,” she said.

As she walked away, she heard Mr. Hessing in the background. “A joke. I meant it as a joke.”

Geary was already several paces ahead of her. She had to scramble to catch up. “Geary, wait.”

He kept walking.

Out of breath, she finally reached his side at the door and followed him out to the parking garage. Her husband could be supportive, charming, even funny. Right now he was none of those things. “Geary, talk to me.”

He whirled on her, his face and neck now red. “What was that in there?” he nearly shouted.

“Shhh—keep your voice down.” She reached for his arm but he pulled away.

“I guess I just clued in that you and your pyramids are eventually planning to move to New York.” He flung his arm in the direction of the party. “I mean, isn't that what all this means? You anchor the weekends, then the morning show. Now you have
your own talk show with plans to take on the evening broadcasts as soon as Ravino consents. Then on to New York?” He turned and marched toward his pickup. “Where does that leave me? Leave us?”

“Geary, stop. That isn't—I mean, you've misunderstood.”

“Have I?” he challenged. “In this grand scheme, just when were you planning to quit pleasing creeps like that guy inside and instead focus on
our
life?”

“And you aren't off fishing your way onto the big stage? Isn't that the pot calling the kettle—or whatever the term?”

“I have to work. I'm the provider.”

Was he kidding? “News flash. This isn't the seventies.”

“Yeah, well, maybe it should be. Maybe there wouldn't be so many messed-up kids if—”

“You think I can't be a good mother and work?” The reality of how her husband really felt about the matter was sobering, to say the least. She'd never have suspected the full extent of his archaic attitude.

He folded his arms like a petulant child. “And you want to park our children in day care with me playing drop-off/pick-up dad?”

“That's not fair. Lots of mothers have careers and use day care.”

He clenched his fists. “Not my wife!”

Angry tears formed, wrecking her makeup. “I will not be bullied into doing things your way, Geary. I won't be manipulated by some giant pout.”

He rubbed angrily at his chin. “No—I don't suppose you will.” He took a deep breath to temper the moment. “And I refuse to put family on hold while you buff your rising star.”

His words didn't frighten her as much as the look in his eyes. “What—what do you mean?”

Geary opened his pickup door. “There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore looking like an idiot.”