Girl Power (4 page)

buying and that's that. Understand?"

Kelly grinned. "It's a date."

~ * * ~

"Good morning. This is Mickey Adams, The Baltimore Herald's number one

reporter."

Brenda snickered. "Still cocky, I see."

"Well I'll be. Black is beautiful, Brenda Morris, herself. When you gonna

break down and go to dinner with me."

"Never."

He chuckled. "Never? Is that any way to talk to someone whom you are

about to ask a favor of?"

"Who says I want a favor?"

"Don't you?"

Brenda scrunched her nose.
He got me there
. "Maybe."

She frowned when he laughed. "Well, then don't just give me the cold

shoulder, sweet thang. Lead me on a little—tell me you'll think about dinner."

God, that voice.
"I might if I hadn't heard what a sweet-talking ladies man you are."

"That may be true, kitten, but I really have a thing for you. What ya need

doll? Lay it on me."

"I need copy."

"What kind of copy?"

"I work for these ladies."

"Yeah, go on."

"Well, I have this press release."

"Gotcha. Just email or fax your copy to me and I'll see that it gets to the proper people."

"Thanks. What's your email address?"

"Sure thing, princess. It's ma at baltimoreherald dot com. Email me anytime.

Especially if you feel like dinner and a date."

"Got it. I'll think about dinner. There, I just sent it. If you need anything else, just call me at 410-555-0987."

"Will do."

Brenda hung up and glanced at the wall clock—eleven-fifty-eight—lunch

time. She grasped her purse and rose to leave, when the phone rang. A little

irritated, she picked up. "Yes?"

"Brenda, This is Michael, I mean Mickey. I just read your press release."

"Yeah, so?"

"So, is this for real?"

"Of course—"

"I didn't mean that. What I meant is, these ladies, can they pull this off?"

"I think so. There will be a lot of work, but the timing is perfect. We have some favorable polling and we're all very determined."

"Okay, baby, meet me. We have to talk. Can you go to lunch with me? I'll

make it worth your while."

She took a few seconds to consider his sincerity. "All right, on one

condition."

"Anything."

"I'll have lunch with you, but no romance, no amour, just business."

"Agreed. You're at Sally Cummings' office, right?"

"Ah-huh."

"I'll pick you up in front in fifteen minutes."

"No, you won't. There's a cafeteria around the corner. I'll grab a booth and see you there in fifteen minutes."

Brenda waited on pins and needles for Mickey Adams. Every time he was

around, things happened to her. Not bad things, but disturbing, especially since he was a white guy. She just wasn't used to white men paying attention to her,

let alone being nice and asking her out. She didn't know what to think. It

wouldn't be so bad, but she really was drawn to him. His spiky brown hair, his

brown-eyed, narrow face with a slightly oversized nose, thin lips, and dimples

when he smiled. She liked his quirky personality and the way he could make her

laugh. And to her shame, she liked his lean, six-one, athletic frame and his light-buff skin tone.

With his athletic frame, I wonder what he looks like naked? Oh my God, did I just
imagine what he looked like undressed?

"Is this seat taken?"

She turned her head and gazed up the lean six foot frame of the subject of

her sexy reverie. Grinning, Mickey Adams stood there holding a tray with a

coke, a hot dog and a bag of chips. His arrival in the middle of her sensuous

reflection caused her to flush. She glanced away. Hopefully, with her caramel

coloring, it barely registered.

When Brenda stared, open mouthed, he added, "I'll be good, I promise."

I hope I can.
She hitched her head to the seat across from her and tried to smile. "Please, sit down."

Naturally, he sat next to her, so close their legs touched. The flutter in her

stomach started and soon her heart would pound.
Do something—say something.

"What did you want to meet about?"

He raised the paper he brought, and covered the back of her brown hand

with his white palm. "This press release."

She jerked her hand away as if she'd received 200 volts.

As he gazed questioningly at her, the tickly feeling started in her chest.

He posed a crooked smile. "Sorry. I was just being friendly."

She sipped iced tea then asked politely, "Sorry, I'm a little jumpy. What

about the press release? Isn't it clear?"

Mickey ran a hand through his spiky hair. "Oh yeah, it's clear all right.

Congresswoman Cummings is going to run for Senator Mannogue's seat. Not as

Democrat, but as a charter member and founder of a women's political party she

and some unnamed women started. Brenda, baby, this is a bombshell. Do you

realize if you are able to pull this off, you will shake the pillars of American politics? Things will never be the same. Women even have the numbers to

become the majority party."

Calming down, Brenda cracked, "When did you learn to read?"

Mickey nudged her. "Smart aleck!"

She giggled. "Sorry I couldn't resist. Is there anything you want to know?"

"Of course. For starters, tell me who the unnamed women are."

"Sally's campaign manager, Lindy Rollins is one."

"I figured that, and I suppose you're one, but who are the others and how

many are we talking about?"

"We never discussed releasing that information, so I'm not at liberty to say."

"Okay, what can you say?"

"I don't know. You can ask. I'll answer the questions I can."

"Why no men?"

"Men are welcome, however with women being underrepresented in all

levels of government, our main agenda is expansion of female elected officials

from local and state to federal."

"Are you actively seeking members?"

"Not yet. We hope to be ready by the end of the month."

"So I could join SAFE."

Brenda snickered. "Absolutely."

"What's so funny?"

"I was just trying to picture you in pink."

Mickey leaned back and roared with laughter. "I assume you're joking."

Brenda's tension had been slipping away. She snickered again. "I'm sorry,

but I'm not at liberty to answer that question."

He shook his head again and laughed. "You're a stinker. Answer this for

me, then."

She waggled her brow and teased. "What?"

Mickey took her hand. "Will you go to dinner with me, please?"

Brenda sipped her iced tea with her other hand. "I'm sorry, but I'm not at

liberty to answer that question."

Mickey took a deep breath. "I have to go, but I want to discuss some things about your women's party with you. I think I can be a big help. Can we talk

about it over dinner?"

"What kind of help?"

"Think about it. I know scores of people in the publishing business and

more than a few in television. Whatd'ya say? Can I pick you up at six

tomorrow?"

"I don't know."

Mickey lifted his tie. "If I wore a pink tie, would you have dinner with me?"

She snickered. "I might, if you wore a white shirt, pink socks and black

slacks, too.

"Okay, I'll humiliate myself to have dinner with you. Do we have a date?"

"All right, a dinner date only—on one condition."

"What?"

"You answer one question."

"What?"

"Why you're so hot to go out with me. In case you missed it, I'm black and

you're white. I know interracial dating isn't that rare anymore, but I've never

done it and frankly it scares the bejesus out of me."

"Why?"

Brenda thought for a moment, then flashed a mischievous smile. "I'm sorry,

but I'm not at liberty to answer that question."

"Brenda, you are too much. I've never had this much trouble getting a date."

"I'll bet."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you're accomplished, handsome, and have a rep as a lady killer.

Why do you want to go out with this fresh out of college, wet behind the ears,

African American girl?"

"Truth?"

She nodded.

He shrugged. "I don't know. I like you and I think you're beautiful, but

there are lots of beautiful girls. I see at least one or two girls every day, but there's just something about you that shouts out, I'm more than a beautiful face with a fantastic body—I have substance. Now, will you go to dinner with me?"

Mickey made Brenda feel so good, she wanted to kiss him. "Yes."

"Thank God." He took her hand and kissed it. "I'll pick you up at six tomorrow in my pink tie and socks."

"No."

"No?"

"No, I'll meet you Friday night at Gringo's at seven o'clock."

"Gringo's. Wouldn't you like to go someplace a little fancier—a little more romantic? Some place like Morton's?"

Brenda rose. "I would, but I want you to explain to my boss how you can be

a big help getting the word out. Maybe on our second date. I gotta go. We'll see you tomorrow night, and don't forget to wear the rest of your clothes."

~ * * ~

Brenda knocked on Sally's open door. "Ms. Cummings?"

Sally looked up and smiled. "Yes, Brenda."

As Brenda slipped into the room, Sally asked, "Brenda, how long have you

worked for me?"

She took a deep breath. "Two years."

"And how many times have I asked you to call me Sally?"

Brenda shrugged. "I don't know. A lot. I do sometimes."

Sally snickered. "Well, try to remember to call me that all the time. Now,

what can I do for you?"

"I just had lunch with Mickey Adams and he—"

"Mickey Adams? Isn't he a reporter for the Herald?"

"Yes, I'm meeting him for dinner Friday night at Gringo's at seven and—"

Sally clasped her hands together over her chest. "Ah, amour. I just love

romance. Careful though. Don't get your angelic feathers burnt. He has a

reputation as a…"

"Lothario?"

"Not quite, dear. More like a ladies man. You know the type."

"I heard the same thing. This isn't a romantic dinner. Maybe in the future—I am attracted to him—but right now we need to spread the word about our party

and he says he could help."

"I suppose he could. I'm sure he has the connections. Let me know what he

says." "Umm, I was hoping perhaps you could join us? That way if you have any questions—"

"Good thinking, dear, but I wouldn't know what to ask. Maybe Lindy

should be there. As campaign manager, she has much more experience in that

field. Would you like me to call her?"

Brenda's wide eyes flashed the answer. "Would you?"

"Certainly." Sally picked up her phone and dialed. "Hi Lindy.

"Yes, I read Carla's release. It's very good. In fact, that's why I'm calling.

Brenda's meeting a reporter at Gringos at seven, Friday night and she would feel better if someone who understands promotion could be there with her.

"Okay fine. I'll tell her. Thanks Lindy. Goodbye." Sally set the phone in its cradle and turned to Brenda. "She'll meet you there."

Brenda smiled. "Thank you."

Chapter Three – SAFE, More than a Political Party

The red districts are turning redder and the blue districts are turning bluer.

Congress may have to hit rock bottom before people learn to work together.

What’s wrong with these chuckleheads?"

Retiring Congressman Steven LaTourette - R Ohio

Lindy slid into the booth opposite Kelly. "Hi, am I late?"

Kelly, sipped her drink. "No, you're fine. I just got here early."

Lindy perused the menu. "What're you drinking?"

Kelly lifted her drink. "In honor of our exciting, new Women's party, I'm

drinking Pink Ladies."

Lindy chuckled. "Sounds good."

The waiter approached. "Good afternoon, ladies. My name is Sal. I'll be your server. May I bring you a cocktail?"

"Sure. I'll have a Pink Lady, like her."

Kelly slid her now empty glass toward the waiter. "And I'll have another."

"Very good. Tonight, we have two specials, which are not on the menu.

Would you like to hear them?

"Sure."

"Very good. First we have Lobster Ravioli in Gianni's special marinara

sauce. And next, my favorite, Veal Scaloppini, served with angel hair pasta

topped with our famous pesto sauce."

They glanced at each other and nodded.

Kelly said, "I think we've decided. We'll both have the Veal Scaloppini.

Right Lindy."

"Right."

Sal smiled. "Two pink ladies and two Veal Scaloppini's. Any appetizers,

salad?"

"I would like a Caesar salad and iced tea."

"Me too," added Kelly.

Kelly fanned herself. "Can you believe how warm the weather's been for the

middle of winter?"

"I know, it's been freaky warm all year."

Kelly grinned, leaned in and whispered, "Don't let this get back to the far right, but it just might be global warming."

Lindy pulled back. "No! The next thing you'll tell me is Earth is much older than five thousand years, like maybe a couple billion years or so."

"I might. I might also tell you that the earth is round and the sun doesn't revolve around it."

They laughed. Lindy nudged Kelly's shoulder, and Kelly laid her hand over

Lindy's. I think you're a smart, talented woman and I look forward to working

with you."

Lindy gulped.

Just then, Sal arrived. "Here we are, two Pink Ladies. I'll be right back with your salads."

"Thank you." Lindy sipped from the martini glass. "Well thank you. I think you are beautiful and look forward to working with you too." She raised her glass." A toast."