“Yes—Andrea, I mean. I don’t want to hold office again. I realized I’m a much better behind-the-scenes person.”
“Behind the scenes for your husband?”
I consider. “Sometimes. But also for causes I believe in.”
“Hmm. I feel the same way about what I do.”
I can’t help a slight laugh. “Andrea, you’re anything but behind the scenes. You change people’s lives. The money you gave for that clean water initiative in Africa saves lives every day. My work is nothing compared to what you do.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. Bipartisanship can create change that will transform lives.”
“I hope so.”
Andrea takes a silver tube of lipstick from her bag and applies a neutral nude shade. “And do you love your work, Reagan?”
“I do.”
“What’s one thing you’ve done at this job that made you feel amazing?”
I furrow my brow as I consider. “Well…I’m still fairly new. I guess, if I’m being completely honest, getting this lunch with you would be my answer.”
Andrea laughs at that. “Because I’m the elusive billionaire everyone wants a piece of?”
“No.” I smile. “Well, sort of. I mean, there’s that. But also because of the work you’ve done. I read thatTimearticle about the scholarship program you created. And when you said the wealthy can waste away their lives on yachts or they can make the world a better place…it resonated with me.”
She’s giving me that studious look over the rim of her glasses again. “From what I read, you’ve been on the job for more than a year now. That’s not ‘fairly new’ in my mind.”
My cheeks warm. “I guess you’re right.”
Andrea sits back in her chair, quiet for a few seconds. “And still nothing accomplished that you love, outside of this meeting.”
“I love the mission I’m working toward,” I clarify. “I believe deeply in it.”
“And you’d like a large donation from me.”
“Well, I wouldn’t turn it down…but no. I just wanted to meet you. Maybe soak up some of your mojo.”
She studies me in silence for a few more seconds.
“I’ll have my secretary send a check.”
“That’s truly not necessary, Andrea.”
She balks at that. “This from the girl who just told me she wouldn’t turn it down?”
I laugh. “I’m not here to play you for money. Can we just end the lunch as two women who know each other now? Who might want to get together again sometime?”
“Certainly. But I’ll still send the check. Not because I like you, but because I support the mission of your organization.”
“Okay. Thank you for your generosity. We’ll put the money to good use.”
She glances over at her security men, who are killing time at a nearby table. They rise and come over.
“I do like you, though, Reagan Titan,” she says.
“I like you, too. Thank you for taking the time.”
“I like you so much that I’d like to offer you a job.”
