“I guess it’d be okay. It’s a happy memory.”
Her wistful expression unlocked part of the puzzle.Used to. Memory. He felt sad about the loss of her parents. He’d ask her more another time, when they weren’t in the midst of an overloud gala.
“Thanks for having me,” she said. “You’re up for an award?”
Dex leaned closer to her, as if eager to delve into his favorite topic. “Yup, our work with wounded warriors was nominated.”
Orchid picked up one of the programs scattered around the table and read a little of the blurb. “counterAgency’s work with military veterans is dedicated to Judge John Walker…” His dad’s presence loomed large.
“Congratulations,” she said, looking away from photos of injured servicemen in the brochure.
“This work’s really meaningful,” said Phoenix. “I love advertising, but it can be trite. Here?” he said, pointing to the photos. “This is real. We can make a difference in soldiers’ lives.”
“I hope you win,” she told him.
“Tough call, since we’re up against Missing Children.”
Servers removed the small plates and replaced them with larger plates of filet mignon and potatoes.
“I’m a vegetarian,” Orchid explained to the waiter, putting up a hand before he could place the beef in front of her.
“It’ll be a few minutes,” the waiter said, and left to exchange her meal.
Despite hundreds of people crowded into the massive hall, and an announcer naming brands and companies over the speaker system, their proximity created a sense of intimacy.
“Have you always been a vegetarian?” he asked, leaving his food untouched.
“Since I was twelve,” she said.
“So young. How’d you decide to do that?”
She paused. “It started because I couldn’t stand seeing the blood in my steak. And then I found I couldn’t look at meat at all.”
“You were pretty sensitive for a twelve-year-old.”
“You should eat before your food gets cold,” she said, as if hoping they could move away from this subject.
He looked at his plate and felt his lips twitch. “I’m not sure I can eat my bloody steak now.”
She opened her mouth, as if to protest, then smiled back. “Well,I’mnot taking it off your hands.”
“Maybe I should get a vegetarian meal, too.”
The server placed a plate of mashed potatoes and vegetables in front of her.
“I’d highly recommend it,” she said, sampling a tender carrot.
With a deft slice, he cleaved the center of his filet.
Orchid flinched and faced away.
He noticed her reaction and switched to the spuds. Then, he put down his flatware. “I’m sorry. I wish I’d known,” he said, apology in his tone.
She rolled her eyes, as if this would be an antidote to his guilt. “You’ve found my kryptonite.”
“Kryptonite. Well, you do have a superhero vibe going tonight.” He waved towards the sheen of her dress.
Fiona called to Phoenix, “Your category’s coming up.”
