Carrington House
Searcy, Arkansas
March 2012
At 5:30, Taylor was dressed and ready for the gala. She hated to be late, and she didn’t want Bennett coming in early and catching her undressed. A part of her felt like she was preparing for the fight of her life. Her hair, makeup, and gown were part of her armor. She needed the confidence that looking her best would give her to get through the night ahead.
When 6:00 came and went with no Bennett, Taylor became a little concerned and started calling his cell. She made three calls, and all went straight to voicemail. Finally, at 6:20, Bennett called her.
Without bothering to say hello, Taylor answered and asked, “Where are you? We are going to be late.”
“Hey, I know I am late, but something came up. Joules will be arriving any second to bring you to the club.”
Irritated, Taylor sighed, “Really, Bennett? You are so pushing it. I am doing this for you.”
Sounding more stressed and worried than Taylor could ever remember, Bennett said, “I know, but please don’t ask me anyquestions. I have no right to request this, but could you trust me and just do as I ask? Just go with Joules to the club. I will meet you there as soon as I can. I am doing all I can.”
After a second, Taylor sighed and said, “Fine. I’ll meet you there, but you have a lot of explaining to do.”
“I know I do. Thanks so much, Taylor. I owe you one.” At that, Bennett clicked off.
A few moments later, she got a text from Joules letting her know she was in the drive. Trying to hurry, Taylor rushed outside and got in Joule’s BMW.
Huffing Taylor said, “Can you believe this?”
“I know you are mad, but please, Taylor, cut Bennett some slack. He is under tremendous pressure right now.”
Giving her friend an exasperated look, Taylor responded, “Well, guess what? He is not the only one. So, do you know why he is late?”
“No, I don’t.”
“If you did, would you tell me?”
Glancing at her friend quickly, Joules replied, “Honestly, I don’t know. Things keep getting more complicated by the minute.” Pulling up to the club and valet parking, Joules added, “But, I do know this, for all that has happened over the last week, Bennett is a good man. He has asked us to trust and support him. It is no less than he has done for us. I think we owe him that. So, please put a smile on your face, and let’s just get through this night. Hopefully, we can begin to unravel this mess tomorrow. But, until then, be that shining star I know you can be and go in there and blow them away.” Taylor gave Joules a long look before nodding. It was going to bea long night.
Searcy Country Club
Searcy, Arkansas
Ten Minutes Later
The cocktail party was almost over by the time Taylor and Joules arrived. Before entering the ballroom, Taylor had made Joules promise not to leave her side. Yet, almost immediately after agreeing to be her constant companion, Joules’s cell phone went off. Begging for forgiveness, Joules said, “I am so sorry, Taylor, but I have to take this call. It can’t be helped. Just wait here. I am going to step outside for just a second. Don’t go in without me.”
As Joules walked out a side door to take her call in private, Taylor weighed her options. She knew she could never face the crowd alone, so she decided to duck into the ladies’ room to hide until Joules returned. She was quite relieved when she entered and saw she was alone. The room was usually one of the coolest places in the club, and tonight was no exception. The cool air felt refreshing.
Taylor checked her makeup and hair and washed her hands, anything to waste time as she waited for Joules. After about five minutes, she sent Joules a text telling her where she was and asking her to join her when she finished her call. That way, she would not have to go in alone.
Just then, Johnna Wright walked into the bathroom. “Taylor, thank goodness. I thought I saw you come in here. I’ve been watching for you for the last half hour. Edna’s about to have a fit.” Walking over to Taylor, Johnna hugged her and whispered, “Hey, how are you holding up?”
Taylor gave her a slight smile and said, “I am hanging in there. Joules said you have done a bang-up job with the gala. It looks like the Art League has found its next president.”
Johnna gave her a look and said, “We’ll see.” After a second, she added, “I have to ask this because Edna is freaking out. Do you haveany idea where Bennett or Poppy are? The gala starts in less than ten minutes, and no one can find them.”
Forcing her smile to stay in place, Taylor said, “I’m not privy to Mrs. Thompson’s schedule, but Bennett should be here any moment.” Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Taylor said very calmly, “I think you should ask Joules about this. She might know something.”
At that moment, Joules opened the door to the lounge and said, “Hey, sorry about that, TJ. I am ready now if you are?”
Taylor looked at Joules and said, “Johnna was wondering if you might know when Bennett and, um…Poppy are going to arrive?” It took all she had to ask the question calmly and without emotion. As she spoke, she realized she was having trouble catching her breath. Trying to calm down and breathe, she added, “I thought you might know.”
