“Hey, Mike,” I said, wrapping my arm around Sadie’s waist. For good measure, I kissed her on the jaw right where it met her neck.
Mike gazed at me in bemusement. “I was just telling Sadie about our historic hotels.”
“Can you believe he renovates all these old buildings? I love when people care about history as much as I do,” Sadie gushed.
Of course Mike was trying to charm her.
“I love history,” I said.
My half brother rolled his eyes.
“We were talking about our costumes for the gala she’s hosting.”
“I’m going to be her partner.”
“You are?” Sadie said.
“Of course.”
“Good luck,” Mike said. “The men back then wore their pants very tight.”
Sadie grabbed my wrist and checked my watch. “We need to start the presentation. Come on.”
I followed her to the small stage set up at one end of the barn.
“Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming out. I hope you enjoyed the food and the conversation. I think I’ve talked with most of you, but if not, I’ll see you after. I just have a few quick words to say.” She looked out over the crowd.
“This is the start of a beneficial cultural and economic partnership between Harrogate farmers and New York-area restaurateurs. Greyson Hotel Group has already agreed to partner its chain of restaurants with local farmers. We also have Grey Dove Bistro and several restaurants. We look forward to great partnerships and awesome food. You’re all invited to the gala at the end of this month. Don’t forget to wear your best period clothing. We’ll have historically appropriate food, games, and music!”
The mayor, Meg, and Remy made remarks, and Sadie fielded questions. We networked for the next hour after the press conference. I stuck by Sadie. I knew we should spread out our efforts, but I didn’t want her out of my sight. Not when all these restaurant moguls were trying to catch her eye.
“We didn’t take your picture with the goats,” Sadie said later that afternoon after most of the attendees had left.
I handed her another drink. She sounded slightly hoarse from all the talking.
“Ernest said they were in the small barn next door.”
“I don’t think I want goat hair all over my clothes. This is a nice suit.”
“They’re little wee baby goats! They have the softest fur, and they love you immediately,” she insisted as she dragged me out of the barn and across the stone yard to a white building with a gabled tin roof. I pulled the large sliding door open.
“Look!” Sadie cooed, tiptoeing over to a pen filled with three baby goats. “Listen to their little bleats.” Sadie picked one up. It looked at me from the corner of its yellow demon eyes.
“It’s so soft!”
“I hope you’re not taking it home.”
“I don’t have room,” she said, snuggling the goat. “This is like the closest I’ll ever get to hugging a unicorn.”
“Here.” She handed me the baby goat. “Look attractive!” She took out her phone. “Parker, you look like it’s going to bite you!”
The baby goat, which had acted like Sadie was the second coming of the goat goddess, did not seem to like me very much. The goat lunged at my tie when Sadie put it in my arms.
“He better not eat my suit,” I complained.
“Snuggle it,” Sadie commanded, snapping pictures. “You are the face of this foundation.”
I sighed loudly and tried to snuggle the goat under my chin. It chewed on my shirt collar, and Sadie stifled a giggle. I turned the goat around and looked into its eyes.
