Read Online Tappin' On Thirty by Candice Dow - Free Book Online Page A

When I printed the reservation confirmation, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The clean-cut guy on the outside was no representation of the hurricane swirling inside. I brushed my hair and readjusted my tie. Finally, I tossed my suit jacket over my shoulder and rushed out of the hotel.
    When I arrived at the Train Workers’ Union, the hospitality was just what I needed. A friendly receptionist escorted me to a conference room. Fresh cookies, croissants, bagels, juices, a variety of teas, and coffee were there to greet me. I smiled. “Wow, you guys do it big around here,” I said.
    She covered her giggle. “Yeah, they do.”
    I joked, “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll help myself to this.”
    â€œBe my guest. They’ll be here in a minute.”
    I stood over the spread. I wanted everything. Maybe it would appease me somehow. I grabbed a bagel, four cookies, and a blueberry muffin.
    I looked at my watch. Where were these people? 10:25 and still I was the only one there for the 10:30 meeting. If I planned to be on the train in time, I had to leave no later than two. The members of the legislative team began trickling in a few minutes later. Another consultant came in. I looked at my watch. Maybe I was the only anxious one. It was 10:35 and I felt like it had been an eternity.
    Though we’d had several conference calls, some of us had never met in person. We went around the room for introductions and the presentation began shortly after. The focus of this meeting was to strategize for salary stabilization for workers as a result of increased gas prices.
    The young man giving the presentation appeared nervous and flustered. When asked a question, he turned beet red and mumbled. I looked at my watch. Damn if I can afford to have timid responses when we’re trying to make things happen. Suddenly, I found myself taking over his presentation and responding to questions without giving him the opportunity. He didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he looked as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulder. Prior to responding, I’d given him an I-got-it nod. During our first break, the administrative assistant taking the notes approached me.
    She extended her hand. “Hi, Mr. Patterson.”
    I smiled. “Hi.”
    â€œI’m Katherine. I’m actually the assistant in the legal department. I’m filling in for the legislative team’s assistant.”
    I squinted. And why the hell do I care? She chuckled. “You’re really covering a lot in there. Can you slow down?”
    I laughed and patted Katherine on the shoulder. “I’m sorry, I’ll slow down.”
    She joked, “I would ask if you needed more coffee, but you’re already wound up.”
    Since Katherine came off as real down to earth, I reciprocated. “Look, I’m trying to get out of here. They got that young white boy up there fumbling around.”
    She cackled loudly. “That’s the truth.”
    I looked at my watch. “I need to be out of here by two.”
    She frowned. “But the meeting isn’t over until three.”
    â€œI know. I have a 3:00 train back to New York.”
    She nodded inquisitively. “You’re not a part of the meetings all week?”
    â€œYeah. Something came up, so I have to shoot up there this afternoon and come back tonight.”
    â€œThat’s a lot.”
    I smiled. “I know.”
    She smirked. “Must be really important, huh?”
    â€œYeah, she is.”
    She put her hand over her chest. “Your wife?”
    â€œMy daughter.”
    She laughed, asking, “Are you married?”
    â€œDivorced.”
    People began congregating in the room, and we stopped talking. During the meeting, I caught her smiling at me from across the table. Did she think I was interested in her old ass? Why didn’t I say I was married?
    When we broke for lunch, she came up to me. “Mr. Patterson,