The Promise

Chapter 14

Roger brought the car to the back of the hotel, the venue for the banquet. We entered through an employee-only door where a tall brunette in a business skirt and white blouse greeted us.

"Welcome Ms. Milstead, Mr. Thaxton," the woman said confidently, "I'm Tammy Kardigan, the manager. We have adjoining rooms prepared for you on the seventh floor. I think it's best we head up there to discuss the preparations. It's a madhouse out front." She didn't wait for a response as she took us to the service elevator.

"There are numerous camera crews outside," Tammy said as the elevator doors closed, "we were prepared for crowds, but this is exceeding our expectations. We have opened the two adjoining ballrooms to give you more space. It may still not be enough." She was confident, but I sensed a bit of frustration in her voice.

"I am sure it's perfect," Sadie said, smiling. She wrapped her hand around mine. "We appreciate all you have done." I felt a tinge of guilt when I gave her hand a small squeeze. Her hand shouldn't feel so comfortable – it just shouldn't.

Tammy gave us each a key card, 701 for Sadie and 703 for me. I followed Sadie and Tammy into Sadie's room. It was a fairly large room with a small sitting area with four leather chairs surrounding a short, round coffee table. There was a bucket containing ice with and a bottle of what looked like champagne nestled inside. The bucket was ringed by a four-piece flute set.

"From the mayor's office," Tammy said, pointing at the champagne. We each took a leather seat and Tammy unfolded a piece of paper she had pulled out of her skirt pocket. "The caterer is already here, they are expecting to begin serving at six. The mayor would like five minutes, if you wouldn't mind. His chief of staff said it would be strictly in support of the City Kitchen." Tammy stopped there and looked at Sadie.

"That will be fine." Sadie shrugged. This was all getting bigger than we had expected.

"How long will you need?" Tammy asked Sadie.

"Pardon?"

"Your speech, how long do you need?" Tammy repeated. I don't think Sadie was planning on more than a thank you. I could see her thinking within herself, trying to put something together.

"You can tell them about Richard, how it all started," I said helpfully, "'Sugar Magnolia' and the number of people that get fed. They might as well know what it means to you." Sadie smiled at me.

"Five minutes would be fine," Sadie answered with confidence.

"And you Mr. Thaxton?" Tammy looked at me and I looked at Sadie.

"I am just here to support Sadie," I said, "I wasn't planning on saying anything."

Tammy gave a small grunt of surprise. "You're going to disappoint a lot of people," Tammy said with a condescending tone. "A lot of people are expecting a song." I looked between Tammy's grim expression and Sadie's suppressed grin.

"I guess I could say a few words. Maybe talk about the people I met and how the kitchen helps them." I was thinking about Houser. "I could come up with a few minutes."

Tammy scribbled something down on her paper and looked back up to Sadie. "I spoke with a Bob Townsend and he told me about "Sugar Magnolia." We are prepared to play it when the buffet opens if you like."

"That would be wonderful. Thank you, Tammy." Sadie looked very pleased, and I thought it would be a wonderful addition. Everything seemed to have a nice flow to it. Sadie could explain "Sugar Magnolia's" significance and it would lead right into it getting played. The only thing that could disturb that flow would be me saying a few words.

"I think "Sugar Magnolia" should come right after Sadie's speech, you know, right after she explains its meaning," I offered.

"That makes sense," Tammy agreed, "but when would you speak." I wouldn't, I thought. I threw that wonderful thought away.