“Oh, it was fun back then, but now with added security, the Secret Service so ultra-focused on their job, the fun part disappeared. Great guys who enjoy their time before and after events, but the day of, it’s a totally different story.”
“So why did you want to stop by, Nick?” Shelly was dying to know. It was great to see him and be courted, but he seemed to have something else on his mind.
“I was hoping to get a few minutes of your time in the next few days. And Dr. Wall’s. I have something I want to run by you.”
“What?” She nibbled a piece of chicken.
“I have an idea. Well, it’s my dad’s idea actually, which I think is brilliant, and it affects your Foundation, St. Theresa’s …”
“Some sort of fundraiser?” she interrupted, allowing him to
finish the mashed potatoes resting on his fork.
“You could say that, but I need to get your blessings first.” “You can’t tell me now?”
“No, not now, and not here. Not enough time,” he said, looking at his watch. “You have to go be a doctor, and I have to get back to being an ad man.”
“Okay,” she said. “But I still can’t understand why you can’t come right out and say what’s on your mind.”
“Trust me on this one. We could have dinner at my house tomorrow night?” he offered. “I am sure Dad would love to have you over.”
“That would be wonderful! I accept.” All smiles again, she grabbed her glass of milk and gulped it down, rising from her chair. “Well, I hope you enjoyed the grub, Mr. Harris. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to make my rounds.”
As she walked toward the exit, she noticed Doris in the far corner pretending to read a book. Shelly smiled and waved. Doris reluctantly waved back. That made her smile, too. And this all had to do with Nick Harris. She found herself humming “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” as she got into the elevator and pressed five.