A Lonely Heart's Wish

It had taken a week for Loss Prevention to get all the information to the corporate lawyers and meetings to be scheduled. Eve walks around the conference table, laying folders at each chair to be used. She could feel the nerves building inside her; fear that she would be outed as the person who had found the missing shipments. She hated the conference room anyway, remembering how it had been this room she had been found in a year ago looking at scatter boards. If she had known then where it would have led, would she have changed her mind about telling Fox, whom she had not known at the time,  that  the mistakes in the information was hiding an embezzling scheme? With a sigh, she realized she still would’ve said something to someone. She would never be the type of person who wasn’t honest with those around her.

Fox watches her, knowing she hasn’t heard her come in yet. A smile lights across her face, glad she had hired Eve when the chance presented itself. Her smile widens even more as Eve retrieves a dust rag, making sure the table is free of spots. “There are people who do that. It is no longer your job, Eve.”

She blushes, ducking her head to hide it. “Sorry, Fox. Old habits die hard.” She pulls out Fox’s chair as she draws near. “You are here early.”

“David should be along shortly. We have some scheduling changes that need done before the meeting begins.”

Eve stops, looking over her shoulder at the older woman. “Scheduling changes?”

Fox waves her worry away. “April 20^th there are 3 different engagements that we have been invited to. Instead of going to them separately, we have decided to go to two of them and send a representative for the 3^rd.”

David walks into the room, Owen only a step behind him. “I hate going to awards banquets alone so we have decided it’s time for Alexander to help out.”

Fox laughs at Eve’s horrified expression.   “Don’t worry. He will not be going alone nor will he go without being coached in what not to do. He must have chaperones so we decided you and Owen would go as well to protect our interests.”

“As you wish.” Owen nods his head in their direction as he takes up his usual spot in a corner just to the left and behind their seats.

“Agreeable as always.” Fox leans her elbows on the table, staring Eve down. “I know you haven’t done this before so I have already made arrangements for Founts to pick up 4 dresses appropriate for the occasion. Your fitting is later this evening. Owen will make time to go over the schedule with you and what will be expected during the banquet.”

She looks over at Owen, expecting him to be appalled with being saddled with her yet again. “I might need more than one session. I’m kinda hopeless when it comes to social situations.”

David chuckles. “I’m sure that will not be a problem.” He looks down at his watch. “Our company should be arriving any moment now. Would you mind showing them in, Eve?”

“It would be a pleasure, Mr. Xanatos.” She spins on her heel, heading for the door as her anxiety ratches up a few more notches.

The meeting goes smoother than planned. Whenever she thought she would fumble something, she could feel Owens hand gently touch hers, giving assurance she didn’t think she so badly needed. She hadn’t realized til this meeting that whenever she would hesitate during joint meetings; his hand would brush against hers in almost silent urging. She hadn’t realized how badly she needed that small gesture, thinking all this time he was either indifferent or distrustful of her until their talk on the way back from Saks. When the meeting ended, she waited silently until he was the only one left to leave.

“Owen, could I ask a favor?” She wrings her hands behind her back so he cannot see her nervousness.

“Perhaps.” He lifts a brow. “I may not be able to help.”

She bites her lip, barely stammering out her request. “I don’t have the manners required for a social gathering. I need help. Could you help me?”

He eyes her, assessing what he already knows of her and how she carries herself now. “What exactly do you think you need help with?”

“Everything!” She growls, flopping down in a nearby chair. “I don’t know one fork from another, when to speak, when to just nod and be quiet…” She throws her hands up in exasperation. “I don’t even know how to dance! How can a represent Fox and David if everything I do will turn out a disaster?”

He sighs, settling down in a chair beside her. “You hold your own quite well. If Fox had realized you needed this kind of training, she would have given it to you long before now.”

Snorting, she looks over at him through her bangs. “I’ve always been a country bumpkin. What is acceptable there isn’t acceptable here. I’ve gotten good at faking it when in a pinch by watching those around me because I’m usually back in the shadows where no one keeps a close eye on me. That won’t be the case this time. Even the media will be watching and I don’t ant to be an embarrassment on Xander’s first time out in the spotlight on his own.”

“Do you have any plans in the evenings?” He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, knowing continuing to be close to her will only make his desire for her grow.

“Of course not. I haven’t had a life since I took this job.” She smiles weakly. “Why?”

“Meet me in the solarium at 7pm.” He stands, gently squeezing her shoulder. “I can see what needs polish and we shall go from there.”

“Thank you.” The tension eases from her. “I owe you.”

He stops at the door, giving her one last shrug. “It will be my pleasure. You owe me nothing.”