Girl Power, page 3
"But these women are all out for the common good. For once, I'm going
enjoy working with everyone."
Lindy leaned forward and rested her elbows on her desk. "I'm glad you like
them. Sally picked you all out and she has good judgment. That's one of the
things that make her a good politician. Now, I believe you had some suggestions
and concerns."
A slight blush flowed across Kelly's mildly freckled skin. "I'm sorry. I get carried away sometimes when I'm enthused." She opened her purse and pulled
out her daily planner. "Like I said, you may already be doing these things." Kelly held up her right hand, forefinger extended. "For starters, we pulled up the group's website. We liked it, but instead of the main colors being red, white and blue, we think they should be pink, white and sky blue."
Lindy laughed. "We wouldn't want the site to be confused with a maternity
ward."
Kelly arched her eyebrows, but smirked. "Agreed. We could accent the site
with red white and blue ribbons."
"All right, it wouldn't be that hard to change. I'll see what Sally thinks."
"Good. Now, do you have a good graphic artist?"
"No, do you know one?"
"Is there a skyscraper in New York?"
Lindy laughed. "I guess you know an artist."
"I know a couple. One is Carla's daughter. She's good and for now, she's
free." Lindy nodded. "Free is good, she's hired. What else?"
"I'm not taking too much of your time, am I?"
"I have things to do, but what could be more important than the project?"
Kelly smiled. "I agree. Now, as the party grows into the millions we are
going to need lots of employees and volunteers—hundreds, maybe thousands.
For the time being, we can take care of our womanpower needs locally."
Lindy laughed, but held up her hand. "Hold on. We hope to appeal to
common sense men, too."
"You're right. Peoplepower. The point I was trying to make is that if we
open an office in Roanoke, Wisconsin or Bakersfield, California or Gadsden,
Alabama, we will need to staff those offices."
"True, what's your point?"
Kelly waved her hands. "Only that we're going to need a human resources
specialist."
"Do you know someone who could to do that?"
"I know a couple of women—we do prefer women don't we?"
Lindy shrugged. "Yes, I do."
"Good. I'll set up appointments for you."
Lindy raised her index finger. "You mentioned Alabama. Will we open
offices in places where we have no chance of winning?"
Kelly pursed her lips. "If a woman wants to run for a major office there, do we have a choice?"
"I guess not, but—"
"But nothing. Democrat, Independent, Republican, it matters not, all women
are fair game for our movement. The women of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee
and other southern states are neither as extreme nor as dogmatic as the men. I'm from Alabama. I know."
"Really?" Lindy cocked her head. "I thought there was a faint accent in your voice, but decided it was my imagination."
Kelly frowned. "Hmm, I thought I lost my accent when I attended a
northeastern university. Apparently not."
"Oh, your accent is pretty well gone. Are you from Gadsden?"
"No, I'm from Mobile on the Gulf Coast—a pretty place, really. I left eleven years ago. In some ways I miss Mobile, yet I only go back to visit on special
occasions."
"Okay, I'll take your word the women of the South would be interested in
SAFE, but would they be interested in sufficient numbers to win a statewide
vote?"
"Maybe not at first, but you can't have a national movement if you write off a segment of the country."
"Good point."
"Don't forget we're not dealing from politics as much as we're dealing in fair treatment for women. Things are better than they were a hundred years ago
when they threw women in jail for demonstrating for the right to vote, but there are people—mostly men—that seem to want to revisit the 1920's. Men think they
can still push us around, but the majority of women are never going there again.
And with SAFE's help, men will start to treat the fair sex as they should, fairly."
"That's a nice slogan—treat the fair sex fairly. Would you mind if Sally used that during her campaign?"
"It's not mine. Carla said it, but I'm sure—" Kelly's greenish-blue eyes widened. "Sally's running?"
Lindy smiled wide. "Yep, I convinced her yesterday."
"For Senate?"
She nodded.
"How exciting. We have our first candidate." Kelly bounced up and down in her seat. "I'd say that calls for a drink."
"It does, but I have to drive to a luncheon and meeting clear across town
pretty soon."
"When will that be over? We could go have a drink then."
"Not for a while. I'll tell you what. If you have the time, I'll meet you for a cocktail and dinner at Gianni's at five o'clock—my treat."
"Let me buy, Lindy. I have plenty of money."
"No way, you just got us off and running with your $100,000 donation. I'm
buying and that's that. Understand?"
Kelly grinned. "It's a date."
~ * * ~
"Good morning. This is Mickey Adams, The Baltimore Herald's number one
reporter."
Brenda snickered. "Still cocky, I see."
"Well I'll be. Black is beautiful, Brenda Morris, herself. When you gonna
break down and go to dinner with me."
"Never."
He chuckled. "Never? Is that any way to talk to someone whom you are
about to ask a favor of?"
"Who says I want a favor?"
"Don't you?"
Brenda scrunched her nose. He got me there. "Maybe."
She frowned when he laughed. "Well, then don't just give me the cold
shoulder, sweet thang. Lead me on a little—tell me you'll think about dinner."
God, that voice. "I might if I hadn't heard what a sweet-talking ladies man you are."
"That may be true, kitten, but I really have a thing for you. What ya need
doll? Lay it on me."
"I need copy."
"What kind of copy?"
"I work for these ladies."
"Yeah, go on."
"Well, I have this press release."
"Gotcha. Just email or fax your copy to me and I'll see that it gets to the proper people."
"Thanks. What's your email address?"
"Sure thing, princess. It's ma at baltimoreherald dot com. Email me anytime.
Especially if you feel like dinner and a date."
"Got it. I'll think about dinner. There, I just sent it. If you need anything else, just call me at 410-555-0987."
"Will do."
Brenda hung up and glanced at the wall clock—eleven-fifty-eight—lunch
time. She grasped her purse and rose to leave, when the phone rang. A little
irritated, she picked up. "Yes?"
"Brenda, This is Michael, I mean Mickey. I just read your press release."
"Yeah, so?"
"So, is this for real?"
"Of course—"
"I didn't mean that. What I meant is, these ladies, can they pull this off?"
"I think so. There will be a lot of work, but the timing is perfect. We have some favorable polling and we're all very determined."
"Okay, baby, meet me. We have to talk. Can you go to lunch with me? I'll
make it worth your while."
She took a few seconds to consider his sincerity. "All right, on one
condition."
"Anything."
"I'll have lunch with you, but no romance, no amour, just business."
"Agreed. You're at Sally Cummings' office, right?"
"Ah-huh."
"I'll pick you up in front in fifteen minutes."
"No, you won't. There's a cafeteria around the corner. I'll grab a booth and see you there in fifteen minutes."
Brenda waited on pins and needles for Mickey Adams. Every time he was
around, things happened to her. Not bad things, but disturbing, especially since he was a white guy. She just wasn't used to white men paying attention to her,
let alone being nice and asking her out. She didn't know what to think. It
wouldn't be so bad, but she really was drawn to him. His spiky brown hair, his
brown-eyed, narrow face with a slightly oversized nose, thin lips, and dimples
when he smiled. She liked his quirky personality and the way he could make her
laugh. And to her shame, she liked his lean, six-one, athletic frame and his light-buff skin tone.
With his athletic frame, I wonder what he looks like naked? Oh my God, did I just imagine what he looked like undressed?
"Is this seat taken?"
She turned her head and gazed up the lean six foot frame of the subject of
her sexy reverie. Grinning, Mickey Adams stood there holding a tray with a
coke, a hot dog and a bag of chips. His arrival in the middle of her sensuous
reflection caused her to flush. She glanced away. Hopefully, with her caramel
coloring, it barely registered.
When Brenda stared, open mouthed, he added, "I'll be good, I promise."
I hope I can. She hitched her head to the seat across from her and tried to smile. "Please, sit down."
Naturally, he sat next to her, so close their legs touched. The flutter in her
stomach started and soon her heart would pound. Do something—say something.
"What did you want to meet about?"
He raised the paper he brought, and covered the back of her brown hand
with his white palm. "This press release."
She jerked her hand away as if she'd received 200 volts.
As he gazed questioningly at her, the tickly feeling started in her chest.
He posed a crooked smile. "Sorry. I was just being friendly."
She sipped iced tea then asked politely, "Sorry, I'm a little jumpy. What
about the press release? Isn't it clear?"
Mickey ran a hand through his spiky hair. "Oh yeah, it's clear all right.
Congresswoman Cummings is going to run for Senator Mannogue's seat. Not as
Democrat, but as a charter member and founder of a women's political party she
and some unnamed women started. Brenda, baby, this is a bombshell. Do you
realize if you are able to pull this off, you will shake the pillars of American politics? Things will never be the same. Women even have the numbers to
become the majority party."
Calming down, Brenda cracked, "When did you learn to read?"
Mickey nudged her. "Smart aleck!"
She giggled. "Sorry I couldn't resist. Is there anything you want to know?"
"Of course. For starters, tell me who the unnamed women are."
"Sally's campaign manager, Lindy Rollins is one."
"I figured that, and I suppose you're one, but who are the others and how
many are we talking about?"
"We never discussed releasing that information, so I'm not at liberty to say."
"Okay, what can you say?"
"I don't know. You can ask. I'll answer the questions I can."
"Why no men?"
"Men are welcome, however with women being underrepresented in all
levels of government, our main agenda is expansion of female elected officials
from local and state to federal."
"Are you actively seeking members?"
"Not yet. We hope to be ready by the end of the month."
"So I could join SAFE."
Brenda snickered. "Absolutely."
"What's so funny?"
"I was just trying to picture you in pink."
Mickey leaned back and roared with laughter. "I assume you're joking."
Brenda's tension had been slipping away. She snickered again. "I'm sorry,
but I'm not at liberty to answer that question."
He shook his head again and laughed. "You're a stinker. Answer this for
me, then."
She waggled her brow and teased. "What?"
Mickey took her hand. "Will you go to dinner with me, please?"
Brenda sipped her iced tea with her other hand. "I'm sorry, but I'm not at
liberty to answer that question."
Mickey took a deep breath. "I have to go, but I want to discuss some things about your women's party with you. I think I can be a big help. Can we talk
about it over dinner?"
"What kind of help?"
"Think about it. I know scores of people in the publishing business and
more than a few in television. Whatd'ya say? Can I pick you up at six
tomorrow?"
"I don't know."
Mickey lifted his tie. "If I wore a pink tie, would you have dinner with me?"
She snickered. "I might, if you wore a white shirt, pink socks and black
slacks, too.
"Okay, I'll humiliate myself to have dinner with you. Do we have a date?"
"All right, a dinner date only—on one condition."
"What?"
"You answer one question."
"What?"
"Why you're so hot to go out with me. In case you missed it, I'm black and
you're white. I know interracial dating isn't that rare anymore, but I've never
done it and frankly it scares the bejesus out of me."
"Why?"
Brenda thought for a moment, then flashed a mischievous smile. "I'm sorry,
but I'm not at liberty to answer that question."
"Brenda, you are too much. I've never had this much trouble getting a date."
"I'll bet."
"What does that mean?"
"It means you're accomplished, handsome, and have a rep as a lady killer.
Why do you want to go out with this fresh out of college, wet behind the ears,
African American girl?"
"Truth?"
She nodded.
He shrugged. "I don't know. I like you and I think you're beautiful, but
there are lots of beautiful girls. I see at least one or two girls every day, but there's just something about you that shouts out, I'm more than a beautiful face with a fantastic body—I have substance. Now, will you go to dinner with me?"
Mickey made Brenda feel so good, she wanted to kiss him. "Yes."
"Thank God." He took her hand and kissed it. "I'll pick you up at six tomorrow in my pink tie and socks."
"No."
"No?"
"No, I'll meet you Friday night at Gringo's at seven o'clock."
"Gringo's. Wouldn't you like to go someplace a little fancier—a little more romantic? Some place like Morton's?"
Brenda rose. "I would, but I want you to explain to my boss how you can be
a big help getting the word out. Maybe on our second date. I gotta go. We'll see you tomorrow night, and don't forget to wear the rest of your clothes."
~ * * ~
Brenda knocked on Sally's open door. "Ms. Cummings?"
Sally looked up and smiled. "Yes, Brenda."
As Brenda slipped into the room, Sally asked, "Brenda, how long have you
worked for me?"
She took a deep breath. "Two years."
"And how many times have I asked you to call me Sally?"
Brenda shrugged. "I don't know. A lot. I do sometimes."
Sally snickered. "Well, try to remember to call me that all the time. Now,
what can I do for you?"
"I just had lunch with Mickey Adams and he—"
"Mickey Adams? Isn't he a reporter for the Herald?"
"Yes, I'm meeting him for dinner Friday night at Gringo's at seven and—"
Sally clasped her hands together over her chest. "Ah, amour. I just love
romance. Careful though. Don't get your angelic feathers burnt. He has a
reputation as a…"
"Lothario?"
"Not quite, dear. More like a ladies man. You know the type."
"I heard the same thing. This isn't a romantic dinner. Maybe in the future—I am attracted to him—but right now we need to spread the word about our party
and he says he could help."
"I suppose he could. I'm sure he has the connections. Let me know what he
says." "Umm, I was hoping perhaps you could join us? That way if you have any questions—"
"Good thinking, dear, but I wouldn't know what to ask. Maybe Lindy
should be there. As campaign manager, she has much more experience in that
field. Would you like me to call her?"
Brenda's wide eyes flashed the answer. "Would you?"
"Certainly." Sally picked up her phone and dialed. "Hi Lindy.
"Yes, I read Carla's release. It's very good. In fact, that's why I'm calling.
Brenda's meeting a reporter at Gringos at seven, Friday night and she would feel better if someone who understands promotion could be there with her.
"Okay fine. I'll tell her. Thanks Lindy. Goodbye." Sally set the phone in its cradle and turned to Brenda. "She'll meet you there."
Brenda smiled. "Thank you."
Chapter Three – SAFE, More than a Political Party
The red districts are turning redder and the blue districts are turning bluer.
Congress may have to hit rock bottom before people learn to work together.
What’s wrong with these chuckleheads?"
Retiring Congressman Steven LaTourette - R Ohio
Lindy slid into the booth opposite Kelly. "Hi, am I late?"
Kelly, sipped her drink. "No, you're fine. I just got here early."
Lindy perused the menu. "What're you drinking?"
Kelly lifted her drink. "In honor of our exciting, new Women's party, I'm
drinking Pink Ladies."
Lindy chuckled. "Sounds good."
The waiter approached. "Good afternoon, ladies. My name is Sal. I'll be your server. May I bring you a cocktail?"
"Sure. I'll have a Pink Lady, like her."
Kelly slid her now empty glass toward the waiter. "And I'll have another."
"Very good. Tonight, we have two specials, which are not on the menu.
