Olivia and Dinah met me at my car at precisely 5:00 p.m. The drive was about 45 minutes, but on a beautiful summer evening with the top down on my mustang, it took 90 minutes because we got stuck in Rush Hour traffic. We popped on our favorite classic rock playlist and began our car games. Our conversation broke from our intense "Guess the Movie" game and briefly transitioned to the reason for the road trip.
"So, is this technically a second date," Olivia asked. Her tone implied that she hoped so.
"I would not have invited you if I thought it was a date."
They didn't seem to buy that, but I don't blame them. I got a call from William just as we entered the parking lot.
"Give us a second to gather our materials, and we will be right down."
Just in case we each brought our bibles, I grabbed a stack of Classic Fashion's 1st issue. It established who we are as a company early and what we stand for, so we use it as promotional material…Well, at least I do.
At the front doors, we were greeted by a group of adults that seemed to be in a prayer meeting. We offered a quick apology for the interruption and briefly explained our presence. We were escorted to the Youth Room. We entered just as the worship team finished a jazzed-up rendition of Old Rugged Cross. Will was sitting in the back, running the projection and sound system. He gave me a smile and a small wave. I mouthed an apology, which he politely waved off and immediately returned to the worship team. The lead guitarist, drummer, and singer were all youths, but on the keyboard, within his direct line of sight, was an older woman that seemed to match our age. She was watching him with a small smile of her own. William was distracted, but he would look at her briefly and return to work. Now, I know why I didn't get a second date. After a quick prayer, the students were asked to sit down.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so excited to intro-"
"Excuse me, Will," the gentleman that escorted us interrupted. "Do you mind if some of the adults join this session? It is an amazing topic and would benefit us as well."
He looked to us to confirm, and we quickly agreed. Six adults filed in, and all lined the back row so that they wouldn't disturb the students.
"Alright," William smiled, "let's try this again. I am so excited to introduce the Ladies of Classic Fashion!" The room clapped on cue. "Ladies, would you please introduce yourselves," he asked.
"Hello, I am Olivia Hallindale. I am the lead model for Classic Fashion, but I also coordinate most of our outreach projects." She handed the microphone to Dinah with a smile.
"I am Dinah Deerrich, the lead designer for Classic Fashion. I work very closely with our models and photographers to coordinate shoots and work with my designing team to develop wonderful ideas for new styles. All three of the outfits we are sporting tonight were designed by my team."
I was handed the microphone. "I am Head Editor, Grace McAllaster. I work directly with all branches and our Chief in developing the magazine that so many of you may enjoy. I work as a columnist as well."
I noticed two girls sitting in the middle row, trying to conceal their excitement. One of them was the young lady that recognized me in the theatre, Lottie. She made eye contact, and I winked, and she did the same. She seemed very happy that I remembered her.
The questions that William had prepared were perfect for deeper conversation. Once the more thought-provoking questions were asked, they moved to the fun personal questions.
"Okay, guys, last couple of questions," William announced. The two girls got their hands up immediately.
The one that wasn't Lottie got called on first. "Did Will bring you chocolate chip cookies like we told him?"
Olivia spoke up, "He better not have. He was specifically told not to." I had leaned out of her peripherals and nodded my head while mouthing "no."
"I think he did," Dinah blabbed.
"It was a weird request that had no explanation." Will defended. "Plus, the girls had evidence that it was her favorite dessert. I was looking to impress."
I giggled. "I was quite impressed."
"Wait," some spoke up, "you are the girl that went on a date with our man, Will?" This boy sounded and looked like a cinematic frat boy.
"That was me," I stated. I found myself meeting the sad gaze of the lovely keyboardist.
"On a scale from 1-10, how good of a date was he?"
She bit her lip, waiting for my answer. I looked to William to see if he was going to stop this, but I think he was just as curious as the rest of them. On a scale of 1-10?
"He was a great date, a tad awkward to begin with, but overall he was well prepared and fun to talk to. And compared to the last date that left me with the check, he was extremely refreshing. The fact that he deliberately disobeyed the cookie order added a bonus. 11 out of 10 in my book."
I looked over just as he adjusted to sit a little taller. My mind suddenly flashed to my office and having a handsome lawyer pinned against a wall. I blinked away the scene. Oh, that's not good. The rest of the evening went smoothly, and I think we represented our purpose well.
"Hey, Grace," I heard William call as we headed out the door.
"Hmm?"
"Do you think you would be up for another date soon?" I looked over his shoulders and caught sight of the keyboardist.
"I would love to, but I think it would be a bad idea."
"Why?"
"I think you have eyes for someone else, and you may not know it yet, but she only has eyes for you." I sent a pointed look over his shoulder again and winked at her. "I think you should try that first. If it doesn't work out, then hit me up."
He smirked. I hugged him quickly and followed Olivia and Dinah out the door. Just as we got to the car, my phone buzzed, and I saw Henry's name on the screen.
"Tomorrow, I need you and the girls to come a bit early. We want to give you a tour of the office. Can't wait to see you."
I could feel the smirk on my face. I quickly texted back, "I'm looking forward to it as well."