laden with hor d’oeuvres and a dinner buffet with a chef ready to handle any special requests because of food allergies. I’m allergic to white pepper, so I’m very aware of the needs of others in that area, and I want you to be especially accommodating to those who need extra attention. ”
Lana turned to the coordinator. “Each round table must have a vase of orchids in the center, then I want them sprinkled over the tables, leaving space for guest’s plates and drinks.”
Then Lana put her finger to her lips. “Now to share my secret only among us, in utmost confidence. If this leaks to the press, every one of you will be fired, and I’m not exaggerating. My secret concerns the entertainment for the night. The performing artist commands respect around the world. Every guest attending should find their expectations more than fulfilled. My favorite artist consented to make this benefit a priority.”
The coordinator brightened at getting insider information. “Oh, Mrs. Lane, that’s very exciting.”
“Well, other entertainers also agreed to perform. Therefore every moment offers interesting entertainment, with no boring breaks. This event is my baby. I gave birth to this benefit, and it better come off with no hitches!” Lana’s eyes narrowed slightly.
The coordinator nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Lane. Everything done to your specifications can only result in success.”
Lana spoke to her assistants. “I expect daily reports until the last week. Then hourly.” She stood, turned around, and walked through glass doors to the parking lot.
Once in her car, with the air conditioning turned on, Lana Lane called her husband. In a mock-secretive voice, she whispered, “Lawrence, the chicken’s in the pot.”
She started laughing, and Lawrence chuckled, “I love your sense of humor. I guess that means this benefit is beginning to cook.”
Lana leaned back in the seat. “Oh, indeed. It’s getting positively steamy. I want to thank you for your support.”
Lawrence reminded her of a promise made years before. “A long time ago, you told me all I had to do was pay for it and attend. Your gift to me means I simply enjoy. I look forward to both escorting you to the ball and paying for it.”
“Yes, dear, and I know you love it. Maybe not as much as I do, but you enjoy all the fun of these nights whether you admit it or not.”
“I’m glad the chicken’s in the pot, dear. I look forward to spending an evening with a thousand or so of our closest friends.”
“You should, because this campaign has blossomed for me like the lovely flowers the charity represents. Of course, we must remember orchids attempt to resemble the creatures they need to pollinate them. Right, my sweet?”
“Are you speaking of the blossom that so resembles a butterfly that butterflies actually land on it in an attempt to mate?”
Lana gleefully answered, “Darling, you are so right. Before they discover the trick, the butterflies have already pollinated the plant. When you think about it, it could be a little like this benefit. A little flower here and there may charm the money right out of their bank accounts.”
***
Paris did not disappoint. The women awoke to pleasant temperatures mixed with sunshine.
Leesa sang the lyrics to “I Love Paris,” slightly off-key, as they rode the elevator down to the hotel coffee shop. They ordered espresso and French pastries. After breakfast, they ventured onto the streets of Paris.
Leesa spread her arms wide to embrace the day. “Just breathe in deep that fashion air.”
Leesa and Lyza strolled down the streets of the fashion district. They ogled the latest fashions by designers Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and Hermes.
Leesa stopped to look up and down the street. “I love this place.”
Lyza looked at the dress in the window and her task-oriented personality kicked in. “Leesa, you are such a funny one. Anyone can tell I’m older, even if it is just by eight minutes. Let’s get down to shopping business. Did you see that Versace creation? Too much! I’m getting it.”
Leesa grabbed Lyza’s arm. “No, no, no, not yet. It’s much too early to buy. Slow down. Stop and smell the roses, as they say. We have all day.”
“We may have all day. But time goes fast in Paris. Let’s move on to Chanel and Dior shopping over on Avenue Montaigne and Avenue des Champs-Elysees. There’s a Zara’s there, too.”
Leesa stopped and looked across the street. “It’s not a race. Can’t we stop at Ladurée for one of their legendary macaroons? Designer shopping can wear you out.”
Lyza wrinkled her nose. “We just ate breakfast.”
“I don’t care. We’re in Paris. Besides, it can be lunch. Humor me.”
After devouring designer coffee with exquisite macaroons for an early lunch, they leisurely wandered through familiar streets taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Paris. Both Lyza and Leesa lost track of time, and as predicted, the women were still in the thick of shopping, picking, and choosing when shadows grew long and evening fell. Still they ventured on.
The Louis Vuitton shop manager invited the young women to sit down. “Please sit here. Let me get wine or coffee or whatever you would like to enjoy while watching our fashion show.”
The twins sank into the white leather sofas, slipped off their shoes, and curled up for their private show. Three models showed off several new fashions.
Leesa pointed at the long black gown. “I like that one. The way the fabric moves looks so elegant.”
“I liked the miniskirt with the blazer; red polka dots remind me of Red Hots. Remember that candy we used to chew on in school?”
On the way back to the hotel, the driver passed a dock. “Look, Lyza—there’s our yacht. Remember when we were little and all of us spent time cruising the Seine?”
“Those were fun days. I remember how you had to take that stupid teddy bear everywhere you went. You were such a baby. I can’t remember what you used to call him.”
Leesa got a faraway look in her eyes. “Oh, how I loved that teddy bear. Mr. Ted went everywhere with me. He made me feel safe at night. I still remember how good it felt to hug him as I fell asleep—until he mysteriously disappeared. After he was gone, it took me weeks to get to sleep. Cook sat with me for hours before I would fall into a fitful sleep.”
Lyza burst out laughing. “Can I help it if he decided to take a swim?”
Leesa felt her face get hot. “Is that what happened? You wouldn’t… Did you…?
Lyza couldn’t control her laughter. “You should have seen Cook. She almost fell in trying to save him.”
“Really?” Leesa’s back clenched. “You and Cook shared this little secret for a long time. I can’t believe you did that. And you never told me before tonight.” Innocence and shock turned to accusation. “You always were such a little sneak.” Some things never change. You’re still a little sneak, Lyza Lane. It’s a good thing I’m not vindictive. I loved Mr. Ted, and you drowned him.
They watched the Eiffel Tower in the distance, lights illuminating its sleek, tall form against the black night.
Their limo passed a young couple on the sidewalk holding hands. Further down the street, a young man held his lover close in a long, passionate kiss. Paris was romantic, but romance was one area of their lives that lay completely barren.
Leesa nudged Lyza. “That guy could use a hair cut.”
Lyza shook her head and snickered. “Love is blind.”
Chapter Four
Chuck O’Malley signed up for the geological hiking group, fulfilling a vow not to spend every Saturday