BEYOND THE CONTRACT

The Mrs Borders.

As the chauffeur opened the door a blast of cold winter air entered the car. Robin exited and held out his hand to Andrea. When she stepped next

to him, she was blinded by TV cameras and camera flashes. Her hand tightened on his. She hadn’t thought about the press attending the event. Looking straight ahead, she saw a path cut straight between her and the art gallery door. If she ran really fast, she could make it in a couple of seconds.

Robin squeezed her hand and walked toward the entrance. Andrea looked at nothing, but the uniformed and gloved doorman who opened the large glass door. Once inside, she realized she’d stepped out of the proverbial pan and into the fire. Before her was a crowd of black tuxedos, evening gowns and glittering diamonds. Robin leaned close. “We head over there and give our coats to the girl then we get a drink. We sip the drink. Sip, can you say sip?

With pursed lips she nodded. Her trembling fingers fumbled and her beaded Prada clutch fell to the floor with a loud thump. Andrea froze. How could she do something so stupid? She waited for the roar of humiliating laughter from the other guests.

Robin picked up the bag and offered it to her. “From the look of terror on your face, slamming vodka shots is the only thing you want.”

Glancing around to see if everyone was staring at her, Andrea mumbled, Sip the drink. We sip the drink. Don’t slam the drink. Okay, I got that. Then what?”

Trying to relieve some of Andrea’s obvious tension, Robin flashed his best I’m so sexy smile. “We meet people and chat.”

“How about you say I’ve got a terrible case of laryngitis.”

Laughing, Robin helped her remove her coat and handed it to the coat- check girl. After doing the same with his coat, he offered his arm and escorted her deeper into the enemy’s territory.

“ Robin, darling.” A woman appeared out of nowhere. As she kissed

his cheek, she sized up Andrea. “You are looking ruggedly sexy as usual.” He brushed a kiss across her cheek. “Mrs. Maystorm, you are a married woman, and until you divorce that scoundrel Mr. Maystorm, I’m just going

to have to content myself with fantasies.”

She gave his shoulder a playful slap and said, “You are such a wicked

young man. And who is this...young lady.” The last two words were a definite afterthought.

“This is Andrea. Andrea, Mrs. Evelyn Maystorm, the lady who arranged this whole affair. Another marvelous feat I should add.”

Andrea smiled and nodded. Mrs. Maystorm edged closer to Robin. “She is charming. A little nervous but charming.”

Robin rested his hand lightly on her shoulder. “Mrs. Maystorm, you are the first person she’s met this evening and you would overwhelm anybody,” She held Andrea’s hand. “Relax my dear. You are in very capable hands. Oh, Robin, did you know your mother is here?”

Andrea saw a momentary break in Robin’s reserve, but it was immediately masked. “No, I thought she was still down in the islands. She didn’t call to say she was home. Guess I should go say hello.”

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Andrea.” With a charming smile she turned and left.

Robin whispered, “Within five minutes everyone is going to know your name and that I did not include a last name. It is going to drive them crazy trying to figure out who you are. I’m afraid we must go find my mother. If I don’t say hello, I won’t hear the end of it. Sorry, I didn’t know she was going to be here. How are you holding up?”

“Don’t ask. I don’t know whether to pee my pants or throw up.”

Robin threw back his head and laughed. He kissed her cheek. “You’re doing fine. You survived Mrs. Maystorm. The rest is easy.”

“Uh, excuse me. Your mother!”

“Speaking of which.” Robin led her toward the back of a tall woman surrounded by several men. “Excuse me Madame, are these men troubling you? Shall I have them removed?”

She turned and smiled. “You can remove them to my apartment.”

“Mother!” He kissed her cheek. “You are looking tanned and wonderful. When did you get back?”

“Thank-you. Day before yesterday. You are looking a bit pale. Working too hard, I suppose.”

As they chatted, Andrea compared mother and son. Robin was definitely his mother’s son. He was the rugged male version of the pair. Both had a similar smile and eyes. Each carried their height with a majestic air. Although age was beginning to impress itself on Mrs.Borders, she was still an amazing woman.

Finally shifting her gaze to Andrea, Robin’s mother prompted, “And this lovely young lady is?”

“Andrea. Andrea, my mother Caroline Borders.” Caroline held out her hand.

Trying to steady her nerves, Andrea shook it. “Pleasure to meet you, Andrea...?”

“Robin.” A gentleman standing nearby spoke. “You weren’t at the meeting this afternoon.”

“Unavoidable delay. I’m sure Philip has notes for me. I can make a decision tomorrow.”

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