with a brick-red complexion and only a few strands of remaining hair. He seemed to be on his last legs-I heard him wheezing as he passed by our table on the way to one adjacent. With delight I realized I was positioned so I could see Ariana quite easily. Not that I'd be looking at her, of course…
Ariana had assured me that Nanette Poynter would not acknowledge that she'd ever met me before. The trophy wife of Vernon Poynter was wearing a very tight scarlet dress that showed her ribs and razor-sharp hipbones. She was also bedecked with what I was sure was a fortune in diamonds.
The four people I didn't know arrived at our table and turned out to be two couples, both ancient and both clearly very rich.
Tami Eckholdt still hadn't appeared when Brother Owen made his way to the stage. The noise died down, the lights dimmed in the body of the banquet room, and an even brighter spotlight illuminated him as he raised his hands.
'My friends. The Church of Possibilities is honored, deeply honored, and humble, deeply humble, to have the blessing of your wonderful presences here tonight. You are vibrant examples of the truth, the truth only glimpsed by some, that great success in life is possible. Yet even each of you, in your heart of hearts, must acknowledge that you are still not fully appreciated. You must be aware of God-given talents hidden deep within you that people would marvel at if they only knew.'
I saw several people around me unconsciously nodding. Beside me, Aunt Millie hissed, 'Load of old codswallop.'
Brother Owen began touching hearts with descriptions of children with cancer. I was convinced he was an extraordinary hypocrite but hoped that a fair portion of the money raised tonight would indeed go to help those poor kids.
'She's in my seat!' was whispered fiercely in my ear. Tami was leaning over me, her cheek practically touching mine. 'Your aunt is in my seat.'
Trying not too obviously to recoil from her, I whispered back, 'There's a spare seat over there, between the two couples.'
'That's where
'Shhh!' said someone.
With a muffled oath, my thwarted suitor barged around the table and flung herself in the empty chair. 'Nasty bit of work,' observed Aunt Millie.
Brother Owen, to thunderous applause, finished his speech and came down to take his seat, on the way stopping at several tables for a personal word with a favored few-doubtless those who contributed generously to the church. I noticed Vernon Poynter gained an especially warm response.
Then things followed the same routine as such functions everywhere. There was food, there was drink, there was totally forgettable conversation. I suspected some people were covertly checking their watches and wondering when they could get out of there.
During the main course someone, no doubt famous, played the grand piano, although nobody paid much attention. After dessert and coffee, a turn by a comedian who wasn't very funny, and a truly heartfelt plea by a female oncologist who specialized in treating children with cancer, the real business of the evening began: table- hopping.
I'd been watching Ariana-I couldn't help myself-and had noticed she'd been knocking back the champagne. I didn't drink much at the best of times, so I'd just sipped mine, but every time a waiter offered, Ariana had her glass refilled.
Brother Owen asked Alf to change places with me. When I was seated next to him, he leaned over confidentially. 'Kylie, you're a lovely young woman.'
'Thank you, Brother Owen.' I couldn't resist adding, 'It's not to my credit. It's God given, as you, of all people, appreciate.'
He looked rather taken aback. 'Of course it is, Kylie. The Guiding Spirit's hand is in all creation.'
'You wanted to see me about something?'
'I don't know what your employment is at the moment, but I believe we can offer you an excellent package.'
'You're offering me a job?'
Brother Owen gave me an indulgent smile as he patted my hand. 'We don't offer jobs at the Church of Possibilities. We offer callings.'
'You're offering me a calling?'
'It just so happens we have a major campaign to reach the twenty-fives to thirty-fives. The Church is searching for people like you to spearhead our outreach program.'
Was this bloke serious? 'In the first place, I don't belong to your church,' I pointed out. 'And for all you know, I could be a devil worshiper.'
He patted my hand again. 'I can look into your spiritual self,' he said, 'and see the potential there.'
'I'm honored you considered me,' I said, with just a hint of sarcasm. 'But I'm afraid not.'
Not at all put out, Brother Owen pressed a business card into my hand. 'Call me,' he said.
Tami, who'd been sulking on the other side of the table, was sent off on some task by Brother Owen, so I felt safe enough to get up from my seat and move around. During dinner I'd noticed a faint, dark shadow on Chicka's upper lip.
'Are you growing a mustache?'
Chicka grinned. 'Always wanted one, but Alf said no. Now it's a new day dawning.' He smoothed the almost nonexistent bristles. 'What'd you think? Just a little mustache, or one of those droopy ones?'
'Oh, definitely droopy,' I said.
Alf was frowning. 'It's a tradition to be clean-shaven in the Hartnidge family.'
'What about Uncle Dave?' said Chicka. 'He had a beard down to his waist.'
'That's different. Black sheep don't count.'
The Poynters were socializing at another table, and for the moment, Ariana was alone. I went over to sit beside her. She was playing with the gold signet ring she always wore, turning it round and round on her finger. It was so unusual to see her fiddling with anything. I said, 'Is it bothering you?'
She looked down at the ring as though she'd never seen it before. 'No.' Picking up her glass, she took a sip. The subject of the ring was clearly off limits.
'You've had a lot to drink,' I said.
'I have.'
'Have you got your car here?'
'No. I came with Nanette and her husband.'
'I'll drive you home.'
'I'll get a cab.'
I looked around. People were beginning to leave. 'Ariana, come on. I've got my car here. We'll drop off Aunt Millie and I'll drive you to your door.'
She hesitated a long moment, then said, 'OK. Thank you.'
Tami came back as we were leaving the banquet room. She pressed a business card into my hand. 'Call me.'
Ariana had said her good nights to the Poynters and walked silently beside me. Aunt Millie bustled along on the other side. A full moon floated in the sky. It seemed an omen.
When my car was brought up, Aunt Millie got in the front and Ariana slid into the backseat. My aunt, who'd obviously enjoyed herself hugely, chatted about the evening. Ariana and I were quiet.
At the hotel, I saw Aunt Millie to her room. As I opened the door, she said, 'What's your relationship with Ariana Creeling?'
'We're business partners.'
'That's all?'
'Yes, aunt, that's all.'
'She watches you.'
I stared at her. 'What?'
