Page 56 of Tuxedos and Tinsel

“Excuse me, Mr. Matolo?”

They’d managed to go no more than a handful of steps before they were stopped by a pair of official-looking gentlemen. The younger of the two reminded Susan of a thinner, nerdier version of the Duke of Sussex with red hair and a neatly trimmed goatee. The other resembled an owl. Rotund with tortoiseshell glasses and an extremely receding hairline.

It was the younger one who addressed them. “I’m Christopher Redmayne, from the Sports Trust for Children and this is Graham Montclark.”

She felt Lewis’s body stiffen from six inches away. “As in Montclark Communications?” he asked. Montclark was Britain’s largest private media corporation. “I believe I’ve read your name atop a scoreboard or two.”

The balding man didn’t return Lewis’s smile. “I’m sure you have. The company sponsors several sporting venues.”

“The two of us have been waiting for you to step away from the water display,” Redmayne said.

So much for escaping comment. “I’m sorry about that,” she said. “I—”

“Susan was feeling a bit light-headed. I thought the air might be cooler by the water.” Lewis clasped her hand and squeezed. “Didn’t want her keeling over or anything. I hope that wasn’t a problem?”

“No, of course not,” Redmayne replied. If it was a problem, Lewis’s explanation coupled with the fear of a guest fainting kept him from saying so. “Are you feeling better, Ms…?”

“Collier, and yes. Thank you. Lewis knew exactly what I needed. In fact, he was just about to get me something cold to drink.”

“Good. Good,” Redmayne replied. “A cold drink is always a good idea.”

Interestingly though, the two men didn’t make a move to step aside or leave. They remained planted in the middle of the path, apparently intent on having a conversation.

“Collier,” Montclark said. “Any relation to Thomas?”

“My brother.”

The businessman nodded. “Good man. Miraculous story, that business with his wife.”

“Yes. The whole family was shocked when she returned. In a good way of course. We like to think of it as a true Christmas miracle.”

“Graham is one of our advisors. I was telling him how generous you’ve been to our organization,” Redmayne said. “Your support is very appreciated. It’s always a surprise, to see who is willing to step up and help.”

“You do good work,” Lewis replied. “Why wouldn’t I support you?”

“That’s nice to hear.” At that moment, a server walked by carrying a tray of champagne. Holding up a hand, Redmayne stopped the man from passing. “Could you get a glass of water for Ms. Collier?” he asked.

“Actually… Champagne will be fine.” This conversation defined the term awkward. If it was going to continue, she would need more than water.

“I’ll take the water, if you don’t mind,” Lewis said. You could tell both of the other men were struggling not to look surprised. “I’m a teetotaler these days.”

Susan smiled at him with pride. The admission couldn’t have been easy for him. Not in this environment where he already felt judged.

Redmayne recovered first, with the grace one expected from an experienced networker. “I should take a page from your book. Every holiday I swear I’m going to cut back on excesses and every year I’m filled with regret because my pants are too snug.” The four of them shared an uncomfortable chuckle.

“Anyway,” Redmayne continued, “I hate to talk business when the two of you are here to enjoy yourselves, but we’re hosting a Christmas event for our young ambassadors on December eleventh. Heath Chilton was supposed to lead a sports clinic but we found out this morning that he’s having a second knee surgery and won’t be able to attend so…”

“You’re wondering if Lewis would be able to step in!” In a voice suiting a loyal girlfriend, Susan finished the sentence for him. Actually she suspected Redmayne wanted to ask if Lewis could use his contacts to get a current player—hence the awkwardness—and she jumped in to get Lewis’s name on the table first. From the look Redmayne shared with Montclark, it was a good thing she had. “I think that’s a terrific idea. Lewis was just saying how he wanted to get more involved with the program. Weren’t you?”

He picked up her train of thought immediately. “Yes, I was, and I’d be honored to step in.”

Redmayne was scrambling for a polite way to escape the hole he was in. “That’s very generous of you, but, um…” He looked at Montclark, who opened his mouth to finish.

Lewis cut them off. “In fact,” he said, “I know what Heath charges for public appearances. If it would help the organization’s bottom line, I would be glad to donate my time free of charge.”

Well done. Susan smiled into her champagne. A light gleamed in Montclark’s eyes. The idea of saving a sizable amount of money clearly appealed to him. “We’re looking to inspire these kids. Can we count on you to show up, ready to perform?”

“Mr. Montclark, I always show up ready to play,” Lewis told him. “You have my word.”