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Sarah’s hands fluttered in her lap. She was in no hurry to get to the awards banquet but the car kept moving and that meant they kept getting closer.
“You’ll do fine,” said Peter.
“Thanks.” She wasn’t so sure about that, but she smiled. Peter was a great guy. She was glad for her sister. Maisie had the kind of life she’d once wanted—a loving husband and a great kid.
“Don’t be nervous.”
“I’m trying.” They both knew he could say that all night but it wouldn’t help. She didn’t like crowds. She didn’t like parties. She didn’t like going or being anywhere but home.
Peter pulled into the hotel parking lot and drove to the front. The valet opened her door. She got out of the car and Peter came around to her side. He handed the valet his keys and a tip and then took Sarah’s arm, heading for the building.
“You look terrific. You’ve gone over your speech a hundred times. You’re ready for this.”
Her hand squeezed his arm. He was steadfast and strong beside her but it wasn’t enough. With each step they got closer and closer to the door. Too soon, they were inside the hotel. The event room loomed ahead. The doors were open. There were hundreds of tables and small platform with a podium and microphone. There were people everywhere. Someone called out Peter’s name.
“Give me a minute.” It was half-question.
“Sure.” She could do this. She could.
Peter walked a few steps away and she wandered closer to the room. She stood to the side of the open double doors. This wasn’t like Adam’s party. No one would look at her and feel sorry for her...unless she panicked. That’s not helping. She took a deep breath. She should walk in and go to the bar. No one would stare at her. No one would notice her, but her feet didn’t move. She jumped as Peter took her arm. He must’ve seen her trembling because he turned her toward him and tipped her chin until her eyes met his.
“You can do this. A half of million dollars will help a lot of animals.”
He was right. She had to do this. She took a deep breath and smiled, her lips trembling a bit. “I can do this.”
“Yes, you can.”
“They won’t be looking at me with...” She stopped herself from saying with pity but the flash of pain in his eyes told her he knew what she’d almost said. What she’d almost admitted.
“They’ll be admiring a smart, sexy, successful woman who runs her own business and is kind and compassionate.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re stronger than you think, Sarah.”
She grabbed the lapels of his tux and leaned against him. “I’m going to be looking at you the entire time.”
“That’s fine.” His hand patted her back in a brotherly caress.
“Thank you.” She straightened and took a deep breath. “I think, I need a drink.”
“Of course.” He grinned as he offered his arm and they stepped through the open doors and into the mass of wealthy, well dressed people. Sarah had never been more terrified in her life.