their computer screens.
Inside my office, Serafina and Waltraut are engaged in a lively conversation, both of them pointing at items in the boxes, and areas in the room. I sigh, wishing we were done already. Charley, who seems to be finished with her duties, stands awkwardly by the donut table, looking very much alone. I walk up to her after the makeup lady is done with me. Folding my arms, I ask, “So, do you think anyone noticed me getting my makeup done?”
She giggles and nods. “Pretty sure a few of your staff were making videos. You might want to check YouTube later.”
“Perfect,” I mutter. “How do you know Serafina?”
“She lives in my building,” Charley says. “She’s amazing. I’ve learned so much from her.”
I glance down, feeling slightly concerned about exactly what she’s learned from my nemesis. “I was serious before about helping you get a scholarship. When I was growing up, my mom couldn’t afford to send me to space camp, but one of my science teachers helped me fill in the forms and I got to go. Greatest experience of my life.”
Charley looks at me like I’ve sprouted extra arms. “Umm, thanks, but really, it’s okay.”
“Oh, I get it,” I tell her. “You’re proud. I was the same way, but you shouldn’t turn down a great opportunity just because you’re embarrassed you can’t afford it. If I’d done that, I sure wouldn’t be here now.”
“What are you two talking about?” Serafina asks, grabbing a donut out of the box.
“Space camp,” I say. “I was telling Charley my mother couldn’t afford to send me either.”
Serafina narrows her eyes, looking utterly confused. “Umm, Charley’s dad is a judge and her mom’s a heart surgeon.”
I freeze for a second, feeling my face heat up one degree at a time. “Oh. And they live in your building.”
Nodding, Serafina says, “I told you I make bank.”
“Right.” Turning to Charley, I offer, “I’m sorry for assuming you couldn’t afford it. It’s just that I can’t imagine anyone choosing not to go to space camp. It makes absolutely no sense to me at all.”
Serafina and Charley both seem to be biting back laughter, while I stand here feeling like a complete idiot. Finally, I clear my throat. “Should we get this over with?”
Seventeen
Serafina
While Waltraut talks to Ben, Charley whispers, “He’s adorable. You should totally tap that.”
“Charley!” I do my best to sound shocked, but the truth is, even though Ben annoys the snot out of me, I’ve totally been drooling over him. I like a smart guy who believes in bigger things. The only fly in the ointment is that he doesn’t have an open mind as far as my scientific views are concerned, and that’s a deal breaker.
“Seriously, Sera, you need a social life,” my young friend persists.
“There will be no tapping,” I tell her. “Not unless Ben transforms his personality and quits making derogatory comments about how I earn my livelihood. Plus, if you’ll remember, I have a blind date this afternoon that your program set up for me.”
“I didn’t forget, and I’m totally jazzed to see how it goes. I just like Ben. He’s super passionate about space. I mean, he seriously thinks the only reason people don’t go to space camp is because they can’t afford it. How cute is that?”
“You weren’t offended that he thought you were poor?” I ask.
“Not in the least. I don’t think the guy’s a bigot. Well, actually, yes I do. He’s bigoted against people who don’t love astrophysics, but that’s not a skin color issue.”
I throw an arm around Charley. “You really are an exceptional human, you know that?”
Waltraut waves in my direction so I give my friend a final squeeze before disengaging. “Wish me luck. It looks like it’s go-time.”
I approach Waltraut and Ben with a smile. “You ready to rumble?” I ask jokingly.
Ben is standing so stiffly he appears to have been carved out of wood. He gives me a quick nod. “The sooner we start, the sooner it’s over.”
“Why don’t you sit at your desk, Ben, and we’ll start filming with Serafina walking in?”
Ben follows orders and I turn around and walk back to the doorway. I wait while Waltraut counts us down, “In five, four, three, two, we’re rolling!”
“Hi, Ben! How are you today?” I stride into his office like I haven’t been here for the last thirty minutes.
He hurries to stand. He’s so tall he makes me feel petite. As I’m five feet nine inches, few men manage that. “I’m