Close to the Heart by Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Author:Diane Gonzales Bertrand
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Arte Público Press
Published: 2002-12-11T05:00:00+00:00

Jessie surveyed the commotion in the front area of the gymnasium and smiled. From the moment Brother Edward, the principal, made his opening comments, to Badger’s short speech, to the introduction of the first five corporate sponsors of the concert, the press conference went smoothly. Jessie’s own words, enlisting further financial support and introducing Roland and the program director from KYCK radio, concluded the hour. The media was most interested in Badger, and spoke with him and his manager at length, but it didn’t stop reporters from firing questions at anyone else connected with the concert.

Jessie thanked the man from Channel Five after their on-camera interview, then stepped back, and straightened her gray pinstriped jacket over her skirt before looking for Roland.

Dressed in a tailored black suit and colorful tie, Roland was a distinguished and extremely sexy-looking alumni president. If he approached her for a donation to help his old high school, she’d empty her bank account just to see his smile.

She quietly moved closer so she could eavesdrop on Roland’s conversation with two female reporters.

“My brother is a sophomore at this school.” Roland’s hands moved naturally as he spoke. “I’d like to see Bobby graduate from here just like my brother Ray and I did. I have friends with boys in grade school. They want to continue the tradition and send their sons to St. Joe’s.”

“What do you think makes this school worth saving?” the black-haired reporter asked.

“This school gives a solid education. Plus, the boys get the feeling of belonging to another family—the St. Joe’s family. Why do you think Badger agreed to do the concert? The spirit of St. Joe’s goes on with our students even after they leave here.”

“And how you do feel about a female in the Development Office, Mr. Tovías?” the shorter, blonde woman asked. “How does the alumni feel having a woman represent an all-boys school?”

“We were a little surprised at first. But everyone’s been impressed by Ms. Medina’s plans. I’m happy to see her represent us. She’s got the school’s best interests at heart.”

“Thank you, Mr. Tovías.”

The ladies moved on to talk to the program director from KYCK radio.

Roland turned and saw Jessie grinning at him. At least, he had the good manners to look embarrassed.

Jessie walked closer and whispered, “I bet you guys have some trouble with a woman in charge, don’t you?”

Roland raised an eyebrow. “Whenever you’re in charge, I never know what will happen next.” He looked over her head around the gym. “So where’s Gorilla? I wanted to meet him.”

“If you mean Gonzo, he’s out of town.” She found his jealousy amusing, and wondered how deep his feelings ran. In the short span of a week, she had developed a strong attraction to the man who stood before her. She liked his pride and confidence. And he came in a handsome package, too. Most important, though, was the fact they were learning to respect each other.

“I still owe you a dinner in a restaurant,” he said. “How’s tonight?”

Jessie lowered her eyes.

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