Bluegrass State of Mind(86)
She placed her hand in his and stood up. She looked back and saw Mo’s limo coming to a stop where theirs had just left. Will put her hand on his arm and angled her into the crowd of photographers lined up on both sides of the red carpet leading to Millionaires Row.
With a smile, he leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Relax and just smile.”
She took a deep breath and took in the feel of the place. Cheers went up from the end of a race, the crowds milled around looking at horses, and people tried to get their favorite celebrity’s autographs. People were shouting to Will and he obliged every single person with an autograph. He even stopped for pictures with any kid who asked. They reached the television coverage line and started answering questions from the reporters.
“Will Ashton, Mr. Ashton! Over here,” a young man shouted and waved. Will led her to the young man. “It’s so cool to see you again. Your tip earned me a ton of money last year. You think you can make it two for two?”
“I don’t know, Justin, but I sure hope so.”
“She’s interviewing John Wall right now, but you’ll be next.” Justin turned and waved down another person walking the chute.
“Who are you doing the interview with and who’s John Wall?” She tried to read the initials on the microphone but could only see the back of a pretty lady’s hat and a tall, athletic man.
“It’s for Sports Network. They want me to do an interview since I'm a sports guy. John Wall also went to UK but played basketball. He’s now in the NBA playing for Washington. Good kid,” Will said and then put on a coy smile. “And it’s not just me. You’re going in, too.” Before she could refuse, he was pulling her toward the smiling lady.
“Will, it’s so nice to see you again. How is retirement?” she asked as a makeup artist powdered her nose a little.
“Good, Stacy, thanks. Stacy, this is McKenna Mason. Kenna, this is Stacy Hartford.”
“Nice to meet you. Will doesn’t bring women around very often, you must be special. Okay, ready?” Not waiting for a response, she smiled into the camera. “We’re here with Will Ashton, owner of last year’s Derby winner, Spires Landing. You also know Will from his years as the starting quarterback for Washington. He retired to take over Ashton Farm just two years ago. I’m sure all football fans will be cheering on his horse in the Derby this year.” She paused and turned toward them and smiled. “Do you think Naked Boot Leg can fool the field and come out in the lead at the end of the most exciting two minutes in sports?”
“I think so. He’s nothing like Spires Landing but has a whole lot of heart and spunk. We’ll see. It’s a field of twenty great horses this year.” She couldn’t believe how calm he was. His hands weren’t sweaty, and she couldn’t feel any nervousness in the arm he had around her.
“Will, who is this lovely lady you have with you today?”
He smiled and tightened his grasp on her waist. She was pretty sure he thought she was going to bolt. “This is my beautiful and talented girlfriend, McKenna Mason.”
“Girlfriend? My, my, you heard it first on Sports Nation,” she said smiling into the camera. “Is it serious?”
“It sure is,” Will said as he smiled down into Kenna’s face.
Turning to Kenna now, Stacy continued, “That is an amazing hat. Who designed it?”
Kenna was expecting that question and relaxed, “Paige Davies, owner of Southern Charms in Keeneston, made it. She’s the best designer I've ever seen. Actually, she’s right behind me, being escorted by Sheik Mohtadi Ali Rahman.” She pointed out Paige. The information that Paige was being escorted by one of the world’s most eligible bachelors drew all attention away from Kenna. Stacy practically knocked her over to get to Mo and Paige.
“That was cheating,” Will whispered in her ear as they easily made their way down the rest of the red carpet.
They went through the open double doors and into a private elevator. An operating assistant pushed the top button, and they rode in silence to Millionaires Row 6.
Will explained that Millionaires Row was broken down into Row 4 and Row 6. Millionaires Row took up two stories and was the calm amid the frenzy of Derby Day. The elevator doors swooshed open, and she stepped out onto thick, luxurious carpet.
She looked around and was almost blinded by the bright colors worn by celebrities of all sorts. Women were in bright dresses and brighter hats. Men dressed in pink, white, and blue shirts with outrageous bowties quietly mingled with each other.
“This isn’t the real Derby. But I needed to stop by to see some friends.” Will remained calm and in control. “I’ll take you downstairs to get the true feel of the day in a minute.”