Startled, she focused intently on him, unable to imagine what kind of surprise he had.
“I have made arrangements for you to speak to a men’s group in Lubbock to raise funds for Royal to help in the rebuilding.”
Her surprise increased, along with her dread. “Aaron, thank you for setting up an opportunity to raise funds, but I’m not the one to do it. You didn’t even ask me. I’m not a public speaker or the type to talk a group of people into giving money for a cause,” she said, feeling a momentary panic.
“You’ve done this countless times since the storm—you’ve been the town hall spokesperson really. With Mayor Vance critically ill and Deputy Mayor Rothschild killed in the storm, someone had to step forward and you did. You’ve done a fantastic job getting people to help out and donate. That’s all you’ve been doing since the storm hit,” he said, looking at her intently.
“That’s so different,” she said, wondering why he couldn’t see it. “I did those things in an emergency situation. I was talking to people I knew and it was necessary. Someone had to step in. I was helping, not trying to persuade total strangers to donate to a cause. I’m not the person for that job. I’m not a public speaker and I’m not persuasive. I’m no salesperson or entertainer. A group like that will want to be entertained.” Her panic grew because what Aaron expected was something she had never done. “Aaron, I can’t persuade people to give money.”
“I’m not sure I’m hearing right,” he said. “You’ve persuaded, ordered and convinced people to do all sorts of things since the afternoon the storm hit.”
“What I’ve been doing is so different. I told you, I stepped in when someone had to and the mayor couldn’t. Of course people listened to me. They were hurt, desperate—what you’ve set me up to do is to entertain a group of businessmen in a club that meets once a month with a guest speaker. They’re used to a fun speaker and then they go back to work. If I’m to walk in and convince them they should contribute money to Royal, I can’t do it.” Her old fears of public speaking, of having to try to deal with an audience—those qualms came rushing back.
“When you get there, you’ll be fine,” he said, as if dismissing her concerns as foolish. “When you meet and talk to them, you’ll see they’re just like people here. I’ll go with you. I think once you start, it’ll be just like it is when you’re here. Relax, Stella, and be yourself. You’ve done a great job on national television and state and local news.” He smiled at her and she could tell he didn’t have any idea about her limitations.
“When I had interviews that first afternoon and the day after the tornado, I didn’t have time to think about being on national television. I just answered questions and went right back to wherever I was needed.”
“This isn’t going to be different, Stella. You’ll see. You’ll be great.”
“You may be surprised,” she said, feeling glum and scared. “Really, Aaron, I don’t know why you think I can do this. So when is this taking place?”
“Day after tomorrow. They have a program that day, so you’re not the only one to talk to them if that makes you feel better.”
“It makes me feel infinitely better. Day after tomorrow. Next time run this past me, please, before you commit me to going.”
“Sure. Stella, it never occurred to me that you wouldn’t want to do this. It’ll be so easy for you. I have great faith in you. This will help raise funds for Royal. People will know you’re sincere in what you say, which will help.”