Recklessly Royal(47)

FOURTEEN


THE SCHOOL I attended the next day was a miracle of good feelings. The children were excited, the staff was kind, and best of all, everyone seemed genuinely interested in my art program.

Tabitha was great about updating me on Selene’s condition and making sure I had the papers I needed for the pitch I was giving to the school administrators. After accepting the different drawings that the children presented to me and seeing the classroom with the new supplies that I had funded, I was escorted back to my car and on my way to the hospital.

“That went really well!” I smiled at Tabitha, relieved. “It’s nice to see why I’m doing this, not just fighting with investors.”

“I can only imagine how frustrating it is to deal with people that just don’t get something you’re passionate about.” Tabitha typed a few things on her phone as she talked. “And the kids love you. When you sat down and painted at that one table with the kids, I thought they were going to go crazy.”

“They were really well behaved.” I smiled. “And it was fun. I haven’t taken the time to paint a rainbow in forever.” I laughed at the thought.

“I think they’re going to auction off the painting at their next school fund-raiser for the program.”

“Oh Lord. No one’s going to want to buy that.” I shook my head. “But I guess every bit counts.”

“That was the prettiest rainbow I’ve ever seen.” Tabitha looked up at me with a straight face.

Laughter burst out of my mouth, which made her do her weird chuckle-snort.

“There is a reason I went into art history and not studio art the way Max did.” I shrugged. “Alex is good too, but I’m the weakest link when it comes to that talent.”

“Well, it was a beautiful rainbow. And a nice daisy to boot.” She smiled before turning back to her phone. “I’m sure someone will want to hang it on their refrigerator.”

I snorted. “Only because I signed my name at the bottom.”

“Would you mind making one more stop before we get to the hospital? There is an event taking place a couple of blocks away.”

“What is it?” I didn’t want to stay away from Selene any longer than I needed to.

“You were scheduled to reveal a plaque at a local animal hospital, but I originally told them you might not make it.”

“What is it for?” I asked.

“They have donated over two hundred thousand man-hours to animal care.”

“I suppose we could stop by briefly.” I frowned. That certainly deserved recognition; I just hated not being with Selene. “I want to get back to Selene quickly.”

“Excellent. I will give them a call and let them know.” Tabitha dialed a number quickly and explained we would be making it after all. I shoved my frustration out of the way and put on my “princess face.”

When we pulled up, there was a large crowd of people waiting outside and a ton of reporters.

“I thought we had originally canceled?”

“I’m betting they thought you might show up since you did the school event.” Tabitha shrugged.

Jameson opened the car door and helped me out before lending a hand to Tabitha. I smiled for the cameras briefly before letting Tabitha lead me up the stairs. I noticed that she was smiling for the cameras as well and thought that was odd, but dismissed it. She was probably not used to being around all of these cameras. Her job had mainly kept her in offices until now.

“Welcome, Your Highness. It’s an honor to have you here today!” An older man in a pristine doctor’s coat shook my hand. He smelled faintly of bleach and I had a feeling he’d taken a lot of time to make sure he looked nice. Between that, his bow tie, and the goofy grin on his face, I was instantly charmed. “I’m Dr. McRae.”

“A pleasure.” I shook his hand. “I’m sorry to arrive on such short notice.”

“Completely understandable, ma’am.” He bobbed his head. “I was sorry to hear about your assistant.”

“Catherine, please, and thank you.” I smiled. “I think they want us to take a picture together.”

“Oh! Yes, that would be wonderful.” He turned and stood next to me, his hands held in front of him.

We smiled and looked from camera to camera, letting them all get an image or two before going inside. Thankfully there were only two photographers inside and they were more interested in official pictures of me unveiling the plaque.

“It’s over here, ma’am.” The veterinarian motioned for me to follow him. “Thank you so much for coming to do this. It’s an honor.”