Perfectly Unpredictable Read Free Page B

tables were set for ten with crisp
white linens and sparkling silverware. Simple low arrangements of gerbera
daisies in an assortment of bright colors graced the center of each table.
    Kalia was enjoying a lively discussion with
a group from Germany when Alexandre Sinclair walked in. He was escorted by
members of the organizing committee and, engrossed in conversation, seemed
oblivious to the interest his arrival caused.
    Kalia wasn’t sure if it was the brilliant
scientific mind or the gorgeous good looks that caused a stir, but she couldn’t
help joining the crowd in stopping and staring. Something about the man in a
well-fitted suit had her heart fluttering. Or maybe it was the body the suit
fit that was mouth-watering. He was much younger than she’d thought he’d be,
closer to her age, and he walked with the grace of a panther. She couldn’t
imagine having those startling blue eyes focused on her. That and the flash of
his smile was a disarming combination.
    He and his entourage sat down at the head
table. The noise level rose again, and with some effort, Kalia pulled herself
back to the conversation at her table.

 
 
    The remainder of the ten days went by smoothly.
Kalia had a chance to flex her language skills, translating from French,
German, Spanish, and Russian to English and amusing a cohort of Italians who
flirted with her at lunch. By the end of the ten days, she had helped with
restaurant reservations, transportation dilemmas, and one minor medical
emergency. She’d received a number of compliments for her clear and accurate
translations and could hardly walk back to her hotel without being greeted in
several different languages.
    She loved it all – the languages,
the challenge, the people, the camaraderie, the cutting-edge research. Who knew
science could be this much fun? She caught glimpses of Alexandre Sinclair
throughout the conference. Always elegant. Always stunning. Always surrounded
by admirers.
    She spoke to him very briefly just before
his keynote address. She was at the podium making changes to the microphone
when he came in to set up for his lecture. She managed to muster a hello when
he nodded in greeting. That was enough. She, with her knowledge of six
languages, could only spit out “hello” before her mind went blank.
    He was fluent in English and didn’t require
translation, but Kalia decided to stay and listen. The auditorium was packed,
but Alexandre Sinclair had their attention the moment he started speaking in
his deep, smooth voice. He was completely at ease and flashed a smile that had
everyone relaxing. He made the complicated sound simple and answered questions
with patience, obviously enjoying the interaction with the audience. The time
flew by and when he finished, the crowd rose to its feet with thunderous
applause. Kalia was sure they would have shouted “encore” if they could have.
    A beaming Maurice Bastille took the podium.
“Three years ago when I accepted the task of organizing the International Forum
of Neuroscience, I thought it would be a daunting task.” He paused. “And I was
right, it was.”
    The audience laughed.
    “But this,” he said, sweeping his arm
around the audience, “is why I accepted the challenge.
    “When I come to this meeting and feel the
energy, the enthusiasm, and the dedication to the advancement of neuroscience, I
see how important, even essential, this forum has become. I would like to thank
the panel of exceptional speakers we have had this year.” He paused as the
audience acknowledged them with a boisterous round of applause. “They have
shared their latest research, made us question and think, renewed our interest,
and spurred us to push our efforts forward. Thank you.
    “I would like to thank the team of
volunteers, led by my most invaluable assistant, Giselle Menoit, who spent countless
hours organizing and overseeing the logistics of the conference. And to Kalia
Beck for providing the interpretation services.”