Sexual Politics Read Free Page B

a fan of Sean’s work for years. This is good. It expresses the need, works on natural sympathies. I think something like this would be perfect.”
    “About models...” he spoke up. “Is it possible to see your Waiting Children registry?”
    “Of course,” Lise answered, but both women were nodding. “Though, for legal reasons we may have to use already placed children. It will make it easier to get the proper releases signed.”
    “I don’t see a problem with that. It’s best if we use kids, even families, with a positive emotional connection to Open Arms, Warm Hearts.”
    Justine looked up from the photo in her hand to ask him, “Did you get a chance to look at our wall of success stories?”
    “Earlier, yes I did. I saw a number of good candidates out there.”
    Lise smiled at him. “Why don’t you point them out to me and I’ll contact their parents?”
    Before he could respond there was a knock on the door. The executive assistant peeked in. “Ms. Van Zandt?”
    “Yes, Cami?”
    “Mr. Struthers has a few more questions for you.”
    Her face fell. “Oh, I should take his call.”
    Eager to help, Justine spoke up. “Why don’t I look at the photos with Sean? I can take down the names for you.”
    Lise gave Justine a grateful nod. “Would you? That would be great. Thanks.” She glanced at her assistant. “Put Struthers through.”
    Justine helped Sean gather his photos then they hurried out with the assistant. She followed Cami to her desk to borrow a pen and notepad while Sean headed over to the wall of photos. He turned with a smile when she joined him and explained he wasn’t looking for the cutest kids. Rather, they wanted young faces that popped with personality and would connect with the public in a visceral way. She agreed with every one of Sean’s choices. Marking them down, she left the pad with the assistant, along with instructions to get the children’s contact information to Lise.
    Their task complete, the two of them returned to the reception area and pulled on their heavy coats. She was smiling when Sean slung his scarf around his neck.
    He raised his eyebrows at her. “Now what?”
    Freeing her hair from under her collar, she shrugged. “I suppose Lise will be in touch once she has some names for you.”
    He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “No, I meant, what’s next on your agenda.”
    “Ooh. Today, I have no agenda.” She liked how that sounded.
    “Have you eaten lunch?”
    “No, I haven’t.”
    “I know a little place. It makes the best salads in town.”
    She laughed. “A man admitting he eats salad?”
    He held the door for her. “These aren’t your ordinary salads.”
    “Mmm, now I’m intrigued. Sure, why not?”
    * * * *
    He gave her directions and they met up in a parking garage close to the restaurant. Seeing him leaning against a sleek and sexy black Porsche, she pulled into the open space next to him. He had her door open before she even picked her purse off the passenger seat. She loved it when he offered his hand to help her out of the car. This was the second time he’d done that. It was probably silly, but the gallant attention made her feel special. Her lonely heart sped a little faster.
    At his insistence, they rode the elevator down to street level then walked for half a block to the unassuming bistro. The ceilings were high with huge suspended round light fixtures. The walls were bare brick. Even the neat wait staff looked unpretentious in basic white buttoned-down shirts over black slacks or skirts and black aprons tied around their hips. Though the restaurant was dressed down, it had an upscale, almost trendy feel, elegant in its simplicity.
    Settling comfortably at their intimate table for two, Justine picked up the drinks menu from the middle of the table. “Wow, they have an impressive wine selection.” She looked up when a twenty-something waiter stopped over.
    “Would you like something from the bar?” the kid asked.
    Sean raised his