13 chapters completed in Bianca Reagan: Where the Action Is! Eight more to go! An excerpt from Ch. 07:
“Teddy.” He shook my hand. “Nice to meet you.”
As I held on to Teddy, I daydreamed about telling our children the story of how I met their father. They would have Teddy’s wavy black hair, dark eyes, and musical ability, along with my nose, dimples, and math skills.
I noticed a familiar logo peeking from behind the lapels of Teddy’s blue blazer. “Are you wearing a NOW t-shirt to impress the Shake audience?”
“It couldn’t hurt, but no,” Teddy said. “I have been an official spokesperson for the National Organization of Women since I played at their conference last year. However, I’ve been a feminist since my mother taught me how to talk.”
“That’s impressive.” I poked Mike in the arm. “You should take note.”
The Good Senator inserted, “We are all taking note, which would please my wife. She’s a big, big feminist.”
A big feminist?
“Not big in size,” The Good Senator dug himself in deeper. “Not that there is anything wrong with big sizes.”
Why was he looking at me when he said that?
Benjamin inserted the correct wording. “Alley is a strong supporter of women.”
“She and I both are,” The Good Senator told us. “In fact, Alley and I were at the NOW conference last year, too. Were you there?”
Me? “I’ve never been to one before. I thought the conferences were for important people. I’m not quite a member either.”
“You’re not a member of NOW?” Teddy asked me.
“It’s expensive.” Well, maybe. “Last time I checked it was.”
Teddy pointed to himself. “NOW member.” He pointed to The Good Senator. “NOW member?”
“Proudly,” The Good Senator concurred.
Teddy moved his index finger in my direction. “Not NOW member.”
“Or,” Mike pointed at The Good Senator, then at Teddy. “Good feminist, good feminist.”
“Bad feminist.” Teddy waggled his finger at me.
The Good Senator and Mike shot exaggerated frowns in my direction. Benjamin looked bored.
“I’m a good feminist.” I racked my brain for proof. “I voted?”
“Did you vote for him?” Teddy gestured towards the senator.
“How was I supposed to vote for an Illinois senator when I live in California?”
“You hear the excuses this one has?” Teddy asked the room.
The Good Senator put his arm around Mike’s shoulders. “You really ought to be more careful about the kind of women you run around with.”
Mike grinned. “I’ll try harder next time, sir.”
“Cassandra!” Teddy called across the room as she walked through the doorway.
“Teddy B!” she called back.
“Are you a member of NOW?”
Cassandra strolled over next to Teddy. “Who’s asking? And, yes.”
Teddy turned to pat my back. “I take it we’ll be seeing you at the next meeting.”
Benjamin yawned. “Will this love fest never end?”
“Benji, shush,” The Good Senator said with his arm still around Mike.
Benjamin’s head drooped. He shuffled over to the other side of the room, mumbling to himself, “Don’t call me Benji.”
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