There is a certain prestige in doing a congressman's dirty work. You gain a reputation around the Capitol as a guy not be to screwed with. However, there are times when that role throws up situations that are just plain strange.
As effectively Russell's right-hand man, a lot of the jobs I got were just things he did not want to do himself. When tasking me with these he would normally start the conversation with "Alex, here's something you'll enjoy," his face covered with an evil grin. On this occasion, the grin was even more wicked as he continued "The Congressman wants to hold a fundraiser at the Mayflower Hotel in Austin. The owner is a big donor, but she's holding out on donating the venue. I need you to go to the ballet with her tonight and convince her. There's a tuxedo hire place on East Capitol. You better get going, her limo will pick you up in an hour." I stood up and ran out of the office.
When I returned 50 minutes later dressed in a tuxedo, Russell put his hand on my shoulder and said "Now do whatever you need to do to convince her, got it?" I nodded and he directed me to go stand out on the street where I would be collected. As I walked out the door, I heard him burst into laughter.
Right on time a black stretch limo pulled up in front of me and the back door swung open. I looked inside and was relieved to see my target, Mrs Clara Emerson-Southfield. Russell had helpfully handed me a bio so I knew she was sixty-four, a multi-millionaire hotel magnate, a widow and a mega-donor for progressive causes, especially women's health. I extended my hand and said "Hello Mrs Emerson-Southfield. I'm Alex. Pleased to meet you."
She took my hand and shook it, then waved me into the limo and said in a refined Southern accent "Call me Clara. Now Russell tells me you are a great fan of the ballet." I was actually a ballet fan, but I had never discussed it with Russell, so I nodded. Clara continued. "Now there is a little meet-and-greet before if you don't mind being seen on the arm of an old lady." I must have looked surprised, because she patted me on the arm and said "Don't worry, it was just a joke."
As we drove towards the Kennedy Center I studied my host out of the corner of my eye. She was a very attractive woman, and not just for her age. Her face was angular, with high cheekbones and only slight wrinkles. Her blond hair was tied up in a twist, leaving exposed a long neck and a fair expanse of cleavage before the red evening gown started. As we pulled up at our destination, I could not help taking a look at her surprisingly toned backside as she stepped out of the car.
I swung myself out of the limo and indeed took Clara's arm as we walked into the theatre. As we walked I said, "Clara, I was hoping we could discuss holding an event at your hotel in Austin."