Their Double Blessing

Inside the mall, he was greeted by selected members of staff and even a few politicians, each there to soak up the attention from his charity drive. He was used to people whose only goal was to make things better for themselves and to be part of the spotlight. There was a time when he was just like them. Now he had to tolerate them while watching the ordinary folk go about their lives. Without the burden wealth gave when it came to finding real friends and avoiding the press. He envied those who maintained wealth and anonymity, a lucky lot.

“Mr. Kent, how do you feel donating time and money to this poor community?” a reporter with a dazzling smile asked.

“I wouldn’t call a community that’s down on its luck, poor,” George started. “Yes, there are needs, including fixing up this mall, but we should respect all that’s been achieved by the locals and their representatives. I’m but a wealthy man hoping to help spread some money around. Sure I’m running a charity drive and want to make a difference, but there are many needs that not even my money can provide. Hopefully, with the help of better finances the people of this wonderful community can continue to help themselves and be the proud citizens I know them to be.”

There was a round of applause from shoppers gathered to watch him touring the mall. Seeing their proud faces made his heart soar. These were the people he wanted to help. The ones who needed and wanted to better their community. When a little girl asked his bodyguard if he would accept her card, it was almost too much. The homemade card just said ‘Thank you, George Kent’. Aside from seeing the mystery woman, this was the best part of the night.

As time went on, he decided to try and figure out who that guard was. No matter his best efforts, she overwhelmed his thoughts. There had to be a reason this woman was on his mind. Even his chest tightened, which made him feel flushed at an age no one wanted to blush in public. There was no way he’d developed a crush on a stranger at first sight. That kind of silliness was reserved for young people and movies. He was a professional businessman who knew better. There had to a better explanation.

He took a break from talking to walk around the mall. Instructing his bodyguards to not allow anyone to speak to him without permission. Just as he was about to give up the search a pair of security guards chatting with a young lady at a kiosk caught his eye. Trying to pry the woman’s identity from her colleagues was a huge no-no. But perhaps an employee at the mall wouldn’t question his motives too closely.

“Good night, I was wondering if I could ask you a quick question?” George walked up after the guards left.

“Oh, hi Mr. Kent.” The young lady looked up from her cellphone. “I’m not ignoring my work, the phone gives me special updates.”

“Of course. Do you know the female security who patrols out front?”

“Well, this is a mall, and the guards work on rotation, so it’s a little hard with that description,” the female chuckled.

George could feel his neck getting warm. “I meant to thank her. I was out front and things got a bit hectic. She’s black with long braids, and I’m not sure if she was that happy to see me or be outside for that matter.”

“Narrows things down a bit.” The female flipped through her phone, “Is this her? Patricia usually patrols inside but she’s the only one I can think of who would frown at a rich guy because she doesn’t care about that.”

“Yes, that’s her.” George recognized the woman smiling with a group of guards by a taco stand. “Thank you,” he pulled out his wallet but noticed he only had hundreds.

“Just give her the hundred,” one of his bodyguards whispered.

The young lady squealed as she took the crisp note. “I never thought me knowing Patricia Williams would make me so lucky, thanks, Sir.”

George walked away glad to have a name. Better yet, with how grateful that young lady was for receiving a tip. He had an idea on how to see Patricia again.

“Thank you all for guarding this mall and myself tonight,” he said to all the security gathered. After the mall closed, he’d requested to meet and thank all the security. Personally shaking hands with all of them, including Patricia Williams, who still seemed to have a permanent frown when he popped up. At least he got to see her relaxed from a distance.

“I think a great way of showing my appreciation is to invite you all to a special luncheon,” George went on, “I know as the rich white guy passing through I’m not a member of your community, but I want to speak with more of you on a personal level. Besides, why not get a great evening out on me? After all, I can afford it,” he said and most laughed with him.

“What about other members of staff?” a voice asked.

George barely kept a straight face, realizing it was Patricia speaking. “Yes?”

“You can afford to feed us all, so why not treat all the staff at the mall. What makes the security guards so special? Yes, we watched over you but so did every employee who didn’t want to work at the store where a white guy gets jumped in front of cameras.” Patricia countered.

There were mumbles of descent. A few unkind words were thrown.

“Hey, there’s no need to argue. It’s true, I can afford to have an event for everyone,” George said. “In fact, I’ll host several luncheons over the next couple of days. My assistants will help collect schedules and dates that will best accommodate everyone. So let’s give Miss Williams a round of applause for speaking up.”

The claps were few, but he could see that by her smirk Patricia didn’t care. At first, he just wanted to meet her. Now he admired her spunk as well.