“You should look them over, just in case. These cover every contingency or possible question.” She explained her reasoning slowly and I felt myself growing even more annoyed. I wasn’t stupid, I just didn’t need her help for this.
“Tabitha, I know you mean well, but I’ve been speaking to the media for a very long time.” I ground my teeth before continuing. “The only thing they need to know is that Selene is in good hands and making positive movement toward recovery. I’ll express our pain and sorrow at seeing such a close friend in so much pain and then walk on. Nothing else matters at this point.”
“I released a statement explaining that you saved Selene’s life in the car, so it’s well known that you were a big part of her survival. I’m sure there will be questions about what you did.”
“You what?” My voice was much louder than I had intended. Max stilled in his seat and I could see the anger working behind his eyes. “You released a statement without consulting me?”
“I didn’t want to bother you, but time was of the essence. Besides, it’s my job to do that stuff.” Tabitha cocked her head to the side. “Don’t worry, I made sure that you looked good.”
“That I looked good?” My hands shook in my lap. I was so angry I was vibrating in my seat. I’m sure she meant well, but this was inexcusable. I opened my mouth to tell her off, but Max beat me to it.
“Your job is to do what Her Royal Highness directs you to do.” Max’s deep voice cut through the car. “Your job is to make sure she’s awake at a time she sets. Your job is to follow her orders and to make prudent suggestions when the time calls for it. Your job is not to make assumptions or to do what you think is right without asking Catherine first.”
Silence filled the car and I tried to keep the shock from my face. Max was never one to mince words, but I’d never heard him correct someone so thoroughly.
“I apologize.” Tabitha frowned, her eyes going wide. “I was only trying to handle things the way Selene would.”
“Selene and I have worked together for a long time now and have a better sense of each other.” I searched for diplomatic words. “Suggesting that I saved Selene’s life is not true. It also diverts the attention from those who truly deserve the praise; like the doctors, nurses, and other staff. They are the ones who saved Selene and they are the ones who will benefit from the praise. It would instill trust from the surrounding community in their medical team. Pretending that I saved Selene will do nothing for me, but make me look as if I’m asking for a pat on the back, when all I really care about is my friend healing.” I took a deep breath. “Besides all of that, if Jameson had not walked me through it over the speakerphone, I would have had no idea what to do for Selene.”
“I see.” Tabitha adjusted her skirt and I fought the urge to shake her. She was hurt by being corrected, but if she had come to me first, all of this would have been avoided. Her chin jutted forward and her eyes took on a hard gleam.
Not only had I just responded to her mistake as kindly as possible, I was not taking out my anger on her. Despite my growing desire to do so. For a brief moment I had a mental image of Sam’s face if Tabitha had done this to her. It went a long way to cooling my anger. Watching my new sister tear her a new ass**le would be satisfying. Too bad I didn’t have it in me to do it as well. All I could hope was that the media would understand that she was new to her current position and take that into consideration.
Mark was out of the car and opening my door as soon as we pulled up to the hospital. The press moved close as I exited the vehicle with Max’s help.
“Princess Catherine, how is your aide?”
“Princess, will your friend make it?”
“Highness, how does it feel to know you saved your assistant’s life?”
Taking a deep breath, I turned and pulled my sunglasses off so that the reporters would be able to see the honesty in my eyes as I responded to their questions. Max moved to stand behind me, but what was truly surprising was that David had also moved to flank me. The logical part of my mind knew that people would draw conclusions about his relationship with me, based solely on the fact he was standing near me. The emotional part of my brain simply enjoyed the fact that he was showing his support for me during a difficult time.
“The last day has been very trying for everyone involved. My dear friend Selene is still recuperating after a very serious health issue and surgery, but seems to be doing much better. All of the credit for her current situation belongs to the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff that work here. I’ll never be able to thank them enough.” I smiled softly, careful not to show any teeth. “I’d also like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. They mean a great deal to all of us.” I waited for a moment, while the photographers took pictures.
After a moment, Max guided me through the automatic doors and past the throngs of people that had gathered inside to see my statement. It was mainly people waiting to see doctors or waiting on family members to have their appointments. Tabitha walked beside and slightly behind me as we made our way down the hallways. She was quiet and I wasn’t sure if I cared that she was upset. No, that wasn’t true. I didn’t want her to hurt or be angry, but I also wanted her to stop trying to be Selene.
Just thinking of my longtime assistant sent a pang through my heart. The closer we got to Selene the more anxious I felt. Talking to the media didn’t make me sweat, but the worry for my friend made me feel short of breath.