The chatterers weren't stopping, even though most were jotting notes on their pads, but it seemed they still had many other questions to ask. And the good Don was all ready to answer whatever it was.
She held his arms, whispering, trying to hold back tears, "Maestro, no, please."
He turned to look at her, his palms on the side of her head. "I hope you had a nice time with Abby, Maya.."
She shook her head, her voice heavy. "I swear it's not what you think."
He turned to the press, the smile on his face, and he walked away, pulling her along with him, not rough enough for the press to see, just enough for her to feel his rage.
She hurried to keep pace with him, but the heels weren't helping much.
"Smile!" He ordered
And she did just that, except it was so raggedy that she, too, didn't trust how her face looked.
"Maestro, listen to me; it's not what you think; I swear, I was set up."
"I noticed. Those boxes look like yours, Maya."
She gasped as he pressed his fingers, making her wince, "S
