One of the Dallas B&N’s had the First Daughters in for a
book signing. Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush wrote the book, Sisters First. I got a copy signed.
They of course were friendly and all smiles. It was more interesting to watch the crowd. The
crowd was 99% women and 1% men. The males in the crowd were fellow autograph collectors.
Yes, we did look out of place. The males wore sneakers with shorts or jeans and
a sport jersey or concert t-shirt. The women were dressy casual. A dressy
casual that looked relaxed but clearly showed the dollars spent.
As the news spread that yes, the Sisters would be posing for
photos, a lot of phones were turned to selfie mode as makeup was touched up and
recalcitrant hairs were put back in place.
The line moved fast and before I knew it was I front of the
sisters. Since I didn’t bring any lip gloss to apply to my makeup, I choose not
to take a photo with them. However, I did mention I saw Jenna many years ago at
another book signing. That book was Ana’s Story. It was held at a Frisco School
auditorium. It was just after she got engaged and she had her new ring. As she signed Ana’s Story, the ring caught
the light. I made some offhand comment about the ring. Jenna was sweet and held
her hand up so I could get a closer look. Yes, The Wife, who attended this signing
in Frisco and didn’t want to wait with me in line, was extremely jealous. And I’m
also sure Secret Service took a few steps closer as I leaned toward the ring.
Well, this is what I wanted to say to Jenna. In reality, I mentioned
Ana’s Story and I quickly mentioned the ring glittering in the light. And I added
The Wife was jealous. It might have been
1 sentence and about 10 words. I then looked at them expectantly. Jenna and Barbara’s
smiles never faltered. They thanked me for
coming. They nodded and I left.
Afterward, feeling chagrined and reviewing the exchange in
my head, I realized I was Ralphie from A Christmas Story. I had just asked
Santa for a Red Ryder BB gun with a Compass in the stock. I was rushed. I was
blathering. All that was needed to finish the scene was Jenna telling me: You’ll
shoot your eye out Kid.
Maybe I should have used some lip gloss.
Maybe I should have used some lip gloss.
AH
