Aligned by Jaci Wheeler

That’s horrible advice!”
    “I heard it helps make you less nervous.”
    “Standing in a room full of naked people makes you less nervous?”
    He shrugs.
    “Now I know why you weren’t picked as a Council member. Remind me to tell Natasha when you have kids you are not allowed to give them advice.”
    He grants me his best scowl and I smile up at him.
    “You’re picturing me naked aren’t you?” he asks with a smirk.
    I punch him in the arm. “You wish! Geez, you dirty old man, will you do your job please?”
    We walk through the door to the auditorium. I’m instantly taken aback and have to blink a few times. I can’t believe Andi and Judy pulled this off in only a few days. It’s calm and relaxing and beautiful, exactly what I need. The tables are set up facing the podium with light yellow tablecloths and sunflowers in vases on all the tables. There is a long table in the back full of sandwiches, trays of fruit and nuts, and little cakes and cookies.
    I find them both right away and give them huge hugs. “I can’t believe you two; this is beyond wonderful. You must be magic to pull this off in only a few days. I was expecting some folding chairs and maybe a sandwich or two, but this is so lovely.”
    They both thank me and run off to do the finishing touches.
    Well this is it; no backing out now. People are starting to come through the door. Natasha enters with Ronan. Masters’ eyes light up as soon as he sees her. She comes over and gives me a quick hug.
    “You okay?” she whispers in my ear. I shrug and she understands. “It will be all right, just keep your confidence up.”
    “Masters explained the plan to you?”
    “Yes, and I think a lot of people are going to be caught off guard, especially Ronan. Stand firm, back up your beliefs, and you’ll be fine.”
    “Thanks. Okay, well here goes nothing then. Maybe if I feed them and tell them while their mouths are full there will be less opposition?” I joke. Natasha laughs and tosses me a wink over her shoulder as she finds her place next to Ronan. When everyone who is supposed to be here has finally arrived, I look to the door and motion to Green to lock it. Dex slips in and stands in the shadows to observe. Well there goes a united front. I thought he’d at least stand up here next to me. Oh well, time to get this over with. I stand at the podium and take a deep breath.
    “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much clearing your schedules for this meeting. I know everyone is busy and I appreciate you fitting me in. First off, I’d like to thank Judy and Andi for putting this fabulous lunch together so quickly. If you will go fill your plates and have a seat we will start.”
    While everyone stands up and gets in line for food, I go over to Dex. “Thanks for showing up. You sure you don’t want to take it from here?”
    He gives me a sly smile. “You are doing wonderfully. I’ll stand here in awe and watch you work your magic on everyone.”
    I roll my eyes. “Seriously, Dex, I think you might do a better job.”
    He looks at me for a moment and then grips my shoulders. “You are really worried about this aren’t you? It will be fine, Roz. They all love and respect you, just tell them what’s going to happen and if I need to I will step in and help, okay?”
    This makes me feel a little better.
    “Will you sit up here next to me in case I need you to jump in?”
    “Of course I will, if that will make you more comfortable.” We walk back over to the podium and he pulls a chair over next to mine. We wait until everyone is seated once more, then I take a deep, calming breath and walk to the podium. When I look down I see a glass of chocolate milk. Oh bless Andi. I take a long drink and look over to see her smiling at me from the back of the room. I mouth “Thank you.” One more calming breath and I’m ready to go.
    “Thank you so much, and I hope you enjoy your lunch. I’m asking that you all listen very closely to what I have to