Locating Rossi was easy - Hotch and Lisette just followed the crowd down the hallway to an area in front of the Basic Survival Skills classroom, where he was busy holding court.
"Aaron," he called out when he saw his old friend. "And Lisette too - How good to see you! Come join us!"
"It's good to see you, too, Dave," Hotch smiled. "It looks like you have quite a crowd here."
"Just telling everyone about the spectacular meal we have planned," Rossi explained as he smiled at the well-dressed woman standing next to him. "And also doing an 'elevator pitch' for my new book."
"Elevator pitch?" one of the parents questioned.
"Yes," Rossi grinned. "Imagine you are on an elevator and the head of the publishing house you are trying to sell your book to joins you. You have until the elevator stops to convince him or her to read your manuscript. What would you say?"
"Interesting technique," another of the parents commented. "You should be teaching a writing class here."
"Or at least giving a guest lecture," another added.
"Maybe someday," Rossi acquiesced. "However, today I am talking about the upcoming fundraiser and everything we have planned for those who are lucky enough to attend."
"I know you," Lisette told the well-dressed woman standing next to Rossi. "But I can't place you."
"She's a cashier at the grocery store," Jessica's flat voice carried over the crowd.
"That's right," Rossi readily agreed. "Everyone, I would like you to meet Rose. She is a long time employee at Rogers Foods and she is going to be assisting me in this endeavor."
"Hello Everyone," Rose smiled. "I'm looking forward to seeing all of you at our dinner and also to hearing more about Dave's new book. He's refusing to tell me anything about it until that night."
"And, just to let you know," Rossi added. "Both Rose's employer and my publisher are kicking in to help underwrite this evening, which makes it extra special for both of us."
"A check-out clerk arranged for that?" Jessica commented loudly. "Really?"
"For those of you who don't know," Rossi glared at Jessica. "Not only has Rose been an employee of Rogers Foods for a number of years but both her sons worked there while they were going to school. After finishing college, her oldest son went to work for the parent company that owns the grocery chain and he is now one of their Executive Vice Presidents. When Rose told him about our fundraiser, he was delighted to help."
"And, not to leave him out, my younger son is a lawyer in private practice," Rose added. "I've been blessed with two fine boys."
"Well, if that's what it takes to have successful kids, maybe I had better brush up on my cash register skills," one of the mothers spoke up.
"You and me both," Lisette agreed. "But, in the meantime, Dave, why don't you and Rose tell us all about what you have planned for the fundraiser?"
"It will be our pleasure," Dave smiled at Lisette as Jessica quietly slunk away.