Love of a Lifetime (9 page)

“Of course, not even your beauty can compete with mine.”

Carla’s eyes widened before she balled her fist and thumped him the chest.  They both laughed as the sexual tension abated.  It was a good thing too.  Carla wasn’t so sure she could contain herself much longer.

“You’re a nincompoop.”  She laughed. 

Her laugh drew his attention to painted lips.  Damn, he loved her mouth.  So sweet she was, and her lips were plump and ripe.  Because he couldn’t help himself, he lowered his head and stole a kiss. 

Yes, definitely sweet.  He moaned as her tongue stroked over his.  Her mouth was sheer heaven.  All it ever took to put his world to rights was her smile and when she kissed him he forgot everything but her.

Groaning, he lifted his mouth from hers.  “Enough or we will never make it to the Community Center.”

Placing her hand on his arm, Bill guided her down the steps and to his SUV.  He helped her get situated before closing the door and walked around the front of the vehicle.  Letting his eyes drink their fill of her, he sat there for a moment before starting the engine.

“You really do look exceptional tonight.” 

A smile formed on her lips from the sincerity in his words.

“So do you, handsome.”

Shifting the gear into drive, he pulled away from the curb.  Once they were safely on their way, Bill reached over and took Carla’s hand and lifted it to his mouth for a kiss.

“Thank you for coming with me tonight.”

Chapter Seven

The Williams-
Hershner
Community Events Center is located down town next to the high school.  Usually it was used for prom night, homecoming, and all the other social events for the teenagers, but it is also used by City Counsel for public meetings and greetings.

Tonight, however, it hosted the Charity Ball, a fundraiser for the new women’s shelter being built across town.  Though crime and poverty were not real prevalent in Salem, it still existed.  And when it reared its ugly head, it was comforting to know there was an outlet for assistance readily available. 
Especially for the women and children.

The St Frances Mission has always offered a meal and shelter for anyone in need, but there is little protection for those whose flee their homes and the danger within.  The Missions door were always open for anyone to enter and there had been several incidents over the last few years where abusive husbands sought out their wives and children.  Some of those incidents had even been fatal.

The citizens of Salem have been pushing for the women’s shelter for the last two years.  It seemed location and finances were just never available.  Then one day Peter Laure emptied out one of his warehouses and donated the building for the shelter.  The problem of location had been solved, now it was up to the people to aide in funding. 

This isn’t the first fundraiser to be held for the cause, but it was the first that geared towards the political and higher esteemed residents of the city.  Another $100,000 dollars was needed to complete the project and open the doors for those in need.  This money would put the finishing touches on the remodel and furnish the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas.

It was also important for Bill to be “seen” at this event.  It was by invitation only and to receive an invitation was an acknowledgement of his status in the legal and political world.  Here he would make important friends and open up new business ventures.

Carla also recognized the importance of her appearance as well.  Her showing up on his arm relayed a silent message that she will stand by his side, be a strong partner, no matter the circumstances.  Of course, this message was only received due to the fact that a harridan tried to destroy her marriage.

Carla gathered up her courage and smiled at the valet when he opened the door to help her out.  Bill was there, waiting to receive her.  He smiled lovingly at her, an encouragement and reassurance.

“Ready to do this?”

Carla snorted.  “Not really.  I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to stand around meekly while everyone talks about me.”

Laughing, Bill leaned down and whispered in her ear.  “Just remember to inform them very politely that Patricia is a lying sack of shit when they feel intrusive enough to ask.”

Carla shook her head as they walked up the steps to the Events Center.  She had to admit that his suggestion held a lot of appeal.  She wanted to stake her claim and be certain that everyone knew once and for all that Billy was hers and
only
hers.  No other woman would
ever
tempt him stray, especially not some manipulative old hag who could freeze lava with only a look.

Carla could feel the stares burning into the back of her head.  She squeezed Bill’s hand and pressed herself tighter into his side.  She knew she was being clingy, but she wasn’t comfortable under such close scrutiny. 

Fortunately Bill understood and tucked her more closely against his body, attempting to shield her from any foes who may seek out to distress her in any way.  Well, she was already distressed and she felt like a lamb amongst a pack of hungry wolves.

All eyes were on them the moment they entered the room.  Not only were they physically stunning couple, but there was a fog of scandal that shrouded them.  It didn’t matter whether it was true or not, these vultures loved any and every kind of drama.

It was more than apparent by the lavishness of the room that it was intentionally decorated to highlight the theatrics of the night.  These people expected the red carpet treatment and this place looked like it could be a Hollywood showroom.

Red billowy curtains hung from the windows and spilled to the floor in waves of fabric.  Crystal sparkled in the light and resembled the flashing of cameras.  The music was low but upbeat enough to encourage dancing.

Bill spotted Atayla on the outskirts of the room and guided Carla in her direction.  He hired Atayla two years ago as a favor to his wife’s best friend.  Normally he wouldn’t take such chances with his career, but it turned out to be a very beneficial arrangement.

Atayla was a great friend and fiercely loyal to them both.  He knew there would be moments throughout the night that he would need to leave Carla’s side and he felt a lot better about it knowing she was safe with Atayla looking out for her.  Not that Carla couldn’t hold
her own,
but she would definitely be more comfortable with the support of a good friend.

As soon as they reached their destination, Bill greeted Atayla then excused himself to procure some drinks.

“Nervous?” 

“Oh, God!
  Is it that obvious?  I just hate this whole mess!  I hate that everyone keeps giving me that knowing smirk, like they are waiting for the drama to start.”

Atayla chuckled. 
“Nature of the beast.
  Everyone likes to believe that they are predators, but in all actuality they are all scavengers.  A few are brass enough to say something directly to you, but most will just wait and watch it all play out.”  She turned and inspected Carla.  “You look fantastic tonight, by the way. 
Beautiful, stoic.
  Good for you!  The more confident you look the less they will pay attention to you.”

“I don’t feel very stoic or confident.  I feel like my insides are a second away from exploding.”

Laughing, Atayla nodded her head towards the crowd.  “Don’t give them the pleasure.”

Carla was greatly relieved when Bill returned with their drinks, needing a little liquid courage to settle her nerves.  He handed her a long stem flute of champagne and kissed her beneath her ear.

“I have had no less than twenty compliments on how lovely you are tonight.”  He whispered.

“Really?”

“Yes.”  He squeezed her hand.  “It will be alright.  I think you would be surprised how many people are on your side.”

“You mean on
your
side.”  She grumbled.

Bill barked out a laugh. 
“Actually, no.
  The looks I got were less than complimentary as they made it a point to inform me how attractive you are.”

Atayla grinned.  “Patricia doesn’t exactly have a lot of fans.” 

“May I have your attention, please?”  A middle-aged woman rapped on the podium as she spoke into the microphone.  “Thank you all for coming tonight.  It is an honor to have each and every one of you in attendance….”  In her speech she announced the progress of the women’s shelter and what it means to the City of Salem and those less fortunate.  She pointed out the location of the donation box and encouraged everyone to give.

It amazed Carla how much money someone needed to spend in order get others to help out.  She was sure the preparation of this event was worth a hefty chunk of money.  Hopefully it was all worth it and the sponsors are able to collect the $100,000 needed to finish the project.  Atayla was one of those sponsors.  Having lived with an abusive man, her aspirations for the shelter ran on a more personal level.  She was one of the lucky ones and was able to get away before it became physical.

As the crowd began to disperse and converge into small groups, they were engaged in conversations from several of the attendees.  Carla was introduced to a lot of new people and becoming more overwhelmed by the minute.  She was careful not to let it show, but it was hard putting names with faces and she was fearful of offending someone.

They were all genuinely kind to her and it helped relieve some of the tension that kept her strung tight.  No mention was made of Patricia’s claim, but there was an unspoken camaraderie amongst them that let her know they knew the truth of it.

After two hours of mingling, Carla excused herself.  She needed to visit the ladies room and take a breather.  She walked into the ladies room and entered the stall on the far end of the room.  Just wanting a few minutes to rest her achy feet and settle her mind, she sat down and rested her head in her hands.

The night had turned out much better than she imagined it would.  Now she was just ready to leave and have Bill all to herself.  She had many things she wanted to say to him, things that Atayla had brought to her attention. 

She wanted to clear the air.  It was time to mend the hurt feelings and perceived wrongs.  They were husband and wife and it far past time that they acted as such.  Carla knew it was her fault.  Bill had wanted this all along and had already made it clear he was willing to do whatever was necessary to make things work between them.

It was her own insecurities that held her back, not anything Bill had done or hadn’t done.  The truth was that she didn’t feel as though she was enough for Bill anymore and had felt that way for some time.  She knew now the truth was that Bill just didn’t know how to balance out everything in his life.

Taking a deep breath, Carla stood and prepared herself for another mingling session.  The outer door opened just as Carla reached for the handle on the stall.  What she heard made her hesitate.

“I can’t believe he brought her here and shoved her in your face like that!”  An unknown woman exclaimed.

A deep feminine laugh was heard.  “Hush, Bonnie.  It’s alright.  I’m not offended.  William needs to keep up appearances.  You know how important it is for them to believe that he is structured and competent, not only as a professional but in his personal life as well.”

“Yes, Patricia, but everyone knows he left his wife for you.  He should be showing everyone that he stands by his decisions and not misleading them into thinking he is still with
her
.  It just makes no sense!”

“He can’t do that until the divorce if final.  It wouldn’t be appropriate.”  Patricia chastised.  “Once the divorce is final though, William will be sure to let everyone know where his loyalty truly lies.”

Unable to listen to any more of this woman’s bullshit, Carla opened the stall door and stepped out to confront her.

“I suppose the divorce you’re speaking of would be mine?”

Patricia’s eyes widened for a brief second before narrowing at her. 
The corner of her mouth quirked up into a smirk.
  “Why yes, dear.  William is mine.  It’s only a matter of time before we make it known how in love we are.”

Carla allowed herself a moment to study the woman.  Patricia wasn’t at all as she had pictured from Bill’s description of her.  Though she could see a resemblance to Mrs. Titus, he failed to mention how attractive Patricia was.  She obviously took good care of herself.

Patricia looked about ten years younger than she actually
was,
thank you Botox,
without a line or wrinkle to mar her appearance.  Her perfectly tweezed eyebrows were severe above her eyes and she had a long regal nose that gave her a false look of sophistication.

If she had met her under different circumstances Carla might have felt intimidated by her.  Standing here, facing her, all she felt was righteous anger for her intrusion in her life.