The charity portion of the evening proceeded with brave testimonials from survivors and honors for large donors. Candidates gave modified versions of their stump speeches. Congress members spoke of new initiatives for the prevention of violence against women in the military and civilian populations. Ian wanted to ask his dad about that. The Navy recently implemented a sexual assault prevention and response policy, and his dad was heading the Victim's Legal Counsel Office in DC.
The pleasant anchorwoman from WJLA-TV—with blonde hair dyed one too many times and tinted white teeth—emceed the evening. "We need to keep our focus on the survivors. Until the fear of reporting these crimes and the stigma that maintains sexual assault is a woman's fault are eliminated, sexual assault and domestic violence will remain severely underreported crimes."
Her words struck him like a bullet.Fear and stigma.The dinner with Cassie.Is this what she is hiding?
* * *
Cassie sat hypervigilant when Betty Bynum rose to introduce her husband. "My husband is an imperfect man in an imperfect world, but he never stops caring and learning from his mistakes. That's how we grow. Those new insights make him poised to be your next President."
Senator Bynum rose and took to the podium. "I spent my career trying to make very few mistakes, but I am ashamed to admit I had many misconceptions about tonight's topic. I am here to tell you there are no reasons to justify any violence against women. No woman asks for any of this. No more. Domestic violence is unacceptable. Rape is unacceptable. We need to stand up together."
Cassie bit the insides of her cheeks.Liar. Everything he said contradicted his record.
"I promise you when I become your President, the elimination of violence against women will be an administration priority. No more," he repeated.
Cassie dug her nails into her palm. Those two words from the senator triggered an avalanche of ice wrapping around her. She couldn't understand what was triggering her panic.
In between pauses in the program, she listened to the table repartee. The Bynums, Marshalls, and Whitmans were longtime friends. Their conversation about a recent trip to Las Vegas and the state of increasing undress of showgirls turned on a dime. Seven pairs of eyes locked on her.
"Cassiopeia, are you still working for your daddy's company?" Adrienne asked, looking down her nose at her.
Cassie wondered if she used a spackle knife to apply her makeup. "My father is dead twelve years now, Adrienne." Cassie knew she would loathe the use of her first name. To her, it was a sign of disrespect. "It's my company."Shit, I shouldn't have said that.Cassie paled, knowing this would give Wilds more ammunition, but he remained quiet.
Claudia's face appeared to be Botox-frozen when she asked, "And what does your young man say about you being such a career woman? You're a CEO."
"Well, Claudia, so are you. Aren't you?" Cassie resented these questions. She wondered if their son Burt was still single. Was she being vetted? "I'm not seeing anyone."
That was just the opening Greg Wilds needed. "What? Your SEAL won't come clean and stand in the open?"
Garett leaned on his palm, staring at her.
"Son, close your mouth. You look like a beached guppy." Bradford tapped his son's arm.
Judge Marshall interrupted, "Are you one of those lip-gloss lesbians?"
Cassie choked. The judge's wife slapped him.
"Is that your problem, Modine?" Wilds asked, amused.
"Keep the channel clear," Hector said, annoyance in his tone.
"That's 'lipstick lesbian,' and no, sir, I am not a lesbian." Cassie glanced at Ian, who winked at her. Her heart jumped. "I don't do relationships. I work too many hours. I don't even have a goldfish."
Adrienne Whitman said, "That's such a shame, Cassiopeia. It is clear you haven't learned a thing in six years. You never would make a man your priority then, and I see you aren't interested now. You always were selfish. Some people deserve to be alone."
"I feel it's better to be alone than with someone who is hurtful." The anger she was feeling offset some of the panic.
"Cass, do you need a break?" Quinn asked in her ear.
Ian leaned toward Monique, who fluttered her full eyelashes in his direction. "Cassie, I have a wardrobe malfunction. Could you give me a hand?"
Brice and Vincent both said, "Covering the table."
Bradford cocked his head toward his son. "You're better off without her. She would never follow the rules."
* * *
The group returned to the table from the dance floor. Unaware of the earlier words Sebastian had with Cassie, Bynum added, "Sebastian, you get your hooks into her. Talk to Robby about her or Garett. They must know what makes her tick."
