Love and politics

Standing in front of her bathroom mirror, slowly removing what was left of once impeccable makeup, Carol wondered what the hell was wrong with her. It had been an unnerving evening, following what had already been, at some moments, an emotional day. Looking at her reflection she saw a woman with red, swollen eyes and visible lines from her nose to her mouth. For the first time in years, she had cried. Somehow her row with Harge had made her loose her well-kept composure. Harge had been livid, had yelled at her, refusing to listen to her arguments. She had tried to be reasonable but in the end and to her great dismay had found herself in tears.

“You’re ruining me!”, Harge’s loud voice filled the small cloakroom he had dragged her into after he had found out about her public confrontation with Richard. She winced.

“Harge, he was harassing Therese, practically assaulting her. It was inexcusable …”

“You know what, Carol, I don’t give a damn. What worries me is how Richard’s father will react when he hears that my wife has been yelling at his son in public, calling him a bastard.”

Carol didn’t answer.

“We have been working towards this all these years. And when at last David Semco is supporting my candidacy, you find it necessary to jeopardize all that by kicking his boy’s ass? You’re out of your mind!”

He turned his back to her, cramming his clenched fists into his pockets.

“Harge, listen …” She put her hand on his shoulder. He walked away, shrugging.

“Go away, Carol.”

Splashing some water into her face, Carol replayed the incident with Richard. The fundraising dinner at the Eccles Theatre was still in full swing when, in need of some fresh air, she had excused herself and gone to one of the terraces adjoining the lobby. It was already dark when she stepped outside and while her eyes adjusted themselves to the dimmed light, she heard voices nearby.

“Mr. Semco, would you please get out of my way…”, a woman’s voice.

“It’s Richard and no, I want you to stay here,” a slurring, male voice responded.

Carol recognized Richard Semco as the man who was blocking a young woman trying to reach the terrace doors Carol had just entered. Richard clearly was drunk, even though there was no alcohol being served at the dinner because of the many Mormons that were present.

“Let me through …” The woman demanded, but he seized her arm, pulling her against his tall body.

Suddenly Carol recognized the voice of the woman and realized it was Therese who was being harassed.

“Richard, leave her alone !” The abrupt sound of her voice startled them all. Richard cursed when Therese kicked his ankle, but kept his hold on her.

“Well, well, well, Mrs. Aird, coming to the rescue …” Richard sneered. “For your information, she asked for it, this arrogant New York bitch…”

Before she knew it Carol slapped him in the face. Astounded he let go of Therese. Carol pointed to the terrace doors where a few curious onlookers had gathered.

“Now fuck off, you bastard.”

Adjusting his bow tie he made his way to the doors.

Taking Therese’s hand, Carol turned to the impromptu audience.

“Would you please excuse us for a moment ?” She smiled, encouraging the people to leave.

Trembling, Therese held on to Carol’s hand when at last they were alone. Anxiously Carol looked at the frail young woman in front of her. She touched Therese’s shoulder.

“Are you all right ? Did he hurt you ?”

Therese tried to smile.

“No, I don’t think so. Thank you for rescuing me from that animal…”

She put her hand on Carol’s chest, touching the soft skin just above her breasts that were partly covered by her cream coloured, silk dress. Sensing Therese’s touch, Carol closed her eyes, overcome by a strong surge of desire. Acutely aware of Carol’s body, Therese savoured its closeness, feeling its response.

“Carol, I …”

“I have to get back.” Before Therese could answer, Carol freed herself out of their half-embrace. Without looking back she hurried through the doors to the lobby.

Once again looking in the mirror Carol felt ashamed, but also regret about her sudden retreat. She sighed. There was no denying that she felt attracted by Therese. And she feared that Harge knew exactly what was going on in her mind.

Harge had asked Carol and his staff to meet an hour before the start of the fundraising dinner to walk through the program one more time and see to the last minute changes. Therese had joined them to meet Harge and the staff members, bringing her camera bag with her. Carol introduced her to Harge, who enthusiastically shook hands and shared stories with her about his old friend Fred Wilson.

Listening to them, Carol’s eyes were drawn to the simple but elegant, short sleeved black dress that clung to Therese’s lean body, accentuating her perfect figure. She was intrigued by the metamorphosis Therese seemed to have undergone. The shy girl she had picked up from the airport had transformed into a confident professional, who clearly knew how to charm Harge and the other men standing around them. Suddenly Therese’s eyes shifted, catching Carol’s gaze. To her dismay Carol felt a blush making its way to her cheeks. Quickly averting her eyes, she was aware of Harge looking closely at her, then at Therese, a faint smile around his mouth.

Yes, Harge knew, no doubt about it. Although their marriage was not a conventional union, they knew each other so very well. Harge had recognized her confusion, had seen the impact that this beautiful and talented young woman had on her, despite her attempts to conceal it. Considering their row, earlier this evening, it bothered her that he had seen her so vulnerable. What was he going to do with this knowledge?