Wednesday
Admiring the breathtaking view of the Wasatch Mountains, Therese smiled inwardly at the fact that she was actually standing next to the pitcher’s mound of Smith’s Ballpark, an official, minor league baseball stadium. She had been the pitcher of her high school softball team and she could still vividly remember her excitement when, intoxicated by the sun and the smell of freshly cut grass, she outsmarted the batters of the opposing team. And was there a more beautiful sound imaginable than the sound of the bat hitting the ball so perfectly it resulted in an impeccable homerun?
Through her lens Therese watched Harge making his way to the pitcher’s mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the Salt Lake Bees game against El Paso. Casually dressed in jeans and a Bees jacket and cap, Harge looked very much at ease with the players and officials surrounding him. Therese pointed her camera at one player in particular: a handsome, tall, blond young man who handed Harge his glove. Did they actually touch hands, or was she just imagining things now she knew Harge was gay? She nevertheless made a picture of both men.
Therese’s thoughts still circled around her emotional talk with Carol the night before. After Carol had left, she had ravaged the refrigerator and had found a salad and some cheese but most importantly, a few cans of beer. Restless, she opened one of the cans, hoping the alcohol would calm her down. She could still feel Carol’s lips on hers, causing a strong longing. But she felt worried at the same time. She had forgiven Carol’s erratic behaviour, but it hurt her to see this cool, controlled woman unravel before her eyes. She had been right to let Carol see that most of all she had to sort her feelings out, to not let things get out of hand.
It felt strange to be the one in control, to be the one to give support. Not only was Carol several years older, in relationships Therese had always avoided to become too emotionally involved. She would never give herself completely. It had made her reject Genevieve’s proposal to come with her to Cambridge. But with Carol is was different. Sighing, Therese emptied her first can, immediately opening the next. How was it possible that in only a few days she had fallen for this enigmatic, intelligent and beautiful but also troubled woman? She had succumbed so willingly to Carol’s surprising kiss in the garage, her bold touch when she unexpectedly turned up in the shower. Carol wanted her, she had left no doubts about that. But was she able to give up her life with Harge and Rindy? And at what price? Therese took another hefty swig of her beer, pacing around the small living room. In only two days she would return to New York. To her own surprise, she did not look forward to it.
To the cheers of the crowd Harge produced a neat curveball that landed perfectly in the catcher’s glove. Smiling broadly, he handed his glove back to the beaming blond player. Therese once again pressed the shutter when Harge put his arm around the young man’s shoulders. Yes, there definitely had to be something going on there. Making some more shots of Harge and his entourage while he returned to the side of the field, Therese wondered how Harge, and Carol, for that matter, managed to live a life that withheld so much from them.
“What did you think of the game? Do you like baseball?”
Taking his seat behind the wheel of his Lexus, Harge shot a glance at Therese who was adjusting her seatbelt. It took less trouble than the one in Carol’s Volvo, she noticed with a smile.
“I liked it. I played in my school softball team so it was fun being back on the field.”
Humming, Harge started the car. He would drive her back to the Foothill District, where he had to change and join Carol for a party at his parents’ house. It was a private party and Therese was relieved she would not have to come with them.
Harge started to question her about her impressions of the past few days.
“I’m curious what a sophisticated New Yorker like you thinks of life and politics here in the wild, wild west.”
He was obviously making fun of her. She shrugged, feeling ill at ease.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I don’t think there are a lot of differences when it comes to politics.”
He remained silent, adjusting the rearview mirror. From the corner of her eye Therese followed his movements. In contrast to his easy manner, it was difficult to read this man.
“What made you go into politics?”
Harge laughed.
“That’s an easy question. It’s a family tradition. My grandfather was Govenor of Utah and my father a member of the Utah Senate. I saw no reason to break that tradition, went to Stanford lawschool, worked for my father and became a Senator myself. “
Therese had a vision of a world filled with privilege. A men’s world.
“You make it sound very easy. What about your convictions?”
“I don’t know what you mean exactly, but I naturally share the values of the Utah Republicans.”
She didn’t want to sound judgmental, but his irritated response suggested Harge was offended by her words. They remained silent for a few moments. Therese decided to follow another line of questioning.
“Stanford. Is that where you met Carol?”
He smiled.
“Yes and no. Our parents were acquainted so we knew each other from Salt Lake City.”
He shifted gear, heading for the next exit of the highway.
“But we started dating at Stanford.”
Before she could start with her next question, Harge interrupted her.
“Do you have a boyfriend, Therese?”
Therese felt a tightening in her stomach. Of course he must be unaware of her feelings for Carol... Or did he sense something?
“No. But my girlfriend and I split up a year ago.”
By emphasizing the word “girlfriend” she challenged him, making it clear that, unlike him, she was open about her sexual identity.
“I see,” he smirked, seemingly unfazed. The car came to a standstill before a traffic light. Harge briefly put his hand on Therese’s knee.
“So tell me. Do you find my wife attractive?”
Therese shrugged, trying to ignore his innuendo.
“She is a beautiful woman.”
He laughed.
“You’re absolutely right, of course!”
The car in front of them pulled up and Harge resumed his driving. Therese shifted in her seat and felt the tension between them mount. What was he up to?
“You know, Therese, I love my wife. And I love our daughter. We are happy together.”
He was silent for a moment, as if to make certain she was listening to every word he was saying. Then he continued.
“Which is why I want you to leave my wife alone, Miss Belivet.”